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The front of the device is also similar since they both have a colored screen that clearly shows the status of the device. Both DACs also have a volume knob that also works for menu navigation, but the one on the SH-8s feels a bit more premium since it’s made of metal. My room is pretty big although I'm only connecting to a small set of Mordaunt Shorts at the moment until I get the right position of the equipment. However, the D01 is far from being fragile as it gives a properly solid feel in the hand. And unlike the do-it-all volume control of the DX3 Pro+, FX Audio decided to delegate by separating the menu and power button to the left. Performance For dynamic driver headphones, the best pairing that I found is with the classic Sennheiser HD600. This pairing allows the HD600’s more euphonic midrange presentation to complement the D30’s more relaxed and fluid overall presentation. If you want to use it as a pure DAC, simply disable its preamp from the menu, for the industry standard 2.2 V output. It also sounds better this way by completely bypassing its digital volume control.
LOXJIE D30 (2021) ESS - Reviews | Headphone Reviews and
At the heart of the digital-to-analog conversion stage is an AKM AK4493EQ DAC, ensuring excellent audio performance. The AKM AK4493EQ DAC has a very low distortion of only 0.00017% (-115dB) and a wide dynamic range of 121dB, for rich, accurate and lively sound. The width of the stage did remain pretty much the same but with much more vivid and emphasized images. It developed an enveloping sound without losing the space it created for instruments to move around. Bluetooth Tone color is mostly neutral, not warm nor cold and this makes for a great match for all headphones as the DAC does not impose a character of its own. My initial impressions of Loxjie as a brand were on the fence when I saw their pyramidic D10 coated in either vivid red or deep blue. However, the D40 appears to have undergone a more sober development and is easier for me to appreciate aesthetically.Physically, the 2 DAC/Amps take up about the same amount of desk space, except that the EX5 is wider but more shallow. Both devices utilize a volume dial that doubles as a menu selector, but the one on the EX5’s volume dial is a bit more difficult to turn since it has less space underneath, so stubbier fingers might have a harder time turning it. While still on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to output power, for Loxjie, the 700mW@32Ω rating of the D40 is its highest yet in its full lineup. Upping their amp game, the expectation for me is to hear more of the DAC when used as a combo.
Loxjie D30 - Reviews | Headphone Reviews and Discussion Loxjie D30 - Reviews | Headphone Reviews and Discussion
The more balanced presentation allows Poseidon’s more dynamic character to shine through. This pairing also does well in casting an expansive soundstage while creating accurate images within the soundstage. Before I’ll tell you exactly how it sounds via its RCA outputs and then via its headphone output, I want to explain you first why it sounded that way. While I did not hear a huge difference, the overall picture did develop a sense of authority, especially in the softer areas where more emphasis and finesse are notably achieved. Listening to orchestral pieces, horns are more affecting and violins better controlled. Unlike the D30 though, the EX5 has a balanced connection for both the headphone output section as well as the preamp output section. The EX5 also has a lower measured THD+N of 0.0003%.At the rear, the arrangement of both devices is very similar, but the SU-8s tends to get a bit more crowded despite having more space since it also has a pair of balanced XLR outputs. Both DACs also use a standard IEC power plug, however, the one on the SH-8s doesn’t have a physical power switch to isolate it from the mains.
Topping DX3 Pro+ Review — Page 2 of 2 — Headfonics
Its headphone amp section is only half-decent with desktop headphones and it will probably drive decent enough your dynamic headphones, but forget about driving planars, because it can’t do that. Portable over-ear headphones as Sennheiser Momentum line and Meze 99 line will not pose a problem, it sounded good with all of them. Loxjie went with an ultra-low noise power supply (12V 1A output), I’m pretty sure I’ve seen this exact one in few devices made by SMSL (SP200 and M200 to be more exact). I’m not judging, just telling you the facts. Power supply seems to be well made, there are several voltage regulators in front and after it, it’s well made if you ask me. There are quite a few bigger and smaller Nichicon electrolytic caps for power filtering and storing. There aren’t many of them, they will not store a huge power capacitance, so don’t expect the nicest punch and impact with headphones or speakers alike. Transient response should be slightly affected by this. Clearly good attempt has been made to get the functionality right first before worrying about looks.With a neutral-sounding signature, the Topping DX3 Pro+ is a good entry point for budget-conscious audiophiles who want a taste of a well-implemented ESS chip and a substantial 1.8W headphone power output. Topping DX3 Pro+ Technical Specifications Sound (headphone-out)Talking about the tonality, everything mentioned in the previous section still stands. It’s a lush-sounding device with a warmer bassline and lively treble. The notes about wide and modestly deep soundstage are also true with headphones. The only difference worth mentioning is that the integrated headphone amplifier can’t fully repeat the dynamic presentation of the DAC section. Now, don’t get me wrong here, the head-amp in D30 is no slouch and it is driving my Hifiman HE4XX without any troubles. It’s just that a high-powered external amplification such as Topping L30 will produce even more slam and bass authority with power-hungry headphones. This is to be fully expected off-course and it’s not something that should bother you in any way. The in-built headphone amp is very good and more than suitable for most headphones out there. All in all, D30 had a good extension in the lower and upper registers, but still there was some raw energy missing at both ends of the spectrum, making it rounder and smoother sounding most of the time. You can adjust various parameters like - inputs, outputs, PCM filters (fast linear, slow minimum & minimum phase), Pre mode, DPLL, BT clear, Dimmer, Brightness, and Reset.
Headfonics DAC Reviews — Headfonics
It is not that it doesn't sound good or alter the sound qualities of the DAC as described above, on the contrary it should be considered transparent. I'd heard about build / reliability issues with the CA kit - I don't know how true this is but it did put me off a little, plus Richer Sounds were only pushing that amp and nothing else, hence I thought I'd ask for a balance. The Loxjie targets the most common configuration and features one needs for a desktop product: DAC, headphone amp and bluetooth. The DAC performance is excellent. Anything better would cost you hundreds of dollars more. The headphone amplifier has very good noise and distortion but limited power. And too high a noise floor for sensitive IEMs. Still, as an included amplifier, it does the job for most people. A long press on the volume knob will power on or turn-off the device and a short press with engage its menu where several options will appear as:Is there a reason why volume is usually analogue on headphone amps? Are potentiometers just a cost-effective way to do it? Or digital volume would be an extra chain in an amp that should be avoided? There is greater diffusion in the bass region which has a less pointed composition. It also digs deeper into the sub-bass which is quite pleasing for energetic drum arrangements. The D30 doesn't sound lifeless, it is pretty involving, musical and enjoyable, suitable for all kinds of music.
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