xDuoo XD-05 DAC/Amp Discussions | Drop

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xDuoo XD-05 DAC/Amp

TechCity

Jun 11, 2016

How would this compare to say the O2 + ODAC as a desktop dac/amp ? I do like the connections on this little unit and it seems to overall tick all the boxes for what Im looking in a dac/amp.

doktor

Jun 11, 2016

TechCitySomeone on Head fi said, he likes this one more than the odac. Just find the xduoo xd05 thread on Head fi. Also they are starting to talk about switching OpAmps... :)

Username-1928328

153

Jun 11, 2016

TechCityI really like the more natural sound of the Massdrop O2 Combo...Xduo sounds more clinical and artificial.

Jun 13, 2016

TechCityWell, O2 will drive more demanding headphones far more easily, and thus offer you more detail for those types of headphones. If you're driving something fairly low-fi, you probably couldn't notice a difference.

Vote

Jun 15, 2016

TastyPastryI wouldn't say far more easily, but indeed more easily. This has a better DAC and more options than an O2 combo, it also costs way less in my country, which is outside of the US. If I had to choose a combo with a really strong amp I'd go with the xDuoo TA-01 over the O2, simply because it's just like 120$ cheaper and it's way stronger (TA-01 = 2100mw at 32 ohm vs O2 = 613mw at 33 ohm) I like it more than the O2. the only problem in my opinion would be the fact that you are forced to use drivers or it won't work at all on PC, which if you're smart enough you could find it pretty easily, or just use the CD or driver link it comes with lol.

Jun 15, 2016

TastyPastryAlso just for the record the difference in power between the O2 and the Xduoo XD-05 is as follows : XD-05 = 500mw at 32 ohm, O2 = 613mw at 33 ohm, so yeah. definitely not far more easily, doubt it very much you could even hear the difference except the sound signature at best.

Jun 15, 2016

BasePlateIt all depends on your headphones. Low-fi gear gets little to no better from scaled gear. That said, 120mW is a BIG difference on mid-fi and hi-fi headphones. With the output difference, using something like the infamous HD600 / HD650 (even though they have 300 ohm impedence) would absolutely result in a noticeable difference in the sub-bass, bass body, and bass impact. Just as a side note though, I don't think either of these amps are powerful enough for those headphones, and I don't want to mislead anybody.

Jun 15, 2016

TastyPastryTastyPastry - I believe what you said is just a figment of your imagination mostly what you said about the "extremely noticeable difference in the bass" with the 100mw difference , you can praise the O2 all you want, it is only just a bit better than this and ONLY in the amp. The rest is just plain better. And I don't know if you were talking about the xDuoo TA-01 also, but it has 2100mw output at 32 ohm, the O2 is nothing compared to its amp. Also, why would anyone look at a 200$ amp/dac combo if he has a cheap pair of headphones? that doesn't make much sense, if you have another pair of headphones that are cheap that I would understand, but no one would actually buy this specifically for cheap headphones, therefore what you said about "depends on your headphones is quite irrelevant, I seriously doubt you can notice the difference between 500mw and 613mw with your EARS, I have tested the O2 and many other amps with the Audio Technica ATH-AD2000X and that's clearly not possible with your ears, maybe it can get louder, sure. But you'll have to try super hard to hear the difference if at all, and if you'll hear a difference, its not the 113mw par. I also by no means try to be offensive or anything, just saying my opinion, so please don't turn this into an argument lol.

Akobe

Jun 15, 2016

TastyPastryI have a HD650 and have been thinking about some of the amps on here. I'm happy you said it's not really worth it for them. Is there any good priced amps out there for the HD650's?

Vote

Jun 15, 2016

AkobeActually it will drive them just fine, but if I were you I would go with the xDuoo TA-01, its way more powerful than the Objective 2 statistic wise, and its hell a lot cheaper. it will bring out the full potential of the HD650 for sure. I know from first hand experience with it.

Jun 15, 2016

AkobeAlso, there's this guy on Head-fi that said the xDuoo XD-05 drives the HD650 really well, he even has pictures.

Jun 16, 2016

BasePlateYou've misquoted and misunderstood a lot of what I've written. Even though your response comes across as nothing more than an argument, I will respect your wishes.

Vote

Jun 16, 2016

AkobeHi Akobe. I have only had HD 650's for a few days when my friend lent them to me, but often listen to them at his home when I get the chance to visit. I would strongly recommend a desktop amp instead of a portable one. I have heard and find the Lyr 2 to be extremely enjoyable and very musical with HD 650's and HD 800's as well, although I do not know if you would consider that to be a "good price". Some Head-Fi members swear on using the Crack OTL (similarly priced) but it is not so good at driving more demanding headphones like the HD 800. If you were to ask me, I would not buy an amplifier incapable of pushing any less than 500mW through your headphones. I don't know why the specifications are not included for higher impedance loads, but you can rest assured you will see less than 100mW through 300 ohms. I don't want to make the false impression that power is the only factor in making your headphones come alive; it's not. That said, 100mW will not define the sound well, and the HD 650's deserve far better. The 600 / 650 scale extremely well with better equipment; it is often suggested to save up for end-game gear and be done with it. I realize that this is not always possible, but it is something to think about. Let me know your thoughts.

Akobe

Jun 16, 2016

TastyPastryTasty, I've also heard that the Lyr 2 are fantastic I'm already trying to save up for that. I move around a lot and take my 650's everywhere so I really wanted something to pair well with them. I do as well agree that rather go out and get the right option, even if it is expensive, than getting a lower option just because it's easier now. I was more looking for a decent mobile option for now. I was reading from Head-fi that the Fiio E17K ALPEN 2 was a great option, Did you have any comments on this?

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Akobe

Jun 16, 2016

BasePlateThe TA-01 isn't really that portable for me sadly, yes its cheap but also its a tube so it wont fit in my bag nicely when I am out and about. Thank you for bringing that option up though.

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lftwgr

Jun 17, 2016

AkobeI have the original Alpen as well as the E18, and I have used them with hd650, he400 and the k7xx. I think if you want to drive hd650, the Alpen (first Gen) is wholly inadequate, until I plug it into its e9 desktop amp, then it becomes a beast. If you must have a FiiO standalone, go for the e18. According to fiio's site, the e18 @ 32 ohms is rated less than this drop's amp, so I think it should be ok, since the hd650 with e18 was acceptable. Not a sound engineer so can't describe the audio sig, so just giving my two cents based on the shock and awe value (subjective much)

Jun 17, 2016

AkobeMy daily driver right now is the HE-400i. I have an Alpen E17 which I have tried with these headphones, and they work shockingly well. That said, my humble Magni 2 Uber / Modi stack blows it out of the water, mostly with regards to bass extension and tightness. HE-400i headphones do not scale nearly as well with better equipment, however, and the lower-end magni amplifier provides a fantastic damping factor and power output providing likely all I would ever need for those headphones. Personally, I could not recommend the E17 (version 1 or version 2, which actually has less power output by a small margin) for the HD 650 for portable use. I would ask yourself if you need a DAC. A source such as an iPod or iPhone cannot take advantage of the DAC in FiiO units. The FiiO E12 amplifier has plenty of power, and if you have a good mobile source, you'd likely not need a DAC anyways. Another option to consider in line with the E12 is the Cayin C5, which will add a lot more bass body with the bass boost feature than the E12 if you are into that sort of thing.

Vote

Jun 17, 2016

AkobeThe TA-01 isn't a tube amp, it's a hybrid, it doesn't even have a tube sound at all, just saying. But yeah, if portability is what you want, makes sense why you're here, in that case why don't you just get a DAP? but if you insist on something like this, then get this. don't get a fiio.

Vote

Jun 17, 2016

AkobeSpecs wise, the XDuoo XD-05 is better than both E17 and E18. It's right there in front of you.

bx157

Jun 17, 2016

BasePlateI have the Technica ATH-M50x and I know they don't have high ohms, I'm getting a pair of AKGs, I really like the look of this mobile Dac/Amp, so your saying this is way better compared to both those highly rated Fiios? ...

Jun 17, 2016

bx157It is indeed way better than all FiiO's Portable amp/dac combo's.

Jun 18, 2016

AkobeAlso, Akobe, if you're interested I can PM you a sale for a new E12 amplifier for less than $100, which is still going on last I checked a few minutes ago. I'm sure you have lots to think about though, and you should take your time.

bx157

Jun 18, 2016

BasePlateYou speak from experience on this particular gadget?
I'm a BASS head and I love to hear the low, mid and high Bass without the over powering distortion. I see it has 3 level of Bass gain....I'm about to go for these...

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doktor

Jun 18, 2016

bx157nope, only bassboost on and off

bx157

Jun 18, 2016

doktorJust noticed that, I'm in the drop on this gadget.

Vote

Jun 18, 2016

bx157It has a 6db bass boost, the bass boost doesn't "swallow" the highs or the mids or anything, it sounds great. But it's a bit too much bass for me. I listened to this because my friend bought it and gave it to me for a day to give it a shot and I liked it. If you're a basshead I'm sure a 6db bass boost will satisfy your needs. I didn't hear any distortion or loss of quality even with the FiiO E10k's bass boost (which is 3db), this doesn't have any loss in quality either.

EXILE157

Jun 18, 2016

BasePlateThank You.

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DonV

Jul 14, 2016

In fairness - the OP was asking if this unit could perform as a desktop unit, "just like those named".

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RockStar2005

Aug 21, 2016

bx157Hey bx157,
If you're looking for AKG still, I recommend the one I got. Really CAN'T beat the price: http://www.ebay.com/itm/AKG-Black-K550-Mark-II-Overhead-Closed-Back-Over-Ear-Premium-Headphones/262578776566 (I also purchased that 3-year Square Trade warranty......good deal)
I had the M50x and honestly out of the 7-8 premium headphones ($140-$400) I've tried, the K550 MK II beats them all one way or another, and the M50x to me is the worst of the bunch. Too bassy, a really closed-in/lousy soundstage.........were the 2 main issues I had with it. Comfort-wise it was great though, but I still think the K550 MK IIs are better there too.
I've written various reviews on Head-Fi. Please see link below if you'd like more info. I prefer neutral sounding headphones, though I sometimes do use the Bass Boost feature on my Oppo HA-2, but only when I feel like it's not overshadowing the other frequencies. This XD-05 does look really interesting though too, and it's cheaper, though I don't know if it's BETTER than my HA-2. Mixed opinions on here apparently.
http://www.head-fi.org/newsearch/?search=&advanced=1&sort=lastupdate&order=descending&type=35&createdbyuserid[]=407991

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