John Darko
Zidoo, parent of Eversolo, has introduced a new product under a new subbrand whose name combines ‘Luxury’ and ‘Sine’. The Luxsin Audio X9 is a CNC-aluminium-wrapped DAC, headphone amplifier and pre-amplifier.
On the back panel, we find balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs, unbalanced RCA inputs, plus USB-C, USB-A, coaxial, TOSLINK, and HDMI ARC digital inputs. D/A conversion comes from a circuit built around an AKM449EX chipset, similar to that found in the Eversolo DMP-A8.
Translated to English from the (German) press release: “The result: a deep black background against which timbres unfold as if on an endless stage. With an impressive THD+N value of -120 dB, the Luxsin X9 promises exceptional purity and clarity.”
The A8 borrowing doesn’t end there. Like the Eversolo unit, the X9 also sports a resistor ladder (R2R) volume control. However, the X9 has no internal streaming board. Instead, we get a 4-Watt (into 32 Ohms) headphone amplifier that juices headphones from the front panel via a choice of three sockets: balanced XLR, balanced 4.4mm and unbalanced 6.4mm.
Another circuit design feature: “A special highlight of the Luxsin X9 is its Dynamic Negative Feedback (DNF) technology. The combination of the OPA1612 and TPA6120A2 reduces harmonic and intermodulation distortion to a minimum, ensuring pristine, transparent reproduction.”
Now comes the twist: the Luxsin X9 comes loaded with a bypassable DSP that offers crossfeed options – for a more solid centre image – and EQ ‘correction’ for over 2500 headphone models. The press release doesn’t provide the complete list, nor which target curve has been applied [It’s Harman – Ed], but the supplied photos suggest that this feature can be dis/engaged via the X9’s 4″ 1080p touchscreen and/or its associated smartphone app. Presumably, that very same smartphone app will add support for more headphone models via future firmware updates.
In a second twist, X9 also offers a Headphone Impedance Self-Detection System:
“The self-developed impedance detection system automatically detects headphone impedance and recommends the optimal output level, making the listening experience smarter and more convenient. Using bypass detection technology, it measures impedance with zero impact on sound quality, ensuring precise measurement and faithful sound reproduction.”
And hats off to whoever designed the X9’s virtual VU meters — they are the closest to the real thing we’ve seen from Zidoo to date.
Price? €1199. Shipping begins at the end of May.
Further information: Luxsin X9
