dsnyder0cnn
Addicted to Fun and Learning
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2019
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Well, there are not enough differences to upgrade from an X16, but the bigger display letters, lower output impedance, and improved volume control mean that the X18 would be practical to directly drive an amplifier vs having to use a preamp (I'm using the Topping Pre90). For those who care about MQA, the X18 is a Full Decoder on all inputs. For example, it would be possible to connect a CD transport to an X18 and decode MQA CDs while that's not possible with the X16. The X18 has more filters to play with. Probably some other stuff I forgot.But then there would be no advantage in buying the X18.
I see enough differences that, if I did not already own an X16, I'd be willing to pay 50% more for the X18. Plus, having new stuff feels a bit more future-proof…in spite of the fact that such a concept does not exist with DACs.