Loxjie D40 Pro DAC & HP Amp Review

[staticV3]

Wait but based on the graphs Amir posts, don’t most DACS get the best SINAD at around their full volume output usually?

Correct. Same is true for the volume control inside Linux and programs. Highest SNR is always at max output.

 

[PortalKeeper]

Correct. Same is true for the volume control inside Linux and programs. Highest SNR is always at max output.

Ahh okay thanks for clarifying

 

[Jim_VN]

I'm using a d40 pro with an xlr out port via a topping l30 ii, is the headphone amp of the d40 pro with a balanced port better than plugging headphones into the l30ii?

 

[staticV3]

I'm using a d40 pro with an xlr out port via a topping l30 ii, is the headphone amp of the d40 pro with a balanced port better than plugging headphones into the l30ii?

Unless the L30II doesn't get loud enough, no.
Though it's not any worse either in case you'd like to downsize your setup.

 

[Jim_VN]

Unless the L30II doesn't get loud enough, no.
Though it's not any worse either in case you'd like to downsize your setup.

I didn't know that the headphone amp was integrated like that, so where can I see its specifications? I need a little information to compare with the l30ii and then make the decision to sell the l30ii to buy quality balanced cables.

 

[staticV3]

I didn't know that the headphone amp was integrated like that, so where can I see its specifications? I need a little information to compare with the l30ii and then make the decision to sell the l30ii to buy quality balanced cables.

Rather than specifications, you can simply look at Amir's review on page one for measurements of the D40 Pro's built-in headphone Amp.

 

[amx30s]

Thanks for the info. I have to say that my own experience differs from yours (that's not to say it is exhaustive or definitive). But I have used all versions of USB since they were invented and I have encountered any of the issues you mentioned. The only problem I've ever seen is if I mistakenly connected a device that required USB 3.0 using USB 2.0. I did try a single cable from a USB 2.0 port on the front panel of my computer, with no luck. And none of these are what I would consider a long run. None of these are longer than four feet.

I also note that the update app says "Disconnect" (sic) in the lower left corner, in red, right from the outset and that never changes. Furthermore, the Exit menu command doesn't work. I have to click the X on the upper right of the UI to close it. So, I have to wonder if this whole problem is a software issue.

CH341SER.EXE - NanjingQinhengMicroelectronics

CH340/CH341 USB to serial port One-Key installation VCP vendor driver for Windows, supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/VISTA/XP/2000/98，Server 2022/2019/2016/2012/2008/2003 -32/64bit, Microsoft WHQL/HCK Certified, supports USB to 3-line and 9-line serial port. Used to distribute to user with the...

www.wch-ic.com

Download and install,you may fix the problem.
Solution comes from Loxjie technical personnel in china Aliexpress.

 

[Jimster480]

It looks like I missed this review when I came out. This thing is a total monster. I mean for such a low price it's literally like state-of-the-art in every way. You could just buy this and buy nothing else ever.

 

[ejr]

CH341SER.EXE - NanjingQinhengMicroelectronics

CH340/CH341 USB to serial port One-Key installation VCP vendor driver for Windows, supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/VISTA/XP/2000/98，Server 2022/2019/2016/2012/2008/2003 -32/64bit, Microsoft WHQL/HCK Certified, supports USB to 3-line and 9-line serial port. Used to distribute to user with the...

www.wch-ic.com

Download and install,you may fix the problem.
Solution comes from Loxjie technical personnel in china Aliexpress.

Thanks so much for this. A simple, easy update -- what it should have been in the first place.

Does anyone know how this update compares to the latest release of the D40? I remember reading a review that said it had a setting that would improve dialog when used with a TV.

This interests me because I use my mine for this purpose as well as listening to the music I write and record on one of my computers. (I am using the optical output from the TV and a USB output from the computer.)

 

[ejr]

Found this video:

The reviewer says that the new model (D40 PRO) adds a mode to listen without any filter, and that makes dialog easier to hear on streaming video.

After updating my D40 (non-pro), I see that it does NOT include a way to disable filters (filter setting zero), as I had hoped.

 

[ejr]

FYI - As of this writing Avast Anti-Virus is reporting blacklisted apps triggered when visiting the Loxjie English language web site. It stops the apps from running, removes them, and blocks access to the web site.

 

[JIW]

The filters are labeled incorrectly by Loxjie. The corresponding list and figure in the manual is also incorrect. I explain which is which in this thread.

 

[ejr]

Only FL1, FL2, and FL3 are available on the original Loxjie D40, even after the update -- and I'm afraid I don't understand what the descriptions mean in terms of what I will actually hear with each of these selections (your graph notwithstanding). All I am looking for is for this device to do is let what is actually on a recording be heard as it was intended.

Ditto for the SC settings (for "Sound Color"?).

Sorry, but if you are unfamiliar with this technology, it's surprisingly hard to find any description that just spells all this out for the end user and it has been impossible to get a coherent response from the manufacturer -- especially now that its web site seems to have been compromised (see my post above).

Thanks.

 

[JIW]

Only FL1, FL2, and FL3 are available on the original Loxjie D40, even after the update -- and I'm afraid I don't understand what the descriptions mean in terms of what I will actually hear with each of these selections (your graph notwithstanding). All I am looking for is for this device to do is let what is actually on a recording be heard as it was intended.

Ditto for the SC settings (for "Sound Color"?).

Sorry, but if you are unfamiliar with this technology, it's surprisingly hard to find any description that just spells all this out for the end user and it has been impossible to get a coherent response from the manufacturer -- especially now that its web site seems to have been compromised (see my post above).

Thanks.

This is only for the D40 Pro which uses a different DAC chip than the D40.

 

[Sintek]

Grabbed a used one from Amazon for 240. I have about a 60% success rate when it comes Amazon Warehouse, so I'm hoping luck is on my side as I really need to replace this Sabaj D5 that has a broken display.

 

[boristau]

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Loxjie D40 Pro balanced stereo DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by the company. It normally costs US $430 but is on sale for $388.
View attachment 292875
The enclosure is metal but the silver look makes you think it is made out of plastic. The 7 segment display is workable but certainly not as fancy as a graphic display. It is however aided with hard buttons for common functions. The included remote makes it easy to navigate:
View attachment 292876
Overall, an attempt is made to save cost but not in a way that is too obtrusive. Let's see if performance is subject to same or not.

Loxjie D40 Pro Measurements
I must say, I was not prepared to see state of the art performance out of the D40 Pro:

View attachment 292877

It nicely lands in the middle of top 20 best DACs tested as far as combination of noise and distortion:
View attachment 292880

RCA performance as usual a bit lower but still way past transparency:
View attachment 292882

For above, I set the volume to 0 dB. It goes to +2 which gives you even more output and performance:
View attachment 292883

Noise performance is excellent of course:
View attachment 292884

Multitone distortion is superb:
View attachment 292885

As is IMD:
View attachment 292886

Linearity is perfect:
View attachment 292887
Jitter is perfect over USB and essentially the same over coax:
View attachment 292888

We have our typical set of filters:
View attachment 292889
View attachment 292890

Using the default filter, we get excellent wideband noise and distortion:
View attachment 292891

So really, nothing to fault the DAC section on.

Loxjie D40 Pro Balanced Headphone Out Measurements
In the interest of time, I focused on balanced output. Unbalance would product 1/4 of power. Speaking of which, this is one powerful headphone output for this class of device:
View attachment 292892
View attachment 292893

Even in low gain mode we have plenty of power meaning you can enjoy the benefits of it never clipping and ultra low distortion. There is no negative gain which is usually required to get state of the art noise performance at just 50 mv output:
View attachment 292895

Still, performance is above average.

You can see the output stage power capability as we switch the output impedance form high of 600 ohm down to just 12 ohm:
View attachment 292896

I expect the headphone output to drive just about every headphone out there in balanced mode.

Conclusions
We have seen price creep in state of the art DACs in the last two years. Loxjie attempts to reverse the trend by producing same state of the art performance but at more affordable price point, especially with their sale. You pay no price for the DAC performance. Headphone amplifier in this class of device is usually competent but short in power to drive the most difficult headphones. Not so with D40 Pro. It produces a lot of power courtesy of its balanced output. There is really nothing to complain about and a lot to praise!

I am happy to recommend the Loxjie D40 Pro.

------------
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Have you tried its HDMI port?
Regards,
Boris

 

[boristau]

Have you tried its HDMI port?
Regards,
Boris

Read the manual, stupid:
I2S input (not HDMI compatible)
This interface only uses the HDMI
socket and cable, it is not an HDMI
interface and is not compatible with
HDMI devices!

 

[staticV3]

Read the manual, stupid:
I2S input (not HDMI compatible)
This interface only uses the HDMI
socket and cable, it is not an HDMI
interface and is not compatible with
HDMI devices!

If you want an ARC input, then take a look at the SMSL DL100, DO100 Pro, and DO200 Pro.

 

[Lux_ury]

Read the manual, stupid:
I2S input (not HDMI compatible)
This interface only uses the HDMI
socket and cable, it is not an HDMI
interface and is not compatible with
HDMI devices!

That makes me sad, thought that's great value if it was ARc enabled.
I want a new dac just for balanced inputs.
Topping puts me off due to the reliability issues? Loxjie seems rock solid as was a choice and the right money.

 

[Sean_S]

The reviewer says that the new model (D40 PRO) adds a mode to listen without any filter, and that makes dialog easier to hear on streaming video.

I would love to hear his explanation of why the "filters" are there.