Luxsin X8 DAC & HP Amp Review

[Endibol]

I don't quite follow the question—what kind of background are you looking for?
I’ve been active in the audio hobby for a good 30 years now. Naturally, I’ve amassed quite a collection of headphones, DACs, and amps. I also enjoy wielding a soldering iron—I’m reasonably competent with electronics and have handled various audio mods and repairs, and I’ve even built my own headphones.

Professionally, I studied sensory science and cognitive psychology—fields that naturally cover "hearing" as auditory perception and the factors that influence it. Logically, I work as a psychiatrist .

By the way, I use music to treat myself , and sometimes my patients, too.

And yes, I do see patients with psychological issues stemming from hearing damage (tinnitus, acoustic trauma, etc.) or from misinterpretations of—or hypersensitivity to—auditory stimuli and the emotions they trigger.

That’s why I’m well aware that a group of people exposed to the exact same sound waves can interpret—or react to—what they’re hearing in completely different ways.

It’s just like how one person might see the color green differently than another; there is no such thing as a universally valid "linear" green, nor is it worth arguing about. You can certainly define a specific shade of green—much like the Harman curve in acoustics—but everyone will still have their own individual "perception" of it.

As with so many other things—and this is what I mean by "mindset"—expectations and judgments (often driven by one's inner perfectionist or Monk) vary so widely that self-proclaimed "experts" might reject something without even perceiving the phenomenon themselves. Simply knowing that "something is there" can trigger rejection or—if convictions are strong—spark an argument, much like the placebo or "voodoo" effect . And lo and behold, that is how I interpreted and answered your question. Whether that was right or wrong is a "relative" matter .

What are you talking about? We were discussing which filters reconstruct the original signal most faithfully. This has nothing to do with psychoacoustics or personal preference.

 

[Yevhen]

Professionally, I studied sensory science and cognitive psychology—fields that naturally cover "hearing" as auditory perception and the factors that influence it. Logically, I work as a psychiatrist .

By the way, I use music to treat myself , and sometimes my patients, too.

And yes, I do see patients with psychological issues stemming from hearing damage (tinnitus, acoustic trauma, etc.) or from misinterpretations of—or hypersensitivity to—auditory stimuli and the emotions they trigger.

That’s why I’m well aware that a group of people exposed to the exact same sound waves can interpret—or react to—what they’re hearing in completely different ways.

It’s just like how one person might see the color green differently than another; there is no such thing as a universally valid "linear" green, nor is it worth arguing about. You can certainly define a specific shade of green—much like the Harman curve in acoustics—but everyone will still have their own individual "perception" of it.

As with so many other things—and this is what I mean by "mindset"—expectations and judgments (often driven by one's inner perfectionist or Monk) vary so widely that self-proclaimed "experts" might reject something without even perceiving the phenomenon themselves. Simply knowing that "something is there" can trigger rejection or—if convictions are strong—spark an argument, much like the placebo or "voodoo" effect . And lo and behold, that is how I interpreted and answered your question. Whether that was right or wrong is a "relative" matter .

Audiophilo-therapy! I'd go for something like that

 

[amirm]

I don't quite follow the question—what kind of background are you looking for?

You made a comment about how the human hearing works. I asked you your background and you tell me a bunch of stuff about audio. What does have to do with your knowledge of how the brain works? You really don't know, right?

 

[Audionaut]

I wish the industry would move away from IIS interface to HDMI ARC. It costs more but it is a far, far more useful input than IIS.

Hi Amir,
Can you explain that in more detail? You probably see a specific reason for this that I’m not aware of or don’t really understand. After all, I²S over HDMI is, at first glance, simply using a connection for easy transmission with existing connectors.

However, in my view, I²S and HDMI ARC/eARC address completely different technical use cases. I²S is primarily a digital audio interface between compatible audio devices, while ARC/eARC is used to route a TV’s audio back to an amplifier or DAC via HDMI. Therefore, one does not directly replace the other. I’d be interested to know why you see ARC/eARC as a more sensible replacement for I²S and in what specific use case you would benefit from it.

 

[Endibol]

Hi Amir,
Can you explain that in more detail? You probably see a specific reason for this that I’m not aware of or don’t really understand. After all, I²S over HDMI is, at first glance, simply using a connection for easy transmission with existing connectors.

However, in my view, I²S and HDMI ARC/eARC address completely different technical use cases. I²S is primarily a digital audio interface between compatible audio devices, while ARC/eARC is used to route a TV’s audio back to an amplifier or DAC via HDMI. Therefore, one does not directly replace the other. I’d be interested to know why you see ARC/eARC as a more sensible replacement for I²S and in what specific use case you would benefit from it.

I think Amir just means that it’s better to use the money spent on i2s on ARC/eARC instead, because the latter is more useful for most people.

 

[Jimster480]

In general it looks pretty good, CS43198 showing that it is still very competent especially when paired together. Not sure if 8 were really needed here... I think my Fiio KA13 dongle has 2 43131's and its already great, but this is "high end".
Either way, it seems this company is going to bring more competition to the market

 

[amirm]

However, in my view, I²S and HDMI ARC/eARC address completely different technical use cases. I²S is primarily a digital audio interface between compatible audio devices, while ARC/eARC is used to route a TV’s audio back to an amplifier or DAC via HDMI. Therefore, one does not directly replace the other. I’d be interested to know why you see ARC/eARC as a more sensible replacement for I²S and in what specific use case you would benefit from it.

I suspect one in a thousand owners have any use for IIs vs far more that could use HDMI ARC/eARC. I don't even know if PS Audio pushes IIS anymore. The thing as ill conceived when it came out, let alone now. Yet, it (IIS) has become Universal input on so many products.

 

[respice finem]

I suspect one in a thousand owners have any use for IIs vs far more that could use HDMI ARC/eARC. I don't even know if PS Audio pushes IIS anymore. The thing as ill conceived when it came out, let alone now. Yet, it (IIS) has become Universal input on so many products.

IIRC, HDMI supports I2S for audio (I might be wrong though...)

 

[Audionaut]

IIRC, HDMI supports I2S for audio (I might be wrong though...)

No,
The confusion arises because many hi-fi manufacturers use HDMI jacks and HDMI cables to transmit I²S signals between their devices. The HDMI connector is simply used as a convenient and inexpensive multi-port connector. The signal itself, however, is not HDMI.
To put it simply:
I²S carries audio data plus clock signals.
HDMI carries audio, video, control data, copy protection information, and device communication.
ARC/eARC carries audio back from the TV to the audio device via the HDMI infrastructure.

 

[Audionaut]

I suspect one in a thousand owners have any use for IIs vs far more that could use HDMI ARC/eARC. I don't even know if PS Audio pushes IIS anymore.

I don't see it as competition, Amir; instead, I'm glad that a device also offers I²S. For me, it complements HDMI rather than competing with it. It's just a shame that there isn't a dedicated connector standard for it, so HDMI connectors are often used for I²S.
That leads to the confusion you can see in this thread as well.

 

[Sokel]

No,
The confusion arises because many hi-fi manufacturers use HDMI jacks and HDMI cables to transmit I²S signals between their devices. The HDMI connector is simply used as a convenient and inexpensive multi-port connector. The signal itself, however, is not HDMI.
To put it simply:
I²S carries audio data plus clock signals.
HDMI carries audio, video, control data, copy protection information, and device communication.
ARC/eARC carries audio back from the TV to the audio device via the HDMI infrastructure.

Plus (if I'm not wrong, haven't gutted a HDMI cable yet) if implemented well, is carries the needed separate ground for each signal as I²S demands.

BUT, I²S is supposed to be used for VERY short distances, like 5 cm or so.

 

[Audionaut]

BUT, I²S is supposed to be used for VERY short distances, like 5 cm or so.

Yes, originally, yes, but it’s taken on a life of its own.

Why I find I²S useful:

For someone like me, who also builds active speakers, uses DSPs, and works with modules from Hypex or Wondom for example, I²S probably has a completely different significance than it does for the “average” hi-fi buyer.
In a sense, I²S is the “native language” of many digital audio components. Internally, DSPs, DACs, streaming modules, and digital amplifier modules often communicate via this very interface. When a manufacturer provides an external I²S connection, you gain direct access to this signal path without having to go through other transmission standards.

When a manufacturer provides an external I²S connection, it allows direct access to this digital signal path. This makes it possible to flexibly combine different components without having to use additional interface converters. This is often very practical, especially in the DIY sector with an active speakers setup.

Bottom Line > I²S is very widely used in the DIY, DSP, and active speaker communities. Anyone who works with platforms such as Hypex, Wondom, Dayton, TinySine, and ADAU-based DSPs in general will encounter this interface all the time.

 

[Georgrig]

Really nice review, Amir. Thank you.

Unfortunately, even though this unit delivers the goods in so many areas and blazes a new and interesting trail with the A.I. Eq feature, I still want to give it a happy rather than a golfing panther. That's because it lacks a feature I think should now be mandatory on all these units today, that being HDMI eARC. Given the proliferation of smart TVs, there's no excuse for not having that feature IMHO. It's lack eliminates the most important use case for a DAC/Headphone amp today.

OTOH the AI EQ is a great potential feature which I think is probably not being fully tapped today. I think if the EQ feature were augmented with binaural measurement microphones plugging directly into the unit, the task of optimizing the sound of a given set of headphones would be far more fully accomplished. There are simply too many unit to unit variations even on the most expensive phones to effectively accomplish the kind of eq they propose by simply listing a make and model. A measurement with binaural in ear mics from a test signal generated by this unit and rendered by the listener's own headphones on his own head would seem to be within the capability of this device, and that would be a big time accomplishment. And it would offer the potential of customizing the headphones to the customer's own HRTF as well. Like I said, big time.

Hey Luxin, got your ears on?

They got their better model, the X9 that supports HDMI eARC.

 

[ReakingWillow]

They got their better model, the X9 that supports HDMI eARC.

Not necessarily "better" if you need HDMI I can understand why you would prefer it, but like me I have no interest in pairing it with a tv, that's a job for my Atmos system, it a desktop amp, and cheaper than the X9 to boot, its a stunning unit, just got my remote and transparent lid, they even have LED's inside you can turn on, of course it has no practical application, but my god it looks good.

 

[techgod92]

This machine makes me wonder why I'd need VU meters on any other.

 

[skybird]

I do not think the lack of HDMI ARC on the X8 should be interpreted as a limitation of its DAC or DSP capability. It is mainly a difference in product role and I/O architecture.

HDMI ARC means Audio Return Channel. In this use case, a TV sends its audio back through the HDMI cable to an external audio device such as a DAC, active speakers, soundbar, AVR, or preamp. It is convenient because one cable can carry the TV audio to the DAC, and HDMI-CEC may also allow basic system control such as volume or power synchronization.

For a two-channel DAC/headphone amp, ARC is primarily a TV-integration feature, not a higher-fidelity replacement for USB or I2S. It does not make the DAC section inherently better, nor does it add useful capability for someone whose source is a computer, streamer, CD transport, or digital player.

The X9 was designed more as a desktop preamp/control center: HDMI ARC/eARC, analogue input, trigger ports, and dual subwoofer outputs all make sense in a TV + active speakers + subwoofer system. In contrast, the X8 is more clearly focused on digital-source playback and headphone use, with USB, optical, coaxial and I2S inputs.

The real bottleneck is not the HDMI connector itself. ARC/eARC requires additional hardware and integration work: the HDMI/ARC receiver path, CEC/eARC control and negotiation, firmware, compatibility testing across TVs, EMI/layout considerations, and support burden. That adds cost, board space, validation work, and long-term firmware responsibility.

So the practical answer is:

• Choose the X9 if TV audio through HDMI ARC/eARC, subwoofer integration, and preamp-style system control matter.
• Choose the X8 if the priority is its DAC architecture, DSP functions, headphone output power, and conventional digital inputs.

For users who do not need TV integration, HDMI ARC is not really a missing audio-performance feature. It is a convenience and system-integration feature.

 

[Chanur]

@amirm since you now have experience with both models did you have any preference for either while headphone listening for what ever reason?

 

[TheGoldRush]

Received the X8 today. Headphones: DCA Noire X, also new. First impression is i cant say it sounds any better than my 80€ Questyle Dongle when the Dongle isnt pushed beyond its volume capabilites.

Stereo width: Maybe...maybe a bit more width when maxed, but definetly louder. To be honest it just seems a bit louder. If i wouldnt know and had to guess id say "it turned up the volume".

I gave the AI a few inputs ("Make an EQ for Hotel California" - just like Luxsin showed in their youtube videos) and got error after error or suddenly its changed to chinese language. Thats already annoying the hell out of me. Caught myself not evening listening cause i was chatting with a disfunctional AI.

Bought this because of the combination these functions:

-Loudness: works
-Crossfeed: works
-Stereo Width: no benefit for my ears
-Ai: see the screenshot.

When i see which of these functions work for me and which dont, i dont see a reason to keep this. I should find something else for a fraction of the Luxsins price.

And when i compare the pure soundquality of X8 + NoireX (1950€) vs. cheap Amazon Iphone Dongle + Truthear Gate (30€) the expensive setup is a joke.
Yes, you get more outer head soundstage...but thats it, at least for me.

I dont wanna appear overly negative.
To me my stereo system (Kef R3 Meta + SVS Sub) is worth every cent and a 100€ system could never come close.

This is my first dive into headphones and the conclusion for me is that here you get an incredible amount of listening experience for very little money. And for me theres no reason to have this 2000€ setup, so im returning the Noire and the X8.

edit: i have added some more screenshots. A few hours later "Turn off EQ" is still the AI its Endboss.

I tried to make the AI create an EQ for "Agnes Obel- Fuel to fire which puts more weight on the string instruments".

First try got me a reply in chinese.
Tried again and the device didnt respond.
Tried a third time and finally got an EQ profile but ist unable to load it (activate it).

Latest firmware...yes.

 

[Luxsin]

Received the X8 today. Headphones: DCA Noire X, also new. First impression is i cant say it sounds any better than my 80€ Questyle Dongle when the Dongle isnt pushed beyond its volume capabilites.

Stereo width: Maybe...maybe a bit more width when maxed, but definetly louder. To be honest it just seems a bit louder. If i wouldnt know and had to guess id say "it turned up the volume".

I gave the AI a few inputs ("Make an EQ for Hotel California" - just like Luxsin showed in their youtube videos) and got error after error or suddenly its changed to chinese language. Thats already annoying the hell out of me. Caught myself not evening listening cause i was chatting with a disfunctional AI.

Bought this because of the combination these functions:

-Loudness: works
-Crossfeed: works
-Stereo Width: no benefit for my ears
-Ai: see the screenshot.

When i see which of these functions work for me and which dont, i dont see a reason to keep this. I should find something else for a fraction of the Luxsins price.

And when i compare the pure soundquality of X8 + NoireX (1950€) vs. cheap Amazon Iphone Dongle + Truthear Gate (30€) the expensive setup is a joke.
Yes, you get more outer head soundstage...but thats it, at least for me.

I dont wanna appear overly negative.
To me my stereo system (Kef R3 Meta + SVS Sub) is worth every cent and a 100€ system could never come close.

This is my first dive into headphones and the conclusion for me is that here you get an incredible amount of listening experience for very little money. And for me theres no reason to have this 2000€ setup, so im returning the Noire and the X8.

edit: i have added some more screenshots. A few hours later "Turn off EQ" is still the AI its Endboss.

I tried to make the AI create an EQ for "Agnes Obel- Fuel to fire which puts more weight on the string instruments".

First try got me a reply in chinese.
Tried again and the device didnt respond.
Tried a third time and finally got an EQ profile but ist unable to load it (activate it).

Latest firmware...yes.

Thanks for the detailed feedback.

Regarding the AI EQ feature, thanks for pointing these issues out. We’ll continue improving AI EQ based on user feedback, just as we’ve been doing since the X8 was released. We’ll also pass your feedback and screenshots to our software team for investigation.

As for the sound, that’s always very personal. Just like the DCA Noire X, some users love its tuning, while others prefer something different. There’s no single sound signature that suits everyone.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience. Your feedback helps us continue improving the product.

-Luxsin

 

[Purité Audio]

Level should be matched with a milli volt meter at the dacs outputs.
Keith