Luxsin X9 Smart Stereo DAC & Preamp

[Mnyb]

Jitter increases with the EQ enabled as shown in the review.

Its usually more than that we have a tread I can’t find where someone testes the mini DSP and a number of artifacts shows up depending on the eq and crossover settings.

You expect to loose snr/sinad proportional,to the headroom and peak boost you choose to have but that’s where it should end . Ie the noise floor is where it is .

 

[Sokel]

Its usually more than that we have a tread I can’t find where someone testes the mini DSP and a number of artifacts shows up depending on the eq and crossover settings.

You expect to loose snr/sinad proportional,to the headroom and peak boost you choose to have but that’s where it should end . Ie the noise floor is where it is .

DSP Measurements and Rising Noise Floor

In several threads related to DSP platforms I've seen requests for measurements with filters engaged. I thought it unlikely that implementing filters in a DSP would have measurable effect on noise / distortion other than the obvious change in the fundamental, however @Sokel recently mentioned...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Lux Maldini]

A really nice box with some great features. Its interesting with these "Smart" DACs. There are about 10 features that could be implemented for a full digital pre-amp use case. Some examples....

1. DAC
2. All digital audio inputs...Coax, Optical, USB
3. ARC input
4. Analog inputs with high quality ADC
5. Phono input MM/MC
6. Trigger support
7. Sub support (1 good, 2 best) with high pass support on the analog outs (why is it that smart DAC producers can't wrap their heads around the fact that a large percentage of people want to use these boxes with 2.1 or 2.2 system?)
8. LAN/Wireless Network connectivity (for streamer support)
9. Parametric Equal with configs for all individual outputs
10. Any number of other DSP functions from streaming and/or protocol support to zone/grouping configs

In the old days, you bought a pre-amp that supported about 20 functions and you only used 50% of them. Now, all of these new Smart DACs implement a limited number of capabilities/inputs/outputs and you are left figuring out if the box you're looking at implements the ones that you need/want. For me, this has everything that I need except a USB digital out....so close.

Why do you need USB output? What device is it for? What are the benefits of this?

 

[adbl]

I'm very interested in buying one of these units but have a couple of questions/comments before dropping the cash:

- what's the estimated support lifecycle of the product e.g. will there be functional and/or security related firmware updates for x years?
- what's the warranty period on these?
- which Wi-Fi standards are supported? e.g. WPA2 and WPA3
- has the web UI been security audited?
- can Wi-Fi be disabled via software?
- it would be useful to have the firmware changelog available on the download page instead of just in the forum.

Cheers

 

[amirm]

I suggest putting it behind a firewall.

 

[Luxsin]

I'm very interested in buying one of these units but have a couple of questions/comments before dropping the cash:

- what's the estimated support lifecycle of the product e.g. will there be functional and/or security related firmware updates for x years?
- what's the warranty period on these?
- which Wi-Fi standards are supported? e.g. WPA2 and WPA3
- has the web UI been security audited?
- can Wi-Fi be disabled via software?
- it would be useful to have the firmware changelog available on the download page instead of just in the forum.

Cheers

Reply inline.

- what's the estimated support lifecycle of the product e.g. will there be functional and/or security related firmware updates for x years?
[Luxsin]: We are not a company that appeared overnight. Luxsin is a newly established brand under the same group as Eversolo. Our parent group (Zidoo) has over 10 years of experience in the audio-visual industry.

- what's the warranty period on these?
[Luxsin]: One year warranty

- which Wi-Fi standards are supported? e.g. WPA2 and WPA3
[Luxsin]: Support WPA2, WPA3,Wifi5.

- has the web UI been security audited?
[Luxsin]: I assume you are concerning about the safety, agree with Amir's suggestion to put it behind a firewall. other than web UI, X9 also support APP control

- can Wi-Fi be disabled via software?
[Luxsin] : the Wifi can not be disabled via software for now. without wifi, users won’t be able to add new headphone models to the X9 or use OTA updates, APP control/web UI also not supported.
However, we have previously tested a special firmware version with Wi-Fi disabled, and it worked without issues.

- it would be useful to have the firmware changelog available on the download page instead of just in the forum.
[Luxsin] : Latest official firmware always been upload in below link for user to download.

Download

USB driver

luxsinaudio.com

Regards
Luxsin

 

[Human Bass]

Im actually disappointded by the amp section. Considerably less power and more noisy than my humble A50iii.

 

[adbl]

Reply inline.

- what's the estimated support lifecycle of the product e.g. will there be functional and/or security related firmware updates for x years?
[Luxsin]: We are not a company that appeared overnight. Luxsin is a newly established brand under the same group as Eversolo. Our parent group (Zidoo) has over 10 years of experience in the audio-visual industry.

- what's the warranty period on these?
[Luxsin]: One year warranty

- which Wi-Fi standards are supported? e.g. WPA2 and WPA3
[Luxsin]: Support WPA2, WPA3,Wifi5.

- has the web UI been security audited?
[Luxsin]: I assume you are concerning about the safety, agree with Amir's suggestion to put it behind a firewall. other than web UI, X9 also support APP control

- can Wi-Fi be disabled via software?
[Luxsin] : the Wifi can not be disabled via software for now. without wifi, users won’t be able to add new headphone models to the X9 or use OTA updates, APP control/web UI also not supported.
However, we have previously tested a special firmware version with Wi-Fi disabled, and it worked without issues.

- it would be useful to have the firmware changelog available on the download page instead of just in the forum.
[Luxsin] : Latest official firmware always been upload in below link for user to download.

Download

USB driver

luxsinaudio.com

Regards
Luxsin

Thanks @Luxsin - I appreciate your response and engagement with the community!

 

[REVolution]

Which EQ Database is beeing used? I´m questioning if there are predefined EQ Profiles for Focal Hadenys and Dunu Arashi

 

[Luxsin]

Which EQ Database is beeing used? I´m questioning if there are predefined EQ Profiles for Focal Hadenys and Dunu Arashi

Dunu Arashi just been added to our database as per request from a X9 user, Focal Hadenys is not in the database yet.

 

[fn5150]

Ah, that stinks. The stereo sub out is precisely the reason why I am interested in this!

I know this post is a little old, and I don't mean to butt in, but the Eversolo DMP-A8 does have a dedicated sub out - not sure if maybe someone was referring to an older iteration, but it definitely has a sub out and dsp bass management - I have one.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

I know this post is a little old, and I don't mean to butt in, but the Eversolo DMP-A8 does have a dedicated sub out - not sure if maybe someone was referring to an older iteration, but it definitely has a sub out and dsp bass management - I have one.

Yes but it is mono, correct? Not full stereo.

 

[Human Bass]

I voted fine instead of great because the headphone amp is rather mid for today standards.

 

[jimmyjames8]

Why no DSD input support for HDMI?

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Why no DSD input support for HDMI?

The HDMI input is ARC, not I2S/IIS. You’re thinking about I2S/IIS over HDMI, which would support native DSD. ARC over HDMI can either carry linear PCM or Bitstream Dolby/DTS.

 

[jimmyjames8]

No, what im thinking about is front ending a dac with a Sony UBP-X800M2 "universal" disc player which only has hdmi out that ordinarily would be connected to an AVR or AVP.

 

[Human1]

I looked at the back of this thing and thought the usb connections were a lan connection. Got real hot and bothered for a second. Would love an all in one unit like this for streaming and headphone amp that I could connect to TV and speakers etc. Wiim, eversolo just don't cut it (eversolo ui also looks like an android piece of trash).

 

[Aaron7]

Placeholder for specs

Luxsin X9
Display	4-inch TFT Fully Laminated Touchscreen (960X400）
DAC solution	AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
DSP	AKM 7739
OpAmp	OPA1612
HP Amp chip	TPA6120A2
Processing & USB solution	XMOS (XU)316
Bluetooth solution	QCC5125 (BT5.0 with aptX / aptX-HD / SBC / AAC / LDAC support)
Wireless solution	WiFi 2.4GHz
Trigger support	12V trigger in/out
USB-A input	Used for firmware updating only
USB-B/USB-C input	Windows (10, 11), Android, IOS, support DSD512, PCM 768KHz 32-bit
Optical/Coax input	PCM 192KHz 24-bit, DoP64
HDMI ARC input	PCM 192KHz 24-bit
Analogue input	RCA (unbalanced), max gain +10dB
Analogue outputs	XLR3 (balanced), RCA (unbalanced), Subwoofer
Rear XLR output	4.2Vrms @ 0dBFS, 20Hz~20KHz Dynamic range & SNR: >128dB THD+N: Under 0.000096% (-120.3dB)
RCA output	2.1Vrms @ 0dBFS, 20Hz~20KHz Dynamic range & SNR: >125dB THD+N: Under 0.00010% (-119dB)
Headphones output	4-15Vrms @ 0dBFS, 20Hz~20KHz Dynamic range & SNR: >128dB THD+N: Under 0.00016% (-116dB) Single ended (6.35mm): 16Ω: ≥ 2100mW (THD+N: Under 1%) @ 5.7Vrms 32Ω: ≥ 1700mW (THD+N: Under 1%) @ 7.37Vrms 300Ω: ≥ 230mW (THD+N: Under 1%) @ 8.3Vrms Noise floor: 4.4uV Balanced (4.4mm/XLR4): 16Ω: ≥ 2650mW + 2650mW (THD+N: Under 1%) @ 9.2Vrms 32Ω: ≥ 3000mW + 3000mW (THD+N: Under 1%) @ 9.7Vrms 300Ω: ≥ 920mW + 920mW (THD+N: Under 1%) @ 16.7Vrms Noise floor: 5.1uV
Headphone features	Proprietary HP-EQ (Headphone Equalisation) technology,database Automatic headphone impedance detection for the 6.35mm and 4.4mm ports
Power supply	Internal Ultra-Low Noise Linear Power Supply
Weight	3.72kg
Dimensions	Width: 300mm / Length: 206mm / Height: 65mm

Once you get into Headphones and use PEQ there is no going back. I ordered it. The question is how good is the PEQ implementation? Presently I am using MIniDSP SHD Studio to do PEQ. It executes PEQ using 32bit 96khz. However, I have to send the signal via AES/EBU to my Topping D90 3. Then Topping D90 3 sends balanced to Gustard H26.
I tried using the PEQ in the Topping D90 3 but the software is crazy buggy and the implementation is poor. What I have learned from this is that you cannot simply judge the components separately but as whole. In other words, would the integrated Luxsin X9 used alone with its internal PEQ outperform the 3 units I use to accomplish this same task?
I will know within a week. PS: This unit does not seem to work well with Toslink input. However, USB HDMI and Coaxial may be really good. The 50MILL test above may not represent the real performance as there are 3 power levels that need to be chosen based on the headphone's impedance (or can be used with AUTO setting).
Given that adjustment I am confident that the noise floor at low output will perform better.

 

[Aaron7]

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Luxsin X9 stereo "smart" balanced DAC, preamplifier and headphone amp. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $1099.
View attachment 457396
Luxsin is a new brand for the Zidoo/Eversolo company and focused on higher-end audio products. In this instance, we have a gorgeous 1080p touchscreen display that lets us navigate through rich set of features and visualizations including that nice VU meter. Further, due to inclusion of Wifi, you can control the unit using an app or with web interface.

Balanced headphone output is provided including the ability to automatically enable filters to adapt your headphone to that of Harman curve. Failing that, you can program your PEQ. Alas, I started with an older version of the firmware where these features didn't seem functional.

I am starting to call DACs with such value added features, "smart."

Back panel shows other cool features such as HDMI and analog inputs:
View attachment 457397

For those of us who only have one analog source, this is ideal and eliminates the need for a premplifier.

Nice to see trigger input and output to automate power sequencing of downstream amplifiers. Subwoofer output is provided including ability to set its gain/filtering. If you combine this with PEQ for the main channels, you have your ideal integration of sub (although you still have to know what you are doing).

Luxsin X9 DAC Measurements
The pedigree of Eversolo is apparent the moment you see superb dashboard results:




View attachment 457399

This lands the X9 near top of our ratings:
View attachment 457400
Sorry, forgot to capture a zoomed result.

RCA results are not that far off:
View attachment 457402

HDMI results are essentially the same as USB:
View attachment 457403

Dynamic results indicate a completely quiet system even if you rob some from it for EQ headroom:
View attachment 457412

Linearity is perfect:
View attachment 457404

IMD distortion is kept very low:
View attachment 457405
View attachment 457406

As is loaded output at 600 ohm:
View attachment 457407

I only tested the default filter which performed as it should:
View attachment 457408
View attachment 457409

Wideband response is excellent as well:
View attachment 457410

The only tiny failing was in Jitter test when DSP is active:
View attachment 457411

Luxsin X9 Headphone Amplifier Measurements
Lots of power is available into low and high impedances:
View attachment 457413
View attachment 457414

After testing, I noticed a menu item related to automatic gain. Apparently the unit measures the impedance of the headphone and adjusts the gain appropriately. I did not try to test this.

Without explicit negative gain, we don't get the lowest noise at 50 mv output:

View attachment 457416
View attachment 457415

View attachment 457417

Luxsin X9 Preamplifier Measurements
Dashboard results are the type of performance we typically see: good enough for our analog sources but not reference quality:
View attachment 457418

View attachment 457419
View attachment 457420

Conclusions
The X9 sports a beautiful and functional display and menu system. Inclusion of Wifi means you can program and interact with the unit easier using the App or the web interface. Programmable EQ system lets you adjust the headphone response (or speaker) at hardware level, making it functional with any source system/app. Analog input and inclusion of HDMI means you can fully integrate all modern and vintage devices into it.

The price is up there and initial software bugs I found, unexpected. Compared to typical high-end DACs though, the X9 is much cheaper and far more functional.

I am going to recommend the Luxsin X9.
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As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.

Any donations are much appreciated using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/

Great review as always. I wonder if you reduced the gain to the lowest setting when doing the low output 50mill test? There are 3 settings. Your results for that test seem like you may have used the medium output setting. If so, the results should be much better at the lowest gain setting.

 

[CedarX]

I tried using the PEQ in the Topping D90 3 but the software is crazy buggy and the implementation is poor.

Poor from which standpoint: is the UI poorly implemented or the actual PEQ filters (Freq., gain, Q-factor) incorrect?

In other words, would the integrated Luxsin X9 used alone with its internal PEQ outperform the 3 units I use to accomplish this same task?

Again, “outperform” what?