Luxsin X9 Smart Stereo DAC & Preamp

[djgras]

Inside view

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Are the outputs on par or better than the Eversolo A8?

 

[djgras]

Yes, that is how it is able to equalize headphones. And there is a custom mode where you can put in your own filters for whatever application. I didn't get to test that as my earlier version of the software didn't work well. But it is there.

Are the preamp RCA outputs on par or better than the Eversolo A8?

 

[Luxsin]

There's a whole bunch of 'easy' to implement software things (I say 'easy' as not the person who would have to do the coding ) that would open up the X9 to far more audio engineers / mixers / producers / mastering suites (etc) . . . a simple summed mono button, no fancy phase correction or any kind of compensation, just a raw summed mono signal button to reveal things like phase issues. I suspect the code already exists, in the SUB mono functionality.

And from what I can tell the SUB out is limited to ~300kHz and below (?), if this was a full range signal it would have made an idea feed for a mono reference speaker like an Avantone, Auratone (etc), again only really suggesting something that I suspect the unit is already capable of (I'm guessing the sub signal starts out life as a full range signal)

Another mixing feature that is kinda' standard in studios / used all the time, is a DIM button, an onscreen button that momentarily reduces the output level of the speakers / headphones, typically by -10 dB allowing for quick conversations or adjustments, and importantly you can instantly return to exactly the same mixing level you were previously working at.

And seeing as you would be in software, you could make it much better than traditional studio DIM buttons with the amount of attenuation set by the user, and easy-ease-in and easy-ease-out on the attenuation change (etc).

Thank you so much for the feature suggestion

No doubt on X9's strong potential for further feature expansion. We’re continuously adding new functions based on user feedback, i.e, a loudness feature is planned for firmware version .15. That said, each new addition makes the menu system more complex, which could be confusing for users who don’t need these extra features. Striking a balance between functionality and simplicity is something we’re actively taking into account.

Thanks again

 

[TynanW]

"each new addition makes the menu system more complex, which could be confusing for users who don’t need these extra features"

Agreed, ideally they shouldn't appear in the main interface menu - or even by default - perhaps an option in the App called 'Producer Tools' or (using Logic Audio's language) 'Show Advanced tools' or an hidden option on the X9 itself . . . only when enabled will these extra features appear as a button in the device's menu, and always as a single button (which takes you to those settings).

 

[TynanW]

Thank you so much for the feature suggestion

No doubt on X9's strong potential for further feature expansion. We’re continuously adding new functions based on user feedback, i.e, a loudness feature is planned for firmware version .15. That said, each new addition makes the menu system more complex, which could be confusing for users who don’t need these extra features. Striking a balance between functionality and simplicity is something we’re actively taking into account.

Thanks again

Another feature . . .

Now I am just dreaming . . . it would be great to see a much larger range of VU meters / measurement displays.

Almost like a display App Store on the Luxsin website, where you can download (or even buy!) the latest meter displays, 8 (or whatever the current number) on the unit itself, as it is now, and new displays are accessed online or through the App.

Late 80s Russian meters.
The 1970s Studio VU collection.
CRT graphic meters (retro CRT burn-ins)
Minimalist Modern Styles.
Bit-Map Graphic Meters.
1974 Nagra Meter Simulation.
BBC PPM Type 7.
Japanese Cassette Deck . . . etc etc

From what I can tell (I've not got my X9 yet, next week!) the meters are simply two images with alpha channels, so even user-submitted VU/displays displays could be a thing. Like I say . . . this suggestion is just a dream of mine, most people will be happy with the very nice meters already on the X9.

 

[djgras]

Thank you so much for the feature suggestion

No doubt on X9's strong potential for further feature expansion. We’re continuously adding new functions based on user feedback, i.e, a loudness feature is planned for firmware version .15. That said, each new addition makes the menu system more complex, which could be confusing for users who don’t need these extra features. Striking a balance between functionality and simplicity is something we’re actively taking into account.

Thanks again

ROON
Luxsin X9 is not listed as Roon tested (nor Roon Ready) on the official Roon list of devices ?

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

ROON
Luxsin X9 is not listed as Roon tested (nor Roon Ready) on the official Roon list of devices ?

It’s not a streamer, so why would it be?

 

[djgras]

It’s not a streamer, so why would it be?

Yes, right, my mistake. TX

 

[Luxsin]

Another feature . . .

Now I am just dreaming . . . it would be great to see a much larger range of VU meters / measurement displays.

Almost like a display App Store on the Luxsin website, where you can download (or even buy!) the latest meter displays, 8 (or whatever the current number) on the unit itself, as it is now, and new displays are accessed online or through the App.

Late 80s Russian meters.
The 1970s Studio VU collection.
CRT graphic meters (retro CRT burn-ins)
Minimalist Modern Styles.
Bit-Map Graphic Meters.
1974 Nagra Meter Simulation.
BBC PPM Type 7.
Japanese Cassette Deck . . . etc etc

From what I can tell (I've not got my X9 yet, next week!) the meters are simply two images with alpha channels, so even user-submitted VU/displays displays could be a thing. Like I say . . . this suggestion is just a dream of mine, most people will be happy with the very nice meters already on the X9.

Actually, we have added two more VU meters in the firmware 1.0.0.13. If you can provide some pictures of the Vu meters you mentioned, maybe we can select 1~2 VU meters as candidates for future firmware update.

 

[djgras]

Actually, we have added two more VU meters in the firmware 1.0.0.13. If you can provide some pictures of the Vu meters you mentioned, maybe we can select 1~2 VU meters as candidates for future firmware update.

Luxsin : are the preamp power supply and the RCA outputs on par or better than the Eversolo A8? Or with fewer or lesser components? Best regards.

 

[Luxsin]

Luxsin : are the preamp power supply and the RCA outputs on par or better than the Eversolo A8? Or with fewer or lesser components? Best regards.

The X9 is based on the architecture and circuit design of the Eversolo A8, with some modifications to achieve a more compact form factor. The A8 has slightly more components dedicated to power supply due to it's larger size. On the other hand, the X9 features a more refined R2R volume control with extra components.

Overall, I believe their performance is on the same level. If you already have the A8 and no requirement to use headphone output, no need to order X9.

 

[djgras]

The X9 is based on the architecture and circuit design of the Eversolo A8, with some modifications to achieve a more compact form factor. The A8 has slightly more components dedicated to power supply due to it's larger size. On the other hand, the X9 features a more refined R2R volume control with extra components.

Overall, I believe their performance is on the same level. If you already have the A8 and no requirement to use headphone output, no need to order X9.

Thank you so much. Besides R2R volume, what audio components and technologies does the X9 over the A8 ?

 

[djgras]

A8 also has R2R volume I believe. I truly wonder whether the X9 has better or lower measurements

Eversolo DMP-A8 streaming preamplifier Measurements | Stereophile.com

Sidebar 3: Measurements I measured a different sample of the Eversolo DMP-A8 from that auditioned by RvB. The serial number was 800A805CC764, and my sample was fitted with the v1.2.80 firmware.

www.stereophile.com

And whether it matters (sounds) ?

 

[Karister]

Hello all!

Sadly, my RE ADI-2 DAC broke after five years, and I am looking for a replacement. PEQ and crossfeed are must-haves for me. I accidentally found Luxsin while searching online, and it seems to be a perfect match. Additionally, it offers a nice screen and 4.4mm HP out, which is fantastic. I could finally use one cable for both DAP and DAC.

I have some questions, though:

1. I watched some videos on YouTube. I would like to make sure that I can create my own PEQ setting and use it consistently. Is this correct?
2. I did not find any screenshots or videos of the crossfeed. How does it work? What setting/configuration options are available?
3. I would like to ask about the black version. Some pages back, I saw info about the upcoming new product in Q4. What is it going to be? The same product in a black enclosure, or something new?
4. What is the beeping noise that FAQ mentions? Is it like this?

@Luxsin I would greatly appreciate your help.

 

[Luxsin]

Hello all!

Sadly, my RE ADI-2 DAC broke after five years, and I am looking for a replacement. PEQ and crossfeed are must-haves for me. I accidentally found Luxsin while searching online, and it seems to be a perfect match. Additionally, it offers a nice screen and 4.4mm HP out, which is fantastic. I could finally use one cable for both DAP and DAC.

I have some questions, though:

1. I watched some videos on YouTube. I would like to make sure that I can create my own PEQ setting and use it consistently. Is this correct?
2. I did not find any screenshots or videos of the crossfeed. How does it work? What setting/configuration options are available?
3. I would like to ask about the black version. Some pages back, I saw info about the upcoming new product in Q4. What is it going to be? The same product in a black enclosure, or something new?
4. What is the beeping noise that FAQ mentions? Is it like this?

@Luxsin I would greatly appreciate your help.

Please check my reply in-line

I watched some videos on YouTube. I would like to make sure that I can create my own PEQ setting and use it consistently. Is this correct?
[Luxsin] : Yes, X9 support PEQ setting creation, as well as EQ preset profile modification.

I did not find any screenshots or videos of the crossfeed. How does it work? What setting/configuration options are available?
[Luxsin] : X9 currently offers three selectable options for the crossfeed cutoff frequency and coefficient. check screenshot below.

I would like to ask about the black version. Some pages back, I saw info about the upcoming new product in Q4. What is it going to be? The same product in a black enclosure, or something new?
[Luxsin] : We plan to release a new model in Q4, slightly smaller than X9, different DAC solution, and this model come in a black finish.

What is the beeping noise that FAQ mentions? Is it like this?
[Luxsin] : the beeping noise issue been fixed long time ago with a firmware update. The clicking sound you mentioned in the video occurs when adjusting the volume. It’s the sound of the relays inside the X9’s R2R volume control system, and it’s completely normal.

 

[TynanW]

Actually, we have added two more VU meters in the firmware 1.0.0.13. If you can provide some pictures of the Vu meters you mentioned, maybe we can select 1~2 VU meters as candidates for future firmware update.

Sure thing, when I get the chance I'll dig out a couple of examples !

Got my X9 this morning ! Looks amazing ! So I'm busy right now !

By the way a couple of other features that would be great for engineers / mixers / producers / mastering suites (etc) . . . and again these can be all hidden away under a 'production tools' button or option to keep the UI super clean . . .

1) A peak hold option on the VU meters, usually a second needle (in a second colour) that is basically using the main needle's code, but with a much longer hold and/or return to zero value.

2) The option to offset the VU meter so that 0 VU corresponds to -18 dBFS, which is standard studio calibration, your music making / production customers will love you for this ! : ) 0 VU is typically calibrated to -18 dBFS (decibels relative to full scale) in European and broadcast studio environments to provide 18 dB of headroom in the digital domain, preventing clipping and assisting with consistent gain staging.

 

[TynanW]

"The clicking sound you mentioned in the video occurs when adjusting the volume. It’s the sound of the relays inside the X9’s R2R volume control system, and it’s completely normal"

The clicking noise and the stepped indentations on the volume knob are really nice ! Makes the control very tactile !

 

[Lightspeed]

So does this have an R2R dac like the fiio k11 r2r for example? What is r2r volume control and does that effect the sound signature?

Based on reviews, it doesn't seem to have that warm/analog sound signature that many ppl associate with r2r dacs - most reviewers I've seen describe it as clear/neutral.

I'm new to this lol.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

So does this have an R2R dac like the fiio k11 r2r for example? What is r2r volume control and does that effect the sound signature?

Based on reviews, it doesn't seem to have that warm/analog sound signature that many ppl associate with r2r dacs - most reviewers I've seen describe it as clear/neutral.

I'm new to this lol.

It uses a resistor ladder to attenuate volume in precise steps instead of a variable attenuator (potentiometer). It is more accurate, especially maintaining left/right balance even at extremely low volumes/high attenuation. It is colorless (or it is supposed to be).

 

[TynanW]

One criticism of the X9 (which is otherwise fantastic! ) . . . well not really a criticism of the device itself, more of a criticism of the advertising. The claimed 1080p screen (1920px X 1080px) is actually 960px x 400px . . . not even remotely close to 1080p.
There really is no need to claim it's 1080p, as it's already a very nice sharp display !