Luxsin X9 Smart Stereo DAC & Preamp

[VilmFilm]

@Luxsin is the RCA and balanced outputs mirrored or can I put high and low pass for sub and mains?

After reading the manual it doesn't seem so and strictly a 2 channel dac.... Even if it had just 1 sub output with the same settings as the X9 would be fine for 2.1 systems.

Welp guess I either have to get x9 or wait even longer for another compact model like x8 with sub output.

Hyped myself up for the x8 for nothing lol.

 

[Luxsin]

@Luxsin is the RCA and balanced outputs mirrored or can I put high and low pass for sub and mains?

After reading the manual it doesn't seem so and strictly a 2 channel dac.... Even if it had just 1 sub output with the same settings as the X9 would be fine for 2.1 systems.

Welp guess I either have to get x9 or wait even longer for another compact model like x8 with sub output.

Hyped myself up for the x8 for nothing lol.

The RCA and XLR outputs on the X8 are not mirrored. They are treated as independent outputs, and users can choose to enable them simultaneously if desired.

However, independent high-pass / low-pass filtering cannot be applied to each output separately. The DSP and filtering settings are shared across outputs.

The X8 is designed primarily as a 2-channel DAC and headphone amplifier and does not include a dedicated subwoofer output like the X9. While subwoofer configuration is supported at the DSP level, the compact chassis of the X8 does not allow space for an additional subwoofer output connector.

-Luxsin

 

[VilmFilm]

The RCA and XLR outputs on the X8 are not mirrored. They are treated as independent outputs, and users can choose to enable them simultaneously if desired.

However, independent high-pass / low-pass filtering cannot be applied to each output separately. The DSP and filtering settings are shared across outputs.

The X8 is designed primarily as a 2-channel DAC and headphone amplifier and does not include a dedicated subwoofer output like the X9. While subwoofer configuration is supported at the DSP level, the compact chassis of the X8 does not allow space for an additional subwoofer output connector.

-Luxsin

Well hopefully in the future you guys can make a semi compact 2.1 dac/hpa and keep around the same price? As much as I love the looks and reviews of the x9 it's just a wide boi for my desk. And is me spending an extra $500 ish dollars really worth it for a sub out? Maybe but eh it's not my preferred lol. Thanks anyways

 

[sev1]

Guess I better start saving up.

 

[SanojS]

I have now researched this kit and it is not good enough and many of the features are not useful.
For example, if I want to use it as a preamp to a stereo, the limit on the RCA is 2,1Vrms@0db and 4.3Vrms@0db on XLR. Most power amps expect >10Vrms on RCA and at least 20Vrms on XLR to be able to give full SPL.
With those power ratings, the Luxsin is useless as preamp - and then I can't use the bass management or subwoofer outputs since I need a preamp with volume control between the Luxsin and the power amp... Since the volume on the preamp won't change volume on subwoofer signal.

Or am I wrong? I could play with putting a preamp at max volume and use the volume control on the Luxsin but I don't want to have multiple volume controls on the signal...
I would be better off investing in a good preamp with bass management than using this crap (I say the same about the Wiim Ultra - bass management and sub out is useless since the RCA output level is too low to get good sound out of power amp, and going via preamp bypass volume control on the subwoofer... ).

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

I have now researched this kit and it is not good enough and many of the features are not useful.
For example, if I want to use it as a preamp to a stereo, the limit on the RCA is 2,1Vrms@0db and 4.3Vrms@0db on XLR. Most power amps expect >10Vrms on RCA and at least 20Vrms on XLR to be able to give full SPL.
With those power ratings, the Luxsin is useless as preamp - and then I can't use the bass management or subwoofer outputs since I need a preamp with volume control between the Luxsin and the power amp... Since the volume on the preamp won't change volume on subwoofer signal.

Or am I wrong? I could play with putting a preamp at max volume and use the volume control on the Luxsin but I don't want to have multiple volume controls on the signal...
I would be better off investing in a good preamp with bass management than using this crap (I say the same about the Wiim Ultra - bass management and sub out is useless since the RCA output level is too low to get good sound out of power amp, and going via preamp bypass volume control on the subwoofer... ).

What kind of power amp are you using that seems to have little or no gain?

The subwoofer output of X9 does change volume with the speakers; it is simply digitally controlled volume (the analog, relay-controlled volume control only works on the speaker and headphone outputs, but the subwoofer output has a synchronized digital volume control).

 

[Purité Audio]

2.1v for RCA and double for XLR is pretty much ‘standard’.
Keith

 

[sev1]

I have now researched this kit and it is not good enough and many of the features are not useful.
For example, if I want to use it as a preamp to a stereo, the limit on the RCA is 2,1Vrms@0db and 4.3Vrms@0db on XLR. Most power amps expect >10Vrms on RCA and at least 20Vrms on XLR to be able to give full SPL.
With those power ratings, the Luxsin is useless as preamp - and then I can't use the bass management or subwoofer outputs since I need a preamp with volume control between the Luxsin and the power amp... Since the volume on the preamp won't change volume on subwoofer signal.

Or am I wrong? I could play with putting a preamp at max volume and use the volume control on the Luxsin but I don't want to have multiple volume controls on the signal...
I would be better off investing in a good preamp with bass management than using this crap (I say the same about the Wiim Ultra - bass management and sub out is useless since the RCA output level is too low to get good sound out of power amp, and going via preamp bypass volume control on the subwoofer... ).

You're saying it has the appropriate output level for a source component, but doesn't have enough gain to be a preamp?

 

[SanojS]

You're saying it has the appropriate output level for a source component, but doesn't have enough gain to be a preamp?

Ah - I have delved into the details -> my power amp has a low and high gain setting. With high gain on the power amp, it is useful. So it is back in contention.
I'm considering it as a DAC/Preamp/Bass management platform for my combined music and home theater system (2.1).
Other alternative is MiniDSP flex as DAC/DSP and I have option to buy a Gustart P26 as preamp, at about 200 USD less than the Luxsin.

 

[SanojS]

2.1v for RCA and double for XLR is pretty much ‘standard’.
Keith

Yes, I have option to buy a quite demanding power amp, but now found out it has a high gain setting that could make the Luxsin work.

 

[SanojS]

It isn't only about gain, but about having a proper analog stage with volume control so you don't lose resolution on lower volumes.

 

[sev1]

It isn't only about gain, but about having a proper analog stage with volume control so you don't lose resolution on lower volumes.

On the previous page of this thread, another forum member posted that the Luxsin controls the main outputs (both XLR and RCA) with an analog volume control, so no loss in resolution. However, the sub out is attenuated in the digital domain so there is potential loss of resolution.

 

[SanojS]

On the previous page of this thread, another forum member posted that the Luxsin controls the main outputs (both XLR and RCA) with an analog volume control, so no loss in resolution. However, the sub out is attenuated in the digital domain so there is potential loss of resolution.

Yes which is why I have the Luxsin on my shortlist. Was just not sure about the gain vs my list of power amps I am currently investigating. Now I know

 

[VilmFilm]

On the previous page of this thread, another forum member posted that the Luxsin controls the main outputs (both XLR and RCA) with an analog volume control, so no loss in resolution. However, the sub out is attenuated in the digital domain so there is potential loss of resolution.

Wouldn't the xlr and RCA outputs also have a loss since it's dsp controlled still? Even if you use high pass it's still a digital filter. Only way to have NO loss is to I THINK have it on bypass for effects

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Wouldn't the xlr and RCA outputs also have a loss since it's dsp controlled still? Even if you use high pass it's still a digital filter. Only way to have NO loss is to I THINK have it on bypass for effects

Bypass disables bass management entirely on the Luxsin X9.

 

[VilmFilm]

Bypass disables bass management entirely on the Luxsin X9.

Correct. Which is what I'm tryna say. The person claimed the sub output had potential "less" resolution cuz it was digital but that could also apply too the XLR and RCA main output.

 

[rafaunivega]

Hello,
I only find one drawback to the Luxsin X9, and that is the Sleep function.
I am used to DAC/AMPs going into Sleep mode a few minutes after turning off or suspending the PC, and I would like the Luxsin X9 to do the same.
In the current mode, you need to have something playing at all times to prevent it from constantly turning off.

 

[Luxsin]

Hello,
I only find one drawback to the Luxsin X9, and that is the Sleep function.
I am used to DAC/AMPs going into Sleep mode a few minutes after turning off or suspending the PC, and I would like the Luxsin X9 to do the same.
In the current mode, you need to have something playing at all times to prevent it from constantly turning off.

Sorry, I’m not quite sure I understand your request.

If you want the X9 to enter sleep mode after a certain period with no signal, why would you still keep something playing just to prevent it from turning off?

Even if the X9 enters sleep mode, it can still be woken up by a USB signal.

 

[Burki]

Yes, for me the sleep feature is a great thing, which I use daily. Immediately waking up is working perfectly, if you don't change the input.

 

[rafaunivega]

Sorry, I’m not quite sure I understand your request.

If you want the X9 to enter sleep mode after a certain period with no signal, why would you still keep something playing just to prevent it from turning off?

Even if the X9 enters sleep mode, it can still be woken up by a USB signal.

To simplify: I would like it to have an option to enter sleep mode 5 minutes after turning off the PC, but not to enter sleep mode every 5 minutes, only when it detects that the PC has been turned off.

Sleep when no signal -> Never or more minutes, for me 15 minutes is not enough
Sleep when PC shutdown -> On