Luxsin X9 Smart Stereo DAC & Preamp

[Vanadiel]

I really like the looks of the x9. Do you guys think i could hear difference in sound if a buy this DAC/AMP vs my SMSL DO400? (My headphone is the DCA Noire X)

I use the X9 with a DCA Stealth. I think you should be able to hear a difference with your DCA Noire X. Other equipment I have: RME ADI 2 FS, CMA Fifteen, A90D, A70 Pro.
The X9 is able to outperform them all.
It's even able to outperform the DAC section of the FiiO S15 streamer, which is the exact same AKM solution as the one used in the Luxin X9.

I do use the headphone correction profiles, but only slightly since the Stealth does not really need PEQ correction.
I copied the exact PEQ from the X9 into the S15, and then used the A90D as amplifier with the S15 as DAC: X9 still sounded better.

I think it has to do with the precise integration of the DAC and AMP into 1 section with the X9, as opposed to separate AMP/DAC sections.

I think you will like it, and when bundled with a streamer it's all you really need to enjoy music and have full flexibility on your setup.

 

[Vanadiel]

I’m still a bit confused about the performance of the X9’s headphone amplifier…
Amir measured 1.9 watts as the maximum output into 33 ohms in balanced mode, i.e. at 8V; the spec sheet states 3 watts, 10 v into 33 ohms in the same configuration…
So either the sample given to Amir was a pre-production unit with some limitations, or the data reported by Luxsin is inaccurate.....Are they perhaps measured at different SINAD/THD+N levels?
I’m asking this primarily of user Luxsin to see if they can clarify this point once and for all

thanks

I don't know the answer, but I do know I use the Luxin X9 with a DCA Stealth, which is a headphone that is known to require a lot of power. It has no problem driving the Stealth, and it auto detects the impedance and set's the gain at "low". If I manually override the setting I can create even more power by setting it to "high gain".

But not needed as even at low gain I listen to music around -20 Db on the Luxin X9 volume and it's loud. I use the balanced XLR on the Luxin to drive the Stealth, and I have also used the single ended output with the Stealth without an issue at -10 Db.

 

[Matti-Otala]

I don't know the answer, but I do know I use the Luxin X9 with a DCA Stealth, which is a headphone that is known to require a lot of power. It has no problem driving the Stealth, and it auto detects the impedance and set's the gain at "low". If I manually override the setting I can create even more power by setting it to "high gain".

But not needed as even at low gain I listen to music around -20 Db on the Luxin X9 volume and it's loud. I use the balanced XLR on the Luxin to drive the Stealth, and I have also used the single ended output with the Stealth without an issue at -10 Db.

Thanks for the info

I have a Hifiman HE6SE v2, and I was thinking of buying the X9, but I’m worried that the amplifier section might not be quite up to the job for these headphones...

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Thanks for the info

I have a Hifiman HE6SE v2, and I was thinking of buying the X9, but I’m worried that the amplifier section might not be quite up to the job for these headphones...

If you don't need the automatic impedance detection or the EQ database, there's always Topping DX9.

 

[Vanadiel]

Thanks for the info

I have a Hifiman HE6SE v2, and I was thinking of buying the X9, but I’m worried that the amplifier section might not be quite up to the job for these headphones...

If it helps, in his review of the DCA Stealth Amir used the RME ADI 2 FS, which I also have. The X9 has more output power than the RME by a good margin.
I do not think you will run into issues.

I have also an A90D, which is rated at 6.7 Watts per channel @32 ohms when using the balanced headphone output. The X9 is just as loud as not louder at low gain than the A90D at high gain.

I think the output wattages are difficult to compare directly between brands...

 

[Luxsin]

Beta firmware 2.0.0.5 is now available for the X9

Download

USB driver

luxsinaudio.com

-Luxsin

 

[ADanalog]

Hi,
I have recently bought the unit and I am facing some problems and I would appreciate other people's experience:

* I am using the unit as a DAC (not yet as a headphone - I was planning for that a bit later)
* Using the Subwoofer was another key reason for me

Questions to other users:
1) Equalizer: it does not seems to operate on the main speakers output on my unit
- I was hoping to use it for some rough room correction
2) The USB connection seems weirdly locking to higher interface speed than the source (PCM768 /PCM483KHz)
- Anyone else seen this issues ?
- Any idea if this is going to affect some things in the operation?

Thanks

 

[ADanalog]

Luxin
Your unit has great HW, I hope you take note on the following remarks

1) In your latest FW release it is stated that default power up level can be set to -50.
* I have the lates version an on both web access and the Appl-App (which looks to be just a web access) - it offers only -30db
* The Subwoofer output on power up and down generate on my MartinLogan Abyss8, a very audible "tuk" on power cycle.

2) Preamp with digital control for volume:
a) On Power OFF cycle :
--> Force volume on R2R to ZERO (- max attenuation ) , this is meant to help in case that power down sequence is a bit messed up on the power amp.
--> With Digital control, the correct sequence to discharge any AC coupling on the path , is to do this "smoothly" (couple of mid steps)
--> make sure to test the toggling on the sub output too
b) On Power ON cycle:
--> Start with the same Max attenuation
--> Wait [user programmable delay time]
--> Smooth (slow step up through the values) - to desired target level / last level

 

[Luxsin]

Luxin
Your unit has great HW, I hope you take note on the following remarks

1) In your latest FW release it is stated that default power up level can be set to -50.
* I have the lates version an on both web access and the Appl-App (which looks to be just a web access) - it offers only -30db
* The Subwoofer output on power up and down generate on my MartinLogan Abyss8, a very audible "tuk" on power cycle.

2) Preamp with digital control for volume:
a) On Power OFF cycle :
--> Force volume on R2R to ZERO (- max attenuation ) , this is meant to help in case that power down sequence is a bit messed up on the power amp.
--> With Digital control, the correct sequence to discharge any AC coupling on the path , is to do this "smoothly" (couple of mid steps)
--> make sure to test the toggling on the sub output too
b) On Power ON cycle:
--> Start with the same Max attenuation
--> Wait [user programmable delay time]
--> Smooth (slow step up through the values) - to desired target level / last level

If you use the power switch on the rear panel to turn the X9 on or off directly, you may hear a pop noise. This is expected behavior because the rear power switch cuts the power immediately without going through the normal shutdown/startup sequence.

When using the front power button on the X9 for normal power on/off operation, the unit will follow the proper mute and protection sequence, so there should be no pop noise.

 

[ADanalog]

Thanks Luxsin for the update to the control APP!

Subwoofer controls , equalizer that works very smoothly now, very nice touch with maintain total gain while changing equalizer controls, and a lot of fixes throughout the control that makes it a much more viable device for fine control.

The USB rate issue seems to be limited to WiiM Ultra 's USB output.

Power off (using the remote , not the power switch ) - seems to be issue free (not sure why the issue was there before - I switch to trigger input/output )

 

[Vanadiel]

There's something interesting the other day that I found out, that I don't think is really mentioned well enough elsewhere: You can log into the amplifier using a web browser on a PC, and get access to all the settings including the PEQ settings in a web browser.

This means if you have a laptop or a desktop, you do not have to use the phone app. This is really important as I found it difficult to use the phone application to adjust the PEQ settings as the phone screen has only limited space.

Now I can adjust everything using my 34" PC screen, a mouse and keyboard. So much easier than a phone screen!

 

[VilmFilm]

There's something interesting the other day that I found out, that I don't think is really mentioned well enough elsewhere: You can log into the amplifier using a web browser on a PC, and get access to all the settings including the PEQ settings in a web browser.

This means if you have a laptop or a desktop, you do not have to use the phone app. This is really important as I found it difficult to use the phone application to adjust the PEQ settings as the phone screen has only limited space.

Now I can adjust everything using my 34" PC screen, a mouse and keyboard. So much easier than a phone screen!

Wasn't this normal tho? It was advertised on their YouTube and product page about the ui web interface? Good that you found it tho lol

 

[Vanadiel]

Wasn't this normal tho? It was advertised on their YouTube and product page about the ui web interface? Good that you found it tho lol

To be honest I never knew. But I was happy when I found out!

 

[VilmFilm]

Btw everyone luxsin teased 4 new products so I'm very excited to see what they and hope fit my 2.1 PC setup need

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Btw everyone luxsin teased 4 new products so I'm very excited to see what they and hope fit my 2.1 PC setup need

Do you have a link to this info?

 

[VilmFilm]

Do you have a link to this info?

They posted on their Instagram and its mainly the silhouettes but form factor wise they look good. One looks like a cd player or something? Idk what that one is tbh

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

They posted on their Instagram and its mainly the silhouettes but form factor wise they look good. One looks like a cd player or something? Idk what that one is tbh

That small portable looking piece makes sense now that I see it. Using Luxsin to introduce portable listening products to avoid overextending the Eversolo brand is smart on Zidoo’s part.

 

[gtg465x]

I've been hunting for a dac/amp to replace my aging smsl su8 v2 + THX 789 setup as one of the channels for the xlr out is dying in the thx.

Main headphones are HD800s, ZMF Verite open, and Arya Stealth. May add a Noire X at some point as well.

Seems like the x9 checks all the boxes and measures well and I really like the idea of the eq profiles. But now I'm reading a x10 is coming that'll improve on it and also some seem to think the x8 is a better unit than the x9.

What do? The single end on my amp does still work so I'm in no rush if it'll be better to wait

Even as an X8 owner, I don't consider it to be better than the X9, and if they were priced the same, I would choose the X9. I think they're both good enough and close enough in audio quality that you should base your decision more on the features it offers. Do you want / need HDMI ARC input, analog RCA input, or dedicated sub output with crossover config? Then get the X9. Otherwise, save a few hundred and get the X8. The other differences (DAC, analog vs digital volume control, headphone power output) are going to be very hard to notice in real world IMO.

 

[VilmFilm]

Even as an X8 owner, I don't consider it to be better than the X9, and if they were priced the same, I would choose the X9. I think they're both good enough and close enough in audio quality that you should base your decision more on the features it offers. Do you want / need HDMI ARC input, analog RCA input, or dedicated sub output with crossover config? Then get the X9. Otherwise, save a few hundred and get the X8. The other differences (DAC, analog vs digital volume control, headphone power output) are going to be very hard to notice in real world IMO.

I really hope luxsin makes a less expensive DAC that's smaller than x9. Those sub outs and crossovers are game changer for a dac in the digital realm which is the best time to do it. THEY NEEE TO

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

I really hope luxsin makes a less expensive DAC that's smaller than x9. Those sub outs and crossovers are game changer for a dac in the digital realm which is the best time to do it. THEY NEEE TO

You mean you really wish they come out with a less expensive DAC/preamp with all of the X9's bass management features, that does away with the headphone amp/features (and maybe even uses a less expensive DAC chip) in order to reduce cost?