Soncoz LA-QXD1 Balanced DAC Review

[mt196]

SMSL SU 8 V2 is a decent alternative.
I could get that for 210€ so 40€ less.

+ SMSL M200 is candidate
+ SMSL M300 is candidate

Soncoz Fan ???

I don´t really care for RCA or XLR...only the mass loop via RCA is my concern. Though XLR is clearly the winner if it doesn´t make costs to explode.
I´m currently checking if this cable can help: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B001389G5I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
E30 is good enough for me...but i might need real XLR connection. We´ll see...cable should be here on tuesday.

I said better in fact, these are competitors, they compete with each other and maybe you can prefer one in place of another due to different features they offer, but they are not better per se, it depends on what you prefer a DAC to have.

 

[theoblue80]

I agree that the total price difference (incl. custom duties and shipping costs) between LA-QXD1 and a similar product like SMSL SU-8 is significant for European citizens (almost 70 euros for me).
And we have to take into account that SU-8 uses the same dac chip, does have a display screen and a remote control and it is a more mature product.
Of course, the Soncoz is better in terms of measurements, but are these differences really audible?
On the other hand, to be fair, we don't know if Soncoz at this moment can be so competitive in terms of prices as long established companies like SMSL.
But it would be greatly appreciated if a better price could be achieved for all of us living in other continents.

 

[mt196]

I think having it at 199€ or 219€ on one eu amazon would be a deal breaker (due also to Amazon assistance)

 

[Magnifico]

Oh damn right! I really hope so....competition makes us good prices!

But that doesn´t help me now. And I have no problem with Soncoz...it´s just that I see every product as is.
Topping, SMSL, Soncoz. ect ect....doesn´t matter...the best product wins for my conditions.
And everyxone has his own rating whats important.

- black
- matches size of SP200 somehow
- decent quality
- prefer AKM chips because of all ESS problems lately
- display
- no ground loop
- possibly XLR is needed because of ground loop.

LA-QXD1 - no display
SU 8 - only silver plus least good device measurements
M200 - ugly as hell because of display
M300 - doesn´t match SP200 at all but otherwise fantastic product.

 

[kneading_kitten]

- black
- matches size of SP200 somehow
- decent quality
- prefer AKM chips because of all ESS problems lately
- display
- no ground loop
- possibly XLR is needed because of ground loop.

LA-QXD1 - no display
SU 8 - only silver plus least good device measurements
M200 - ugly as hell because of display
M300 - doesn´t match SP200 at all but otherwise fantastic product.

Well, the LA-QXD1 and SU8 both use the same ESS chip (I think its the ES9038Q2M, the mobile version). The LA-QXD1 is objectively superior with no humps. If by "ESS problems lately" you refer to the sounds better with heating up then i read in some thread that the 9038Q2M doesn't have this problem.

On the Topping E30 review thread, I read that the AKM chip can cause popping noise when changing the sample rate if the DAC is connected to a power-amp to a loudspeaker. I don't think that its a problem for all AKM chips but its something I would test if I get an AKM DAC (Connect the DAC to a poweramp, and listen to DSD512 then suddenly change song to a DSD256 or something).

Disclaimer, I'm a neophyte, please don't judge. I'm also biased because I'm waiting for the LA-QXD1 that I ordered and the wait is killing me because I forgot that Monday is memorial day.

 

[Sophia Ann]

So Ben or Sophia Ann....how could some from germany order a LA-QXD1 ?

And to have it totally clean....the device, even the new batches come with the ESS-Hump ?

Dear customer, thanks for your interest in our SONCOZ DACs.
1. LA-QXD1 will be available at the end of this week.
2. Totally clean? ---Of course, clean and elegant LA-QXD1 .
3. ESS-Hump---No worries, this problem was solved thoroughly in the past.
Email Ann for the purchase at the end of this week: [email protected]

All the best
Ann

 

[Sophia Ann]

I think Audiophonics has it in stock and is delivering to Germany.

You got it. Early next month you can purchase from AUDIOPHONICS.

 

[Sophia Ann]

I


Just PM Ann, as i did. New batches are WITHOUT ESS-Hump, as you can see here

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/soncoz-la-qxd1-balanced-dac-review.13459/

You did a great job. Thanks so much

 

[Sophia Ann]

Just PM Ann , waiting for placing an order now.

Received Thanks

 

[spiritofjerry]

Actually, let me modify that: the orientation of the Samsung AC plugs mattered a bit. These chargers try to shunt some of the output emissions to the AC mains. If you plug them in backward, then it is connecting the input to output from the hot terminal which is less optimal.

@amirm, for someone who is not an electrician, how much does this matter? Many of the no-brand 5v power supplies I have lying around don't have obvious polarity markings. I thought that polarity wasn't an issue in these little 5v charger bases.

 

[amirm]

@amirm, for someone who is not an electrician, how much does this matter? Many of the no-brand 5v power supplies I have lying around don't have obvious polarity markings. I thought that polarity wasn't an issue in these little 5v charger bases.

Even my Samsung didn't have an indicator. Plug it in one way and if you hear any hum or noise, swap it around and see if it lowers that. If you don't hear any noise, you are good and no need to worry about it.

 

[Techno Peasant]

Mine came today, and I’m very impressed. This is an upgrade from a Schiit Modi 2, and is noticeably more neutral. Here’s a pic of my setup

One question though, does anyone know how to power it on/off? Seems like it will just stay powered on indefinitely if I don’t unplug it. The manual was no help, unfortunately.

 

[spiritofjerry]

One question though, does anyone know how to power it on/off? Seems like it will just stay powered on indefinitely if I don’t unplug it. The manual was no help, unfortunately.

My guess is it just stays powered on, similar to how several other DACs work. I think the power indicator is just to show it has power. There is no "power on/off" switch. According to Ben, it uses less than 4 watts, so it's not a bother.

 

[spiritofjerry]

I received my unit today, too! Surprisingly. Don't have an amp yet to pair it with, so it'll be sitting around for a week or so until I can play with it.

I don't love the branding on the unit that is scrawled on the front, but I guess it doesn't bother me too much since it's not there to look pretty, it's there to do a job. I know some people will bitch and moan about those kinds of things, though.

 

[Techno Peasant]

My guess is it just stays powered on, similar to how several other DACs work. I think the power indicator is just to show it has power. There is no "power on/off" switch. According to Ben, it uses less than 4 watts, so it's not a bother.

I though this might be the case, which is 100% fine. My Modi 2 was powered by the PC USB, so it was only on when the PC was on.

An auto-off feature based on lack of input might be the best case scenario.

 

[mt196]

Mine came today, and I’m very impressed. This is an upgrade from a Schiit Modi 2, and is noticeably more neutral. Here’s a pic of my setup
View attachment 65383

One question though, does anyone know how to power it on/off? Seems like it will just stay powered on indefinitely if I don’t unplug it. The manual was no help, unfortunately.

The SGD1 enters the sleep mode after 10 minutes of being muted, try this also for the little brother, maybe it works the same way

 

[ShiZo]

I can't find where to purchase one.

 

[kneading_kitten]

I can't find where to purchase one.

From Ben:

Good News!!!
Our SGD1 and LA-QXD1 have been successively shipped. As we are in a special period now, the purchase method I recommend is to directly contact our colleague @Sophia Ann who has been busy with offline orders and customer service. You can Send a message or Email her, of course, also you can apply for a discount.
More information:
Our Overseas Online Shop is being tested and is expected to open next week and our amazon store will open in Mid-May,2020.
Our Domestic Online Shop and Taobao customer service has been running. You can also send a message to @EMMA or Email her for purchase and discount.
We try our best to improve our customer service and have a nice day.

 

[TheSacredSoul]

How would this compare to the Topping E30? I'd be using RCA, not XLR, to the JDS Atom.

 

[Veri]

How would this compare to the Topping E30? I'd be using RCA, not XLR, to the JDS Atom.

If you can afford it, the soncoz is marginally better and offers you balanced if you ever need it in the future.