This is a review, detailed measurements and listening tests of the xDuoo DM-01 Robot DAC and hybrid tube headphone amplifier. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $237.
As you see, the product is aptly named! The arms are actually functional with one being on/off and then other, selection between USB and Bluetooth. The "ears" control the up/down volume control. The torso shows what you see with color changing depending on mode. Missed opportunity to have it be a graphics display saying robot stuff.
What follows is a bit of abbreviated measurements in the interest of time.
xDuoo DM-01 Measurements
Let's start with the DAC section, taking output from the rear aux terminal and setting the volume to 2 volts nominal:
I had forgotten for a moment about that tube and was shocked at the level of distortion. That sinks the SINAD at the bottom of our 400+ DACs measured to date. Won't bore you with the graph.
Dynamic range though, was surprisingly good:
As was frequency response:
Intermodulation expectedly, not:
Headphone output partially redeems itself with good amount of power:
I was relieved that the output impedance was near zero:
XDuoo DM-01 Listening Tests
When you get one chance to listen to a robot DAC, you take that opportunity!
I only tested it with my Dan Clark E3 headphone. Despite its low sensitivity, the DM-01 had no trouble pushing a ton of volume out of it. At low listening levels, or when only bass was playing, the fidelity was good. But have that combine with vocals and they were quite gritty. As was the bass in techno music at elevated levels. During same passages, high frequency notes almost became unlistenable due to their harshness.
Net, net, if you don't listen too loud, it may be OK.
Conclusions
After measuring hundreds of similar looking black metal boxes, it is a pleasure to see an out of box form factor. Wish the tube was not there as it would make it much more performant and robust in the hands of younger people. Still, some may like the combination.
While I won't go and buy one for myself, the xDuoo DM-01 makes for a nice novelty gift or conversation piece on your office desk.
------------
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/
As you see, the product is aptly named! The arms are actually functional with one being on/off and then other, selection between USB and Bluetooth. The "ears" control the up/down volume control. The torso shows what you see with color changing depending on mode. Missed opportunity to have it be a graphics display saying robot stuff.
What follows is a bit of abbreviated measurements in the interest of time.
xDuoo DM-01 Measurements
Let's start with the DAC section, taking output from the rear aux terminal and setting the volume to 2 volts nominal:
I had forgotten for a moment about that tube and was shocked at the level of distortion. That sinks the SINAD at the bottom of our 400+ DACs measured to date. Won't bore you with the graph.
Dynamic range though, was surprisingly good:
As was frequency response:
Intermodulation expectedly, not:
Headphone output partially redeems itself with good amount of power:
I was relieved that the output impedance was near zero:
XDuoo DM-01 Listening Tests
When you get one chance to listen to a robot DAC, you take that opportunity!
I only tested it with my Dan Clark E3 headphone. Despite its low sensitivity, the DM-01 had no trouble pushing a ton of volume out of it. At low listening levels, or when only bass was playing, the fidelity was good. But have that combine with vocals and they were quite gritty. As was the bass in techno music at elevated levels. During same passages, high frequency notes almost became unlistenable due to their harshness.Net, net, if you don't listen too loud, it may be OK.
Conclusions
After measuring hundreds of similar looking black metal boxes, it is a pleasure to see an out of box form factor. Wish the tube was not there as it would make it much more performant and robust in the hands of younger people. Still, some may like the combination.
While I won't go and buy one for myself, the xDuoo DM-01 makes for a nice novelty gift or conversation piece on your office desk.
------------
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/
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