Xduoo xd05 bal2 in dac only mode line out

[arrow0309]

I would like to use this little portable dac (and headphone amp) for a while on my desktop PC outputting to my SMSL HO200.
Now, as I'm perfectly aware of the Bal2's line out (aux/line out), 3.5mm, 2vrms and very low THD-N (stated) 0.0008%.
I was wondering if I can get something like 4vrms using the balanced 4.4mm headphone out of the Xduoo and through a proper cable or adapter + cables (4.4mm to 2x XLR) to my Bal in of the HO200.
Any input really appreciated!
BTW, I'm using the amp with my new Anandas (Stealth v3) with custom 4.4mm balanced cable.
And yes, I know they're working in "RCA in" mode as well.

 

[staticV3]

Using 4.4mm Pentaconn as Stereo Differential Line out to an external Amp is possible, but if you want to have the xDuoo connected to mains while listening through the HO200 (xDuoo plugged into a PC, charging from a wall wart, plugged into a laptop which itself is charging, etc), then for safety I would first check whether the Pentaconn's fifth GND Pin is properly connected to USB GND.

For headphone output, this GND pin serves no purpose, so some manufacturers may decide to leave it floating.

To check if it is connected, one can use a DIY Pentaconn plug/the 4.4mm to 2x XLR Adapter, a USB breakout board, and a basic multimeter:

 

[arrow0309]

I see, what would this "safety" stand for?

 

[arrow0309]

Using 4.4mm Pentaconn as Stereo Differential Line out to an external Amp is possible, but if you want to have the xDuoo connected to mains while listening through the HO200 (xDuoo plugged into a PC, charging from a wall wart, plugged into a laptop which itself is charging, etc), then for safety I would first check whether the Pentaconn's fifth GND Pin is properly connected to USB GND.

For headphone output, this GND pin serves no purpose, so some manufacturers may decide to leave it floating.

To check if it is connected, one can use a DIY Pentaconn plug/the 4.4mm to 2x XLR Adapter, a USB breakout board, and a basic multimeter:
View attachment 366598 View attachment 366597

"The 4.4 plug enters with a clear resistance and a click at the end.

The function of external, independent mains power has been added"

xduoo xd05 bal2 vs bal1

V1 and V2 are the same school. So what has changed in the sound? Contrary to appearances, this issue is not so easy to solve, because I would have to have 2 pairs of muses02 and burson v5i to make it easier. But there are changes. The most obvious - power. The son is much stronger than the...

www.head-fi.org

Is this you're talking about?

 

[staticV3]

When two pieces of mains powered equipment are connected to each other, then a GND connection between them serves to reduce ground potential and to prevent damage from ground surges.

Although I lack the knowledge to fully explain the phenomenon, I am aware of cases where using a 2.5mm to 2x XLR adapter to connect a DAC+Headphone Amp to an external Power Amp has resulted in catastrophic damage to the DAC.

If the xDuoo's Pentaconn GND pin is left floating for whatever reason, then that would make it electrically the same as that 2.5mm adapter (Stereo Differential out w/o GND).

 

[staticV3]

"The 4.4 plug enters with a clear resistance and a click at the end.

The function of external, independent mains power has been added"

xduoo xd05 bal2 vs bal1

V1 and V2 are the same school. So what has changed in the sound? Contrary to appearances, this issue is not so easy to solve, because I would have to have 2 pairs of muses02 and burson v5i to make it easier. But there are changes. The most obvious - power. The son is much stronger than the...

www.head-fi.org

Is this you're talking about?

He's referring to the xDuoo's second, dedicated USB Power jack, not anything related to grounding.

 

[arrow0309]

He's referring to the xDuoo's second, dedicated USB Power jack, not anything related to grounding.

It doesn't make sense since both of them (older XD05 Bal and newer XD05 Bal 2) have two USB C, one for USB input and one for DC Power.

Edit:
He was talking about the rear power switch, having 3 functions with the Bal2 (Batt, Ext and Charge), now I got that.

 

[arrow0309]

When two pieces of mains powered equipment are connected to each other, then a GND connection between them serves to reduce ground potential and to prevent damage from ground surges.

Although I lack the knowledge to fully explain the phenomenon, I am aware of cases where using a 2.5mm to 2x XLR adapter to connect a DAC+Headphone Amp to an external Power Amp has resulted in catastrophic damage to the DAC.

If the xDuoo's Pentaconn GND pin is left floating for whatever reason, then that would make it electrically the same as that 2.5mm adapter (Stereo Differential out w/o GND).

I'll see if I can perform that test, thank you.

 

[arrow0309]

He's referring to the xDuoo's second, dedicated USB Power jack, not anything related to grounding.

Old Bal Vs new Bal 2 (rear pcb where the 4.4mm is soldered) maybe someone could tell if it's properly wired?