This thing is indeed incredible. The detail, soundstage and imaging it extracts from a lot of my IEMs and headphones without resorting to cheap tricks like overly accentuated treble is hard to believe.
Great review. I agree, I have KA17 as well as the Alpha 1, both are simply great devices. I far prefer the Alpha 1 with my bright, slightly unnatural Hifiman Ananda, but then I very much prefer the KA17 with my IEMs (Variations, Mega5EST). Weird how different devices react to different DACs. Anyway, you forgot to mention that the KA17 has the advantage of having a PEQ, which is absolutely great since it’s v2 update. Cheers
Hey there. I own a KA17 as well but the PEQ has never seemed to work well for me. When I switch the EQ from off or bypass to any of my custom user presets, the sound seems as though it's bit crushed for a lack of a better description, even when the user preset is set to be completely flat. I've updated to the v2 firmware and tried changing settings and devices but it's always the same result. Have you noticed this on yours?
I have the Moondrop Dawn Pro and I'm pairing it with my Fiio FT1 closed back headphones. It doesn't sound as good as my iFi Zen CAN & DAC stack. I'm thinking about getting this Onix Alpha XL1. Would it be able to drive the FiiO FT1 as well as the Hifiman Sundara?
Thanks for your review! I blind bought this dongle last month for 95$. But it still on shipment, so i haven't try it yet. Can't wait to try this dongle🔥🔥
Great review and a terrific product to discover! I have the Sensei, Woo Audio Tube, IBasso DC Elite, Moonriver 2, Questyle M15, Aune Yuki, jade audio KA13. Can’t wait to try it out!
Thank you for the review 👍 There have been quite a number of reports of portable devices like phones, not being able to drive the XL1. Did you run into any of these issues when testing portable devices? If not, which devices did you use with it?
Yeah thats my take as well, really clean and detailed sound. Anyone looking for a dongle can safely but this. I also have the new Hiby FD5 at hand (Dac/Amp) and at 4 x times the price im not sure I even like it more
I bought this dongle without any real knowledge based on specs and low price, and it instantly became my daily driver. On sale for sub $100USD this thing is incredible. It's legit good regardless of price. And honestly, Onix underpriced this thing to the consumer's benefit. Most competitors are $150-250.
Dave the quality of your videos is always superb. I was looking at the ka17 to run my hifiman he400se but the onix is looking like I could save 40 bucks.
The only issue that I think that should mentioned is the compatibility with many mobiles. Is something to mention as that issue makes Alpha not usable so as every user to listen the abilities that can offer.
@@PitoTheOne I know the A52 and A35 have issues. I contacted Onix and it seems that it is an issue with the dongle. I am waiting for a replacement to see if it solves the issue.
I’m curious what your top DAC dongle picks would be for just IEM use. I do have full-size headphones, but I never use them on the go, so I only really need a dongle to drive HiFi audio to IEMs.
I got my Onix Alpha XL1 day before yesterday. I can hear more details and more tighter bass presentation but I feel overall sound is compressed, specially vocals which I don’t like at all. Vocals without alpha sound more fuller and when I plug in the dongle it sound compressed or recessed. What could be the reason for this? Please suggest. I am listening to youtube music on HP 840 Elitebook G8 laptop through my Sennheiser HD600 headphone connected to usb c thunderbolt port of my laptop.
Thanks. I am aware. Personally it defeats the purpose of its design form factor, even though its somewhat larger dongle sized (as more are getting larger these days). The cable has to be supplied with another power source or powerbank. Theres another where others they use a usb hub bypass for it to work. Seeing all these, for lack of kinder word, looks kinda ridiculous and impractical to me Edit: it being a less elegant solution or cumbersome with pc or phone using a connector place to then over another connector before only then attaching the iem or headphone = is no longer a practical portable solution the form factor it was originally designed for Edit: that C19 cable is too short to attach to laptop or pc, and then it needs a secondary power supply near it. So its now no longer a dongle but dongle and cable to powerbank (or secondary USB Hub or adapter) and cable to phone/laptop and cable to IEM/headphone. Doesnt it look ridiculous?
@@mTLpHfumfaomd you are so right! It's just not portable anymore. It defies the very purpose and nature of its segment, portable DAC/AMP. That's the reason I returned mine for full refund.
I have the Aful Snowy night, which I am content with. I'm not sure if the sound signature is dependent on the DAC chip, but if it does I'm gonna stay with Snowy Night. Excellent review Dave!
Have both. They really compliment each other. Snowy Night is more analytical, while the Alpha is more warm. Alpha has better features, but it is bulky and has a poor cable. Snowy Night has an excellent cable, as you know.
I insist! They even have matched my dunu kima (2 tiers above)! Fortunately I got them on a clearance sale (44€) otherwise I'd really piseed on DUNU! NO, things didn't chance... The level is still very similar.
I own this dongle and love it. Only dongle I like more is the DC-Elite, but that one is $450... So, yeah. This bad boy is the price-to-performance CHAMP!! Pair it with an external battery and the CB-19 cable from iBasso and it levels up once again. Highly rec'd...
At 9:52 you state that high voltage output (4v max in high gain) and high power output combined mames a difference, but output voltage and output power are not separate they are always combined you cant have one without the other p=u2/r
Although i need to invest and buy ddHIFI TC28C Pro since it wont play nice with my phone (Xiaomi 13T), the value is still thru the roof. 🤣My best blind buy. I've had it for about a month now.
This is almost half the price and has great play/stop, volume up/down, next/previous track buttons... I found those to be so convenient... and it sounds great. I would just get the Onix
Andy over at dongle madness has already compared the two in his DC07 review. Different sound signatures with Onix being smoother with more weight and DC07 being smooth but more analytical. If you're interested in paying DC07 prices, I'd suggest waiting for DC07 vs L&P W2U reviews...
Is there really any point in owning a dap ? I have owned alot of high end daps and you can barely tell the difference between something like the onix alpha and shanling m6 ultra
I owned this portable dongle and had to return it because my Samsung A52 could not power it and so many more smartphones out there can't power this power hungry beast. And to be honest, having to plug a power bank to a portable DAC and then to my phone... Where's the "portable" in that?! The filters and the impact they have in sound were not mentioned in this review and they to have clear listening impact.
@@larsjunge let's just say that there are quite a few smartphones and DAPs that can't power the ONIX. You should make sure yours does before pulling the trigger on this one.
Onix should have called it Alpha 1, because it's xi and not XL. You aren't the first one to call it XL. This dongle has so many features for $110. Great detailed review.
I did not like it at all. It killed the sound of my IEM.. it sounded so dull as it killed the bass and treble extension. It has more note weight as you mentioned but killed the dynamics at the same time. I can see people liking it if they are into analogue dongles. I would just like to note that it may not end up to your liking since it has a bit of coloration.
I agree that it colours the sound and isn’t the clearest there is. I’d recommend KA17 if you’re looking for the clear HiFi sounds, as opposed to analog sound
I don't trust your "tastes" (not Reviews, let's be clear). In the budget tier list you praised zero 2, Wan'er and.... I can say they were alright! But, even after your skip about moondrop chu II, I ordered them! And... Geez... THEY ARE FANTASTIC! At least for my tastes. So please... If you wanna be a good reviewer like CRIN, never ever put your ears ahead of others, like they were gold... Because, sorry if I say that: You are not gold. Just a passionate like us, with just more experience, but nothing more. 🙂
So if I'm understanding this correctly, you say you don't trust HIS tastes because he gave a subjective recommendations of IEM's according to his subjective opinion which you didn't agree with. But then literally gave your opinion on the Moondrop Chu II's as fantastic based on your subjective opinion and add "At least for my tastes" Are you saying your taste in IEM's are better than his? And you're gold he's not?
This is a review channel. These are his personal opinions on the product. While I'm sure he is open to your critique, you yourself also put a review opinion in your comment. Not all reviewers will share our taste but rather give different perspectives and maybe show different features and views.
Crin is a reviewer with odd tastes, to be honest. Just look at his reference curve vs the collab IEMs he's worked on. They're nothing alike. I can't even imagine listening to an IEM with an FR curve that matched his reference curve 🤦
I’m using Iphone15/AK HC4/Tangzu Nezha /VORTEX EDDIE SQUARED.(Apple Music) Tried it on dap(Sonywm1z2a), it gave me the bass that I wanted . My question is will onix gives me bass I want , I like how the Nezha produces bass , solid deep fast a good kick , but I do want it just a bit more Since buying that dap is lot of money Many thanks
Hi bro, im about to buy this DAC, is it work on Iphone 15(apple music)? Or apple dongle is enough? I will pair it with MP145. Thanks hope you can help me to decide👊🏻
I blind bought this one a few weeks ago. I loved the implementation of this one, my Pilgrim likes this dongle better than my desktop stack.
Whats your desktop setup
This thing is indeed incredible. The detail, soundstage and imaging it extracts from a lot of my IEMs and headphones without resorting to cheap tricks like overly accentuated treble is hard to believe.
Your reviews are next level! This Dongle is very impressive!
There was a change in sound depending on the sound filter, so which filter did you like the most?
Great review. I agree, I have KA17 as well as the Alpha 1, both are simply great devices. I far prefer the Alpha 1 with my bright, slightly unnatural Hifiman Ananda, but then I very much prefer the KA17 with my IEMs (Variations, Mega5EST). Weird how different devices react to different DACs.
Anyway, you forgot to mention that the KA17 has the advantage of having a PEQ, which is absolutely great since it’s v2 update.
Cheers
Hey there. I own a KA17 as well but the PEQ has never seemed to work well for me. When I switch the EQ from off or bypass to any of my custom user presets, the sound seems as though it's bit crushed for a lack of a better description, even when the user preset is set to be completely flat. I've updated to the v2 firmware and tried changing settings and devices but it's always the same result. Have you noticed this on yours?
Currently using one with my Binary Dynaquattro. Absolutely amazing especially for the price 👌🏼
Can you brief about your overall experience please? Onix alpha with binary dynaquattro
I have the Moondrop Dawn Pro and I'm pairing it with my Fiio FT1 closed back headphones. It doesn't sound as good as my iFi Zen CAN & DAC stack. I'm thinking about getting this Onix Alpha XL1. Would it be able to drive the FiiO FT1 as well as the Hifiman Sundara?
Thanks for your review! I blind bought this dongle last month for 95$. But it still on shipment, so i haven't try it yet. Can't wait to try this dongle🔥🔥
Great review and a terrific product to discover! I have the Sensei, Woo Audio Tube, IBasso DC Elite, Moonriver 2, Questyle M15, Aune Yuki, jade audio KA13. Can’t wait to try it out!
Did you get it? What do you think of it compared to your other devices?
yeah would like to know ur experience
Thank you for the review 👍
There have been quite a number of reports of portable devices like phones, not being able to drive the XL1. Did you run into any of these issues when testing portable devices?
If not, which devices did you use with it?
I paired this with iBasso's CB19 ( I.e. external power source can be used ) and it sounds extremely CLEAN.
Yeah thats my take as well, really clean and detailed sound. Anyone looking for a dongle can safely but this. I also have the new Hiby FD5 at hand (Dac/Amp) and at 4 x times the price im not sure I even like it more
Hi would this be enough to drive eg the beyerdynamic 770 80 ohm full size headphones?
I just got one of these twon days ago. It's super good. I came from a 10 dollar CS-pro 31993. So it was a pretty big upgrade for me.
The black and gold color combo is cool!
I bought this dongle without any real knowledge based on specs and low price, and it instantly became my daily driver. On sale for sub $100USD this thing is incredible. It's legit good regardless of price. And honestly, Onix underpriced this thing to the consumer's benefit. Most competitors are $150-250.
Dave the quality of your videos is always superb. I was looking at the ka17 to run my hifiman he400se but the onix is looking like I could save 40 bucks.
If i already have ka17, would you recommend getting this?
The sound quality of ka17 is better than onix, but onix has a certain charm and sounds like a desktop setup
If you want an analog, smooth sound, then yes.
The only issue that I think that should mentioned is the compatibility with many mobiles. Is something to mention as that issue makes Alpha not usable so as every user to listen the abilities that can offer.
Do you know for which mobiles the Xl1 is not working as intended?
Have you ever tried the Queststyle m15?
No FC6 comparison?
One point. Some Samsung phones and tablets cannot power it. I have to use my laptop.
Ooh, good to know
Good thing! I will use this to my laptop.
Do you know which models of Samsung phones and tablets are not compatible?
@@PitoTheOne I know the A52 and A35 have issues. I contacted Onix and it seems that it is an issue with the dongle. I am waiting for a replacement to see if it solves the issue.
Thanks for the thorough review. Do “all the most basic settings” include L/R balance?
I’m curious what your top DAC dongle picks would be for just IEM use. I do have full-size headphones, but I never use them on the go, so I only really need a dongle to drive HiFi audio to IEMs.
This is an endgame 👑 dongle dac.
What filter are you using?
Onix alpha xl1 or shanling ua4?
Interesting. I have been eyeing this one.
I have FIIO KA17, should i buy ONIX ALPHA XL1 ?
I got my Onix Alpha XL1 day before yesterday. I can hear more details and more tighter bass presentation but I feel overall sound is compressed, specially vocals which I don’t like at all. Vocals without alpha sound more fuller and when I plug in the dongle it sound compressed or recessed. What could be the reason for this? Please suggest. I am listening to youtube music on HP 840 Elitebook G8 laptop through my Sennheiser HD600 headphone connected to usb c thunderbolt port of my laptop.
try to change filter to non oversampling
Too many reported issues in Head-Fi of incompatibility with various phones causing me to put on hold
You need to supply it with external battery to take advantage of it. Cb19 cable is your friend.
Thanks. I am aware. Personally it defeats the purpose of its design form factor, even though its somewhat larger dongle sized (as more are getting larger these days). The cable has to be supplied with another power source or powerbank. Theres another where others they use a usb hub bypass for it to work. Seeing all these, for lack of kinder word, looks kinda ridiculous and impractical to me
Edit: it being a less elegant solution or cumbersome with pc or phone using a connector place to then over another connector before only then attaching the iem or headphone = is no longer a practical portable solution the form factor it was originally designed for
Edit: that C19 cable is too short to attach to laptop or pc, and then it needs a secondary power supply near it. So its now no longer a dongle but dongle and cable to powerbank (or secondary USB Hub or adapter) and cable to phone/laptop and cable to IEM/headphone. Doesnt it look ridiculous?
@@mTLpHfumfaomd you are so right! It's just not portable anymore. It defies the very purpose and nature of its segment, portable DAC/AMP. That's the reason I returned mine for full refund.
What is better in your opinion: this or tanchjim luna?
Gizaudio, this is a good video review. Video edit level is also noticeable. Quite impressive.
I have the Shanling UA5 dongle, is this one really worth it ?
Love the sound signature of the UA5...
it's a good usb dac,the sound quality is very good，but it's a bit too warm for me 。
Is there a sound difference between moondrop dawn pro and XI1 or do they sound pretty much the same?
Between FC6 and Onyx, which one does deliver a smoother sound? By the way, great content, mate!
still betting on the FC6
Fc6 purely for IEMs
I have Moondrop dawn pro, Do u think i have need to upgrade ?
Give Shanling UA4 a try. There’s a chance that you will revise your top once again.
Currently im on EPZ -TP50, very happy with it. Is the alpha better ??
Hello have onyx uac 1.0 option for gaming consoles?
How does it compare to TRI TK-2 Audio ?
I'm glad to hear that it is so good, I got it for $90, hope it arrives soon.
Where did you find it so cheap?
I have the Aful Snowy night, which I am content with. I'm not sure if the sound signature is dependent on the DAC chip, but if it does I'm gonna stay with Snowy Night. Excellent review Dave!
Have both. They really compliment each other. Snowy Night is more analytical, while the Alpha is more warm. Alpha has better features, but it is bulky and has a poor cable. Snowy Night has an excellent cable, as you know.
@@jeffreybateman7314 Thanks for the brief comparison ❤️
I insist! They even have matched my dunu kima (2 tiers above)! Fortunately I got them on a clearance sale (44€) otherwise I'd really piseed on DUNU!
NO, things didn't chance... The level is still very similar.
What is the smallest & slimiest IEM which has excellent in all departments now? $300-$500 range
How does this compare to the Fiio Q11?
Wish it had a Bluetooth option tbh. That would make it a lot more usable imo.
Is it XL1 or XI1? I think it is XI1. Just like the I in their logo.
yep, I got it wrong, lol. thanks for the correction and thanks for watching!
I own this dongle and love it. Only dongle I like more is the DC-Elite, but that one is $450...
So, yeah. This bad boy is the price-to-performance CHAMP!!
Pair it with an external battery and the CB-19 cable from iBasso and it levels up once again.
Highly rec'd...
You should have a ranking list for all dac dongle
Still prefer a dap. Smaller. Sd card and no need for the phone
How could you compare it with the aune yuki? Do you ever try the yuki se? 🤔
Honestly there's zero Aune Yuki SE review on the internet even now.
I was hoping you’d review some Questyle dacs. The new CMA81 is making the rounds…
In comparison to the Fiio Q11, it is better in terms of power and sound output, or you get the best value for money
Have the same chip DAC in the Q11
@@bernaquinonezreveles2952 Thank you for the information. It helped me. Have a nice day
At 9:52 you state that high voltage output (4v max in high gain) and high power output combined mames a difference, but output voltage and output power are not separate they are always combined you cant have one without the other p=u2/r
Value King Portable Dac !
If I buy 4.4mm adapter to my 3.5mm cable end headphone of 70ohms, will that sound better?
Don't use an adapter from 3.5mm to 4.4mm you will ruin your headphone. Buy a separate cable instead
No.
if i have fiio btr7 is it worth it to buy these?
Although i need to invest and buy ddHIFI TC28C Pro since it wont play nice with my phone (Xiaomi 13T), the value is still thru the roof. 🤣My best blind buy. I've had it for about a month now.
review ibasso DC07 Pro asap so we can decide
This is almost half the price and has great play/stop, volume up/down, next/previous track buttons... I found those to be so convenient... and it sounds great.
I would just get the Onix
Andy over at dongle madness has already compared the two in his DC07 review. Different sound signatures with Onix being smoother with more weight and DC07 being smooth but more analytical. If you're interested in paying DC07 prices, I'd suggest waiting for DC07 vs L&P W2U reviews...
OK just ordered it!
se me ha estropeado antes de un mes , suena bien, cuando funciona, que es poco tiempo!!
Is there really any point in owning a dap ? I have owned alot of high end daps and you can barely tell the difference between something like the onix alpha and shanling m6 ultra
Convenience I guess? It's all in one device rather than a Phone + Dac
@@90enemies true, since my last comment i bought a shanling m1 plus because its small light and portable, it saves the phone battery
Watching the video using my Artti T10 + Onyx Alpha 😊. And what a great dongle! ❤
7Hz Artemis39?
Which it’s more powerful onix or KA17?
Ka13
@@Ricer-b4n
I was a owner of the KA13 and, no, the KA13 is less powerful than the KA17
has the technical quality decreased after the Onix Alpha upgrade to firmware 1.1.3?
headfi org lots of people say yes .
No. I cannot hear changes at all. People at headfi may have experienced placebo effect lol.
@@CATHOLIC_KNIGHT73 hmmm I will have to update today and I'll give update here
@@Stylianos. Sure
@@Stylianos. How was it?
I owned this portable dongle and had to return it because my Samsung A52 could not power it and so many more smartphones out there can't power this power hungry beast. And to be honest, having to plug a power bank to a portable DAC and then to my phone... Where's the "portable" in that?!
The filters and the impact they have in sound were not mentioned in this review and they to have clear listening impact.
I hate this trend about portable audio. It's not portable anymore, transportable at best.
What about power drain?
@@larsjunge let's just say that there are quite a few smartphones and DAPs that can't power the ONIX. You should make sure yours does before pulling the trigger on this one.
Works like a charm on Google Pixel. iPad..not so much. Power drain I find fair
I bought one of these at a bargain price.
David, thank you for another wonderful review! 👌
Reverend Dr. Thomas,
✝️ The Vegan Vicar 🌱
I call shenanigans on their stated mW numbers to add my original Fosi DS2 is more powerful than ONIX and it's only 120/250mW respectively
The Fosi could just have higher gain, even though it has less wattage which could make it sound louder
whats the best beginner dac?
Onix should have called it Alpha 1, because it's xi and not XL. You aren't the first one to call it XL.
This dongle has so many features for $110. Great detailed review.
yep, I got it wrong, lol. thanks for the correction and thanks for watching!
You should try their xm5 DAP
I did not like it at all. It killed the sound of my IEM.. it sounded so dull as it killed the bass and treble extension. It has more note weight as you mentioned but killed the dynamics at the same time. I can see people liking it if they are into analogue dongles. I would just like to note that it may not end up to your liking since it has a bit of coloration.
I agree that it colours the sound and isn’t the clearest there is. I’d recommend KA17 if you’re looking for the clear HiFi sounds, as opposed to analog sound
please..please let Timmy do the DAC review & hands-on too 🥺
Too big and heavy imo
I don't trust your "tastes" (not Reviews, let's be clear). In the budget tier list you praised zero 2, Wan'er and.... I can say they were alright!
But, even after your skip about moondrop chu II, I ordered them!
And... Geez... THEY ARE FANTASTIC!
At least for my tastes. So please... If you wanna be a good reviewer like CRIN, never ever put your ears ahead of others, like they were gold...
Because, sorry if I say that: You are not gold. Just a passionate like us, with just more experience, but nothing more. 🙂
So if I'm understanding this correctly, you say you don't trust HIS tastes because he gave a subjective recommendations of IEM's according to his subjective opinion which you didn't agree with. But then literally gave your opinion on the Moondrop Chu II's as fantastic based on your subjective opinion and add "At least for my tastes"
Are you saying your taste in IEM's are better than his? And you're gold he's not?
Yes. Please clarify what you mean here
This is a review channel. These are his personal opinions on the product. While I'm sure he is open to your critique, you yourself also put a review opinion in your comment. Not all reviewers will share our taste but rather give different perspectives and maybe show different features and views.
Crin is a reviewer with odd tastes, to be honest. Just look at his reference curve vs the collab IEMs he's worked on. They're nothing alike. I can't even imagine listening to an IEM with an FR curve that matched his reference curve 🤦
@@nmatheis so Your taste > Crins taste is that correct?
i've got this when it first launched to the market, really super great dongle!
I’m using Iphone15/AK HC4/Tangzu Nezha /VORTEX EDDIE SQUARED.(Apple Music)
Tried it on dap(Sonywm1z2a), it gave me the bass that I wanted . My question is will onix gives me bass I want , I like how the Nezha produces bass , solid deep fast a good kick , but I do want it just a bit more
Since buying that dap is lot of money
Many thanks
Hi bro, im about to buy this DAC, is it work on Iphone 15(apple music)? Or apple dongle is enough? I will pair it with MP145. Thanks hope you can help me to decide👊🏻