ONIX ALPHA XI1
Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier
The ONIX Alpha XI1 is the brand's first portable DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and headphone amplifier. It draws heavily from the Shanling UA4 in its capabilities, but beyond the elegant black design, it also offers a new converter-amplifier combination. Thanks to the dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chip and dual SGM8262 amplification, it provides 180mW @ 32 Ohm power output on the single-ended output, while it reaches 500mW @ 32 Ohm on the balanced one. The sound is remarkably clear, yet distinctive.
The XI1 features a 0.87” monochrome display for quick access to settings, which, along with playback, can be navigated using three physical buttons. The traditionally designed ONIX, durable, and sleek black aluminum housing is equipped with USB Type-C input and 3.5mm SE, 4.4mm BAL output connectors.
It's rare to find truly excellent sound quality in such a small package. Despite its size, it forms the perfect pair with sensitive premium earphones, but it also suits demanding planar magnetic headphones.
