Recognized for its video readers, Zidoo has brilliantly converted to the purely audio sector with its brand Eversolo, especially with the very impressive Streamers DMP-A6 and DMP-A8. The group’s new brand, Luxin, is also dedicated to audio. It offers ambitious devices but at the visibly reasonable price. Its first creation, the Luxin X9, is a DAC/amplifier helmet/preamp which intends to make an impression.
Everseolo air for an ultra complete device
We do not do it again, the filiation between Eversolo and Luxin is quite obvious in design, if only through a few precise stylistic touches. Thus the X9 has, for example, the same grooved flanks as the DMP-A8. Of course, the device is entitled to the same premium treatment as the Zidoo/Eversolo models, taking advantage of an entirely anodized aluminum chassis, which is based on decoupling feet.
For the rest, this new brand is distinguished positively. For example, we can evoke the thick facade cut like a prism. This brings a fairly original style, tilting the headphone outputs, the multifunction wheel circulated by LEDs, as well as the 4-inch touch screen (960 x 400). The latter provides access to the various settings and displays purely aesthetic elements, such as vumters.
As a DAC/Modern Helmet/Preamplifier Amplifier, the Luxin X9 puts the package on connectors, composed of:
- Digital inputs: USB-B (interface with XMOS XU316 chip), HDMI ARC, TOSLINK optics, RCA S/PDIF, Bluetooth 5.0 chip with double antenna. Unfortunately, the latter obviously only supports the SBC and AAC codecs.
- RCA analog entrances (line).
- Analog outputs: RCA (line and preamp), XLR (line and preamp), low RCA low level for subwoofers.
- Sorties casque : XLR 4 broches, jack 6,35 mm, jack 4,4 mm.
- Others: 12 V trigger input and output in 3.5 mm Jack format.
In fact, only a dimension connected to the whole. However, like Everseolo models, the Luxin X9 can be checked via a dedicated smartphone application. Orders are also controlled from a remote control (delivered), capable of operating in infrared and Bluetooth.
A very high -end technical base
Unsurprisingly, this device remains in the Zidoo tradition, it therefore emphasizes high -end components and an advanced architecture (on paper), fully symmetrical.
To start, the conversion goes through the highest-end set of the AKM manufacturer, namely a Delta-Sigma AK4191EQ modulator associated with the AK4499EX converter. This duo supports (via the USB-B port) PCM flows up to 32 bits/768 kHz and the DSD512 in native.
On the preamplification side, the manufacturer is not satisfied withto offer a simple attenuation, But equips your device with a circuit capable of bringing a gain of 10 dB max. We can therefore consider him as a real preamplifier.
The helmet amplification circuit uses homemade feedback technology, called DNF (Dynamic Negative Feedback), which combines OPA1612 and TPA6120A2 operational amplifiers. The volume control rests entirely on an R2R circuit, which according to Luxin limits the gap between the two right/left channels to 0.1 dB.
The manufacturer is also full of praise on the power supply, placed on a separate card. Obviously, the X9 is based solely on a linear power supply for the entire circuit, we are not entitled to a second diet (cutting) as on the Eversolo DMP-A8. Be that as it may, Luxin praises the very high -end orientation of the circuit, including the PSRR (supply rejection rate) does not exceed 40 NV.
In terms of numbers, the Luxin X9 wants to put the view of it, although the manufacturer does not provide almost any precision concerning the measurements: it announces a signal/noise ratio up to 128 dB, a total harmonic distortion + noise less than -116 dB and an output voltage that can climb up to 15 VRMs on the headphone outputs.
Very useful settings
The Luxin X9 is also distinguished from most of its competitors by its integrated settings. The device gives access to the crossfeed, as well as a sounding mode, allowing to adjust the width and depth of the sound scene.
But what really differentiates the X9 concerns its HP-EQ equalization technology. This can automatically adjust the integrated equalizer settings as a function of the targeted helmet. Thanks to a base of more than 2,500 headphones, the X9 is thus capable of “correcting” the frequency response in order to get closer to the Harman curve. Of course, the user keeps their hands on equalization and can always manually change the frequencies. All the sound adjustments go through a DSP AK7739 from AKM.
Available during the month of Junethe Luxin X9 will be sold in France at the cost of 1100 euros. Without being affordable, it seems attractive in view of what it offers.
Luxin X9 specifications
- Type: DAC/preamplifier/headphone amplifier
- 4 -inch TFT screen (960 x 400)
- DAC : AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
- Compatibility: PCM 32 bit/768 kHz, DSD512
- OPA1612 et TPA6120A2
- DSP Akm ak739
- Volume control with R2R circuit
- Digital inputs: USB-B (Interface with XMOS XU316 chip), HDMI ARC, TOSLINK optics, RCA S/PDIF, Bluetooth 5.0 chip with double antenna (support for SBC and AAC codecs))
- RCA analog inputs (line)
- Analog outputs: RCA (line and preamp), XLR (line and preamp), Double RCA low level for Basse de Basses
- Sorties casque : XLR 4 broches, jack 6,35 mm, jack 4,4 mm
- Others: Trigger 12 V input and output in 3.5 mm jack format
- Dimensions : 300 x 206 x 65 mm
- Poids : 3,72 kg
- Prix : 1100 euros
