ONIX Alpha XI1 Review
ONIX Alpha XI1 Review
Introduction:
ONIX, a British Hi-Fi brand, traces its roots back to Brighton in 1979. Founded by Tony Brady and later established by Michael O’Brien, the company gained international recognition for its amplifiers during the 1980s. Following a period of restructuring and acquisition by Rogers Speakers, ONIX expanded into the speaker market.
In 1997, the brand was acquired by a Taiwanese company, aiming to preserve its British engineering heritage while introducing ONIX to a new generation. Today, under the leadership of Mr. Pu Hsao Hsiung and in partnership with Chinese manufacturer Shanling, ONIX produces CD players, integrated amplifiers, and headphone-focused products. While the brand’s core remains rooted in British sound principles, its operations have evolved from Brighton to Taiwan and now benefit from the manufacturing capabilities of Shanling in Shenzhen.
The ONIX Alpha XI1 is a portable USB DAC/Amplifier equipped with remarkable audio components and a user-friendly interface. Featuring dual flagship CS43198 DAC chips and dual SGM8262 amplification chips, the XI1 offers decent audio quality for the price and supports high-resolution audio formats. Its sleek metallic design houses an OLED display, physical controls, and multiple headphone output options including 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm Balanced. The device offers customizable settings through the Eddict Player app while maintaining efficient power consumption.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank ONIX and Shanling for providing me the Alpha XI1 USB DAC/Amplifier as review sample. I am not affiliated with ONIX and Shanling beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered, opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The actual price for the ONIX Alpha XI1 is 109.00 US$. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
The ONIX Alpha XI1 came square shaped black box with a cardboard sleave that has the illustration of the device and some brandings on its surface.
Inside the box of the Alpha XI1 are the following items:
- 1 x ONIX Alpha XI1 Portable USB DAC/Amplifier Dongle
- 1 x USB Type-C to USB Type-C Cable
- USB Type-C to USB A adapter
- 1 x Some Print material (User Manual, Warranty Card)
Besides the standard accessories listed above, ONYX offers a nicely crafted leather case that is sold separately. I recommend ordering one.
Design & Build Quality:
The ONIX Alpha XI1 exudes a captivating blend of modern technology and retro aesthetics. Its design is a harmonious fusion of form and function. The device boasts a robust build quality, featuring a combination of meticulously machined aluminum, tempered glass, and a soft-touch faux leather back panel. This combination of materials enhances the device’s perceived quality and tactile experience. The deep black chassis, accented by striking golden yellow elements, harkens back to the classic audio equipment of yesteryears, giving the Alpha XI1 a timeless appeal.
With dimensions of 63.8x32x14mm and a weight of 37.8g, the device presents a larger form factor compared to many other portable USB DAC/Amplifier dongles on the market. However, I believe that this increased size allows for the integration of some components that can’t be used with smaller devices and contributes to a more substantial build.
The front face of the device is dominated by a 0.87-inch OLED display, providing a clear and concise interface for device control and information display about Sampling Rate, Volume, Gain, Filter, etc. The monochrome aesthetic of the screen complements the overall minimalist design, while 8 customizable fonts allow users to tailor the display to their personal preferences.
Below the screen, a trio of tactile buttons offers intuitive control over volume, playback, and advanced settings. These physical controls provide a satisfying user experience and add to the device’s retro charm.
The ONYX brand logo in gold color is also prominently displayed on the near the top of the front face.
On the bottom of the device, users will find both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs. These dual output options cater to a wide range of headphones and provide flexibility for users with different listening preferences. The inclusion of a balanced output is particularly noteworthy and has become the new standard for USB DAC/amplifiers in dongle form.
The rear panel of the Alpha XI1 features a smooth faux leather surface, adding a touch of elegance to the device’s design. The faux leather back panel not only complements the device’s retro aesthetic but also provides a comfortable grip.
At the top of the device, users will find a USB-C port for both data transfer and power delivery. This single port serves as the primary connection point for the Alpha XI1.
Overall, the ONIX Alpha XI1 has a robust build quality, featuring a solid aluminum chassis and premium materials.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : Alpha XI1
- DAC Chips : Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198
- Decoding : 32-Bit/786kHz PCM and Native DSD256
- Digital Filters : 5 Different Options
- AMP : Dual SGM8262 Amplification chip
- Gain Setting : Low & High
- Output Ports : 3.5mm Single Ended + 4.4mm Balanced
- SNR : 126dB(3.5mm), 129dB(4.4mm)
- Noise Floor : 1uV(3.5mm), 1.5uV(4.4mm)
- THD+N : 3.5mm SE<0.0004% / 4.4mm BAL <0.0005%
- DNR : 125dB(3.5mm), 129dB(4.4mm)
- Output Impedance : 3.5mm 0.4Ω / 4.4mm BAL 0.8Ω
- Output Power : 2.4V@32Ω (180mW@32Ω) / 4.4mm BAL 4V@32Ω (500mW@32Ω)
- Channel Separation : 3.5mm SE 71dB@32Ω / 4.4mm BAL 99dB@32Ω
- Dimensions : 63.8x32x14mm
- Weight : 37.8g
Hardware & Software Features:
Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) Section:
The ONIX Alpha XI1 features a Cirrus Logic dual CS43198 DAC chip setup, capable of processing high-resolution audio signals including PCM up to 32-Bit/768kHz and native DSD256. This translates to low noise and distortion, with a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of ≥126dB and ≥129dB for the 3.5mm jack and 4.4mm balanced output, respectively, at 32Ω. Additionally, the device demonstrates exceptional Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N) of just 0.0004%.
The DAC inside the Alpha XI1 offers 5 different digital filters that can be selected under the filters section.
Amplifier Section (AMP) & Hissing:
The ONIX Alpha XI1 is equipped with a dual SGM8262 headphone amplifier that offers a maximum output power of up to 500mW@32Ω (High Gain) through the 4.4mm balanced output, which has an impedance of 0.8Ω. The 3.5mm single-ended output offers up to 180mW@32Ω (High Gain) with an impedance of 0.4Ω, making it sufficiently powerful for both IEMs and higher demanding full-sized headphones such as the FiiO FT5 planar headphone.
The Alpha XI1 shows a relatively low amount of background noise when using sensitive IEMs, that was audible with the HiBy Project ACE as a hissing magnet.
Software & Compatibility:
The ONIX Alpha XI1 supports Shanling’s Eddict Player Application, which you can download for Android devices. The app provides access to settings like Gain (Low & High), Filters, Channel Balance, etc. I don’t think you will need to download the app since you can do all of that directly from the device. Maybe further updates will bring additional functions to make the app more useful
The device is compatible with a wide range of sources including Android & iOS devices, and Windows 8/10/11 (older models may need to install an additional driver) & Mac computers, which work driverless.
Equipment’s used for this review:
- DAC/AMP’s : ONIX Alpha XI1, iBasso DC06 Pro
- IEM’s : Shanling SONO, Meze Audio ALBA, HiBy Project ACE
- Headphones : FiiO FT5
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
- Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
- Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
- Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The ONIX Alpha XI1 presents a warm and inviting sonic character. Its midrange is rich and engaging, while the bass offers a solid foundation. The treble is extended and smooth, adding airiness without becoming overly bright. Now, let’s take a closer look to the sonic performance of the device.
The ONIX Alpha XI1 review has been written after a burn-in period of approx. 100 hours. My sound experiences below are mainly based on auditions with IEM’s like the Shanling SONO, Meze Audio ALBA and HiBy Project ACE over the 4.4mm Balanced output.
Bass:
The ONIX Alpha XI1 delivers a bass response that is both impactful and controlled. It extends deep into the lower frequencies, providing a solid foundation for electronic and bass-heavy genres when paired with IEM’s like the Shanling SONO and the MEZE Audio ALBA. The low and response while listen to the FiiO FT5 planar headphone sounded well-articulated with individual notes remaining distinct even when the music becomes complex. While there’s a satisfying amount of quantity, the Alpha XI1 avoids the bloated or muddy character that can sometimes plague devices in this price range. The bass is tight and controlled, offering good definition and speed for a product at this price point.
Midrange:
The midrange presentation of the ONIX Alpha XI1 very enjoyable. It is rich, mildly warm and shows great sense of body in the lower midrange. The midrange has a forward presentation with good amount of clarity and detail retrieval with respect of its price. Both male and female voices are reproduced with a pretty natural timbre, showing good body and weight. Instruments in the midrange are generally portrayed with precision, showcasing their texture, which was audible with IEMs like the Meze Audio ALBA and HiBy Project ACE. But what I do really like about the Alpha XI1’s midrange is the warmth and fullness that adds a touch of richness, a characteristic typically found in retro Hi-Fi devices that has been well simulated. This warmth contributes to a smooth and engaging listening experience, making the Alpha XI1 equally enjoyable for both acoustic and electronic music.
Treble:
The treble is relative extended and airy, with a good amount of sparkle and information, considering the Alpha XI1’s affordable price. The Alpha XI1 avoids any harshness or sibilance, presenting a fairly refined and quite smooth high-frequency response, which is often a challenge for devices in this price range. Cymbals and high-pitched instruments are rendered with efficient level of precision and accuracy, especially when paired with the HiBy Project ACE. The Alpha XI1 handles complex passages with ease, resolving intricate details without sounding congested, which is impressive given its price point. Overall, the treble performance is well-balanced, contributing to a listening experience that is both engaging and fatigue-free when paired with the right IEM and Headphone.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The ONYX Alpha XI1 creates an intimate soundstage with above average sense of instrument separation and layering. While it doesn’t offer the expansive width of higher-end models like the Shanling UA5 or the Cayin RU7, it provides a well-defined and focused listening experience. Imaging is quite precise, with instruments and vocals placed fairly accurately within the soundstage.
Comparison:
ONIX Alpha XI1 vs. iBasso DC06 Pro:
The ONIX Alpha XI1 and the iBasso DC06 Pro represent compelling options in the affordable DAC/Amplifier market. While both devices deliver a solid performance, they cater to distinct sonic preferences.
The Alpha XI1 leans towards a warmer and more engaging sound signature. Its midrange is rich and full-bodied, adding a touch of warmth that contributes to a smooth and enjoyable listening experience. The bass is impactful and controlled, while the treble is extended and airy without veering into harshness. This combination results in a sound that is both involving and pleasant.
In contrast, the iBasso DC06 Pro prioritizes a more neutral and analytical presentation. Its midrange is detailed and accurate, allowing for precise vocal reproduction and instrument timbre. The bass is controlled and well-articulated, providing a solid foundation for the music. The treble is balanced and extended, offering good clarity and airiness without excessive brightness.
While both devices handle complex musical passages with competence, the DC06 Pro often shows slightly better clarity and resolution. The Alpha XI1, on the other hand, excels in creating a more immersive and engaging listening experience.
Conclusion:
The ONIX Alpha XI1 distinguishes itself as a compelling contender in the portable DAC/amplifier market. Its fusion of retro aesthetics and modern technology yields a device that is both visually appealing and sonically accomplished. The Alpha XI1 delivers a rich, engaging sound profile characterized by a well-balanced tonal signature. While it may not redefine audio performance benchmarks, it undoubtedly exceeds expectations for its price point, providing a satisfying listening experience across diverse musical genres. Ultimately, the ONIX Alpha XI1 proves to be a capable and stylish companion for those looking for a portable audio solution that delivers a warm and involving sound.
Pros & Cons:
- + Balanced sound signature with emphasis on warm midrange
- + Good bass response with control and depth
- + Smooth yet airy treble without harshness
+ Attractive retro-inspired design - + Solid build quality with premium Materials
- + Output Power (500mW@32ohm: 4.4mm Balanced Output)
- + OLED display for clear information
- + Excellent Value for the Price
- – Not for those seeking an analytical sounding source
- – Larger form factor compared to other dongles
- – The quality of the cable included in the box is average, neither exceptional nor particularly poor
Thank you for the Read!
