xDuoo DM-01 Review
xDuoo DM-01 Review
Introduction:
xDuoo is a brand from China known for manufacturing audio equipment, including digital-to-analog converters (DACs), amplifiers, and portable audio devices. The brand has established a presence by offering products that aim to combine affordability with functional performance. Their latest offering, the xDuoo DM-01, is a Desktop DAC/Amplifier that marries modern technology with nostalgic elements, featuring a hybrid tube and transistor architecture. With a distinctive robot-android inspired design, dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips, and support for high-resolution formats like PCM 32Bit/384kHz, DSD256, and MQA 8X, the DM-01 delivers a unique cyberpunk HiFi experience. It also incorporates Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio technology, supporting quality codecs like LDAC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive, making it a versatile choice for both wired and wireless usage scenarios.
This review reflects my personal hands-on experience with the device, exploring its design, features, and sound performance after extensive testing.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Shenzhen Audio and xDuoo for providing me the DM-01 DAC/Amplifier as review sample. I am not affiliated with Shenzhen Audio and xDuoo beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered, opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The xDuoo DM-01 is priced at approx. $279.00 USD, though prices may vary slightly depending on the time of purchase. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
The xDuoo DM-01 arrives in a sleek, minimalist box branded with “XBOT DM-01,” featuring a stylized robot-android design that reflects its cyberpunk theme. The packaging includes an outer box and an inner box containing the device, designed to ensure protection during shipping while maintaining an appealing presentation.
Inside the box you’ll find the following items;
- 1 x xDuoo DM-01 Desktop DAC/Amplifier
- 1 x USB Type-C cable
- 1 x Power Cable
- 4 x Stickers
- 1 x 6.35 to 3.5mm Converter
- 1 x User Manual & Warranty card
Design & Build Quality:
The xDuoo DM-01 features a distinctive robot-android inspired design, aiming to bring a playful yet functional aesthetic to the desktop DAC/amplifier market. It measures 17.5cm wide, 8.6cm deep, and 6cm high, and weighs 0.73kg, making it a relatively compact and lightweight device.
The chassis is crafted from a single piece of aluminum alloy using CNC technology, finished in a vibrant turquoise color. The aluminum casing is designed to help prevent external interference. The weight distribution, with a heavier bottom and lighter top, is intended to promote stability when placed on a desk. The device is positioned as a component that can integrate into a desktop audio setup, connecting with computers, headphones, and other audio equipment.
The front panel of the DM-01 is designed to resemble the face of a robot, adding a whimsical touch to its appearance. It features two LED indicators shaped like circular eyes, which glow to indicate the device’s status. These LEDs change colors to reflect operational states: red for USB input, yellow for a successful USB connection at 44.1kHz-48kHz, cyan for USB sampling rates of 88.2kHz-96kHz, green for DSD64 playback, white for DSD256 playback, and purple for Bluetooth formats like SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, or LDAC.
Below the LEDs, the xDuoo logo is illuminated by a status indicator light that visually ties into the eye-like LEDs. The xDuoo logo is in the form of a circuit-board-like graphic, reinforcing the android aesthetic.
What’s more, the DM-01 comes with four different stickers you can apply to this area, making the device even more customizable. Near the display is a small microphone integrated into the center, though its exact functionality isn’t specified in the manual.
The rear panel is equipped with essential connectivity options, maintaining the robot aesthetic with a clean layout. It includes an AUX output for analog audio, a USB Type-C input for digital connectivity, and a DC 12V power input to supply the device with its required DC12V/2A power source. The four corners of this panel are secured with visible screws, adding to the industrial, robotic look while ensuring the chassis remains tightly assembled.
The left panel of the DM-01 features one of the robot’s arms, a cleverly designed lever that serves as the power switch. When the arm is raised to the “On” position, the device powers on, and when lowered to the “Off” position, it shuts down, adding an interactive element to the design. Below this arm, a 6.3mm headphone output is positioned, ideal for connecting a wide range of headphones. A metal button that looks like the ear of the robot allows for volume reduction, providing tactile control over audio levels.
The right panel mirrors the left with another robot arm, this time functioning as a mode selector. Raising the arm to the “USB Mode” position enables USB input, while lowering it to “BT Mode” activates Bluetooth connectivity, leveraging the device’s Qualcomm QCC3084 chip for Bluetooth 5.4 with support for aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC formats. Another button on this panel also reduces volume.
The top of the DM-01 showcases its most distinctive feature: a replaceable 12AU7 vacuum tube. This tube, which glows warmly when the device is powered on, serves as a pre-amp, adding a sweet and exquisite quality to the sound. The visibility of the tube not only enhances the visual appeal.
Overall, the xDuoo DM-01’s design is a delightful fusion of form and function, with its robot-android aesthetic setting it apart from conventional DACs. The turquoise metal construction, combined with interactive elements like the arm levers and glowing 12AU7 tube, creates a device that is as enjoyable to interact with as it is to listen through.
Technical Specifications:
- Model: xDuoo DM-01
- DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131
- USB Processor: XMOS XU316
- Vacuum Tube: 12AU7
- Bluetooth Chip: Qualcomm QCC3084 (Bluetooth 5.4)
- Inputs: USB Type-C, Bluetooth
- Outputs: AUX, 6.3mm Headphone
- Power Source: DC12V/2A
- Compliant OS: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, iOS, Android
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz (±0.5dB)
- Bluetooth Formats: AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC
- Sampling Rate (USB): PCM 16-32Bit/44.1k-384kHz, DSD DOP/NATIVE DSD64-256, DXD 24-32Bit/352.8k-384kHz, MQA 8X
- Headphone Output Parameters:
- Output Power: 1500mW (32Ω load)
- THD+N: ≤0.3% @ 1kHz
- SNR: 116dB
- Crosstalk: ≥67dB
- AUX Output Parameters:
- Output Level: 6Vrms
- THD+N: ≤0.2% @ 1kHz
- SNR: 116dB
- Crosstalk: ≥70dB
- Power Consumption: <25W
- Standby Power: <0.5W
- Size: 17.5×8.6x6cm
- Weight: 0.73kg
Hardware Features:
Digital-to-Analog Converter:
The DM-01 employs dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips, recognized for their effective decoding performance, low noise, and high resolution. These chips support PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256 in both DOP and Native modes, DXD at 24-32Bit/352.8k-384kHz, and MQA 8X decoding, accommodating a wide range of high-resolution audio formats. The XMOS XU316 16-core USB processor facilitates decoding, supporting high-quality audio formats like DSD and MQA, and provides an accurate decoding process.
Amplification & Background Noise:
The DM-01 features a hybrid tube and transistor architecture, utilizing a 12AU7 vacuum tube for amplification and transistors in a Class A buffer configuration. This combination produces a warm sound characteristic from the tube’s even-order harmonics, perceived as soft and natural, while the transistors contribute high fidelity and quick transient response. The tube pre-amp adds a warm quality to the audio, and the Class A transistor buffer provides an output power of 1500mW at 32Ω, capable of driving headphones with impedances ranging from 16 to 600 ohms. The THD+N of ≤0.3% at 1kHz and an SNR of 116dB result in clean audio output with minimal noise, suitable for both high-impedance headphones and sensitive IEMs. The inclusion of ELNA capacitors, supports the audio performance of the device.
XMOS XU316 for Native DSD:
The XMOS XU316 USB processor handles decoding of high-resolution audio, supporting PCM up to 384kHz, DSD256, and MQA 8X. Its asynchronous USB transmission reduces jitter, contributing to improved audio clarity. The DM-01 is compatible with Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android systems. Additionally, the device offers USB1.1 and USB2.0 dual mode connectivity, ensuring compatibility with a broader range of devices, including gaming consoles.
Connectivity:
The DM-01 provides USB Type-C input for wired connectivity and Bluetooth 5.4 via the Qualcomm QCC3084 chip, supporting LE Audio technology for efficient transmission and low latency. It supports codecs like AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and LDAC, maintaining good audio quality over Bluetooth. Outputs include a 6.3mm headphone jack and an AUX output with a 6Vrms output level, offering flexibility for both headphone and speaker setups. The device accommodates various use cases, such as USB decoding with computers, Bluetooth decoding with smartphones, and Bluetooth decoding with AUX output for TV and active speaker setups, making it adaptable for different audio
MQA Decoding:
The DM-01 supports MQA 8X decoding, enabling playback of Master Quality Authenticated audio with clear detail, particularly through its USB input. This feature, along with DSD support, ensures that high-resolution streaming files are reproduced accurately, reflecting the original recording quality.
Equipment’s used for this review:
- DAC : xDuoo DM-01
- Source : MSI Vector GP68 HX
- IEM/Headphones: HiFiMAN Sundara CB, SIVGA P2 Pro, 7Hz Timeless 2, TRN Shell
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- 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)
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Adele – 25 (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- 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 (Apple Music Lossless)
- 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 (Apple Music)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Apple Music Lossless)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Giorgio by Moroder (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Apple Music Lossless)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
- 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 (Apple Music Lossless)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music)
- Miles Davis – So What (Apple Music Lossless)
- The Eagles – Hotel California (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- 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)
- Dream Theater – Fall into the Light (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- 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)
- Tool – Forty Six & 2 (Apple Music Lossless)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Apple Lossless)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Apple Music Lossless)
- Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
The Sound:
The xDuoo DM-01 produces a sound profile influenced by its hybrid 12AU7 tube and transistor architecture, offering a combination of warmth from the tube and clarity from the dual CS43131 DAC chips. The LE Audio support via Bluetooth 5.4 maintains good fidelity in wireless playback, adding versatility for different setups.
Please note that this review has written after a burn-in period of about 100 hours. My sound Impression below are mainly based on pairings with headphones like the HiFiMAN Sundara CB (Closed-Back), SIVGA P2 Pro headphones and IEM’s like the 7HZ Timeless 2 and TRN Shell.
Bass:
The bass output of the DM-01 is characterized by a solid low-end presence, supported by the 12AU7 tube’s even-order harmonics, which contribute a warm tone. The Class A transistor buffer delivers 1500mW at 32Ω, suitable for driving headphones and IEMs with impedances from 16 to 600 ohms. The midbass region provides a noticeable foundation, adding body to the sound.
With the HiFiMAN Sundara Closed-Back, the bass in Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories” shows a controlled sub-bass response, with the midbass maintaining a warm undertone that supports the track’s rhythm section. The 7Hz Timeless 2 delivers a precise sub-bass performance, where the upright bass lines are shown with a natural decay, though the midbass can occasionally feel slightly emphasized, which might add a bit of warmth that not all listeners may prefer for highly analytical tracks. Overall, the bass is well-controlled and adapts to different gear, making it suitable for various music styles, though the warmth may slightly mask finer sub-bass details in very complex compositions.
Midrnage:
The midrange of the DM-01 reflects the influence of the 12AU7 vacuum tube, which introduces a warm quality to vocals and instruments. The lower midrange adds a rich texture to male vocals and instruments like guitars, while the upper midrange contributes a slight richness to higher vocal ranges. The SIVGA P2 Pro handles Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me” with a balanced midrange, where the lower midrange provides a full-bodied tone to her voice, and the upper midrange ensures a smooth transition to the treble.
The clarity is consistent, though the resolution in the lower midrange can sometimes lack the sharpness needed for highly detailed recordings, slightly softening the separation of layered instruments. The TRN Shell performs well with Adele’s “25,” delivering a vocal focus with steady warmth, but the resolution in the upper midrange may not fully capture the finest nuances in her vocal delivery. The midrange remains stable, providing a reliable performance for vocal and instrumental tracks, though listeners seeking absolute neutrality might notice the warmth slightly coloring the sound.
Treble:
The treble of the DM-01 is shaped by the 12AU7 tube and the CS43131 DAC chips, resulting in a clear yet controlled high-frequency response. The interaction with sub-bass and midbass is minimal, ensuring the treble remains distinct, while layering and decay contribute to a natural presentation. The brilliance in the upper treble adds a subtle sparkle, and the extension reaches the highest frequencies without introducing harshness. The HiFiMAN Sundara Closed-Back reproduces Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” with a detailed treble, where cymbals exhibit good layering and a controlled decay, though the extension shows a slight roll-off that might limit airiness in very high frequencies.
The 7Hz Timeless 2 handles Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 6” with a refined treble, offering clarity in the violin sections with minimal sibilance, but the control can occasionally allow minor sharpness in aggressive recordings. The SIVGA P2 Pro manages Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” with a crisp high-end, where the brilliance adds definition to cymbal crashes, and the decay ensures a smooth finish. However, the treble might feel a bit restrained for listeners who prefer a more forward, analytical high-end. Overall, the treble maintains a consistent level of detail, suitable for extended listening, with good control across the tested gear.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The DM-01 provides a soundstage with notable depth and width, enhancing the listening experience across various setups. This characteristic creates a sense of space that allows instruments to feel well-separated and accurately positioned, particularly when using headphones that emphasize openness. Even with more intimate setups, the device adds a layer of spatial depth, making the audio presentation feel more expansive. For in-ear monitors, the DM-01 maintains precise imaging, ensuring clear placement of instruments and vocals within complex arrangements. The soundstage remains natural and well-defined, complementing a wide range of music genres effectively.
Conclusion:
The xDuoo DM-01 is a desktop DAC/amplifier that combines high-fidelity audio performance with a distinctive robot-android aesthetic. Encased in a turquoise metal shell, it features dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DACs for precise digital-to-analog conversion and employs a hybrid amplification system that integrates a 12AU7 vacuum tube with transistor-based circuitry.
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 and LE Audio support, the DM-01 offers modern wireless connectivity, catering to various listening preferences. Its warm and natural sound signature, shaped by the 12AU7 tube, ensures broad compatibility with an array of headphones and in-ear monitors, from planar magnetic models to highly sensitive IEMs.
Beyond its technical capabilities, the DM-01’s design reinforces its individuality. Arm-shaped levers serve as controls for power and mode selection, adding an interactive, cyberpunk-inspired touch to its turquoise chassis. These elements make it more than just an audio device; they transform it into a functional centerpiece for any desktop setup.
Pros & Cons:
- + Warm, natural sound with 12AU7 tube sweetness and transistor clarity
- + Robust 1500mW output for headphones (16-600 ohms)
- + Versatile connectivity (USB, Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC)
- + Unique cyberpunk robot-android design with interactive elements
- + Stable metal body with anti-slip feet
- – Limited input options (no optical/coaxial inputs)
- – Lack of a dedicated mobile app for settings customization
- – Microphone functionality on the front panel remains unclear and underutilized
Thank you for the Read!
