Not so long ago xDuoo “shot”, firing a really interesting portable DAC and headphone amplifier XD-05. The combination of good prices, high power and high quality sound have conquered many, so the company decided to repeat the success by releasing a more modern solution to get the index of the XD-10 and the name “Poke”.
The first thing the developers have changed is the size users want more compact solutions for use on the go, so the new dimensions comparable to the typical player. XDuoo themselves repeatedly emphasize that their Capos perfectly matches the dimensions of the Sony players, hinting at the use of the latest in a transport role.
Reducing the size does not matter to the detriment of the “stuffing”, it uses AK4490 in the role of the DAC, asynchronous XMOS USB responsible-supporting the highest resolutions, there was a place for two sets of generators and the volume control PGA2311. The amp was very powerful, this compact gadget is capable of producing 250 milliwatts per channel with a load of 32Ω, which I must say, very good.
The price tag remained quite adequate, after all this is the main secret of the popularity of the manufacturer. At the time of writing, is xDuoo XD-10 16900 rubles.
Specifications
- DAC: AK4490
- OH: OPA1622 + OPA1662
- Format support: PCM up to 32 bit / 384 kHz, DSD – DSD256 (native and DoP), DXD – 32 bit / 252.8 kHz
- Output power: 2 × 250 mW @ 32Ω
- Frequency range: 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz (± 0.5 dB)
- The ratio signal/noise: 112 dB @ 1 kHz
- Harmonic distortion: 0.0025% @ 1 kHz
- Charging time: ≤ 3 hours
- Operating time with one charge: ≥8 hours in a DAC-mode, and ≥20 hours in booster mode
- Dimensions: 101 mm × 55 mm × 16 mm
- Weight: ~130g.
Packing and delivery
Finally someone made a box, about which we can say something besides “the usual”. For XD-10, the developers have tried to make an unusual design, and started with packaging, made in the form of books made of thick cardboard with bright and unusual print — it clearly distinguishes the device on the shelf. The package also did not disappoint, except for the DAC buyer will receive:
- Micro-USB charging cable
- long USB-A cable for PC connection
- three short USB cable to use the DAC in tandem with different sources (Micro-USB, USB-C connector and Sony, it seems to be called WM-Port)
- short audio cable with two 3.5 mm plugs for use with XD-10 as amplifier
- sticky silicone pad for those wishing to attach the DAC to the source in the “sandwich”
As you can see, the kit put everything I can think of.
Design and management
The appearance of the gadget also tried to make not boring, but in the course of brainstorming, the degree of creativity I decided just to subtract. If the box can be simply removed and look, then by the DAC people will go. So all the originality came in the color of the metal housing (like a shade of a sea wave, which like in Sony) and stylized graffiti lettering printed at the top and bottom covers. The rest is all very serious and high quality: designed shape, easy operation, excellent build quality.
As I wrote above, after XD-05 happy reduced size, “Poke” turned out already quite portable, even if to it to attach a small player or smartphone as the source of the figures.
Retained in the model and what attracted buyers predecessor: sound settings and a convenient entrance.
On the right side placed 4 switch: enables the device mode (DAC/amp), bass boost and the gain (in most cases to switch it to high makes no sense). On the opposite side are two volume buttons and a button to switch the digital filter.
On the back there is a MicroUSB port for charging, line in/out port for connection to a source he is in the latest fashion made in the form of a recessed plug, so the device no problem, you can use any USB-OTG cord or even the Apple Lightning to USB adapter. It is commendable that the power supply was separated from the signal, this allows not to drain the source, and probably improves the sound.
On the front put a normal headphone Jack and a small screen. The display here is very simple: monochrome, 2 lines of text, in addition to almost unreadable in bright light, but for a portable DAC, I think that’s enough. On the screen was placed almost all the information you need: battery life, operating mode, volume, the selected digital filter and the resolution is supplied to the DAC signal.
In General, even here it is noticeable that xDuoo move forward not only in the sound devices, but also in design. “Poke” looks modern, not cheesy, but not too pretentious.
Sound
To listen to the device used the following headphones: iBasso IT04, 99 Meze Classics, Audio Zenith PMx2, Noble Kaiser Encore, Campfire Andromeda Audio, Unique Melody Mason V3, HUM Pristine and others.
If you’ve heard the XD-05, then you already realize how it sounds XD-10, the developers made about the same sound but in a more compact package. In General, feed enough driving, emotional, a bit to the detriment of “truthfulness” with a slight emphasis on bass and some simplification of the RF.
The bass is not super fast, but the lack of resolution to not complain. Device good at the textures and character of the instruments of the lower register. By default the bass is not the deepest (though not quite so small, closer to average), but it is good to fix with the functions of bass boost that adds bass, not just quantity, but depth. Of course, the “bottom” is well controlled, even on tight headphones.
MIDs are also not different attempts a care in super-detail and neutral analytic, XD-10 emphasizes emotions, adding to the sound of “liveliness” that probably won’t please fans of monotonnosti, but will have to court those who like to “involving” flow. However, the resolution of the midrange here is quite good, and the character of the instruments transmitted reliably. An imaginary scene somewhere in the middle of the width and less than the average drop in depth, but segregation plans and positioning tools able to this gadget very well.
Upper frequency as in the case of XD-05, was a bit not natural. They have a good resolution, more or less well-defined attack and decay and a little lacking length. Overall, for this price range, treble is quite normal, but compared to something more expensive, less visible natural.
Speaking about comparisons, I do not see sense to compare the XD-10 player or stationary devices, and of comparable gadgets for the last time, I only had a portable DAC from Hidizs ‘ DH-1000. In fact, these two devices be complete opposites. DAC from Hidizs ‘ just captivated me with rich and detailed treble and neutral flow, while the device xDuoo offers a more driving and energetic flow, with emphasis on the lower half of the range.
Compatibility
Of course, first and foremost, this gadget is designed for full-size headphones, which he shakes stress free (except for a couple, very very tight models). For sensitive IEM it can also be used, good background noise though, but fairly moderate, but in this case, a large part of the capacity remains unused.
Stylistically, the XD-10 is quite versatile and due to poor records, not very picky points on 7 of 10 maximum.
According to tradition, a few tracks as example
The Cure — The Same Deep Water As You a Very good remaster of the classics of the genre that sounds good with the hero of today’s review. Emotions CQ emphasize the overall melancholy and NCH highlight the rhythm section.
Vladimir Cauchemar — Aulos Reloaded don’t know what style is, probably, some hip hop, but the instrumental accompaniment here is very energetic, especially in the version of the XD-10 is not entirely trivial, so I decided this track to take in the overview to expand the horizons of audiophilia.
Berliner Philharmoniker — Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op.46 Here a strange paradox, the idea is that “Poke” it is not designed for symphonic music: treble is not perfect, no monitor feed, accented bass. But this kid somehow manages to apply some of the tracks is so fun that it on the technical imperfections simply cease to pay attention to getting into the music.
Insights
xDuoo continue to attack and ready to shake the position of “market leaders”, or narrow segment, and a new device once again makes clear that the company clearly understands the trends and needs of their customers and do everything to satisfy them.
To buy xDuoo XD-10
