The XD-05 line strikes a balance

A few years ago, xDuoo released the XD-05, a portable DAC/amp with HiFi clout for an entry-level price. Since then, they’ve introduced “Plus” and “Basic” models with varied capabilities. Now they’re back with the BAL model, the most feature-packed of the lineup yet.

The BAL model includes premium features like dual ESS SABRE DAC chips, balanced output, digital filters, and Bluetooth 5.0. It’s a great option for traveling, especially to conferences or hotel rooms where desk space is available but traveling with a full-sized DAC/amp would be inconvenient or impossible.

Two ESS ES9038Q2M SABRE DAC chips

The ESS9038Q2M uses the 32-bit HyperStream DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, delivering a DNR of up to 128dB and THD+N of up to 0.0009%.

Gain and boost settings

Gain and boost settings accommodate the impedances of different headphones. The boost switch increases the supply voltage of the op amp from ±8V to ±13V, while the gain switch adds ±6 to ±15dB of output volume.

8 Digital filters

A common complaint among analog lovers is that digital sounds cold, overly-analytical, or even inhuman. They couldn’t be further from the truth, especially with the advent of digital filters. Digital filters affect parameters such as phase, latency, and transition band roll-off, tailoring the listening experience in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. A slow roll-off filter eliminates sounds above a certain frequency, resulting in a mellower, velvety sound.

Bluetooth 5.0

Qualcomm’s flagship CSR8675 Bluetooth 5.0 chip decodes all of the major Bluetooth formats, including AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, and LDAC. By streaming from your phone, you can keep the XD-05 BAL in your pocket while using your phone to wirelessly change tracks and adjust volume.

Up to 24 hours of battery

The XD-05 BAL’s battery lasts between 9 and 24 hours, depending on the input in use. USB decoding lasts 9 hours, SPDIF lasts 15, and Aux lasts a whopping 24 hours. And because the power cord and USB decoding use separate inputs, you can charge while listening--no matter the input.

Ultra portable

At 5.1 inches on its longest side and less than an inch thick, the XD-05 BAL can be slipped into most pockets, purses, and bags. You’ll hardly notice it either, because at 0.6 pounds it weighs about as much as a vinyl record.

Product highlights

• ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chips x2
• 1000mW output power
• Single-ended and balanced outputs
• Gain and boost settings
• 8 digital filters
• XMOS XU208 chip
• Bluetooth 5.0
• Battery: 3.8V/ 5000mAh
• Screen: 0.91” OLED
• Applicable OS: Win 7/8/10, Linux, Mas OS X, iOS, Androids
• Frequency response
• USB/SPDIF: 20~20,000Hz (+/- 0.5dB)
• AMP: 10~60,000Hz (+/- 0.5dB)
• Sampling rate support
• USB
• PCM: 16-32bit/44.1-768kHz
• DSD: DOP/NATIVE mode, DSD64-512
• AES/Optical/Coaxial:
• PCM: 16-24bit/44.1-192kHz
• DSD: DSD64 (DOP)
• Bluetooth formats: AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC
• Qualcomm CSR8675 Bluetooth chip
• Gain: +6/15dB
• Inputs: Aux, USB, Optical/coaxial, AES
• Outputs: 6.35 single-ended, 4.4 balanced, Aux
• 6.5 single-ended headphone output parameters
• Output power: 1000mW (32Ω load)
• THD+N: 0.0015%@1kHz
• S/N: 115dB
• Crosstalk: ≥72dBN
• 4.4 balanced headphone output parameters:
• Output power: 1000mW (32Ω load)
• THD+N: 0.0009%@1kHz
• S/N: 117dB
• Crosstalk: ≥100dB
• Aux out parameters
• Output lever: 2.0Vrms
• THD+N: 0.0008%@1kHz
• S/N: 120dB
• Crosstalk: ≥100dB
• Battery life:
• USB IN ≥ 9H
• SPDIF IN ≥ 15H
• AUX IN ≥ 24H
• Charging time:
• ≤ 5 hours (fast charging 1.2A)
• ≤ 11 hours (slow charging 500MA)
• Digital filters
• DSD filter: 47k cut-off filter
• PCM filters
• Linear phase fast roll-off
• Linear phase slow roll-off
• Minimum phase fast roll-off
• Minimum phase slow roll-off
• Apodizing fast roll-off
• Corrected minimum phase fast roll-off
• Brick wall filter
• Size: 5.1 x 2.9 x 0.86” (13 x 7.5 x 2.2cm)
• Weight: 0.6lbs (0.29kg)

What’s included

• XDO5 Bal
• 6.5 to 3.5 converter
• Type-C USB cable
• USB A to Type-C converter
• Type-C to Type-C USB cable
• Rubber feet
• Magic stickers
• User manual
• Warranty card

Featured reviews

"Unbeatable in terms of connectivity." -SoundNews