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(Votes: 2, rating: 4.50 out of 5)
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A couple of months ago I started thinking about buying an amplifier for my headphones. They had a painfully creaky sound, despite the high cost. I did everything I could with them, trying to improve the sound, but, unfortunately, nothing helped. I was even going to throw away or give these headphones to some friend, but in time I came across one interesting little thing that very quickly solved the problem. But first things first. It took me a very long time to decide to buy an amplifier, especially from the AliExpress website. It is difficult to choose an expensive product without being able to touch it or check it before purchasing. The decisive role in my choice was played by the price - 3600 rubles for a good (judging by the reviews) DAC. This amount also looks impressive, but if you compare it with the average prices for amplifiers, all questions instantly disappear. In general, I decided to order the FX AUDIO DAC-X6 for $69, because I didn’t have money for anything normal. And now I absolutely do not regret my purchase, although there were quite a lot of problems with it.
Delivery and appearance of the amplifier
First, about the sad things. This device took about two months to reach me, and this does not include shipping. First, the parcel traveled for a long time around China, and then across Russia. As it turned out later, the seller indicated the wrong index, so the courier for a long time could not understand where exactly the amplifier needed to be delivered. There was also a problem with the tracking number. The application indicated that the DAC had already arrived at my post office, but two weeks after its “arrival”, I still had not seen it. I have no idea if this is a problem with the post office or the seller, but both of these options do not suit me.
The equipment is also not enough stars from the sky. The box contained only the DAC itself, the power supply (quite weak, it could have been better placed) and, of course, a standard USB cable (I would write that it is the cheapest of all existing ones, but this is a no brainer). In general, nothing superfluous.
Externally, the device looks very impressive. Brushed polished aluminum body and silver plated bezel. The switch buttons are standard, no frills, but that's to be expected for such a low price. Among the pleasant features are 4 rubberized feet, thanks to which the amplifier does not scratch surfaces. For such a price nothing could be better.
Functionality and connection speed
The DAC has all standard connectors for connection and operation. You just need to connect it to your computer and enjoy the sound quality. There is no need to install drivers on Win10 (Win7 and Win8 are a little more complicated, but everything is installed pretty quickly). In general, there are only advantages to the connection. Now let's talk about sound.
Let me say right away that there is no point in expecting stunning sound from this device. FX AUDIO DAC-X6 is an entry-level DAC and shows mediocre results in working with sound. No, that doesn't mean he's bad. If you pay attention to the price, everything will become clear, because even the worst amplifiers (much worse than the FX AUDIO DAC-X6) cost an order of magnitude more. In principle, it improves the sound and this is really noticeable, because squeaks and various noises disappear and the bass increases, but there is no particular depth. Unless you listen for a long time and get used to the sound. But I’m not that much of a music lover, so I’ll give it a minus for the depth.
In general, the device turned out to be good and compact. It's nice to know that money isn't wasted. It does perform better than the built-in sound chip, but that doesn't mean all the noise will disappear and depth will appear.
FX-AUDIO DAC-X6 Feixiang HiFi - Review of an interesting USB DAC.
Hello everyone, not long ago I reviewed the cheap SE9023 USB DAC. This time we are reviewing a higher quality device, so to speak, everything is included with it, no additional amplification is required, the cable and power supply are included, you can use it as is, out of the box. Meet: FX-AUDIO DAC-X6 Feixiang. Characteristics:
Output Power: 90mW/600Ω, 180mW/300Ω, 450mW/100Ω, 610mW/62Ω, 910mW/32Ω, 1000mW/16Ω SNR: ≥105dB Distortion: ≤001% Frequency Response: 20Hz -20 kHz adapter voltage: 100-240ACV Built on the following combination * DAC CS8416 + CS4398 * USB VIA1630A * Amplifier (headphones and line output) OPA2134, TPA6120A2 + OP275
From the instructions:
Packaging.
The DAC X6 is delivered in an ordinary cardboard box, at the post office I was honestly surprised when I received the parcel, the box did not fit into my backpack, I had to carry it in my hands, of course everything could have been placed more compactly, but do not forget about the power supply and a rather long cable for connection via USB. The cardboard is thick, but there were some small dents during transportation.
The color option is marked on the side, as well as the X6 model, apparently the DAC-SQ5 comes in the same box. I have the Silver version, there is also a Black version, the differences are in the front panel.
We open the box, I have already removed all the contents, but who cares... All the contents lie on a foam backing, I think it was possible to arrange the whole thing somehow more compactly.
Equipment.
Instructions and passport. Instructions in Chinese and English.
USB cable - USB Type B, length one and a half meters, the cable is thick and looks quite normal.
It was even packaged in this little bag, USB 2.0, all that stuff... In the review of the SE9023, I was indignant, such a cable was not included in the kit, I had to go to the DNS and buy it separately for 150 rubles. The Type B connector, as far as I know, is used in printers, among other things, for those who want a cable of a different length - no problem, it is available both on aliexpress and offline. Power unit. Cable length: 110 centimeters, I would like it to be longer. 12V, 1A. It works stably, there is an LED (lit green). I couldn’t disassemble it, the screw at the top is unscrewed, but the power supply still doesn’t lend itself well, I was afraid to break it. I’ll close the topic with the power supply, it works stably and doesn’t get too hot. Replacing it does not give an increase in sound, so I see no point in changing it.
This was the whole kit, it’s a pity there is no adapter for a 6.3mm jack, I took my own from a music store (50 rubles). What else can be useful is an extension cord for headphones, I use an extension cord from Ugreen: To connect speakers, such an adapter can be useful, especially important for inexpensive speakers with a permanent cable. The adapter is also from Ugreen (thanks to the coupons, I definitely wouldn’t have bought it with my own).
Design, appearance.
The DAC is made of metal, the assembly is of high quality, no complaints. The size and weight are surprising, this is not a small toy, let's look at the xDuoo X3, Xiaomi Redmi 3 Note Pro, and Creative X-FI HD sound card in the background: Externally, this is a brutal box, the design is minimalistic. It is clear that they did not worry about this, they simply took the scarf and placed it in a metal case. Weighs 352 and a half grams:
Dimensions:
There are rubberized legs, high with a protrusion, this is good, it will not slide on the table.
Front Panel. The volume control is active only with headphones, when connecting speakers via RCA - it is of no use, the volume cannot be changed, the wheel rotates nicely, smoothly, and with a lock. A 6.3mm jack for connecting headphones, there are also two switches (on-off) and signal selection (usb, optical, coaxial).
Under each of the switches we see one light bulb. If we have nothing connected besides the power supply, the second light does not light up (or, to be more precise, it will light up during playback)
On the back side these are the connectors:
Here we can connect the power supply, there is a USB type B input, optical and coaxial input, as well as an analog output. Unfortunately, there is no automatic switching of music to headphones; playback will be both on speakers and headphones (simultaneously). I actually connect it to my bakery:
Windows 8.1, 64bit. No drivers required, defined as FX-Audio DAC X6 SPDIF interface. There are no settings, this is not an Asus Xonar :) the equalizer is only in the player or a third-party utility. By USB we can choose from:
I recommend downloading the universal Asio driver: www.asio4all.org/ (optional, unfortunately the manufacturer itself has not added such support). Then go to the ASIO4ALL program and select DAC X6.
Next, go to the player and select this driver in the settings. AIMP:
Winyl:
That's all, enjoy.
Filling.
It’s very easy to disassemble, really, really. Unscrew the 4 bolts on the front panel.
And we pull, the board goes on the slide, we pull to the end.
Overall plan:
Traces after soldering, of course, remained, but I expected the worst.
More photos:
Additional information
I have this version Rev 2.0:
USB Chip: VIA VT1630A
USB limit: 96/24, for optics: 192/24. Bundle CS8416 + CS4398.
Gain TPA6120A2 + OP275:
The OPA 2134 operational amplifier is located in the crib.
It can be replaced if desired. We take tweezers and remove them carefully, trying not to bend the legs.
I bought them at chipdip at one time, they cost pennies, by the way, you can install them in the Walnut V2/Zishan V1/V2/V3 player, they say the sound may change.
If I'm not mistaken, the OPA 2134 is responsible for the line output, and the TPA6120 is responsible for the headphones. Have you tried changing amplifiers, is there a difference in sound? If there is, it’s very tiny, perhaps we need to approach this issue more seriously, but to be honest, I somehow don’t believe it. I tried all 3, spent 15 minutes, apparently played enough :)
This device can also be connected to a smartphone (via OTG), for this we take an OTG adapter, install HibyMusic, and rejoice. I connected it to the Tanix TX8 Mini TV set-top box: it works.
How does it sound?
The following chips are responsible for audio processing: CS8416 + CS4398 (the same one is installed in Fiio x3-2, as well as xDuoo x3). There is enough amplification, the DAC is quite powerful, it should open up almost any headphones.
No matter what anyone says, the DAC X6 sounds simply amazing, the only negative I can note is: the width of the stage, I want more space, the sound seems to be a little compressed, the saxophone does not have enough volume (in comparison with the Creative X-FI HD sound card) , and in general, the scene is not entirely believable. I highlighted this point precisely during a long comparison; if you don’t compare, but just get used to it, then after a certain time you simply adapt to this sound. The DAC X6 has its own special sound character; of course, when compared with other sound cards or Hi-Fi players, you can easily notice the difference.
On headphones:
Bass.
To describe it in one word - massive, compared to a smartphone or an inexpensive player, what a difference it makes. There is subbass; in general, the low frequencies are not suppressed, but they do not dominate either, they are slightly accentuated. Speaking of cheap headphones, the DAC shows everything as it is; if the lows are distorted and raised, it will be heard very well, so it is better to choose high-quality headphones. The double bass sounds natural.
Top.
The high frequencies are worked out well, the detailing and intelligibility are pleasing, the cymbals sound natural, airy and with a characteristic aftersound, score.
Middle.
It seems that everything is natural, but there is not enough emotion, apparently this is due precisely to the width of the stage, but the vocals are magnificent, conveyed very clearly, as if in the palm of your hand.
First, we connect what is at hand, namely the Meze 11 Neo plugs. They cost quite a bit ($60), and as people say, they produce natural, even sound, without distortion; they produce whatever the source can. To my surprise, they opened up, a biting, powerful bass appeared (which was previously missing), and the high frequencies opened up in a new way, with more detail and air. In my own words, the sound has changed, it has become assertive, voluminous, the drum beat has become more weighty, as one reviewer once said: the sound has balls!
Next I connected the Superlux 668B.
The combination sounds quite good, but, but... I don’t consider the 668Bs themselves to be monitor-like or even, I’m infuriated by the protruding high frequencies, which not only stick out, but also hurt the ear. If there is an increase in sound quality, it is very small; to be honest, I would not recommend them, they are too bright. Or, as an option, under a dark source, you’ll see that the tops will calm down.
I also tried: Urbanfun, Arvicka Hybrid, RE400, Superlux 681, 681EVO, ISK HF2010 (not for long), Kinera H3.
I formed a general opinion: V-shaped delivery, but without overdoing it, the highs and lows stand out slightly, the sound is dense, voluminous, and assertive. Detailing throughout the entire range is not bad, but not beyond the limits, we have heard better.
Bottom line: I recommend the DAC X6 for purchase to those who are tired of the built-in sound and want more - this is a good option, of course it is not a top device, there are DACs for 100, 150, 200, 300 dollars, but in its price category it is very a good choice.
What else can I add: -It does not heat up during playback. -Volume control in Windows does not work, you can only turn off the sound completely. -Using an ordinary potentiometer as a knob. -Music in 24/96 and 24/192 sounds magical, and in terms of optics, in general, an immersive atmosphere is created, the low-end range is worked out very well.
The cat wants to steal the amplifiers:):):):)
Additional Information
That's all for me, thank you for your attention. If I made a mistake somewhere, write me, this is my second review of a USB DAC. Another review on mysku:
The product was provided for writing a review by the store. The review was published in accordance with clause 18 of the Site Rules.
