Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

  • Input Impedance: 20 kΩ
  • Frequency Response: 8 Hz - 28 kHz (-1 dB)
  • THD: 0.011% at 250 mW / 32 Ω
  • IMD: 0.003% at 250 mW / 32 Ω
  • Channel Separation: > 80 dB at 1 kHz / 32 Ω
  • Output Power (nominal): 282 mW / 32 Ω
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: > 110 dB
  • Input Voltage: 230V AC / 50/60 Hz
  • Power Consumption: < 15W
  • Operating Temperature: +10°C to +40°C
  • Maximum Humidity: < 90%
  • Audio Output: 6.35mm TRS jack
  • Audio Input: RCA (stereo pair)
  • Net Weight: 1.3 kg
  • Dimensions: 107 x 70 x 220 mm
Kennerton Amber Ray is a new headphone amplifier with stunningly vivid, powerful and realistic sound that is classic for the "Golden Era Hi-Fi". It can become an excellent companion for your highest-class headphones, allowing them to convey everything they are capable of to the fullest extent and emphasize all their advantages.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • The brand employs planar magnetic drivers in many of their headphones, often custom-designed, with a strong emphasis on minimizing internal resonances and maximizing diaphragm control, resulting in detailed and accurate sound reproduction.
  • Kennerton focuses on comfort and ergonomics, with features such as self-adjusting headbands and plush earpads designed for long listening sessions.

Gjallarhorn GH-40 Con Brio  

  • Positioning: The entry-level dynamic headphone aimed at users seeking compact design and ease of use in small spaces.  
  • Description: Offers a robust dynamic driver design with a well-tuned acoustic chamber that provides clear sound for everyday listening. Compared to the other models in the lineup, its simpler engineering and lower price make it attractive for users with modest budgets and basic functionality needs.

Heartland Dynamic  

  • Positioning: A dynamic headphone variant designed for users who need versatility and portability without sacrificing sound quality.  
  • Description: Features an updated dynamic diaphragm that improves clarity and driver response, providing a balanced sound signature that stands apart from planar offerings. When compared with the Gjallarhorn model, it offers enhanced mid-range performance and better portability.

Thekk Novel  

  • Positioning: An entry-level planar magnetic headphone aimed at delivering refined sound quality at an accessible price.  
  • Description: Uses a unique planar magnetic driver to impart precise detail and an even soundstage, setting it apart from the dynamic models in the range.

Heartland (Planar Magnetic)  

  • Positioning: A mid-tier planar magnetic headphone built to offer a refined listening experience with improved linearity and soundstage clarity.  
  • Description: Incorporates planar magnetic technology to deliver a clean, wide sound field that distinguishes it from the dynamic counterparts. In comparison with Thekk Novel and Vinneta, it strikes a balanced compromise between technical innovation and cost.

Vinneta  

  • Positioning: A high-end planar magnetic headphone designed for the most demanding audiophiles who expect top-tier performance.  
  • Description: Integrates planar magnetic innovations that deliver an expansive soundstage and meticulous imaging, marking it as the flagship in the lineup. When set against the other models, its superior build quality and refined performance demonstrate the highest technical sophistication.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
0
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Brand Popularity
808
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
28
Founding Year
2011

Our take on the brand

Kennerton is a hifi headphone brand that pioneered horn-loaded headphones with their Gjallarhorn GH50, which applies loudspeaker-style horn acoustics to a closed-back design for an unusually surround-like soundstage. The brand also develops in-house 80mm planar drivers and uses rare woods like ancient bog oak and stabilized Karelian birch as standard materials rather than limited editions.

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Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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What if you spend more?

Product image
McIntosh
MHA200 (75th Anniversary Edition)
2800
2800
/
8
Reviews
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • A lovely, lush sounding performance that's hard to dislike and sounds smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
  • A sympathetic performer, it prefers to play to its inferior partnering equipment's strengths than overly expose their weaknesses, as many hifi audio examples tend to do
  • It can cater for a wide range of headphones and connections and it is a benchmark product that's highly recommended
  • Zero musical flaws to report and is nearly perfect in execution
  • A stunning design to the eye and ear, it is overall a wonderful addition for the perfectionist who wants the very best performance at home or even in the studio

Product Considerations

  • The volume control operation lacks linearity, making it hard to make subtle changes in level
  • No input selector, so one should only connect one type at once
  • On some samples, the volume control is loose and wiggles in its chassis housing
  • The octal AC socket is a bit of an odd choice, considering most users might prefer IEC
  • The depth, snap and weight of the low end was dynamic and exciting on some recordings and less than stellar on others

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Musical Fidelity M1 HPA—the MHA200 has a lush warmness to the music that brings strings to life in a way that makes the M1 HPA sound somewhat sterile in comparison
  • Vs EAR Yoshino HP-4 reference—the MHA200 was a touch brighter than the reference, though only slightly

Takeaway: The MHA200 is an enjoyable product with a rich, balanced, and powerful sound, that's more forgiving than most rivals and can be enjoyed for years to come. This headphone amp is perfect for personal listening, design, and operation that will work its magic.

Video review

Our take on the brand

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
McIntosh
MHA200
2800
2800
/
6
Reviews
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Delivers a lovely, lush-sounding performance that is hard to dislike, described as smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
  • Creates an astonishing space and three dimensionality to the sound, reminiscent of high-end systems
  • Features a rich, balanced, and powerful sound that is more forgiving than most rivals
  • Superbly made and engineered with solid casework
  • Largely unphased by most headphones and can drive a wide range of headphones

Product Considerations

  • Volume control operation lacks linearity, making subtle changes in level difficult
  • Really needs a balanced source and headphones to deliver its best performance
  • Has no input switching, so balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs cannot be used simultaneously
  • Lacks a remote control for volume adjustment

Takeaway: The MHA200 is a well-built headphone amplifier that delivers a refined and musical listening experience with a spacious soundstage. It is ideal for users who want a dedicated headphone amplifier and appreciate the rich sound of tubes.

Video review

Our take on the brand

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
ampsandsound
Kenzie OG
2659
2659
/
2
Reviews

The outstanding performance of the Kenzie headphone amplifier is made possible with custom wound ultra-high quality output transformers providing amazing frequency extension. The Kenzie does not use a voltage network, and has more than enough power to drive even the most difficult headphones. We chose 32 ohms and 600-ohm output taps to allow use with the widest variety of headphones; everything from Grado Labs, HiFiMan, Audeze, MrSpeakers, Sennheiser, and Beyerdynamic.

The Kenzie showcases the transformers on the chassis to frame in the unique 1626 single-ended tubes. We have included an Alps volume pot to allow attenuation and simplify the signal path. The Kenzie is one of the sweetest-sounding headphone amplifiers on the market. The 1626 is commonly referred to as the "Poor Man's 300B"; offering a similar level of warmth, texture, and soundstage depth. The 1626 is a WWII-era tube that was used as a transmitter tube in radar installations. The design is shy on pure output, but offers layers of texture and drive, and is paired with a massive choke and robust output transformers for ultra-quiet operation. As with all of our products, parts selection was crucial during this build and each chosen not for price, but for best quality and synergy.

Generation 2 of the Kenzie OG The close of 2021 has brought out more than 18 months of a global pandemic. During these challenging times, we at ampsandsound strengthened our development efforts resulting in new generation of our classic amps. 2022 adds the ability to chose 8/100 or 32/300 for output impedances when ordering. Though octal input tubes provide a romantic character that had defined the ampsandsound house sound, reminiscent of 1950s HiFi, the downside to this approach is a reduced noise floor and dwindling NOS options. With ampsandound moving to a 9pin front end, performance has been increased, NOS tube rolling has become nearly limitless, and yet we were able to enhance the sweetness and tone we are known for. The 9pin front end allows vastly increased options for tone rolling to find your balance and preference. With our front end's new development, we have improved our amps further, including both subtle and significant changes alike. Notable takeaways include increased power output, reduced noise floor across all our amps, increased bandwidth.

ampandsound specializes in high-end, handcrafted tube amplifiers made in the USA. Their low-wattage amps pair perfectly with high-efficiency speakers and headphones. The company is known for classic, minimalist designs and a focus on delivering natural sound.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Unique 'tube character' enhances the sound in a positive way
  • Known for sweetness, euphony, and richness of tone
  • Enhances microdynamics, drawing attention to finer nuances of volume
  • Creates a more involved and textured soundstage
  • Is a completely neutral headphone amplifier, as long as the output impedance synergy is observed
  • Inputs and outputs are located on the back of the unit, which can be inconvenient

Product Considerations

  • Not suitable for very inefficient planar headphones like the HE6 or Audeze LCD-4
  • Not generally recommended for IEMs
  • Can be susceptible to interference from Wi-Fi signals or other electronic components
  • Depending on the headphone used, the environment, and the output being used, the unit may produce some noise floor

Takeaway: The Kenzie is a special tube amp that makes music sound sweet and detailed, improving the listening experience with many headphones, assuming the right setup is used. It's a good option for those who want to go beyond solid-state amps.

Video review

Our take on the brand

ampandsound specializes in high-end, handcrafted tube amplifiers made in the USA. Their low-wattage amps pair perfectly with high-efficiency speakers and headphones. The company is known for classic, minimalist designs and a focus on delivering natural sound.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Naim
Uniti Atom Headphone Edition
3799
3799
/
24
Reviews
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Offers a comprehensive and flexible specification, functioning as a headphone amplifier and streaming preamp
  • Produces superb sound quality, described as clear, pure, detailed, dynamic, and musical, without being overly analytical, regardless of genre or recording quality
  • Features a well-made, elegant, and attractive design with a beautiful screen for album art and a satisfying volume control
  • Supports a comprehensive range of streaming services and digital formats including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth, UPnP, and Internet Radio, and is Roon Ready
  • Intuitive and stable app, especially for those who know what they want to listen to

Product Considerations

  • The price is high relative to other headphone amplifiers/DACs on the market
  • The front display is not a touchscreen
  • Some might prefer a more analytical sound presentation
  • The HDMI ARC connection is absent
  • The Naim app lacks polish compared to dedicated music apps

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and NAD M10—the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is specifically focused on headphone use
  • As a headphone amp, it is every bit as good as the Chord Hugo TT2
  • Naim puts less of itself into the performance as opposed to McIntosh MHA200

Takeaway: The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a great self-contained system for headphone listening, with an easy-to-use interface and a beautiful design. It is a quality product that can be a centerpiece for your home audio.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Gustard
H26
1149
/
Released
2024
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Gustard is a hifi brand known for integrating advanced clocking systems in their DACs, including atomic clocks, and developing custom digital filters that bypass standard ESS Sabre filters for a more tailored sound. The brand stands out for offering high-end audio performance at relatively affordable prices, with products featuring modular designs that allow for easy upgrades and customization.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Very refined sound signature
  • Outstanding output power
  • Pleasingly smooth and refined tonal quality with a strong focus on spatial detail, all delivered within a very spacious presentation
  • Presents wonderful PRaT (Pace, Rhythm and Timing), injecting loads of dynamics and rendering complex passages with ninja-like speed of attack
  • Plenty of I/O options for both source and third-party power amplifiers

Product Considerations

  • Non-linear volume curve for demanding headphones
  • Beefy desktop amplifier requiring significant table or rack space
  • Has only 0.1R O/P impedance on the headphone socket, while the line O/P impedance is still 100R

Takeaway: The Gustard H26 is a high-performing headphone amplifier and preamplifier that provides refined sound and plenty of power. It could be a great addition to a hifi system because reviewers are overwhelmed by the performance compared to the price.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gustard is a hifi brand known for integrating advanced clocking systems in their DACs, including atomic clocks, and developing custom digital filters that bypass standard ESS Sabre filters for a more tailored sound. The brand stands out for offering high-end audio performance at relatively affordable prices, with products featuring modular designs that allow for easy upgrades and customization.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
iFi
iDSD Diablo 2
1299
/
Released
2023
Surging with infernal power. Sporting cutting edge xMEMS and Lossless Bluetooth technology, the flagship iDSD Diablo leads the charge with future-proof features and raw power - take your most demanding headphones wherever you go, we dare you.
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iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
  • Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
  • A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
  • Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity

Product Considerations

  • Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
  • The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
  • Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
  • The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
  • Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
  • Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound

Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.

Video review

Our take on the brand

iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Ferrum
OOR
2094
/
Released
2021
OOR will redefine the category of headphone amplifiers. OOR will drive any headphones effortlessly to the max of their potential, while preserving the essence of the music it amplifies.
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Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Compact size compared to competitors, allowing for easy integration into desktop setups
  • The OOR outputs 8 watts of power at 60 ohms and 1.6 watts at 300 ohms, making it one of the most powerful headphone amplifiers ever made
  • Low gain setting is silent with sensitive IEMs
  • Employs a fully discrete class AB amplifier; there are no op-amps used

Product Considerations

  • Simultaneous use of the balanced and single-ended preamp outputs with the main headphone output is an inconvenience
  • The unit gets quite warm after a few hours of use—recommending a well-ventilated area
  • Powering on the unit requires going from balanced to single-ended

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Benchmark HPA4, OOR felt considerably more alive, fleshed out, and natural sounding
  • Vs Flux Volot, the reviewers felt that the OOR was more visceral sounding
  • Compared to Fluxlab Acoustics, the OOR is a warmer and more soul-infusing amplifier and it never wants to be linear or flat
  • Vs Flux Lab Acoustics Volod, it was easily bigger sounding, easily more impressive sounding, just more layered

Takeaway: The Ferrum OOR is a powerful amplifier in a small package, and it is built with great attention to detail. It has an engaging sound with a touch of warmth.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Linear Tube Audio
Velo
2100
/
Released
2024
The Velo carries on the legacy of David Berning's microZOTL circuit and LTA's MZ2, bringing significant enhancements to this world-class headphone amp and preamplifier. We've taken everything learned about building ZOTL amplifiers and started from scratch to reimagine our foundational product and create the best sounding, most enjoyable, and most reliable headphone amplifier/preamplifier possible.
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Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Wonderfully enjoyable and transparent sound, described as smooth, resolving, and engaging, enhancing music without coloration
  • Open design makes it easy to swap out the tubes
  • It opens the soundstage in depth and width, increasing the ability to hear the placement of instruments, and micro details and spatial cues become more accessible
  • Versatile, the Velo works well with different headphones (low/high impedance, dynamic/planar)

Product Considerations

  • Not particularly powerful, the Velo might require more volume dial rotation compared to other amps to reach desired listening levels
  • Bass might sound a little too rounded and lacking texture compared to some setups
  • Lacks balanced XLR features
  • The included switching power supply is not at the same performance level as the upgraded linear power supply

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Linear Tube Audio MZ3: The MZ3 is more resolving and detailed, while the Velo is richer and smoother, the MZ3 is more technically engaging, but the Velo is more emotionally engaging
  • Vs Burson Soloist 3X-GT: The Soloist 3X-GT has more power and greater resolution/clarity with a balanced cable, but the Velo is more intimate and relaxing
  • Vs Oliver Sayes Type 26 DHT preamplifier: The Velo strikes a nice middle ground between the overly 'emotional' tube stage and the 'straight' sounding TVC mode
  • Vs Eddie Current Zana Deux SE OTL: Unlike the Zana Deux, it doesn't go too far in warmth to the point of sounding mushy

Takeaway: The Velo is a versatile tube amplifier that provides a wonderful and enjoyable listening experience by being transparent and smooth. It's designed for music lovers who value emotional engagement with their music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Luxsin
X9
1599
/
Released
2025
Luxsin X9 is a flagship-class, all-in-one desktop unit combining DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier. It supports ultra-high-resolution digital formats (PCM up to 768 kHz 32-bit, DSD512), features a 4-inch 1080P touchscreen UI, and includes advanced DSP-based features like HP-EQ, headphone impedance detection, crossfeed, and customizable VU meters—all wrapped in a CNC-machined aluminum chassis.
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Luxsin is a hifi audio brand best known for DACs featuring headphone-specific EQ correction from a built-in database of 2,500+ models, plus relay-ladder R2R volume control with 1024 discrete steps. The brand focuses on headphone-first design and feature completion, with uncommon additions such as subwoofer integration, DSP-implemented crossfeed, and rapid OTA firmware updates driven by community feedback.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Striking design with an angled diamond cut faceplate and a large touchscreen display
  • Comprehensive I/O, including XLR and RCA outputs, USB-B, C and SPDIF input, WiFi and Bluetooth antennas, and subwoofer outputs
  • Features a built-in parametric EQ that can be configured using the Luxman app
  • Excellent build quality with a CNC machined aluminum case
  • Has a self-developed headphone impedance checking system that automatically sets the most suitable output gain setting

Product Considerations

  • Automatic EQ correction may not give great results due to the lack of compensation for the HRTF of the measurement rig used
  • The DAC's neutral presentation may come across as a little less engaging for some listeners
  • Engaging DSP features may result in giving up a little bit of sound quality
  • There is no streaming built into the X9
  • Some settings are only available through the touchscreen

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Versus FIIO K17, both sound very similar, with X9 being smoother but K17 sounding crisper and having superior soundstaging
  • The Element 4 is warmer with tighter and more impactful sound and a little more open in terms of staging

Takeaway: The Luxsin X9 offers a polished listening experience with great features, offering versatility as a DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier in one device. With comprehensive connectivity and customization options, the X9 allows users to tailor their audio experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Luxsin is a hifi audio brand best known for DACs featuring headphone-specific EQ correction from a built-in database of 2,500+ models, plus relay-ladder R2R volume control with 1024 discrete steps. The brand focuses on headphone-first design and feature completion, with uncommon additions such as subwoofer integration, DSP-implemented crossfeed, and rapid OTA firmware updates driven by community feedback.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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