Picked up Onix Alpha after listening to you and a couple other reviewers I trust and am super impressed. I have several nice dongles including Cayin RU6, Hiby FC6, Lotoo S1, Penon Tail, and L&P W2 but have been listening to Onix Alpha more than those since I got it. Great recommendation!
Please, the word Endgame isn't in the vocabulary of audiophiles. They may say it, they definitely don't believe it. And just wait patiently for the next Endgame product. Rinse and Repeat...😂
I think it's possible to both be an audiophile and to subscribe to the idea of "endgame" gear. Everyone has a point of diminishing returns that they're not willing to cross. I agree that "endgame" is unlikely to last forever, maybe more like three years - which in the tech world may as well be forever.
Purchased the LEC code from Linsoul and going to get this. Feel that purchasing this way is the best deal going in dongles right now even though ill probably have to wait 45 days for it haha Edit: English
I got my Onix Alpha XL1 day before yesterday. I can hear more details and more tighter bass presentation but I feel overall sound is compressed, specially vocals which I don’t like at all. Vocals without alpha sound more fuller and when I plug in the dongle it sound compressed or recessed. What could be the reason for this? Please suggest. I am listening to youtube music on HP 840 Elitebook G8 laptop through my Sennheiser HD600 headphone connected to usb c thunderbolt port of my laptop.
Thanks for the straight forward honest review as always ! How would you compare Onix to Xduoo XD05 pro , which is almost 5 X of the price, so Onix gat close enough in performance ?
I bought EPZ's TP 50 last week. I appreciate the good neutral control. It can control all headphones. I personally think it's fine as long as my ears like it.😊
There is only so much a dongle can squeeze out, you aren’t missing too much. Most of the changes in sound are very tiny, but the onix sounds great with my aful explorer. I haven’t tried anything else with it yet.
On videos and pictures the buttons look like the gold paint is cheap and can be easily scratched off by accident. Am I wrong about that monk? Are they nicer irl?
based on your informative review, FYI just ordered one on AliX the Hifigo store. Curious also about AKM sound and so also ordered the Colorfly CDA M1P on Amazon. Will enjoy comparing the two... with the Canon 2 using 3.5 connection.. I don't use headphones so don't really need the power, but the other strengths of the Onix sound great.
From my observations it not about what DAC is used more about the Clock and Processor used in conjunction with the op amps makes the sound signature more or less.
So those output power figures, are those the rated figures per channel (similar to KA13 and KA17) or are they the sum of the output power for both channels? Some manufacturers aren't clear on this so I was wondering if you'd know.
Something to be aware of. It appears that this dongle is not compatible with SOME Samsung devices. My A53 and S6 Lite tablet cannot power it. Other devices, including an A14 have no issues.
I'm currently using KZ Castor with cheap dongles (VE Odo & Jcally JC04). Do you think using an expensive dongle such as Onix Alpha will maximize the potential of my KZ Castor? And would there be a big improvement? Because I'm wondering if expensive dongles are only fully utilized when using expensive IEMs. Thank you!
don't realy need and expensive dongle dac, and my chosen was the EPZ for the next sales period at Aliexpress, but this one is an amazing price/value pick! are they selling it at Ax? cause the link you provide isn't working and looking it by self just found the case... and the official distributor in my country at onix's web still hasn't it available.
The hype was too loud, a bit skeptical, let me wait n see. 1. Onix’s high output power is a mere 500mw @32, while last years fiio q11 has 650mw @32 2. In theory, 500mw whithout dedicated battery will make you phone last only 3-4 hours & heat. Enough reason not to jump on the hype train
And it’s pimp purple! I forgot to get one and ordered the 61t butterfly and a tanchjim origin. The tuning looks really nice on the i3 mkiii, but I haven’t heard a stand out set from tri ever, so maybe this will be their first real hit? Usually they are wonky or just meh.
Thank you for the review ❗️ 🔆 My main concern is, does it work with Iphone, because I have here for example hiby Fc4 and with higher volume it just switches off... I know questyle works with Iphone, Ipad, I would be so happy if this dongle would 😎🙋♂️❤️💯
not sure about noire 2 aeons, but drives my closed X nicely. doesnt feel like it lacks power. balanced tho. in 3.5mm it does feel like it lacks dynamic.
@hxsm8090 I felt the same don't normally use the SE output , but we're wishing for more dynamics when trying to get a few harder to drive IEM'S to scale up.
How does this compare to the Moondrop Dawn Pro? Does it work well with EA500 / IE 200 / Hexa / Artti T10? (Context: I already have the Dawn Pro, will there be a significant audible difference?)
@@tonedeafmonkI already have a truly gorgeous sound from the HiBy playing around with mseb, equalizer and peq. So the dongle would take things a notch further?
Funny how both you and AAV made the same mistake: It is the xi one, not the xl one. I ordered mine some time back, and definitely cannot wait for it to arrive.
The best daps are the best for a reason. Short answer It doesn't even the R4 and DX180 wipes the floor with a dongle. In my opinion. Sound wise it's fantastic but usage and features don't compete.
Hello, In your opinion how does the two compare? Which one do you prefer and recommend? Is the ONIX far better than the TP 50? I am torn between these two dongles.
@@subikshrestha6846 Onix all the way brother, don't even think about it. To be honest they are not far off. Onix does produce more note weight, also has more power. TP50 is not bad at all, just Onix Alpha is the better device all around. Its only $20 more.
Was going to get TP50 but was waiting for 618 sales to score a good deal. Then Andy released his review of this and said he thought it would be the best bang for buck dongle of 2024. Then I saw your FB post basically backing Andy up, so I got this with the case and the Linsoul $100 coupon which took $50 off the price. I'm so eagerly awaiting this one!
@@maragindapohan You have to purchase a code before their sales to get a discount. Get on their mailing list and you'll get a heads up before their next sale.
I have been using the Cayin RU7 with my Pula02 and oh my -it is such a good match. That Cayin’s only fault is that it draws lots of power from the host source. I does this Alpha draw power?
Not gonna lie, the dac looks ugly to me. But Andy from dongle madness was also praising the build so there could be something that videos couldn't capture. I wish this was something with shanling's design language. Also, if shanling is the oem manufacturer, these are just assembled in UK? Or imported for onix label?
iBasso is super clean like the DX180 neutral with faster leaner tighter bass. Alpha is more laid back analog sounding not a technical beast like the DC07
hello. I have my myers audio sliivo mk2 as may daily drivers, does onix alpha can be a solid pair to sliivo? Planning to buy one and replace my colorlfy cda m1p. Thank you!
Alpha as long as your looking for a more analog sounding Dongle otherwise you can go EPZ TP50 for a more clinical sound or speed more $180 for the iBasso DC07 PRO full featured super clean.
Great video! I recently found your channel, and all videos are really good. I am currently upgrading my gear to what I call my ‘end game’ setup: * Sundara -> Ananda Nano (already done) * AFUL Performer5 -> Dunu Davinci. Could you recommend something in a similar price range? What I love about AFUL is that they are super comfy. Is the Dunu also comfortable? For instance, does it have a pressure relief valve? * Hiby R3 Pro Sabre -> R4 * Topping DX3 Pro -> I hope it’s my end game. I only miss the balanced output. Do you recommend anything better, but still with a resonable price? Just a few questions if I may: * Does the ONIX Xl have better sound than the R4? * If I am happy with the loudness, would switching to balanced cables for the Dunu or Ananda improve sound quality when using the R4? * I am thinking of buying the Wiim Ultra, but I wonder if I can achieve similar or, hopefully, better quality by connecting the R4 to my amplifier. Thanks!
The Onix Alpha has a different sound than the R4 not better per say depending on your taste? Switching to Balanced might give you better sound also depending on the gear. Some stuff likes more power to scale up better.
@@tonedeafmonk Thanks! My use is only R4 connected mainly to Dunu Davinci or Ananda Nano, which are not that power hungry, so I can just keep using regular cable? On R4 specs page they show different values depending if it is balanced or not balanced. Does it mean that they are small enough that I would not notice?
Hi TDM. Thanks for another great review. Can you confirm whether the Onix has balance control? I have reduced hearing in my right ear and need balance control to equalise the SPL. I currently use a Hiby R3 Pro Saber and also the Qudelix 5K (excellent app functionality) both of which have balance control. Purely looking at sound performance does the Onix beat the Hiby R4? Best wishes and keep up the great work.
Yes it does, and it's on the app as well. Sound wise better stage than R4 and it sounds closer to the way the Hiby sounds on DSD Files, smoother and less sharp edges to the notes while still highly resolving. Overall if you were decided on a dongle or a dap I would go say dap because it's just more convenient for me.
Thanks for your reply. I agree a DAP is more convenient and as I already have the Qudelix 5K which is so clever I probably don't need another dongle but you sounded so impressed with the Onix sound and build you tempted me and so many others. I know a large number of buyers of the Onix are having trouble connecting to their phones so I'm glad I didn't pull the trigger. I know you don't review many portable head amps but have you tried the Chord Mojo 2? I have it and find it superb as both a head amp and preamp. Best wishes and keep up the great work.
I have Luxury Precision W4 which used to be kind of 'end game' and now I got this very cheap ONIX that blows me away. What should I do? Throw away W4? 😂 Who is endgame? :) I literally can't decide. W4 is much smaller, which I like.. but the sound - that's tough decision
The DX180 is way more resolving and Bass is tighter. Stage is wider and more 3D then there is the special sauce that the DX180 does on the top end! So 1/5 the way there IMO
I have plan to buy Topping A50 III to pair with my HD 650, Now I use ibasso D14 Bushmaster to drive my HD 650, is it going to improve the sound if i buy this ONIX? Or I just go with the Topping A50 III? Thanks
Muy buena revisión está mejor que el Epz Tp50, este Onix iria bien con un Singot Ea500? o que otro audífono de este precio recomendarias usar con este Onix XL 1 Alpha
I got my onix, it sounds great! Works very well with my galaxy tab s8+ and just sips power. I also found out it has usb class 1.0 mode as well so you can use it on ps4/5/nintendo. 🎉
Very nice review! Can ONIX be connected to an external amplifier with a cable 3.5mm jack (dongle dac) to 2 rca (external amplifier)? I have check it with TP50 and was working without issues, even if is does not has dedicated line out? Thank you!
I wonder how it compares to a (USB-C wired) Muse Hifi M4. The reason I ask...bought the M4 about 3 weeks ago for a similar price. The M4 also has 7 filters. Balanced output (2.5/4.4) of 320mW & 320MW into 32 Ohms.
Currently have the FIIO K5 Pro ess and Moondrop Dawn Pro for Dacs For IEMs I have the SuperMix, Performer 5, Truthear reds and am going to purchase the Falcon Ultras shortly. With what I have currently would you recommend I pick up the Alpha XL1 or put that towards another IEM?
@@eboboboyyeah they also have a peq, and added shelf filters too, it used to just be peak filters. Qudelix has a 20 band and I believe 20 or 30 save slots. Fiio is a 10 band with 3 slots I believe. The dac/amp in the fiio probably sounds better though.
@Hijynx87 Thats true. However according to Andy donglemadness, the BTR15 sounds more natural or analogue. I think its just for personal preference. But Im also still reconsider to prefer Bluetooth vs sound quality in Onix as well 🤣
Haven't listened to those Shanlings so can't comment. As for drawing a comparison to my $1000 modular XDUOO XD05 Pro doesn't make sense 🤔 It so many different sound signatures the point is mute. Not to mention 4x the power. The XD05 is early the better and don't compete with each other.
@@tonedeafmonkI might misunderstood but in the sound quality section it seem to compare favorably against desktop system (Geshelli+Sparkos+A90D), so I got the impression that the Alpha can compete against desktop and transportable setups.
@yogiwp_ I meant to come across how much this dongle impressed me and certainly gets closer to a desktop stack than any other for me. Sorry didn't mean to come off so strangley
interesting... cs43198 stand alone dac chip, vs. cs43131 dac chip with its integrated op amp. So Onix clearly thought the op amp mated to the 43131 was less quality than they wanted. The cs43131 is regarded for its efficient power handling. I wonder if the sgm 8262 op amp ONIX chose to mate with the 43198 is friendly on battery powered phones and computers as well? Looks like the FIIO KA13 also uses the SGM 8262 op am, but mated to the cs43131 which is odd b/c that is redundant. FIIO must have disconnected the op amp bundled with the cs43131and routed the signal to the SGM 8262. Well, no matter, everything is about implementation, not raw parts.
I watched Andys Dongle Madness review and he gave it a huge praise like the Monk did. Two great reviews on this one,I’m in. Battery drain is my concern as well since l’d be using it on my Shandling M1s. I’m using Hipdac 3 right now.
