Great review! I am planning to use it with Astell&Kern SR25 MKII and HIFIMAN Arya. Do you think It is good combination? Can I face a trouble in this combination in terms of sound quality?
I don't think you'll face any issues, XD-05 will give you a fresh new sound signature to enjoy. Also, if you have some full size cans, they can benefit of higher power with XD-05
connecting to aux, you're using XD05 as a pure amp connected to USB, you will engage it's DAC too I haven't test XDP-300R, so I can't tell what will be the difference, but most probably it'll be noticeable
didn't test Hip DAC as for XD-05 vs BTR5, it's pretty obvious, do you have a big cans you need to drive? if yes, then XD, otherwise - BTR5 is an option too
Hello :). I am wondering how does the XD05 - Plus compare soundwise to the Ifi XDSD and Fiio Q5s? I want great detail and clarity but with very nice imaging and soundstage. I also need power though and I do understand the XD05-Plus is the most powerful out of the options I mentioned. The Fiio Q5s interests me but my only issue is that I'll be using single ended and the headphones I'll be using is the Audeze Sine DX, Ultrasone Edition 11, Focal Clear and Elegia. Since I don't have a balanced cable I feel the Q5s might not have enough driving power using the single ended. So I feel maybe the XDSD and XD05-plus are my two options as I don't want to spend no more than $600 AUD. So for SQ, detail, clarity and soundstage which one do you feel would be my best option? :) I love your reviews and trust you heaps. I know my ears would be the best judge but unfortunately with all this pandemic it's hard to try different things now at stores.
> compare soundwise to the Ifi XDSD and Fiio Q5s roughly speaking, Q5s is the most neutral and focused on microcontrast, xDSD is the most weighty, xDuoo is "in between" of those options > I do understand the XD05-Plus is the most powerful out of the options I mentioned yes, if I remember specs right > So for SQ, detail, clarity and soundstage which one do you feel would be my best option? you know, I prefer FiiO most of all, but if you need more power, looks like xDuoo is the best option for you. It's a bit less focused on microcontrast than Q5s, but still more than xDSD. Also, it's cheaper, and it supports opamp swapping that could be an option too
@@PortaFi Thank you very much for the quick response. What Opamp would you say would be the best combo with the XDuoo XD05-Plus for more clarity and detail? :)
I only tried Burson's hybrid opamps. but it's really likely that there are nice cheaper options :) it's better to ask on Head-Fi in the owner's thread, there are much more users that will give more valuable feedback :)
Would you say the frequency response is decently neutral? I'm looking for a powerful DAC/AMP combo that's portable and sounds neutral. Is this it or should I look elsewhere?
well, XD-05 is indeed more or less neutral, but it's not absolutely neutral, if you need a totally monitoring representation - you can consider FiiO's Q5 for example of some iFi gear
Hello :), when I put the battery out will it work just from the usb power of my notebook that is plugged in the wall? Just from its "usb C in" to usb 3.0 of a notebook?
i allready own this amp. but still dont know whats the function of the boost switch? still cant hear difference when using on and off. im using ath r70x 470ohm and , what is the function of pcm filter? thx :)
if I remember right, actually "boost" switch changes output impedance. but for your 470Ω cans output impedance of the source is totally irrelevant :) it gives a noticeable effect only on low impedance models as for PCM filter, it's hard to explain in short. this option changes the "way" how DAC restore analog signals from digital data. These filters impacts things like pre-ringing, decays, etc. Their impact is also close to inaudible, but all manufacturers add it, just in case :)
@@PortaFi ohh nice , ok thx for ur explanation. Tried to turn it on (boost) for my final e5000 iem , and still don't hear any difference, but I'm afraid that mode can made my iem fail lol. Nice explanation for pcm feature. Thx for ur explanation sir 👍
@@PortaFi Considering this one might be the most powerful portable DAC, could Q5s work with 300 ohm headphones like HD650 as well as this monster? Because I think I would prefer Q5s' sound as I also like clean treble.
Well 13 months in with Burston opp amps upgraded just after I bought it, no longer connects to anything over USB, so far not even an acknowledgement of my message to them, save the extra 100 and buy the ifi Gryphon if want Bluetooth or the chord mojo 2 for superb resolution and tonality for around the same price as with Burston opp amps upgrade to XDUOO XD-05, wish these options were around when I bought this rather ugly paperweight 🙄
I didn't test this pairing in practice, as I don't have DT770, but in general, I'm pretty confident that it will be a good pair. It's a good and powerful DAC/amp, so "what can go wrong" :)
@@PortaFi Thanks for the very quick reply! I just want a simple budget system that would set me for life, but good audio stuff in my country is expensive in my country
it'll work perfectly. don't know if you're still wondering. I had the dt 990 250 and can run them decently with my iPhone 5. My dts 770 80omh, work pretty much everywhere :)
Здравствуйте, нужна ваша помощь в выборе наушников, выбираю между kz as16 и fiio f9 pro, к сожалению нет возможности послушать, музыку слушаю: metallica, queen, enigma, и частенько trance с вокалом, скажите пожалуйста, что подойдет больше. Вернее сказать, что бы вы себе купили, я понимаю, что "на вкус и цвет" и звук это сугубо частный подход, но все же я всецело доверяю вашему опыту и знаниям, учитываю сколько вы всего видели, слушали и знаете о звуке. Вообще мой бюджет 13 000 и слушать буду с смартфона через ibasso dc01 или 02, пока не знаю с наушниками не определился, но со временем планирую купить fiio x5 3. Большое спасибо вам и вашей команде за ваш труд!!!
я бы купил HiFiBoy OS V3, BQEYZ Spring 1 или подкопил на те же Comet. Но это исключительно мой субьективный вкус, а вам надо определиться какую вы хотите подачу, никто за вас этого не решит P.S. команды у меня нет, видео пилю сам полностью, отсюда и такое компромиссное качество
Great review! I am planning to use it with Astell&Kern SR25 MKII and HIFIMAN Arya. Do you think It is good combination? Can I face a trouble in this combination in terms of sound quality?
I don't think you'll face any issues, XD-05 will give you a fresh new sound signature to enjoy. Also, if you have some full size cans, they can benefit of higher power with XD-05
Hey great review. I love my xDuoo XD05 Plus. I was wondering if there was any benefit to using the USB in vs Aux in when using my Pioneer XDP-300R?
connecting to aux, you're using XD05 as a pure amp
connected to USB, you will engage it's DAC too
I haven't test XDP-300R, so I can't tell what will be the difference, but most probably it'll be noticeable
Great review! would you recommend the XD-05 plus, ifi hip dac or Fiio BTR5? thanks
didn't test Hip DAC
as for XD-05 vs BTR5, it's pretty obvious, do you have a big cans you need to drive? if yes, then XD, otherwise - BTR5 is an option too
Great review! If i may ask, how is the XD-05 Plus compared to the ifi Micro iDSD Black Label? I'm currently on the fence on these two. Thankyou
Micro iDSD is more neutral, more powerful and with more features, but it's also noticeably more pricey
@@PortaFi Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it 😊, I think I'll save up and get the idsd
Hello :). I am wondering how does the XD05 - Plus compare soundwise to the Ifi XDSD and Fiio Q5s? I want great detail and clarity but with very nice imaging and soundstage. I also need power though and I do understand the XD05-Plus is the most powerful out of the options I mentioned. The Fiio Q5s interests me but my only issue is that I'll be using single ended and the headphones I'll be using is the Audeze Sine DX, Ultrasone Edition 11, Focal Clear and Elegia. Since I don't have a balanced cable I feel the Q5s might not have enough driving power using the single ended. So I feel maybe the XDSD and XD05-plus are my two options as I don't want to spend no more than $600 AUD. So for SQ, detail, clarity and soundstage which one do you feel would be my best option? :) I love your reviews and trust you heaps. I know my ears would be the best judge but unfortunately with all this pandemic it's hard to try different things now at stores.
> compare soundwise to the Ifi XDSD and Fiio Q5s
roughly speaking, Q5s is the most neutral and focused on microcontrast, xDSD is the most weighty, xDuoo is "in between" of those options
> I do understand the XD05-Plus is the most powerful out of the options I mentioned
yes, if I remember specs right
> So for SQ, detail, clarity and soundstage which one do you feel would be my best option?
you know, I prefer FiiO most of all, but if you need more power, looks like xDuoo is the best option for you. It's a bit less focused on microcontrast than Q5s, but still more than xDSD. Also, it's cheaper, and it supports opamp swapping that could be an option too
@@PortaFi Thank you very much for the quick response. What Opamp would you say would be the best combo with the XDuoo XD05-Plus for more clarity and detail? :)
I only tried Burson's hybrid opamps. but it's really likely that there are nice cheaper options :) it's better to ask on Head-Fi in the owner's thread, there are much more users that will give more valuable feedback :)
Would you say the frequency response is decently neutral? I'm looking for a powerful DAC/AMP combo that's portable and sounds neutral. Is this it or should I look elsewhere?
well, XD-05 is indeed more or less neutral, but it's not absolutely neutral, if you need a totally monitoring representation - you can consider FiiO's Q5 for example of some iFi gear
Здравствуйте, прошу прощения за вопрос- какие наушники вы бы выбрали из перечисленных ниже KZ ZSN PRO или KBEAR KBA 06?
любой из них. в целом, у KB Ear чуть лучше ВЧ (хотя разница реально мизерная), поэтому наверное их
Hello :), when I put the battery out will it work just from the usb power of my notebook that is plugged in the wall? Just from its "usb C in" to usb 3.0 of a notebook?
sorry, I don't know as I didn't do such tests
To use Topping NX4 as dac to this, what connection should be done between nx4 and 5 plus??
I didn't test NX4 and I don't know what inputs and outputs it has. moreover I'm not sure will it make much sense in joining them together
how does it compare against the ifi Micro BL?
iFi is more resolving and more refined, especially on treble
@@PortaFi thks
How its quality compared to mojo?
Is changing opamp to burson V5D I really makes a benefit? Thx
I'm sorry, but I didn't have Mojo for a direct comparison
yes, V5D indeed improves the sound, difference isn't huge, but pretty noticeable
@@PortaFi thx for the answer, already bought one :D
i allready own this amp. but still dont know whats the function of the boost switch? still cant hear difference when using on and off. im using ath r70x 470ohm
and , what is the function of pcm filter?
thx :)
if I remember right, actually "boost" switch changes output impedance. but for your 470Ω cans output impedance of the source is totally irrelevant :) it gives a noticeable effect only on low impedance models
as for PCM filter, it's hard to explain in short. this option changes the "way" how DAC restore analog signals from digital data. These filters impacts things like pre-ringing, decays, etc. Their impact is also close to inaudible, but all manufacturers add it, just in case :)
@@PortaFi ohh nice , ok thx for ur explanation. Tried to turn it on (boost) for my final e5000 iem , and still don't hear any difference, but I'm afraid that mode can made my iem fail lol.
Nice explanation for pcm feature. Thx for ur explanation sir 👍
> but I'm afraid that mode can made my iem fail lol.
it's really unlikely :) just avoid excessive volume levels
Hi! Can this xDuoo XD-05 work with the PC even if the battery is flat? Thank you!
probably yes, but I didn't test in practice
can i use the aux out to connect my powered speakers ?
yes, if it's an active speakers with built-in amp, then no problems :)
@@PortaFi awesome thanks
Will it be able to drive sundara well
sure, it's really powerful
How dose it compair to ibasso dx160?
iBasso is a bit more resolving and focused on micro contract, while XD-05 Plus is more "analogue" in representation
What source are you using?
iBasso DX160
Is this better than the Topping nx4?
haven't test it unfortunately
Can you compare it to Fiio Q5s ?
despite power difference, FiiO is more focused on micro-detalisation and has more extended treble
And in your opinion, which Dac is better?
@@thomaskohler5181 subjectively, I prefer FiiO, as I'm a fan of clean treble and neutral signature
@@PortaFi Considering this one might be the most powerful portable DAC, could Q5s work with 300 ohm headphones like HD650 as well as this monster? Because I think I would prefer Q5s' sound as I also like clean treble.
@@gavinhou3261 yes, it can, especially from balanced out. But actually the best sound I've heard with 650 was by modified DarkVoice 336…
Well 13 months in with Burston opp amps upgraded just after I bought it, no longer connects to anything over USB, so far not even an acknowledgement of my message to them, save the extra 100 and buy the ifi Gryphon if want Bluetooth or the chord mojo 2 for superb resolution and tonality for around the same price as with Burston opp amps upgrade to XDUOO XD-05, wish these options were around when I bought this rather ugly paperweight 🙄
Will this amp work well with dt770 32 ohm version? Im putting this amp on my wishlist as im saving money to buy it next year
I didn't test this pairing in practice, as I don't have DT770, but in general, I'm pretty confident that it will be a good pair. It's a good and powerful DAC/amp, so "what can go wrong" :)
@@PortaFi Thanks for the very quick reply! I just want a simple budget system that would set me for life, but good audio stuff in my country is expensive in my country
xDuoo XD-05 Plus is a good budget offer indeed, so don't worry )
it'll work perfectly. don't know if you're still wondering. I had the dt 990 250 and can run them decently with my iPhone 5. My dts 770 80omh, work pretty much everywhere :)
Здравствуйте, нужна ваша помощь в выборе наушников, выбираю между kz as16 и fiio f9 pro, к сожалению нет возможности послушать, музыку слушаю: metallica, queen, enigma, и частенько trance с вокалом, скажите пожалуйста, что подойдет больше. Вернее сказать, что бы вы себе купили, я понимаю, что "на вкус и цвет" и звук это сугубо частный подход, но все же я всецело доверяю вашему опыту и знаниям, учитываю сколько вы всего видели, слушали и знаете о звуке. Вообще мой бюджет 13 000 и слушать буду с смартфона через ibasso dc01 или 02, пока не знаю с наушниками не определился, но со временем планирую купить fiio x5 3. Большое спасибо вам и вашей команде за ваш труд!!!
я бы купил HiFiBoy OS V3, BQEYZ Spring 1 или подкопил на те же Comet. Но это исключительно мой субьективный вкус, а вам надо определиться какую вы хотите подачу, никто за вас этого не решит
P.S. команды у меня нет, видео пилю сам полностью, отсюда и такое компромиссное качество