Disclaimer: I would like to formally thank Jack from Apos Audio for providing us with a unit in exchange for an impartial and honest review. On behalf of the team at the Headphone List, we thank Campfire Audio for their generosity and trust in THL.
Summary:
The xDuoo XA-02 is a versatile and value-packed entrant into the desktop amplifier space. The XA-02 harnesses the best of solid-state and class A amplification for a meaty, organic, and effortless sound.
Pros:
+ It is feature-packed with USB, coaxial, optical, and Bluetooth inputs for a modest price ($199.00)
+ Fluid, organic output stage with excellent note weight, definition, and mid-range clarity.
+ Class A buffer releases up to 2000mW power with ‘high’ and ‘low’ gain settings.
Cons:
– Maximalist form-factor may not appeal to many.
– Detectable hiss and noise floor on low-impedance IEMs.
– ‘Bass boost’ setting distorts poorly in the midrange due to poor bass-elevation and macrodynamics.
Introduction
xDuoo is an audiophile company specialising in the manufacture of affordable but quality-driven audio peripherals not limited to DACs, headphone amplifiers, and digital audio players (DAPs). Backed by a team of talented and experienced engineers and technicians, it’s no wonder the brand has earned numerous accolades for its wallet-friendly and value-forward philosophy.
Today’s review is no exception. The xDuoo XA-02 is a $199 solid-state DAC/amplifier with a class A output stage. $199 for an all-in-one unit boasting this level of sheer power (2000mW), a ‘true’ balanced output, and a flagship ESS DAC chip is unheard of — this would’ve been nigh impossible five-to-ten years ago.
Given that most people tend to own fewer amplifiers or more headphones/IEMs, the XA-02 could be a go-to option for audiophiles looking for an affordable ‘end game’ tabletop amplifier. Today, we examine if the XA-02 flies close to the sun without burning up. The xDuoo-XA02 can be purchased on Apos Audio’s official website for $179.99.
Unboxing
The XA-02 comes in an enlarged cardboard box with a blueprint-themed print of the XA-02, its schematics proudly printed onto the box’s outer lid. Inside, you’ll find the following accessories:
- 1 x xDuoo XA-02
- 1 x USB A to USB Type-C cable
- 1 x Power Port and Cable
- 1 x 6.35mm to 3.5mm headphone plug converter
- 1 x Antenna
- 1 x User Manual & Warranty card
Everything is provided for ease-of-installation and immediate use. I appreciate the comprehensive suite of inclusions at this competitive price point.
Design and Durability
The xDuoo XA-02 is housed in a slim chassis with distinct red accents and a space grey colourway. There is a pleated design (similar to corrugated iron) on its front panel, adorned with the following controls and outputs:
- Volume knob in red
- Menu button
- Bluetooth button
- 6.5mm unbalanced SE output
- 4.4mm balanced SE output
- AMOLED display
At the top of the XA-02, you will find the xDuoo XA-02’s branding printed into its top-right side in a mecha-like theme/pattern akin to Gundam or Evangelion.
The bottom of the chassis comes with preinstalled rubber feet to allow for the efficient dissipation of heat from the heatsinks located at the base of the XA-02. All of the XA-02’s inputs can be located at the back of the unit. Evenly-splaced slits or depression run along the width of the chassis. The chassis measures 20 x 17.5 x 4.7 CM.
The xDuoo XA-02 embraces a maximalist aesthetic, featuring snazzy accents, raised ridges, and bold lines. It’s a cool design language but one that is visually eye-catching: this could be seen as a point of contention for users who prefer a unified desktop arrangement where no peripheral sticks out like a sore thumb.
Regardless of its slim footprint and crammed features, it takes up little desktop space. Its fully machined exterior also speaks to the quality and durability of the XA-02. For $199, the XA-02 is a well-designed DAC/Amplifier, fabricated from quality materials and components.
Turn to the next page for ‘Features’
