In the previous review, dedicated to the player xDuoo X2, I promised to tell you how to improve its sound and, in particular, the return on HF. To do this is very simple with the help of an external amplifier, the main thing is to pick up something budgetary and suitable in size. It was this model that released xDuoo itself, assigning it the XQ-10 index
Actually, the task in front of you in xDuoo put a simple: a small, light, long-lasting and inexpensive amplifier. This is how xDuoo XQ-10 came out. Inside it is some kind of op-amp from Texas Instruments with a minimal strapping and a battery that allows the device to work up to 20 hours. It is supplemented by a good aluminum case. The price tag is also very humane, with delivery almost all over the world.
In the last review, I wrote that this amplifier is a good addition to xDuoo X2, which naturally caused questions, since the player's power is about 250 milliwatts, and this amplifier is only 100. What then is the use of it?
Specifications
- Output power: 100 mW @ 32Ω
- Frequency range: 10 Hz - 100 KHz ± 0.5 dB
- Heine: 6 dB
- Total harmonic distortion + noise: 0.001% @ 1 KHz
- Signal to noise ratio: 104 dB
- Recommended headphone impedance: 8Ω - 300Ω
- Charging time: <2 h
- Operating time from one charge: > 20 h
- Dimensions: 62.5 mm × 36 mm × 10 mm
- Weight: 30 gr
Packing and design
The box of this amplifier is very simple and as small as it is itself. Ordinary cardboard with low-key prints, nothing particularly outstanding. Included is a MicroUSB charging cable and a short wiring with two 3.5 mm jacks for connecting to a sound source.
The appearance of the XQ-10 is very good. Despite the fact that it is very small, the case of the device is made of aluminum, there are silver and black versions to choose from. The build quality is very good, no flaws. All the controls are located at the ends of the device: the input and output sockets, the microUSB charging slot, the two LEDs for indicating the operation and charging status, the power button and the volume control wheel. In general, everything is very simple, and very intuitive. Turning on and off - almost instantaneous, the volume control is noisy enough, the LEDs are very small and unobtrusive. For a Chinese product, this design restraint is simply amazing.
Funny detail - the designers of xDuoo have provided fastening for the eyelet, so if you want you can wear XQ-10 on a cord or use it as a keychain.
During the testing the amplifier worked for 19 hours and several minutes. The time of full charging was about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Sound
The following headphones were used to listen to the amplifier.
- Oppo PM-3
- Dunu DN-2000J and Titan 1
- Lear LUF-4F and LHF-AE1d
In the role of sources were the Fiio X5-2, xDuoo X2 and Cayin N6.
Of course, this amplifier is not designed for use with top players, and not with top-notchs in general - too. Its main task is to improve the sound of the simplest sources: entry-level players, smartphones and other tablets.
Surprisingly, it combines with X2. Passport power of the amplifier - much less than the player, so initially the idea of their unification looks strange, but, as you know, the devil is hidden in small things. First, the actual power of the xDuoo X2 is less than the claimed 250 milliwatts, so the power gap is not that great. Secondly, the player works better for a high-resistance load, and the input of the amplifier is so, so a small amplifier significantly improves the output of the X2, correcting its main minus-high frequencies. They become more collected, add up in number and with second roles go into full participants in the sound.
The amplifier is also good with smartphones / tablets. It adds clarity to low frequencies, more expressiveness on MF and HF. On hearing it looks like the filter "Clarity" of the graphic editor, it seems that the colors are the same, and the composition, but everything is perceived more lively and brighter.
In general, the sound of the device has an emphasis on midrange, the bass is moderately elastic and dynamic. Average frequencies are quite good in terms of resolution, but, of course, only taking into account the price category. HFs are constructed slightly primitive, although there is an attempt to emphasize them quantitatively, but this does not lead to excessive sharpness. The gain of an imaginary scene from this amplifier is not particularly great, although it significantly improves the separation of instruments.
Of course, do not wait for the amplifier to expect special miracles. Tough models of headphones, it does not shake (although it will improve the sound), as it is not intended for top models at a price of $ 150 or more. In addition, there is a little noise when it's working, so it's probably worth to avoid sensitive headphones with it. However, with the right selection of headphones, he is able to do his job very successfully.
The amplifier performed well with models from Ostry, Havi, VSonic, Brainwavz and Soundmagic.
conclusions
If you are looking for an inexpensive way to improve the sound of your source and you are not going to spend money on top headphones or a specialized player, the xDuoo XQ-10 is exactly what you need. Compact size, stylish appearance, long time of work and good sound for its price - all this makes this device a good candidate for purchase.
The article is based on materials .
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