The ONIX Alpha XI1 is the brand's first portable DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) and headphone amplifier. It draws much of its knowledge from the Shanling UA4, but in addition to its sleek black design, it also offers a new converter-amplifier combination. Thanks to a dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chip and dual SGM8262 amplification, it delivers 180mW @ 32 Ohms on the single-ended output, while reaching 500mW @ 32 Ohms on the balanced output. The sound is very clean yet unique.
On the XI1, a 0.87" monochrome display provides quick access to settings, which can be navigated and the playback itself via three physical buttons. Built with a traditional ONIX design, the rugged and sleek black aluminum enclosure is equipped with USB Type-C input and 3.5mm SE, 4.4mm BAL output connectors.
It's rare to get truly excellent sound quality in such a small package. Yet despite its size, it pairs perfectly with sensitive premium earphones or even high-end planar-drive headphones.
