Luxsin X9 DAC & Headphone Amplifier

Description

About the Luxsin X9 DAC & Headphone Amplifier

The Luxsin X9 DAC & Headphone Amplifier’s digital section combines AKM’s AK4191EQ digital processor with the flagship AK4499EX DAC. Meanwhile, a fully differential analogue circuit, R2R resistor-ladder volume control, and ultra-low-noise linear power supply support high-performance headphone and speaker listening.

USB-B and USB-C accept PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD512. Additional inputs include HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth 5.0, and stereo RCA analogue.

Three headphone connections are provided. These include 4.4mm balanced, four-pin XLR balanced, and 6.35mm unbalanced outputs. Rear connections include balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, and dual subwoofer outputs.

A four-inch colour touchscreen provides direct access to source selection, headphone profiles, DSP functions, meters, and system settings.

What We Think

The Luxsin X9 is far more than another compact USB DAC.

Its strongest feature is the way it combines serious audio hardware with genuinely useful software. The X9 can automatically detect headphone impedance, suggest an appropriate gain setting, apply model-specific headphone EQ, and create separate hearing-compensation curves for the left and right ears.

That versatility does not come at the expense of core engineering. The AK4191EQ and AK4499EX combination separates digital processing from analogue conversion. In addition, the balanced analogue path and precision resistor-ladder volume control make the X9 suitable as the control centre of a premium active-speaker or power-amplifier system.

Connectivity is excellent. A computer, phone, television, CD transport, streamer, turntable system with phono preamplifier, power amplifier, active speakers, and two subwoofers can all form part of one compact setup.

However, Wi-Fi should not be confused with an integrated music streamer. It supports control, web access, and firmware functions. Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, and Google Cast are not currently published as native playback features.

The X9 is best suited to listeners who enjoy fine control. Those wanting a simple plug-and-play DAC may not use its advanced DSP, headphone database, soundstage, or hearing-compensation tools.

For the right system, though, the Luxsin X9 DAC & Headphone Amplifier is an impressively complete desktop and headphone audio hub.

 

 

View Product Manual & Support >> View Fosi Audio Products >>

 

The Luxsin X9 is ideal for:

• Premium desktop headphone systems
• Dynamic and planar-magnetic headphones
• Listeners using balanced headphone cables
• Users who regularly change between different headphones
• Buyers wanting headphone-specific EQ profiles
• Listeners interested in hearing compensation
• Computer audio up to PCM 768kHz and DSD512
• Television systems using HDMI ARC
• Active-speaker and power-amplifier systems
• Systems requiring XLR and RCA preamplifier outputs
• Listeners wanting physical, app, and browser control
• Users who value precision volume adjustment
• Buyers who already use a separate network streamer

 

Reviews & Comments

• Pragmatic Audio measured and assessed the X9 as a technically accomplished multifunction DAC and headphone amplifier. Its coverage highlights the exceptionally low distortion, broad input selection, DSP functions, and strong preamplifier performance.
• U-Headphone praised the X9’s performance-to-price ratio and comprehensive feature set. Its review also highlights the flagship AKM conversion hardware, balanced headphone outputs, touch interface, and extensive connectivity.
• HiFiGeek found the X9 convincing as a complete headphone control centre. Its assessment focuses on HP-EQ, high headphone output, system flexibility, and upgradeable firmware

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Luxsin X9?
   The X9 combines a high-resolution DAC, balanced headphone amplifier, analogue preamplifier, DSP processor, and touchscreen controller. It can serve headphones, active speakers, a power amplifier, and powered subwoofers.
2. Which DAC chips does the X9 use?
   It uses AKM’s AK4191EQ digital processor and AK4499EX flagship current-output DAC. Separating these functions helps isolate digital processing from the sensitive analogue conversion stage.
3. How powerful is the headphone amplifier?
   Luxsin publishes a headphone output range of 4 to 15Vrms. Balanced power has been specified at no less than 2,650mW per channel into 16 ohms in high gain. Safe volume depends on headphone sensitivity and impedance.
4. Which headphone connections are provided?
   The front panel has a 4.4mm balanced socket, four-pin XLR balanced connection, and 6.35mm unbalanced socket. A 3.5mm headphone output is not provided.
5. What does automatic impedance detection do?
   When compatible headphones are connected through the 6.35mm or 4.4mm output, the X9 measures their impedance and recommends an appropriate gain setting. You can still review and change the setting manually.
6. What is Luxsin HP-EQ?
   HP-EQ is a database containing correction profiles for more than 2,500 headphone models. A profile can compensate for a headphone’s measured tonal characteristics, although personal adjustment may still be desirable.
7. Can the X9 compensate for differences between my ears?
   Its hearing-compensation tool creates separate left and right correction curves based on a guided sensitivity process. It is designed for listening personalisation and is not a medical diagnostic system.
8. Can the X9 connect to a television?
   HDMI ARC accepts stereo PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz. Set the television’s digital output to PCM because Dolby Digital, DTS, Atmos, and other multichannel decoding are not published.
9. Does the X9 have music streaming built in?
   Native streaming services are not currently published. Wi-Fi supports control, browser access, and firmware functions. Add a dedicated network streamer if you require Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, AirPlay, or similar services.
10. Which Bluetooth codecs does the X9 support?
    Luxsin’s current official page lists SBC and AAC. Some third-party pages mention LDAC or aptX, but those codecs are not consistently confirmed by the manufacturer and should not be assumed.
11. Can I use the X9 as a preamplifier?
    Its balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs can operate with compatible active speakers or power amplifiers. Confirm variable-output mode and begin at a low volume before operating the system.
12. Can I connect a turntable to the X9?
    Only through a suitable phono preamplifier or a turntable with a built-in line-level phono stage. The X9’s RCA input is line level and cannot accept a conventional cartridge signal directly.
13. Can the X9 control two subwoofers?
    Two RCA subwoofer outputs are provided. This makes the X9 suitable for a 2.1 or 2.2 system, although crossover and routing options should be checked against the current firmware.
14. Is the remote control included?
    Luxsin’s specification list shows a 12-button infrared remote, while newer marketing text describes it as optional. Package contents may have changed. Therefore, confirm remote inclusion with Rapallo before ordering.

 

Key Features

Flagship AKM DAC Architecture

The X9 combines an AK4191EQ digital filter and modulator with an AK4499EX current-output DAC.

Separating digital processing from the analogue conversion stage helps reduce interference. Luxsin then uses OPA1612 operational amplifiers in the conversion and analogue circuitry.

USB audio is handled by an XMOS XU316 interface.

High-Resolution USB Audio

USB-B and USB-C inputs support PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD512.

This makes the X9 suitable for high-resolution computer audio, compatible mobile devices, and dedicated digital transports.

Windows 10 and 11, Android, and iOS compatibility is published. Driver requirements depend on the source and operating system.

Fully Balanced Signal Path

Luxsin describes the Luxsin X9 DAC & Headphone Amplifier as fully differential from digital conversion through its analogue and headphone stages.

Balanced XLR line outputs and balanced headphone connections help preserve this architecture through a compatible downstream system.

Balanced operation does not automatically guarantee better sound in every installation. However, XLR can be useful for longer cable runs and equipment with properly implemented balanced inputs.

Powerful Balanced Headphone Amplifier

The headphone stage uses OPA1612 and TPA6120A2 devices with Luxsin’s dynamic negative-feedback implementation.

Luxsin publishes a headphone output range of 4 to 15Vrms, depending on configuration. The balanced output has also been specified at no less than 2,650mW per channel into 16 ohms in high-gain operation.

Actual safe output depends on headphone impedance, sensitivity, selected gain, music level, and connection type.

Three Headphone Connections

The front panel includes:

• 4.4mm balanced output
• Four-pin XLR balanced output
• 6.35mm unbalanced output

This supports many premium headphone cable formats without requiring frequent adaptors.

The XLR and 4.4mm connections are alternative balanced outputs. They are not intended to drive multiple listeners independently.

Automatic Headphone Impedance Detection

The Luxsin X9 DAC & Headphone Amplifier can measure headphones connected through the 6.35mm or 4.4mm socket.

It then recommends an appropriate output gain setting. This can simplify setup when changing between efficient headphones and more demanding high-impedance or planar-magnetic models.

The four-pin XLR output is not listed as supporting automatic impedance detection.

HP-EQ Headphone Profiles

Luxsin’s HP-EQ system provides correction profiles for more than 2,500 headphone models.

These profiles can address known frequency-response characteristics and provide a more neutral starting point. Personal preference, unit variation, earpad wear, and fit can still affect the final result.

Personal Hearing Compensation

The X9 includes a guided hearing-compensation function.

It assesses sensitivity at different frequencies and can create individual correction curves for the left and right ears. This can be useful where hearing response is not perfectly symmetrical.

It is a listening-personalisation tool, not a medical hearing test or treatment.

Crossfeed and Soundstage Adjustment

Digital crossfeed blends a controlled amount of information between channels.

This can reduce the extreme left-right presentation produced by some headphone recordings and create a more speaker-like image. Additional DSP settings allow the perceived width and depth of the presentation to be adjusted.

Precision R2R Volume Control

Volume is managed through a fully balanced resistor-ladder circuit.

Luxsin specifies adjustment in 0.5dB steps and channel matching accuracy of 0.1dB. This is especially helpful at low listening levels, where conventional potentiometers can exhibit channel imbalance.

HDMI ARC for Television Sound

HDMI ARC allows a compatible television to send stereo PCM audio to the X9.

Published support reaches 24-bit/192kHz PCM. This makes the X9 suitable for a premium two-channel television system with active speakers or a separate power amplifier.

Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Atmos, and multichannel PCM decoding are not published. Set the television to stereo PCM.

Extensive Digital Inputs

Alongside USB and HDMI ARC, the X9 provides optical and coaxial S/PDIF inputs.

Optical and coaxial support PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz plus DoP64. These inputs suit CD transports, televisions, network streamers, and other compatible digital sources.

The rear USB-A connection is for firmware updating, not music playback.

Analogue RCA Input

A stereo RCA analogue input allows one conventional line-level source to pass through the X9.

For example, you could connect a phono preamplifier, cassette deck, tuner, or another DAC. Maximum published analogue-input gain is +10dB.

A turntable cannot connect directly unless it already has a suitable phono stage.

Balanced and Unbalanced Pre-Outs

The X9 provides stereo XLR and RCA line outputs.

Published full-scale output is 4.2Vrms through XLR and 2.1Vrms through RCA. The outputs can feed active speakers, a power amplifier, or another suitable line-level component.

Confirm whether fixed or variable output mode is selected before connecting a power amplifier.

Dual Subwoofer Outputs

Two RCA subwoofer outputs simplify integration with one or two powered subwoofers.

DSP-based subwoofer functions allow the X9 to act as the centre of a compact 2.1 or 2.2 system. Available crossover and routing behaviour can change with firmware, so use the current Luxsin instructions during setup.

Bluetooth 5.0

Bluetooth provides convenient wireless playback from phones, tablets, and computers.

Luxsin’s current official specification lists SBC and AAC support. Some third-party listings mention additional codecs, but these are not consistently confirmed by the manufacturer and should not be assumed.

Touchscreen, App, Web

The four-inch, 960 × 400 touchscreen provides direct local control.

The X9 can also be managed through the Luxsin mobile app and a browser-based interface. Firmware can be updated locally or online.

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System Match Ideas

The Luxsin X9 makes an excellent control centre for premium headphone listening and a compact 2.1 speaker system.

Connect a computer through USB-B for PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512. Then connect balanced headphones through the 4.4mm or four-pin XLR output.

Use the HP-EQ database as a starting point rather than an automatic final setting. Compare the corrected and uncorrected presentations, then adjust the result according to your own hearing and preferences.

For room listening, connect the X9’s balanced XLR outputs to a suitable power amplifier or active speakers. Add an SVS SB-1000 Pro through one of the dedicated subwoofer outputs.

A network streamer can connect through USB, coaxial, or optical. This adds service-native streaming without relying on Bluetooth.

 

Specifications

Brand: Luxsin
Model: X9
Product Type: DAC, headphone amplifier, and analogue preamplifier
DAC Architecture: AKM AK4191EQ + AK4499EX
USB Interface: XMOS XU316
Audio DSP: AKM AK7739
Operational Amplifiers: Texas Instruments OPA1612
Headphone Amplifier Device: TPA6120A2
Volume Control: Fully balanced R2R resistor ladder
Volume Steps: 0.5dB
Published Channel-Matching Accuracy: 0.1dB
Maximum USB PCM: 32-bit/768kHz
Maximum USB DSD: Native DSD512
Optical Maximum: PCM 24-bit/192kHz, DoP64
Coaxial Maximum: PCM 24-bit/192kHz, DoP64
HDMI ARC Maximum: Stereo PCM 24-bit/192kHz
Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.0
Officially Published Bluetooth Codecs: SBC and AAC
Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Native Music Streaming Services: Not published
USB-B Audio Input: Yes
USB-C Audio Input: Yes
USB-A: Firmware updates only
Optical Input: One
Coaxial Input: One
HDMI ARC Input: One
Analogue Input: One stereo RCA pair
Maximum Analogue Input Gain: +10dB
Balanced Line Output: One stereo three-pin XLR pair
Unbalanced Line Output: One stereo RCA pair
Subwoofer Outputs: Two RCA
Balanced Headphone Outputs: 4.4mm and four-pin XLR
Unbalanced Headphone Output: 6.35mm
Headphone Impedance Detection: 6.35mm and 4.4mm connections
12V Trigger Input: Yes
12V Trigger Output: Yes
Display: Four-inch fully laminated TFT touchscreen
Display Resolution: 960 × 400
VU-Meter Display: Yes
Spectrum Display: Yes
Mobile App: Luxsin app for Android and iOS
Browser Control: Yes
Firmware Updates: Local and online
Chassis: CNC-machined aluminium
Front-Panel Angle: 15 degrees
Power Supply: Ultra-low-noise linear power supply
Published Power-Supply Ripple: Approximately 40nV
Rated Power Consumption: 25W
Power Requirement: AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz
Width: 300mm
Depth: 206mm
Height: 65mm
Weight: 3.72kg
Finish: Silver

Published XLR Output Performance

Output Level: 4.2Vrms at 0dBFS
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, ±0.25dB
Dynamic Range: Greater than 128dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Greater than 128dB
THD+N: Less than 0.000096 percent, −120.3dB
Crosstalk: Better than −117dB at 1kHz

Published RCA Output Performance

Output Level: 2.1Vrms at 0dBFS
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, ±0.25dB
Dynamic Range: Greater than 125dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Greater than 125dB
THD+N: Less than 0.00010 percent, −119dB
Crosstalk: Better than −114dB at 1kHz

Published Headphone Output Performance

Output Level: 4 to 15Vrms at 0dBFS
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, ±0.25dB
Dynamic Range: Greater than 128dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Greater than 128dB
THD+N: Less than 0.00016 percent, −116dB
Published Balanced Power: At least 2,650mW per channel into 16 ohms in high gain

Published Package Contents:

• Luxsin X9
• Region-specific power cable
• USB-B cable
• Documentation
• Remote control, package status varies by market and production version

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

✔ Practical advice from experienced New Zealand audio specialists
✔ Help matching gain and output settings to your headphones
✔ Guidance on balanced and unbalanced headphone connections
✔ Assistance configuring USB and HDMI ARC sources
✔ Help integrating active speakers or a power amplifier
✔ Guidance on single and dual-subwoofer systems
✔ Advice on adding a dedicated network streamer
✔ Carefully selected headphones, cables, amplifiers, and speakers
✔ New Zealand-based service and after-sales support
✔ Secure nationwide delivery
✔ Support before and after your purchase