Review of xDuoo XP-2 - Portable DAC, Amplifier and Bluetooth Receiver in One Package

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The gadget will help to improve the quality and volume of the sound in the headphones.

The xDuoo company, which has made a name for itself on the release of high-quality and inexpensive audiophile devices, continues to gush with gadgets. The new xDuoo XP-2 is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), amplifier and Bluetooth receiver that will help you get a new listening experience.

Appointment

Smartphones are the most commonly used sound source today. They are compact, always at hand and can store a sufficient number of tracks in their memory, not to mention a large selection of streaming audio. However, not always smartphones, especially inexpensive ones, can boast of high-quality sound output. Many users also complain about insufficient volume, especially if high impedance headphones are used.

These problems can be solved with xDuoo XP-2. In addition, the device also provides Bluetooth signal reception and transmission to speakers or headphones.

Packaging and equipment

XP-2 has traditional xDuoo packaging. The outer white box with a photograph of the product and its technical characteristics is made of thin white cardboard. On the other hand, the inner black box is made of such armor-piercing material that there is no need to fear for the safety of the contents.

The kit contains everything you need to use the gadget: several adapters for connecting to different signal sources, an audio cable with two 3.5 mm connectors, a microUSB cable for charging. There is even a special Velcro that can be used to glue the XP-2 to your smartphone if necessary.

Appearance

There are two 3.5mm jacks on the front panel. One is needed to connect headphones, and the second is line in / out. In addition, there is a volume control knob, which is used in combination to turn the device on and off. The travel of the regulator is soft and smooth; when it is moved to the extreme left position, a soft click is heard.

The rest of the controls are concentrated on the left side. The Select button is designed to switch the operating modes: amplifier → DAC → wireless receiver. Next is the Gain lever for changing the gain. The BT Link button should be pressed when pairing the device via Bluetooth for the first time. And closer to the back, a BT indicator is hidden in the hole, signaling that the gadget is working in wireless mode.

The back side contains a plastic insert for Bluetooth operation. On it we see microUSB connectors for charging and connecting a signal source. There is an indicator light next to each of them.

Connection

To use the xDuoo XP-2 as a D / A converter, connect it to the source using one of the supplied cables. Then press the button on the side panel to select the USB input (the red indicator will light up). If you are using a smartphone, then no additional action is required. Immediately after connecting the devices, you can insert headphones into the connector on the front panel and listen to music.

When connecting to a computer, follow the same procedure. xDuoo XP-2 is recognized by the system as digital headphones, so you just have to select this device in the mixer to redirect the audio stream to it. If you wish, you can additionally download and install the driver from the official site, however, I did not find significant differences in the sound after using it.

If you are happy with the sound path of your smartphone, but feel a lack of power, then connect the xDuoo XP-2 to the headphone output. In this version, the gadget will act as an amplifier. It is capable of delivering up to 245 mW into 32 ohms, which will help rock even the tightest headphones.

The third hypostasis of xDuoo XP-2 is a wireless receiver. The gadget supports the Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX protocol, which provides the highest quality that is available when transmitting a signal over the air. To connect the device, you need to press the mode switching button twice - the indicator will light up green. Then activate pairing by pressing the BT Link button. Further steps are no different from connecting wireless headphones, so there is no need to describe them in detail.

Sound

Those users who have already come across devices from xDuoo are well aware that this company is able to make high-quality sound. This gadget is no exception.

The bass is fast enough, firm and reliable. However, for lovers of dark sound, low frequencies may not seem enough, so you have to use the equalizer. The mids are good: all instruments play in their places, vocals sound like live. Due to the insufficient density of low frequencies, a slight shift of the spectrum towards the upper middle is felt. HF looks transparent and natural. There is no protrusion of the top, when plates and bells are hovering somewhere at an unattainable height. As a result, the sound picture looks as realistic as possible and, one might say, even somewhat prosaic.

In general, the sound of xDuoo XP-2 can be estimated at a solid four on a five-point system. The device practically does not bring emotional coloring, so the effect may seem somewhat faded to someone. However, many will appreciate the impartial and realistic presentation that the XP-2 demonstrates.

Specifications

• DAC: AKM AK4452.
• Amplifier: OPA1652 + OPA1662.
• Wireless functions: Bluetooth 5.0, with aptX support.
• Output power: 245 mW into 32 ohms.
• Sampling rate: up to 192 kHz / 24 bit.
• Recommended load impedance: 16-300 ohms.
• Battery: 1800 mAh.
• Working time: 15 hours (amplifier), 12 hours (Bluetooth), 8 hours (DAC).
• Dimensions: 105 × 56 × 15 mm.
• Weight: 115 g.

Outcomes

xDuoo XP-2 attracts first of all by its multifunctionality and good sound quality. It can be recommended for those music lovers who want to dramatically improve the sound of their smartphone, tablet or laptop without replacing them. A nice addition will be the affordable price of the gadget, which at the time of this writing is 7,532 rubles.