Review of xDuoo X3 II - the new leader among budget Hi-Fi players

Specifications

DAC	AK4490
OU	OPA1652
Input additional buffer	LMH6643
Supported formats	APE, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, AAC, MP3, OGG, WMA, DSF, DFF, DSD128
output power	220 mW @ 32 Ohm headphone impedance
Frequency range	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Signal to noise ratio	108 dBA
entrance	USB Type-C
Outputs	USB Type-C, 3.5 mm - for headphones, 3.5 mm - linear
Bluetooth	4.0 with aptX and Hiby Link
Screen	2.4 inches, 240 × 320 pixels, IPS
Memory	microSD up to 256 GB
Battery	2000 mAh
Battery life	About 13 hours depending on volume, source and other parameters
Charging time	3 hours (5V / 2A)
Dimensions (edit)	102.5 × 51.5 × 14.9mm
The weight	112 g

For experienced audiophiles, a glance at the specs is all it takes to appreciate the coolness of the xDuoo X3 II. For everyone else, we will provide a small explanation.

As a DAC, the AK4490 chip from the Japanese corporation Asahi Kasei Microdevices is used here. Today, this manufacturer shares the leadership in the portable audio market with the Saber.

The AK4490 is a premium 32-bit DAC with VELVET SOUND's proprietary dual-channel architecture. It is used in audio devices from a wide variety of manufacturers such as Denon, Teac, Pioneer, and so on. The use of this component does not yet guarantee the highest sound quality, but it gives great hope.

It is further strengthened by its use as the final amplifier of the OPA1652 chip from Texas Instruments. It provides extremely low signal processing distortion. In addition, this component allows the xDuoo X3 II to deliver enough power to pump even the tightest headphones.

Please also note that the device has a Bluetooth module that supports audio output via the aptX protocol. This makes it possible to transmit a signal to wireless headphones or, conversely, receive it from another source. That is, if you want, you can use your smartphone to listen to FM radio or, for example, streaming services.

Completion and appearance

xDuoo X3 II comes in a strict dark gray cardboard box. On its front side there is a photograph of the device, and on the back - its main technical characteristics.

Inside the outer packaging is a black box, which contains the player and accessories. The inner box is so strong that you don't have to worry about the safety of the contents during shipment. This method of packaging has already become the hallmark of the company.

The player is tightly fixed inside with a special porous frame. There is an additional compartment underneath for accessories. These include two screen protectors, silicone self-adhesive feet for stationary use, a USB cable, an audio cable, two 3.5mm plugs, and an instruction manual with text in Chinese and English.

In addition, the kit includes a beautiful black leatherette cover, which, in our opinion, makes the gadget look more respectable. And, of course, it perfectly protects its surface from scratches and abrasions.

The body of the xDuoo X3 II is made of lightweight and durable black metal. Despite its light weight - only 112 grams - the player looks quite solid and reliable. The case does not bend anywhere and does not play even with strong pressure, and the buttons sit like a glove.

The main place on the front panel is taken by a 2.4-inch screen. By player standards, it is of excellent quality, demonstrates good color rendition and contrast. The brightness level is adjustable over a wide range, which allows you to comfortably use the device in almost any environment, including on a sunny street.

There is a place under the screen for the main controls. These are buttons for switching tracks, starting and stopping playback, going to the previous screen and accessing the settings. For some reason, the latter is marked with the Windows logo, which causes unpleasant associations. However, looking ahead, we note that the player's software has nothing to do with this operating system.

On the left side of the xDuoo X3 II are the volume keys and a bright red power button. Below is a slot for installing a memory card.

At the bottom we see a headphone jack, a line-out and a USB Type-C connector for data transfer and recharging the player's battery.

In general, the appearance of the player is very similar to the recently visited xDuoo X20. The same laconic strict brick without any special frills and inventions.

Nevertheless, it is precisely such time-tested design solutions that turn out to be the most successful. When you first get to know the xDuoo X3 II, you do not need to scroll through the instructions or randomly press all the buttons in an attempt to find the desired function. Everything here is very clear and comfortable, instantly addictive.

Functions

As the name implies, the xDuoo X3 II is positioned by the company as an improved version of the famous Xduoo X3. However, it seems to us that this is not entirely correct - there are too many differences. Other electronic components, different characteristics and sound. And in terms of functionality, the xDuoo X3 II has overtaken its predecessor by an order of magnitude.

The main task of a Hi-Fi player is to reproduce high-quality music of various formats from a memory card. Its size can reach 256 GB, so that even with an ardent love for lossless music library, you can collect a considerable one. If this is not enough, then you can connect an external drive via OTG.

The omnivorousness of the player is beyond doubt. During testing, we fed him music of various formats (from among the officially supported ones, of course), and he coped with all of them without hesitation. It recognizes CUE files correctly, there are no problems with Cyrillic in tags. Switching between tracks occurs without any delays, there are no clicks or extraneous interference, the volume control is smooth. By the way, the power reserve of xDuoo X3 II has a very solid one - it can be made friends without any problems even with very “tight” ears.

In addition, xDuoo X3 II boasts a full range of additional features that are absolutely not typical for representatives of this price category. This player can be used as a DAC with any computer, laptop or smartphone. To do this, you need to connect it with a standard USB Type-C cable and select the "USB Mode - DAC" item in the settings. In Windows 10, the player is recognized as an external sound card, no drivers are required. At the same time, the sound quality at the output of such a bundle is almost always superior to the sound of the built-in codec.

The built-in Bluetooth module further expands the scope of the device. The first thing that comes to mind is connecting wireless headphones for listening to music while jogging, cycling, exercising in the gym - in short, in all situations where wires get in the way. The sound quality in this case will become somewhat worse, but thanks to the support of the aptX protocol, you can listen.

Interestingly, the Bluetooth in the xDuoo X3 II can work both for transmission and reception of a signal. This allows the gadget to be used as a kind of wireless DAC or amplifier. For example, you like to listen to online stations, but the sound path of your smartphone is poor. In this case, you can send a signal to the xDuoo X3 II and enjoy much better sound.

Thus, in terms of functionality, the xDuoo X3 II offers almost flagship capabilities. This player can meet the most varied needs of music lovers, serving as a portable sound source or as a stationary DAC amplifier. Among competitors in the same price category, no one offers such a list of opportunities.

Software

Not only the functionality of the player depends on the software, but also the convenience of its use. We have not identified any problems in this area.

The main screen contains six tiles, each of which provides access to a separate section. Here is a brief description.

Music Browser - a file manager that allows you to view files on a memory card or a connected storage device. There is also a button for scanning media.
My music - a media library that provides access to the available musical compositions. There is a classification by artist, album, genre. You can also view your favorites and playlists.
Music Settings - playback settings, which include the choice of gain mode, digital filter, volume normalization, cover display and other parameters. In this section, you can fine-tune the sound character using the 10-band equalizer.
System Settings - these are device options, including setting the language, brightness, off timer. Pay attention to the car mode available here, the activation of which will allow the player to be used in conjunction with the on-board audio system.
Bluetooth Settings - a section in which, after turning on Bluetooth, you can configure the parameters of the wireless interface, as well as activate aptX to transmit a signal of a higher quality.
Music playing - information about the currently playing song. Selecting this item will open a screen with album art and other data.

We give the names of the points in English, since the Russian translation in the firmware sometimes looks strange. This is perhaps the only complaint that can be made to the developers.

Overall, we liked the xDuoo X3 II firmware. The company Hiby worked on it, which has a lot of experience in this matter. That is why the software of this player can be called, if not impeccable, then very close to this state.

Sound

xDuoo X3 II has a serious electronic filling, which allows it to produce high quality sound. It is gratifying that the engineers of xDuoo did not spoil it by overlaying various software "enhancers", so that the sound of the player as a whole can be characterized as neutral.

The bass is soft but well defined. He does not try to amaze the listener with thunderous rolls, but is present exactly to the extent that it was planned when recording in the studio. Therefore, on some tracks it seems that the player is not bass enough, on others - on the contrary. Don't worry, this is how it should be.

The mids sound somewhat flat. In general, the presentation is correct, but they lack expressiveness, so the sound of xDuoo X3 II will seem boring to many. This is not a big drawback, especially considering the player's price, but it obliges you to listen carefully before buying.

The high frequencies are not accented and are sometimes lost somewhere behind the mids. If we compare their sound with the same xDuoo X20, then they lack detail and airiness. Such a presentation may not be very effective, but the sound of the player does not drill out the brain, as in some competitors, which deliberately push forward the clatter of cymbals and plucking of strings.

In general, the sound of the xDuoo X3 II can be described as comfortable. It is not very bright, but it does not cause fatigue and irritation, even after several hours in headphones. Exactly what you need for a leisurely walk, a long trip in transport or a quiet evening with a book in your hands.

Outcomes

Today xDuoo is one of the leaders in the budget portable audio segment. The release of a whole series of devices with an exorbitant value for money has brought it a well-deserved popularity among lovers of good sound.

xDuoo X3 II is another confirmation of the company's status. It's hard to find another player with the same price tag that offers similar functionality. One can argue about the quality of the sound - after all, this is a subtle matter, everyone has different tastes. But in terms of the richness of possibilities, this player leaves all competitors far behind. An excellent choice for any music lover who decides for a reasonable price to purchase a universal device for all occasions.

At the time of this writing, the xDuoo X3 II is priced at around $ 120. With a promo code WHV4771 our readers can get that price down to $ 105.