Makes Everything Sound Better! : THX Onyx

[@ELJefeReviews]

THX with an ESS Sabre DAC on board is a LEGIT combination for sound quality. I hope I get to test it soon. Awesome work brother!

[@wadec6799]

El jefe have you ever used something like this on the q30's??? Or other headphonez??

[@ELJefeReviews]

@@wadec6799 I have not tested this device. But I expect it would amplify the audio for more volume and provide a much cleaner signal. THX amps and ESS Sabre DACs are known for transparency so it won’t add EQ or anything. It will simply improve what’s there.

[@wadec6799]

@@ELJefeReviews thanks man!!!! Appreciate the feedback!!!!!!!!

[@bambam841ify]

I bought one of these when they 1st released. I never tried any other similar devices beforehand. So I won't be able to offer a comparison, but can attest that I am EXTREMELY pleased with the quality of this product. Using them with Samsung Galaxy note 20 ultra and B & O H9's

[@healthytrollmeister2665]

American company but Asian made edit: Sound engineers in thx are mostly Filipinos, Koreans, Chinese #stopasianhate

[@Yatukih_001]

Thanks for letting us know man!

[@jeffsloane8628]

So this does what the AudioQuest Dragonfly series (Black/Red/Cobalt) did 10 years ago + Mic support. Got it. Thanks. Thumbs Up!

[@johncheng9665]

A $100 dollar amp also produce sound, it doesn't make it a $1000 amp

[@wadimek116]

Had dragonfly cobalt, it overcolored sound and had worse amplification than this.

[@dubie-day-shay7937]

It must sound amazing, bruh! The price is way up there for me, thanks for video Keith.

[@SMS2884]

SMH the only thing LG did right in their phones. Wish everyone else would have done it. It was an amazing experience.

[@henrydupuis5648]

What is SMH my broski?

[@a9hart470]

Thanks for you're take on this man! The idea that you can improve upon the quality of portable audio so effortlessly on the go is exciting so it's great to find out about this sort of product via the likes of yourself

[@rhyvehr]

*Durability Concern* I've had two devices with THX linear amplification in them, the Onyx and Fiio Q3. Both have ended up blowing out and the treble ended up absolutely horrenduous sounding. Just get an Apple dongle or Schiit Fulla 3 for gaming, both are cheaper and 99% of people won't ever tell the difference.

[@peteraustin4077]

oh my god, you need this connector to fit that device, then you have to plug in the earphones and it all has to be plugged into your phone just so you can shatter your eardrums!

[@vinayravikumar5134]

Parasite Eve - Bring me the horizon. I see your a man of taste.

[@scynapz]

Is it bad that the game comes into my head.

[@sajohnson09]

@@scynapz I mean, it was one of squaresoft's best games and inspired the song, so not really.

[@dmo848]

@@scynapz yuppers

[@joseluisruiz3789]

I have the Shure SHA900 portable Headphone Amplifier that costed me alot and still love it but this device here is definitely worth trying out.

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

Shure you do SHURE.

[@joseluisruiz3789]

@@BigEightiesNewWave I tried sharing my link with you but it seems this dude took it down hahahahahaha like I wasn't even gonna try to take his job or anything lol! I have a youtube channel but its a hobby for me not a job. Your just gonna have to take my word for it man.

[@funnyboy250]

how does it compare to dragonfly red?

[@crazyndn49]

I've owned several THX badged audio items over the years. I've also had some of those same items that were 'updated' and lost the THX cert on it. There's a BIG difference in sound quality and volume. One that comes to mind in particular is the Soundblaster Omega gaming headset. The 1st gen was THX certified/badged. To date, that has been the best gaming headset I've used. The 'updated' version of it lost it and lost a lot of quality. Needless to say, when an item that has that cert, or it comes direct from THX like this, I'll definitely try it out. I'm not really a youtuber type, but that's one product name I'll stand behind and put my money towards and would offer a review of it myself.

[@jonathanoxlade4252]

OK I own a pair of sony wh-1000xm4 I just want to improve the sound quality on it ever since I had a helm dac go into settings and set the HQ audio mode and oh boy what a difference people say there is no difference when outside in noisy environments I can still hear crystal detail until sadly the helm day died due to cable was shitty it got plenty loud enough but I want a better version that will last long so thx dac amp was the answer should of paid £200 I actually have bought one for £175 on a huge discount

[@VaultF]

If I didn't have my BTR5 I would definitely buy this. I have a Monolith 788 as a desktop DAC/Amp. I don't really need THX on the go, I'm happy enough for my DDHiFi adapters for 3.5 and 2.5mm if I wanna enjoy my FLAC files, For everything else, I'll stick with BRT5 on LDAC. I had a Tidal sub and honestly, I can't tell the difference between master tracks and Amazon's Music Ultra HD tracks. Might switch back to Spotify when they release their higher quality tier.

[@tjwhite3357]

Fiio brt5 is releasing a 2021 version with Sabre and mqa support. Just bought old model in June, cant wait to get improved version.

[@Ben7seven7]

You're forgetting that newer iPads have USB-C so you wont need an adapter to use this DAC with those iPads.

[@mikeevans7381]

This is an awesome product reviewed by an awesome guy. It really doesn't seem like it's been that long ago that I was jamming out with my Jaybird X3s and working out with my Anker Soundbuds Slim. Lol 🤣👍

[@taidee]

I feel like the Qudelix 5k is all I need for mobile use, and it works with everything. It's not bad even as a desk dac/amp, but I have a good desk dac/amp set for desk use.

[@dannf3736]

Seems great, but quite expensive.

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

True, there are cheaper dacs that sound just as good if not better

[@NyteStalker89]

It will work on Ipad pro since those are rocking USB-C, just FYI

[@Mainwong]

I wonder does it work as it should if i use it along with Belkin type C audio and charge adapter on iPad Pro?

[@audioelectronicsinchina4233]

Awesome sound always costs a lot of money!

[@ajoydas-Watch-It]

not really audioengine A5 ftw.

[@Sakhi]

You should try the Fiio BTR5. Quite a nice portable dac amp which can be used wired or through bluetooth (LDAC, Aptx HD, other codecs etc.). Really nice button controls and quite customisable (EQ - doesn't work on LDAC but all other codecs work fine, filters, etc.) through the Fiio app on android

[@VaultF]

Best thing ever created.

[@SpencersStuffTV]

I have the btr 3 and 5. Great little device. I have the fiio m11 as well so this thx should pair nicely with it. Can't wait to give it a try

[@AwakenedVibration]

Can you give me advice on the best Binaural beat head phones that are best for programs like The Gate Way or Jose Silva? Thxs

[@Pissarrio]

can a device like this be connected to a receiver or a speaker rather then used to listen to music via headphone?

[@AW-hg3pc]

yes it can, it just has a 3.5mm jack output so anything you can plug a jack into(or XLR with the right cable) will work

[@Yolo_Swaggins]

I already have those Razer Headphones and the THX spatial audio codec software on my PC, recent ROG Strix board, wondering if buying this would be worth it for gaming compared to what i am already using? Could you do a comparison of that? Would be interesting to hear your opinion on that and what the differences are.

[@onetwo6039]

I see your switch there...... So does it work with the switch? 🤔 I have the ifi usb c dongle for cellphones, but it didn't work with the switch.

[@purpledoge4466]

Worth 200$!! Lets watch Twister again!.

[@shshankking]

I have a dongle of unknown brand with Realtek dac and amp.. And even that makes such difference.. The Amp is superb. I can imagine this being on different level.

[@GaryGraceland]

cheers mate. can you use it with a laptop and line array speaker?

[@RoguePC4U]

iPad Pros have all been using USB-C since 2018. iPad Air uses it now too. Does that mean the mic will work... or no?

[@runcmd1419]

Sounds like it should

[@SMorrisRose]

"Very universal" seems both like an oxymoron - cut from the same cloth as "nearly infinite" - and inaccurate for a device that isn't actually universal. Best that can be said is that it works with a lot of devices.

[@kolby4078]

Well it uses the "Universal Serial Bus" soo...

[@h1a8]

Can you please answer this question. Im trying to buy one of these. But i saw your video on the ikko zerda imt03. I also seen other portable dac amps videos and reviews. My intention is only full size headphones (he-4xx, fostex ebony, akg k371, ath rx70, focal elex). I prefer nice soundstage and quality bass (tight and punching, not muddy). Would you recommend this over all others you heard? Money is no issue for me.

[@GK-vj9dz]

not a knock on this particular reviewer, but in general: i wish any reviewer would mention the limits that android usb audio puts on mqa data. obviously, you need something like usb audio player pro to bypass the android limits (on tidal, etc). and having just bought a pixel 4a, i discovered that you can't even dl usbapp on the pixel devices, due to a bug in the latest update, that hasn't been fixed by google, yet. the unit looks nice, though, but i'm pretty happy with the dragonfly cobalt. i'm actually still very happy with the quad dac on the lg g8. :)

[@Super8Rescue]

my tv screen is THX certified. lovely

[@KenStarks]

I got mine delivered this morning and didn't take off my headphones off for five hours. Coupled with the airmotiv Gr1s, the sound is astounding. It even sounds better than my zen dac and my stack of shit. I've gotten lucky purchasing first product releases. The Gr1s sound better than my focal elex and the onyx is pure audio magic. I don't see any reason to upgrade my dacs or amps. Anything would be diminished return.

[@mrfrosty3]

Other than having the THX badge this doesn't seem to do anything that the many other devices of it's type on the market can't do. If you intend to use it with an android phone bear in mind your phone OS will resample your music to 48khz. You will need to install and run UAPP or similar to make get the performance quoted. There are dongle DACs available that do what this does for under $100 from quality manufacturers, I own one of them that uses two of those ES9218 DAC chips and can be run balanced as well as 3.5mm. It can also receive LDAC bluetooth but that is a little unfair criticism as if you want wireless you wouldn't be shopping for a dongle. I do like its physical design though, the attached cable seems more secure.

[@ceddy1031]

Don't even mention about MQA. Anything is better than MQA because MQA butchers the audio by replacing some of the music with garbage (DRMs, etc.) in a very dirty manner, it is a massacre. Tidal so-called Masters are just masters in name (another marketing lie), have nothing to do with the real masters. Only Qobuz does provide the real masters. I own both Tidal and Qobuz accounts. Tidal can't produce 24/192. I compared them side by side from my systems. Lots of people still think MQA is the master recording. Cause other said so LOL. They all got fooled by MQA. Lots of people already cancelled their Tidal account and moved forward to Qobuz. If you ask any audio purist, they will say "I don't care about MQA, get a good DAC is all matters". They know its just a gimmick for the name. All lies. Just FYI kzbin.info/www/bejne/npeQhnqGjdWkgJY kzbin.info/www/bejne/poPNpKhvYrutpMU

[@Bigtompi34]

Like the feature of which audio frequency is decoding, but for around $50 you will get the same from adv-sound without the frequency indicator. They have a version for Apple and Android.

[@gotthesinglelife]

This is great and no batteries to worry about as used other dac's with built in battery but that means another device that needs to be recharged, Good for games and movies on a laptop of course it is not as good as dedicated one.

[@bozardo101]

Really glad you made this video! I will keep this in mind and I would like to listen to more open ended sounding headphones

[@derrickcrocker4265]

Nice...u have any experience with the Fiio BTR3k? I been looking a little but more budget option of a headphone amp

[@VaultF]

Get the BTR5, trust me.

[@Vegas702]

2019 and up iPads have USB-C will this work?

[@JayGotcha5285]

Does it improve earbud sound or in the car?

[@Gabriel1987ni]

I´m still using that Dolby soundcard from my dead plantronics

[@charlycharly4645]

I m not using anything :/ 😂😂

[@bryan.lacroix]

Damn. It’s way too expensive ! 😭😭

[@johnmc3862]

Try the IBasso dc04.

[@l...]

Is it working on CarPlay ? **Use KZbin chapters please**

[@Dominick7]

+Gamesky Youre a metalhead?? Sweet! After lots of research i settled on the IFI XDSD for the Note 20 ultra using Skullcandy Crusher ANCs for metal which is like having a concert in your head.. how does this compare?

[@DaJimbo123]

But what's the point of buying this, over a Fiio BTR5 or something similar ?!

[@toddkollar4166]

Does this effectively enhance the sound of game consoles?

[@Pewlander]

I'd like to know this as well. I have an Xbox One X that outputs to a Sony HT-Z9F soundbar. I also use my Steelseries Arctis 9X headphones, however they are wireless. I've been planning on buying the Sennheiser GSP 500 gaming headphones with the EPOS | Sennheiser GSX 1000 gaming amplifier. But this review leaves me wanting to try this THX product, instead. Any suggestions on which higher-end gaming headphones would work best with this? Appreciate the review!

[@petedavis1040]

Would these work with all the Razors like the Kraken??🙏🏽

[@morelrodrigo]

Will it also fit portable speakers? Or just headphones?

[@StunnyBruh]

If it's got a 3.5mm audio jack you can use this. Speakers or headphones

[@SilveR-DreaM]

Is this better than dragonfly black , red , cobalt?

[@klepmod]

I own the Cobalt and the Onyx. I use the Onyx if I need mic support. I prefer the Cobalt for audio. Low noise, non-fatiguing, detailed and enough output voltage.

[@SilveR-DreaM]

@@klepmod I’m agree with you. Thanks

[@dmj777]

Does the is device work with “TV’s”, or just small audio devices?

[@Green4CloveR]

What is the 3 blue light dots for? Does it need to be charged for it to work? 🔵🔵🔵

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

"Better" is relative and subjective.

[@k.s.8959]

Mike loves to get some support :D

[@derrickcrocker4265]

How are these compared to the Helm DB12 you reviewed b4? Or the iBasso DC03 ?

[@JohnnyJammerizer]

What's the max. power of this DAC? Would it have enough juice with reasonable volume to hook up my Fostex T20RP for music listening pleasure?

[@z-mackdos6echo311]

Okay, you say that it’s not compatible with an iPad. Does that include the M1 iPad Pro models, because it has a different port than any of those earlier iPads. I’m planning to buy a usb c hub to expand the devices capable of connecting to an iPad Pro at the same time. So consider updating this video once you find out this THX amp compatibility. Or do you know it’s a hard NO for the M1 iPad Pro 2021 models. I think there’s some wiggle room in there. Since it will work with iMacs, and they currently all have the same chip processor.

[@PinkFella_]

I don’t really need this, but it still seems cool as fuck.

[@PerfectCode]

Wonder how well this would work in between my phone and my car's 3.5mm port to improve the sound in my car's speaker system.

[@timofaust1315]

Damn, I was thinking if I want this, you might just have added another point to the list.

[@outermarker5801]

Looks awesome but for wired/fixed use. I wouldn't sacrifice BT for it.

[@Bootrosgali]

Hooray! BT 4VR ! Get with the time times !

[@captainrag]

Apple has released a USB c to lightning adapter so you can now use this and get mic support.

[@CaliAAA72]

I’m confused. First he said it would work on the iPhone and iPad with an adapter. Then he said it wouldn’t work on either device. Please explain. Thanks

[@nathanlee6371]

Works but no mic support

[@frankieknuckles9610]

Is it as good as or better than the dragonfly series?

[@SpencersStuffTV]

Oooh I can't wait to use this with my fiio m11 and my xperia 1 for my music! 😍

[@ThomasHoffDE]

doesn't the fiio M11 have it's own (probably better) DAC?

[@SpencersStuffTV]

@@ThomasHoffDE they do have their own dac. The point in the purchase is to get more power for dynamics.

[@americanidle1277]

What's the sample rate and bit depth of the DAC? Is it per channel or split?

[@ripp123m]

Will this work with an xbox series x?

[@varunu4176]

I'd like to know how it compares to the Audioquest dragonfly red and black.

[@ITMann]

My question, is how will it improve upon an already good pair of gaming headphones. For example Astro A50 3rd gen ?. Will it cause an overlay issue, i.e, good sound on top of good sound. Or is this device only just trying to improve your basic Realtek laptop speakers. Can it actually make a good set of gaming headphones sound better ?.

[@Chyllbacca]

I would like to know the same for hyperX cloud orbit S headphones

[@gex581990]

It will give your headsets their full capability. A lot of headsets are not driven hard enough to get their full range. This will not only do that but will give clean up the source even further

[@adrianmorrish8494]

@Gamesky, just looked at the suggested headphones and a little confused, the specs say 180 mw at 22 ohms impedence, so does it output more at higher impedence levels as 180 mw isn't that powerful for some of the headphines listed such as the Sundara if you want them to be driven at full capability at 112 dB for peak level not constant as I don't want to go deaf, that would need around 400 Ohms?

[@adrianmorrish8494]

Correction 400 mw I meant to say

[@sidneyrobinson2362]

A couple of quick questions, does the amp get around Androids resampling? And how does the performance compared to LG Squad DAC?

[@KWez256]

8:16 Thank you!! 🧠👍🎧📱

[@kirbykracklemusic]

ROCK

[@rsupp]

Since, Android OS down samples audio Bitrate to 48 KHz, regardless of what music app you are playing, do we need a USB Audio Player Pro app on an Android phone? Please reply. Nice to see streaming apps like Spotify and Apple Music have decided to add a Lossless audio tier for people who want to listen to HiRes music.

[@denisruskin348]

How does it compare to the DragonFly Red/Cobalt?

[@nancybrown9706]

Will it work on your NVIDIA shields??

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Do I understand that it has a THX mic meaning you can set this up on your MacBook or I Mac and use it for conference calls “Zoom” and improve your sound on both ends incoming and outgoing? Thanks in advance the the reply...

[@Ivanski]

Where to buy?

[@Darkmankind]

So can these be used in external speakers as well? OH, bravo on that plug for Doom!

[@kolby4078]

yes but I'd just get a desk based dac or audio interface like audioengine makes at that point.

[@alecodru]

How do you connect it to a wireless headphone? Or one of the phones without a jack for headphones?

[@a9hart470]

This may not completely be up your street but I'd love to know what you think between this and the Creative SXFI Amp.. with a £100 pound difference it would be intriguing to know if the THX name is all that really stands between the quality of the two products. Even though I do believe Creative to be a great company in they're own right

[@TJ.Turner]

Will this work with a Ps5 or an Xbox?

[@TriPham-xd9wk]

If MIDI could be great across all medium and fern like musics, film and home theater

[@RegiiPad]

iPads are USBC, will it work?

[@manjunathr5672]

Already I had purchased this type of Device.

[@mdsims2107]

Can this be used on a desktop speaker system?

[@mariobozic2360]

Cool, but I use FxSound Enhancer on PC for years... and it's awesome

[@wadec6799]

I wonder what this thing would do to the soundcore q30's???? And gamesky I mean I'm not sure what exactly or how this works but would it work at all with wireless earbuds or does it have to be plugged in with the 3.5 mm plug in ?? Also I'm rockin note 20 ultra but again curious what this would do to the q30.... maybe you could make a video of Stuff like that where you tell how this device has improved certain headphones like the q30?????? I'm always lookin to get better sound so this def has me intrigued I just don't knkw much about it or how exactly it works??? But as always great vid and thanks for sharing!!

[@tgmtf5963]

Smokes would come out

[@wadec6799]

@@tgmtf5963 lol

[@mr2nice346]

Where can I get one?

[@joedenisco6033]

That was a GREAT Review. One of the best I've listened to. I really mean it. JD

[@ashokchaturvedi9225]

Can it be used in home theater set up in a 5.1 amplifier

[@azkikrx1]

Hi Gamesky. I need your advice, seeing as how your last advice about the Lypertek Tevi's was legendary. I have a 14 year old daughter who is quite petite. I would like your recommendation for TWS buds that are small, but still up to your standards. I realize there will be a trade-off because of the size, but all things being equal, what is my best bet. Your input will be much appreciated.

[@OfficialGamesky]

The Soul S Nano is a great option for small ears. Definitely has a nice consumer friendly sound with punchy bass so I'm sure a 14yr old would love them

[@azkikrx1]

@@OfficialGamesky Thank you so much. We really appreciate you taking the time to help us out.

[@OfficialGamesky]

@@azkikrx1 no problem at all

[@Lord_Mad_Dog]

thats interesting that they have such low impedance headphones on their list. i own a pair of pandas and ive never had any trouble driving them. then again theyre only 26 ohms so that might be why theyre so easy lol. plus pandas already have thx amps in them. idk this still seems like the best option for mobile people if you have a budget. if youre lacking the funds the ddhifi tc44 or the ikko zerda would work just fine. also the fiio btr stuff if you wanna be wireless from your phone

[@tyronecummins4206]

Omg really I wanna buy one right now

[@chigginskeywest]

For 200 dollars. No way. Just buy a LG V30 much cheaper.

[@firstnamelastname77]

I have the Blackshark V2 with THX Spacial Audio and 7.1 Surround Sound. Would this improve it even more?

[@jonathanjackson4559]

Do they ship to the UK??

[@mrheru8627]

Hmm.. Nice DAC, but i Still stick with tempotec sonata HD Pro and iBasso DC03 though

[@tgmtf5963]

Will this improve my airpods?

[@andrebradley1924]

Can it be used with Bluetooth speakers

[@rdotskeven]

Hey there Keith ... AWESOME Dac/Amp combo and a great review. I’ve been looking for my first dac/amp combo for a while and this came at the right time.I have lots of respect for what you have to say about things so thing is sold!! Gonna buy it ASAP, the Canadian exchange kinda sucks as this now becomes $270 + my dumb mom Apple Dongle BUT.. I really like its portability. Thanks again for another awesome review sir and I’m positive I’ll see you in the next one. Until then.... Stay safe and happy listening 🎧. Kevin 👊

[@bayorx7819]

Will it work with videogame console?

[@juanpan9916]

Sounds good what bluetooth device would it sound like

[@juanpan9916]

So any wired headphone will sound better?

[@rdkuless]

Does it work with a GoPro Hero camera... Mic..?

[@Tugennov]

Will it work without an adapter with an iPad Pro that has a usb-c port?