xDuoo XD05 PRO Review - Badassery On The Go

My written review can be found here: soundnews.net/reviews/sources...
Get the XD05 PRO: bit.ly/XD05_PRO
Video Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:28 - Portability
02:45 - Build Quality
04:07 - Controls
05:02 - Under its hood
07:05 - Sound & Dynamics
09:27 - Power Output & Noise Floor
13:19 - Resolution
15:34 - Soundstage
17:43 - Bass
18:28 - Midrange
19:44 - Treble
21:04 - Quibbles
23:25 - XD05 PRO VS FiiO Q7 VS Shanling H7
23:41 - My Conclusions
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Desktop headphones I’m using:
🎧 Hifiman Susvara: bit.ly/3a39pm2
🎧 Hifiman HE1000SE: bit.ly/3gwkXRW
🎧 Hifiman Arya Stealth: bit.ly/3HORBss
🎧 Audeze LCD-5: bit.ly/3nb5KbD
🎧 Audeze LCD-4: bit.ly/35LFYAK
🎧 Kennerton Rognir: bit.ly/3zD1IxT
🎧 Meze Elite: bit.ly/3RPojys
🎧 Erzetich Phobos V2021: bit.ly/3HMWBhf
🎧 Sennheiser HD800S: amzn.to/3T5FX2J
🎧 Sendy Peacock: bit.ly/3EyZxQf
🎧 Apos Caspian: bit.ly/3nab1QO
Wireless headphones I’m using:
🎧 Sennheiser Momentum 4: amzn.to/3CodrCc
🎧 Sony WH1000XM5: amzn.to/3RUfQKu
🎧 Apple AirPods Max: amzn.to/3rGHQqr
IEMs I’m using:
👂 7Hz Timeless: bit.ly/3q7RNgm
👂 Meze Rai Penta: bit.ly/3j2EhVa
👂 FiiO FH9: bit.ly/3zSWka5
👂 FiiO FH7S: bit.ly/3fYOgi9
👂 FiiO FD7: bit.ly/3nEqw4h
Loudspeakers I’m using:
🔊 KEF Reference 3: amzn.to/3qZKbMm
🔊 Natural Sound NS17: bit.ly/2TuUXx3
🔊 Sound Of Eden Crescendo UNO: bit.ly/3f5jO1X
Integrated/Power Amps I’m using:
💪 Chord Electronics Ultima 5: amzn.to/3CLWVxi
💪 Burson Timekeeper 3X GT: amzn.to/3Ext5hm
💪 Benchmark AHB2: amzn.to/37jcR9M
💪 Topping LA90: bit.ly/3SPThbj
Best DACs I tried so far (in no particular order):
🥇 Gustard R26 Discrete: bit.ly/3TemlZP
🥇 Gustard X26 PRO: bit.ly/2ORB7Ko
🥇 Chord Electronics DAVE: amzn.to/3Tbs2aY
🥇 Denafrips Terminator Plus: bit.ly/3rLr35m
🥇 Rockna Wavelight: bit.ly/3hD33xl
🥇 Audiobyte HydraVox: bit.ly/2VXJjZM
🥇 Musician Aquarius: bit.ly/2U9qwwT
🥇 Matrix Audio Element X2: bit.ly/3Eryerb
🥇 Matrix Audio X-Sabre 3: bit.ly/34oBFyG
🥇 SMSL VMV D2: bit.ly/3q9lIF7
Best Mid-Fi DACs:
🥈 Gustard X18: bit.ly/3CMcJ2W
🥈 Gold Note DS-10 Plus: bit.ly/3f7pYie
🥈 Topping D90SE: bit.ly/3gC5FcO
🥈 Musician Pegasus: bit.ly/2OvCOgn
🥈 Matrix Mini-i Pro 3: bit.ly/3t97FkN
🥈 SMSL SU-10: bit.ly/3Eq9jEm
🥈 SMSL VMV D1SE: bit.ly/3nbaTjT
🥈 SMSL M500 MKIII: bit.ly/3yvztl8
🥈 Soncoz SGD1: bit.ly/36IUQ5r
Best Entry-Level DACs:
🥉 Gustard X16: bit.ly/3SQr6ZL
🥉 Topping D30 PRO: bit.ly/3taPWcE
🥉 Topping E50: bit.ly/3q9e6CE
🥉 Topping D10S: bit.ly/3r1hWNh
🥉 SMSL DO200 MKII: bit.ly/3elkZO4
🥉 SMSL SU-9N: bit.ly/32U7qj3
🥉 Soncoz LA-QXD1: bit.ly/3gf8ONt
Best DAC + Headphone Amp combos:
🎶 Burson Conductor 3X GT: amzn.to/2xcfSKx
🎶 FiiO K9 PRO: bit.ly/3ejKRd3
🎶 Topping DX7 PRO+: bit.ly/3rH6siH
🎶 xDuoo XA-10: bit.ly/39UsS7K
Best Headphone amps:
💣Trafomatic Primavera: bit.ly/3Co8wAZ
💣Trafomatic Head2: bit.ly/3VdNrC1
💣Enleum AMP-23R: bit.ly/3CV2QQN
💣Ferrum OOR + Hypsos: bit.ly/3tbjNSn
💣Burson Soloist 3X GT: bit.ly/3q7nrus
💣Flux Lab Acoustics Volot: bit.ly/3fJegep
💣Benchmark HPA4: bit.ly/2xb6hn5
💣Sparkos Labs Aries: bit.ly/2xcOps1
💣SMSL SP400: bit.ly/3sAUEO2
💣Topping A90 Discrete: bit.ly/2YBwCnZ
💣Singxer SA-1: bit.ly/3eI6aCC
Best USB Dongles & Bluetooth DAC/Amps & Portable DAC/Amps:
📱 Chord Mojo2: amzn.to/3fWXYkM
📱 FiiO BTR7: bit.ly/3fJUhij
📱 Shanling UA5: bit.ly/3yuksQR
📱 xDuoo Poke II: bit.ly/3CIewWO
📱 Topping G5: bit.ly/3Evjs2p
Best DAPs:
🎵 FiiO M17: bit.ly/34pgo84
🎵 FiiO M11 Plus: bit.ly/3Ew0l8K
🎵 Shanling M9: bit.ly/3r4swDh
🎵 Shanling M7: bit.ly/3I9rldH
🎵 Shanling M6 Ultra: bit.ly/3RXGsKQ
🎵 Hiby RS6: bit.ly/3t9mUKw
🎵 Hiby RS5 MKII: bit.ly/3KSqiyE
🎵 Hiby RS2: bit.ly/3EgakPb
These are my honest opinions in different categories. Some of them are affiliated links that help me manage this KZbin channel at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
#xDuoo #audio #power

[@bendzy169]

I have this and couldn't be more happy. Agree with everything said in the review. Sold my FiiO M17 dap to purchase this XD05PRO, no regrets! M17 of course sounding a bit more technical accurate and "clinical" compared to this, but this one absolutely has that WOW effect, much more lowerfull Bass, thicker Vocals and overall much more close sounding to good Desktop unit than M17. More enjoyable for sure!!! The metalic case make super reliable feeling when holding in hand, made like a tank! Very sturdy feeling! One more thing that I didn't like in M17 was headphones input holes made of plastic, everytime I had a feeling that it will break over time of using... with XD05PRO it is metalic and very sturdy! Like it a lot! Changed OPA1612 to Burson V5i-D dual pair of opamps and the sound became even more refined! Waiting now for AK4499EX dac module 😍

[@nusu5331]

did you also try the sparkos SS3602?

[@bendzy169]

@@nusu5331 no I haven't tried Sparkos. I'm quite happy woth V5i-D. I wish that Xduo develop oposite side OP-AMP board to make possible fit for Burson V6 or V7 op-amps 🥹

[@psysword]

Fabulous review as usual. Will but when I have the funds. Loving my fiio q7 so far and better connectivity ports.

[@sameermana2003]

I've actually ordered the shanling h7 and due to receive it in a few days...the fact that it has a micro SD slot...game changer

[@nusu5331]

Thank you for the review! Side note: Your G-Shock looks excellent.

[@asan1050]

Soundnews, ThanksMuch for sharing !

[@davidmillar2594]

I've been following this on Xduou's FB page, but their images give no idea of the scale of the XDO5 Pro - it's almost hilarious to see it in your hands and next to the H7. There was that other gigantic dac/amp thing a couple of years ago - I just checked - the Quloos QLS QA390. That's the only 'portable' unit I've seen that's bigger than this. Thanks for another great reveiw.

[@bernardoandrade88]

Hello Sandu, now that's a huge portable device! The modular r2r dac really caught my eye, there are not a lot of options out there, I can only think of the other 2. So if this module comes around the similar pricing or even a little lower given that is not really an integral product more than a module is absolutely amazing. I've been torn between choosing between A&K PA10 and Aune S17 Pro as my next amplifier and Xduoo has made the choice even more complicated, not that it is a bad thing, it is good to have great options. Thanks for bringing this one! Nice weekend everyone!

[@thiagotrevisandesouza6895]

Aune S17 pro is a diferent device without DAC. If you already have a good DAC to seems a very good choice. A more comparable device in Aune' s line is the S9c.

[@Amadis37]

I love these guys, always making crazy devices... Are you gonna review the Xduoo TA-20 plus balanced amp ?

[@brendanliddell240]

Thanks very much. Please review the Xduoo TA-20 Plus 😄

[@Flavius7]

Holly mother of all amplifier gods...YOU COULD ASSIMILATE THE BORG WITH THAT THING! All AI in the universe can fit in there. If you throw that away your fitness coach will praise you for losing 15 Kg in one session 😅 Knowing XDUOO (one of the best unique companies from China that I know together with Gustard) this sounds warm, impactful, fun and and musical. Coloration? Hellyeah! Glad you received this, I wanna try it!😉👍

[@sorcerermax5111]

I bought Xduoo XA-10 recently and that thing is also a beast and very musical but also clean sounding. I knew its measurements were not good on ASR website but still took a chance and bought it. It is awesome overall. Using it in just single ended and low gain

[@Flavius7]

@@sorcerermax5111 Measurements are good as a starting point. You can't measure impact, soundstage or imaging. So your ears are still the supreme court.

[@nusu5331]

oh you can measure all of that, there are some informations about it on the net and even here on yt, but its not as easy to understand as simple frequency response measurements@@Flavius7

[@jb-612]

Hi! Thank you for the comprehensive review, and for going over all the details of the DAC-AMP :) It feels strange but I just fell in love with THIS monster Brick... With tons of audio power! Can I ask what kind of Power supply do you need to make it work in desktop mode? What would be the minimum wattage to run it safely?

[@radiofreealbemuth]

Thank you for your comprehensive review 🙏 If you ever decide to install the sparkos op amp on your XD05 Pro, I would love a video tutorial of it. Apparently the sparkos op amp needs to be physically trimmed down in order to fit inside the XD05 Pro, but I don't know what tools I would need to achieve this.

[@QUADDAC]

Hi Sandu, I'm glad you're feeling better. Can you rate the performance of the xd05 pro with a linear power supply, with a standard power supply, with a QC charger and on battery power?

[@D0ndoom]

Great review and it was nice you mentioned Negura Bungets Om thats a great album and as a metal fan im looking for a good over ear open back and a good portable dac/amp, any recommendation?

[@zenboy2000]

Great review dude, its a tempting piece of kit, but the Mojo 2 is still keeping me pretty happy. Might hold off to see how much the R2R and discrete amp modules will cost.

[@nusu5331]

suggest watching the review iiWi Reviews who is a huge fan of the mojo and compares it to the xduoo

[@nusu5331]

since you already reviewed pretty much all transportable flagships, it seems, that the XD05pro beats everything else in soundstage depth and layering even in stock configuration. With Sparkos SS3602 OpAmps it will even become a much more impressive unit specially regarding soundstage, separation and imaging. The opamps arent cheap but well worth it and highly recommended by anyone who tried them in their XD05pro. I am sure you already know about that. Maybe it would be worth an additional review. maybe comparing it with the portable ibasso r2r dac amp D16 Taipan 🙂

[@suntanglory]

Thank you for this review, was looking forward to this one.l know it has output ports in the back,just wondering if we can bypass the dac and use only the amp with another dac like in line out? Does it have a hold button?Would be nice if they have option to buy it with the other dac instead of just the Ess saber dac chip.Thank you.

[@dmitrys6746]

Really waiting for Enelium 23rm review!

[@hdjong11]

Got mine a few days ago and it's insane!! It's transportable at the best and the sound is unbelievable! Tried the AK4499EX DAC-module, but it's to bright for my taste. The standard module is great though!

[@some_developer]

AKM brighter than ESS? 🤔

[@dzemoski45]

@@some_developerI was thinking the same.😊

[@MissouriMatt54]

Thank you for the video.

[@MelAndGim]

Hello there Sandu. We currently have an HD800s, a Fostex Th909 and an Arya V2, and we will be getting an Arya Organic shortly. Will the XD05 Pro be better than our current setup of a Topping A90 and Loxjie D50 ? Thanks for your reviews.

[@eruilluvitar]

I've been listening to this for a while and I'm glad we're in agreement: fun, powerful, transportable sound, but definitely not portable 😂

[@MRFUTURETECHNOLOGYGAMING]

Sandu can you please review the new kennerton HeartLand Dynamic please 😊

[@JMAudioEditions]

awesome insight and review as always! I would love to send the JM Audio XTC over to you for review- let me know if you have time or are interested -JM

[@InDueTime25]

Are you able to tell us if you have tried the new op amps and dacs. If so, what are your favorites or recommendations? I just got one and don’t know what to choose.

[@a_tad_rad]

It's an odd matchup, but if I wanted to replace a desktop Topping DX9 Pro with this more portable unit, how would the XD05 Pro compare to the DX9 Pro?

[@ornobislam5106]

There is probably anotger very powerful portable dac, from centrance. I believe its 3W if i am not wrong. The ifi diablo newer version is also quite powerful.

[@zgreeeg]

Could you compare IFI Audio XDSD Gryphon with XDuoo XD05 Pro?

[@marc8vino]

I don't think this was meant to carry around listening. More like take it to the patio, kitchen, on vacation to the hotel room. It's movable to different locations to have high quality sound. I can not imagine walking around or jogging with it. I have one on order and will use it around the house in stationary locations or on a trip once I get to the hotel room etc.

[@Mastermnd1]

Overkill for iems? Yes. But, to get the same sound quality for iems, what do you recommend?

[@lev_anni]

Hi. can it be used as a pre amplifier to powered speakers? thanks

[@dannesz]

Nice t-shirt 👕

[@Amadis37]

Do you know "Sandu"? jazz composition written and performed by the one and only Clifford Brown! One of the greatest trumpet player who ever lived.

[@vitalysamonov3399]

How do you comment attaching this securely to you DAP without covering the screen. Tnks

[@aceofspades6667]

One has to carry around a man purse just to fit this. I’m simple and just use an ifi go blu along with some Hexa iems and focal Celestees for portable rigs. Not really interested in spending mega on iems as I don’t see the value and I also index heavily toward being light nimble while moving. Heck air pod pro 2 are fine 95% of the time on the go.

[@bryce74]

How does the soundstage compare to the Q7? I remember you mentioned that the Q7 was 3D

[@nusu5331]

he said in this video, that soundstage beats every other portable unit he heard. also there is the possibility to use Sparkos SS3602 which should be endgame for soundstage.

[@NoahBershatsky]

Are you connecting to it via Bluetooth?

[@alstonmaccow9386]

I do like and probably will buy but it’s definitely not portable 😅

[@kurt120032002]

At this point I need to ask: why not just an iDSD Neo that is about the size of an agenda, and can be powered by a phone charging power bank? You got everything this got, plus a remote control, plus you can swap batteries any time so it is NOT limited by the availability of batteries. 30 years later buy a 5v battery and you are good.

[@S.B__]

How's this compared to the iFi Diablo X/Gryphon?

[@nusu5331]

griphon has very old burr brown dac and cant compete at all in resulution and technicalities. the diable gets bad reviews at many places. its said to sound rough and you cant use it well with iems. didnt here it myself tho

[@yasermahdi7230]

I got this few days ago and for some reason its not detecting the streem quality of apple music which I have set on my pc to 192 KHz output ? the XD05 is only reading 48KHz on the front display? Can someone explain why please? im in the dark here

[@InDueTime25]

It’s because it’s an apple device. They only have AAC and not LDAC. Sounds great but just not as good as LDAC. This may change some day but we’ll see. Until then, enjoy the best quality on pc. 384 kHz.

[@thiagotrevisandesouza6895]

It's pricier than Aune S9c Dac/amp.

[@nusu5331]

its better also

[@anatol1204]

This thing maybe is good but its NOT transportable lets be serious gentleman.You may be able to take it from one room to an other but you won t go for walking with a brick

[@frederf69]

🤣🤣get that in your pocket or audiophile handbag 🤣🤣

[@masterazlan6999]

Wtf... Look at the size.. Wow swappable Dac n Amp wow.. Mine only amps swap.. As big as my mt604 but mine tubes no offend must be big But dis.. Hmm hows Susvara with it sir?. bigger then Q7 Ha3.. God! Peace! U compare it with fiio While im combining 'em.. Yup Q5S TC(dualAkm4493 which in RMEadi2 + dualTHX aaa= as stock gds) + MT604 = Heaven is it?.. Endgame system for IEM.. Peace2

[@herosandwich7589]

That size is ridiculous

[@aaronfriedman8201]

Too Big

[@Soundnews]

You sound like my ladies :)

[@maximgodunov7717]

@@Soundnews Is this better than aune s17 pro? I have topping e50 dac

[@Mastermnd1]

Overkill for iems? Yes. But, to get the same sound quality for iems, what do you recommend?