December 22, 2020Audio Product Reviews

xDuoo XD-05 Bal vs xDuoo XD-05 Plus Comparison Chart

xDuoo has upped the ante once again with the XD-05 BAL, the latest addition to the XD-05 DAC/amp line-up. The BAL is priced $140 above the PLUS model, which may seem steep at first blush, but it does boast dual DAC chips, built-in Bluetooth 5.0, and fully balanced circuitry (including a 4.4 balanced out).

We've pitted the BAL and PLUS in a head-to-head comparison chart for your convenience. If you're in the market for an xDuoo DAC/Amp or just want to keep abreast of the latest in audio tech, we hope this helps.

 

 

xDuoo XD-05 Bal

xDuoo XD-05 Plus

Price

 $429

$289

Dimensions

 5.1" x 2.9" x 0.86" 5.4" x 2.9" x 0.89"

Weight

 0.6lbs 0.6lbs

DAC Chip

ESS ES9038QM x 2

AKM AK4493EQ

Inputs
  • Aux
  • USB
  • Optical/coax
  • AES
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Aux
  • USB
  • Coax/opticald

Outputs
  • 6.35 Single-ended
  • 4.4 Balanced
  • AES
  • 6.35 single-ended
  • Aux

Bluetooth
  • 5.0
  • AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC
  • None

USB Interface
  • XMOS XU208
  • XMOS XU208

Sampling Rates

USB

  • PCM: 16-32bit/44.1-768kHz
  • DSD: DOP/NATIVE mode, DSD 64-512

AES/Optical/Coax

  • PCM: 16-24bit/44.1-192kHz
  • DSD: DSD64 (DOP)

USB

  • PCM: 16-32bit/44.1-384kHz
  • DSP: DOP/NATIVE mode, DSD 64-256
  • DXD: 24-32bit/352.8K-384kHz

Optical/Coax

  • PCM: 16-24bit/44.1-192kHz
  • DSD: 1bit/2.82 Mhz (DOP)

Frequency Response
  • USB/SPDIF: 20-20,000Hz
  • AMP: 10-60,000Hz
  • USB/SPDIF: 20-20,000Hz
  • Amp: 10-100,000Hz

Output Power

 1,000mW @32Ω 1,000mW @32Ω

Fully Balanced Circuit

 Yes No

Interchangeable Op Amp

 Yes Yes

Gain Adjustment

 Yes Yes

Boost Adjustment

 Yes Yes

USB Type

 C C

Digital Filters
  • Linear phase fast roll-off
  • Linear phase slow roll-off
  • Minimum phase fast roll-off
  • Minimum phase slow roll-off
  • Apodizing fast roll-off
  • Corrected minimum phase fast roll-off 
  • Brick wall filter
  • Sharp roll-off filter
  • Slow roll-off filter
  • Short delay sharp roll-off filter
  • Short delay slow roll-off filter

Screen Size

 0.91" OLED 0.91" OLED

THD+N
  • 6.5 se out: 0.0015%
  • 4.4 bal out: 0.0009%
  • Aux out: 0.0008%
  • USB/SPDIF: 0.0016%
  • AUX IN: 0.0009%

SNR
  • 6.5 se out: 115dB
  • 4.4 bal out: 117dB
  • Aux out: 120dB
 117dB

Crosstalk
  • 6.5 se out: -72dB
  • 4.4 bal out: -100dB
  • Aux out: -100dB
 ≥75dB

Battery Capacity

 3.8V 5,000mAh 3.8V 5,000mAh

Battery Life
  • USB: >9H
  • SPDIF: ≥15H
  • AUX: ≥24H
  • USB: >13H
  • SPDIF: ≥19H
  • Aux: ≥40H

Charging Time
  • Fast charge: 5H
  • Slow charge: 11H
  • Fast charge: 4.5H
  • Slow charge: 11H

Package Includes
  • 1 6.5 to 3.5 converter
  • 1 USB Type-C cable
  • 1 USB A to Type-C converter
  • Type-C to Type-C USB cable
  • 4x rubber feet
  • Magic stickers
  • User manual
  • Warranty card
  • 1 USB Type Ccharging cable
  • 1 Type C to Type C cable
  • 1 Type C to micro cable
  • 1 3.5mm to 6.5mm connector
  • 4x rubber feet
  • Silicone band
  • User manual
  • Warranty card

Influencer Opinion: Zeos Reviews

  • "I am half-disappointed and half-elated."
  • "The two major benefits of the [BAL over the PLUS]...sound quality is better...and it's got Bluetooth built-in. No more add-on module to the back. That's the two major improvements, and that's it."
  • "[I hate that] they took away the...next track/last track/play/pause [button]."

 


 

  • "1W per channel...that's enough for Argons."
  • "This thing is spectacular for powering headphones."
  • "I swear, you could use this on your desk as a desktop amp....this is enough amp and DAC for a full-fledge audiophile desktop setup."

 

Apos Audio Customer Reviews

Take a look at the community reviews: xDuoo XD-05 BAL

Take a look at the community reviews: xDuoo XD-05 Plus

If you have any questions, you can start a chat or email us at support@apos.audio