ЦАПы — Luxsin Audio X8

The X8 from Luxsin Audio is a desktop converter and headphone amp that uses eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 converter chips in a true dual-mono parallel layout, four per channel. The left and right halves have their own power supply, circuit board and signal path, and a DSP-based digital core adds parametric equalisation that can be set by voice or text commands through the company's app.

Key specs that matter

USB-B and USB-C inputs accept PCM up to 768 kHz/32-bit and native DSD512, as does the I2S port, which supports eight custom pin configurations. Coaxial and optical inputs run up to 192 kHz/24-bit. From the XLR line output the X8 delivers 4.2 Vrms, with an SNR of 129.5 dB or better, THD+N below -121.8 dB unweighted, crosstalk of at least 133 dB and a noise floor under 1.1 uVrms. The RCA output gives 2.1 Vrms with at least 124.5 dB SNR and THD+N below -120 dB. Headphone power is at least 4,840 mW per channel into 16 ohm from the 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR balanced sockets, and at least 2,900 mW per side at that load from the 6.35 mm jack, both at under 1% THD+N. The chassis measures 236 x 236.8 x 64 mm, weighs 2.75 kg and draws 25 W rated.

Engineering and use context

Running four converters in parallel on each channel and summing their analogue outputs lowers the combined noise, which is where the XLR noise and SNR figures come from. Each of the eight CS43198 chips sits under its own custom shielding cover that isolates it from digital circuitry and high-frequency interference while spreading heat. The headphone stage uses TPA6120A2 drivers, and the linear power supply has selectable 12 V and 15 V rails. Processing runs on a dual-core HiFi-5 DSP with an ARM STAR core clocked above 500 MHz and large on-chip SRAM. The X8 detects headphone impedance on every output and stores settings for each pair. Control is by the 10 cm 480 x 960 touchscreen, iOS and Android apps, a web browser or an optional infrared remote, and Wi-Fi on 2.4 and 5 GHz plus Bluetooth 5.1 handle the network links. An XLR digital output, 3.5 mm trigger in and out, and a USB-A port for local firmware updates complete the rear panel. Mains input covers 100 to 120 V and 220 to 240 V.

Pairing

The high current available into low loads is aimed at planar headphones with low impedance, while the impedance detection helps set a safe level for sensitive in-ear monitors. Its balanced XLR line output also connects straight to amplification downstream or self-powered monitors, and the trigger connections let the X8 switch other components on and off with it.

Alternatives

The Luxsin X9 is the brand's other DAC and headphone amplifier, based on an AKM AK4191EQ and AK4499EX pair with an AK7739 DSP, HDMI eARC and Bluetooth inputs and a fully balanced R2R volume circuit.