Overview xDuoo X3 II - the new leader among low-Hi-Fi-players

In 2015 xDuoo released player X3, which was ideal for beginners audiophiles. He allowed a taste of all the delights of high-quality sound, but at the same time had a very reasonable price. The model is so successful that it is still successfully sold worldwide.

But time does not stand still - there was an updated version of this model called xDuoo X3 II. It has got even more cool sound, color screen, new useful features and yet hardly risen.

Specifications

For experienced audiophiles will be enough one look at the specifications to appreciate the steepness xDuoo X3 II. For everyone else, we give a little explanation.

As used herein the DAC chip AK4490 the Japanese corporation Asahi Kasei Microdevices. Today the products of this manufacturer divides the championship of the portable audio market with Sabre.

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

More reinforces its use as a final amplifier circuit OPA1652 from Texas Instruments. It provides an extremely low coefficient of distortion in processing signals. In addition, this component allows xDuoo X3 II to give sufficient power to pump even the most tight headphones.

Also note the presence of the device module Bluetooth c audio output support for aptX protocol. This makes it possible to transmit a signal to wireless headphones, or, conversely, to take it from another source. That is, if you wish, you can use your smartphone to listen to FM-radio or, for example, strimingovyh services.

Packaging and appearance

xDuoo X3 II comes in a package of strong dark gray cardboard. On its front side of the device is photography, and behind - its main technical characteristics.

Inside the outer packaging is a black box, which contains and player and accessories. The inner box is so strong that you can absolutely not be afraid for the safety of contents during shipment. This method of packaging has become a hallmark of the company.

Player tightly fastened inside with a special porous frame. Under it is an additional compartment for accessories. These include two protective film for the screen, the silicone adhesive feet for use in a stationary mode, The USB-cable, audio cable, two 3.5-mm plug and instruction manual with texts in Chinese and English languages.

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

Housing xDuoo X3 II is made of lightweight and durable black metal. Despite the low weight - only 112 grams - player looks quite thoroughly and reliably. Corps never sags and does not play, even under strong pressure, and the buttons fit like a glove.

The main place on the front panel takes 2.4-inch screen. According to the standards he pleernym excellent quality, showing good color and contrast. The brightness level is adjustable over a wide range, which makes it comfortable to use the device in virtually any environment, including on the sunny street.

Below the screen there was a place for the main controls. This track switching button, start and stop playback, return to the previous screen and access the settings. The last reason is designated Windows logo, which causes unpleasant associations. However, looking ahead, we note that the player does not have anything to do with the software of the operating system.

On the left side xDuoo X3 II are volume keys and a bright red power button. Slightly below - the slot for inserting a memory card.

At the bottom we see a headphone jack, line out jack and USB Type-C, designed for data transfer and charging the battery of the player.

Overall appearance is very similar to the player who has visited us recently in the wording xDuoo X20. The same laconic strict brick without any frills and fabrications.

Nevertheless, it is such a time-tested design solutions are the most successful. When we first met with xDuoo X3 II you do not need a manual or flipping randomly to press all the buttons in an attempt to find the desired function. Here, everything is clear and comfortable, addictive instant.

functions

As understood by title devices, xDuoo X3 II is positioned as an improved version of the famous Xduoo X3. However, it seems that this is not quite right - too many differences. Other electronic components, different characteristics and sound. And on the part of the functionality xDuoo X3 II overtook his predecessor on the order.

The main objective of Hi-Fi-player is a quality music playback in various formats from a memory card. Its size can be up to 256 GB, so that even with an ardent love for lossless music library can be gathered considerable. If that is not enough, you can connect an external drive for OTG.

omnivorous player is not in doubt. During testing, we fed him the music of various formats (from the officially supported, of course), and all he managed without a hitch. CUE-files correctly recognizes, with Cyrillic in tags no problems there. Switching between tracks occurs without any delay, clicks and no extraneous noise, smooth volume adjustment. Incidentally, the power reserve xDuoo X3 II is very solid - it can easily make friends, even with a very "tight" in the build-up ears.

Besides xDuoo X3 II boasts a full set of additional functions that are absolutely not characteristic of the representatives of this price category. This unit can be used as the DAC with any computer, a laptop or a smartphone. To do this, you must connect it with a standard cable USB Type-C and choose the settings item «USB Mode - DAC». In Windows 10 the player is recognized as an external sound card driver installation is not required. In this case the sound quality at the output of such a binder is almost always superior to sound an internal codec.

Built-in Bluetooth-module even more expands the scope of application of the device. The first thing that comes to mind - is to connect wireless headphones for listening to music while jogging, cycling, workout in the hall - in a word, in all situations where the wire stir. The sound quality in this case will be a little bit worse, but thanks to the support APTX protocol, you can listen to.

Interestingly, the Bluetooth in xDuoo X3 II can operate on the transmission and reception of the signal. This allows the use of the gadget as a kind of wireless DAC or amplifier. For example, you like to listen to the station online, but the audio path of your smartphone is poor. In this case, you can send a signal to the xDuoo X3 II and enjoy a much higher quality sound.

Thus, in terms of functionality xDuoo X3 II offers almost flagship ability. This player can satisfy the different needs of music lovers, speaking both as a portable audio source, and as a stationary DAC-amplifier. Among the competitors in the same price category no similar list of features does not offer.

Software

The software does not only depend on the functionality of the player, but also ease of use. For this part, we have not revealed any problems.

The main screen consists of 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 the memory card or the connected drive. There is also a media scan button.
• My Music - Media Library, which provides access to the available music tracks. There is a classification by artist, album, genre. You can also view a list of favorites and playlists.
• Music Settings - playback settings, which include the selection of the gain modes, digital filter, volume normalization, display covers and other parameters. In this section, you can adjust the sound by using the 10-band equalizer.
• System Settings - This device options, including setting the language, brightness, turn off the timer. Pay attention to the road conditions is available here, the activation of which will allow the player to use in conjunction with on-board audio system.
• bluetooth Settings - the section in which, after incorporating Bluetooth wireless interface, you can configure settings and activate aptX to transmit a higher quality signal.
• Music Playing - information about the currently playing song. Selecting this option will open a screen with album art and other data.

The names of the items we provide in English, since Russian translation in the firmware sometimes looks strange. This is perhaps the only complaint which can be presented to developers.

Overall firmware xDuoo X3 II we liked. Above it worked Hiby company, which in this case has a lot of experience. That is why the software of this unit can be called if not flawless, it is very close to this state.

Sound

xDuoo X3 II has a serious e-filling, which allows it to issue high-quality sound. It is encouraging that the engineers xDuoo did not spoil his imposition of various software "uluchshayzerov", so that the player's sound as a whole can be described as neutral.

Bass soft but well defined. He was not trying to hit the listener's thunder, but there precisely to the extent that it was scheduled for recording in the studio. Therefore, on some tracks it seems that the player is not enough bass, on the other - on the contrary. Do not worry, as it should be.

Mids sound a little flat. In general, the supply is true, but they lack expressiveness, so many sound xDuoo X3 II will seem dull. This is not a big disadvantage, especially considering the price of the player, but it requires a careful listening before buying.

High frequencies are de-emphasized and sometimes lost somewhere behind the average. If we compare their sound with the same xDuoo X20, then they do not have enough detail and airiness. This feed can not too spectacular, but the player did not sound drills out the brain, as some of its competitors, which are specifically embraced forward clatter of plates, and the string being plucked.

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

results

Today xDuoo is one of the leaders in the budget segment of portable audio. Release of a series of devices with sky-high price-performance ratio brought her a well-deserved popularity among fans of good sound.

xDuoo X3 II - another confirmation of the status of the company. It is difficult to find another player with the same price, which would offer similar functionality. One can argue about the quality of sound - after all this delicate matter, everyone has different tastes. But the wealth of opportunities that player leaves all competitors far behind. An excellent choice for any music fan who decides at a reasonable price to purchase a universal device for all occasions.

At the time of writing the price xDuoo X3 II is about $ 120. With this code, WHV4771 Our readers can reduce the price to $ 105.

The author expresses his gratitude to the company xDuoo for providing the test device.