Luxsin Audio X8 headphone amplifier with DAC and Bluetooth

Luxsin Audio X8 headphone amplifier with DAC and Bluetooth

X8

The Luxsin X8 is the manufacturer's second intelligent DAC and headphone amplifier, building on the success of its predecessor, the X9. It combines superior sound quality with innovative AI features and comprehensive DSP processing.

Introduction

Six months after the launch of the X9, Luxsin presents the X8 as an intelligent DAC headphone amplifier system. Its development was based on user feedback and incorporates refined features as well as new hardware and software architectures. The focus is on stability, reliability, and professional sound reproduction.

Parallel DAC Design

The X8 utilizes eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips in a true dual-mono parallel architecture, with four chips per channel. The left and right channels are completely independent in terms of power supply, layout, and signal path to minimize crosstalk. The parallel analog outputs are precisely summed, which reduces noise and improves dynamics, signal-to-noise ratio, and fine details.

AI-Powered EQ Tuning

The world's first AI-powered EQ adjustment enables personalized sound profiles via voice or text command through the app or web UI. The HP EQ system hardware-calibrates the headphones to the Harman curve or other targets, with over 2,500 models in its database. Saving and switching presets unlocks new sonic characteristics for a pair of headphones.

Comprehensive DSP Features

The crossfeed function simulates listening through loudspeakers by mixing channels and reduces fatigue. Stereo width, tone adjustment, and loudness compensate for frequencies at low volumes. All outputs (XLR 4-pin, 4.4 mm, 6.35 mm) automatically detect impedance and optimally adjust the gain without affecting the audio signal path.

High-Performance Amplification

The optimized amplifiers with OPA1612 op-amps and TPA6120A2 drivers deliver 4800 mV per channel at low distortion. A variable linear power supply (12/15 V) separates the digital and analog sections for pure sound. The 4-inch touchscreen, CNC-machined aluminum housing, and individual output setting storage ensure intuitive operation.

Connections and Control

Inputs include USB-B, optical, coaxial, and IIS (up to 8 configurations), plus a 12V trigger for system integration. Control is via Android/iOS app, web UI (Windows/macOS)

or optional remote control, with over-the-air updates. The Digital Audio Core with HiFi-5 DSP and ARM enables future-proof expansion.

Highlights

• DAC Architecture: 8 x CS43198 chips in parallel dual-mono operation (4 chips per channel)
• DSP Module: HiFi-5 DSP + ARM STAR dual-core architecture with high-capacity SRAM
• DSP Clock Frequency: >500MHz
• HP-EQ System: Automatic frequency response correction for over 2,500 headphone models
• Headphone Impedance Detection: Automatic detection and optimal gain setting

Specifications

Basic Parameters

• Model: Luxsin X8
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 236mm (L) × 236.8mm (W) × 64mm (H)
• Weight: 2,750 g
• Display: 4" LCD touchscreen (480×960)
• Input Voltage: AC 100–120V/220–240V~ 50/60Hz
• DAC Chips: Cirrus Logic CS43198 × 8
• Power Supply: Ultra-low-noise linear wide-range power supply
• Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz / 5GHz
• Bluetooth: Qualcomm SXW5125 (BT 5.1)
• Firmware: OTA Online Upgrade / Local Upgrade
• Control Options: Touchscreen, Mobile App (Android/iOS), Web Browser, IR Remote Control (optional)
• Rated Power: 25W

Digital Inputs

• USB-A Input: For local firmware updates only
• USB-B Input: PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit; DSD512 (native)
• USB-C Input: PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit; DSD512 (native)
• IIS Input: PCM up to 768kHz/32-bit; DSD512 (native)
• Coaxial input: PCM up to 192kHz/24bit
• Optical input: PCM up to 192kHz/24bit

Analog outputs and triggers

• RCA output: Unbalanced analog output
• XLR output: Balanced analog output
• Headphone outputs: 6.35mm (unbalanced), 4.4mm (balanced), 4-pin XLR (balanced)
• Trigger IN: Standard 3.5mm jack
• Trigger OUT: Standard 3.5mm jack

XLR output – Audio characteristics

• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): ≥129.5dB
• Total harmonic distortion + noise (THD+N): <-121.8dB @unweighted
• Crosstalk: ≥133dB (1kHz@200kΩ)
• Noise floor: <1.1µVrms
• Output level: 4.2Vrms (1kHz@200kΩ)

RCA Output – Audio Characteristics

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): ≥124.5dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N): <-120dB @unweighted
• Crosstalk: ≥125dB (1kHz@100kΩ)
• Noise Level: <1.3µVrms
• Output Level: 2.1Vrms (1kHz@100kΩ)

Balanced Headphone Output (4.4mm/XLR4) – Power and Parameters

Low Gain

• 16Ω: L+R ≥4,840mW+4,840mW (THD+N <1%), 8.8Vrms
• 32Ω: L+R ≥2,500mW+2,500mW (THD+N <1%), 8.9Vrms
• 300Ω: L+R ≥270mW+270mW (THD+N <1%), 9Vrms

Medium gain

• 16Ω: L+R ≥4,840mW+4,840mW (THD+N <1%), 8.8Vrms
• 32Ω: L+R ≥3,900mW+3,900mW (THD+N <1%), 11.2Vrms
• 300Ω: L+R ≥430mW+430mW (THD+N <1%), 11.4Vrms

High gain

• 16Ω: L+R ≥4,840mW+4,840mW (THD+N <1%), 8.8Vrms
• 32Ω: L+R ≥4,300mW+4,300mW (THD+N <1%), 11.8Vrms
• 300Ω: L+R ≥950mW+950mW (THD+N <1%), 16.9Vrms

For all gain stages

• Output impedance: <1Ω
• Total harmonic distortion + noise (THD+N): <-117dB (1kHz/0dB@32Ω)
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): ≥123dB
• Crosstalk: ≥119dB (1kHz@32Ω)

Unbalanced headphone output (6.35mm) – power and parameters

Low Gain

• 16Ω: L+R ≥1300mW+1300mW (THD+N <1%), 4.5Vrms
• 32Ω: L+R ≥630mW+630mW (THD+N <1%), 4.5Vrms
• 300Ω: L+R ≥70mW+70mW (THD+N <1%), 4.5Vrms

Medium gain

• 16Ω: L+R ≥2,000mW+2,000mW (THD+N <1%), 5.6Vrms
• 32Ω: L+R ≥1,000mW+1,000mW (THD+N <1%), 5.6Vrms
• 300Ω: L+R ≥100mW+100mW (THD+N <1%), 5.6Vrms

High gain

• 16Ω: L+R ≥2,900mW+2,900mW (THD+N <1%), 6.8Vrms
• 32Ω: L+R ≥1,750mW+1,750mW (THD+N <1%), 7.5Vrms
• 300Ω: L+R ≥230mW+230mW (THD+N <1%), 8.4Vrms

For all gain stages

• Output impedance: <1Ω
• Total harmonic distortion + noise (THD+N): <-115dB (1kHz/0dB@32Ω)
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): ≥121dB