ADL X1 USB DACHeadphoneAmplifier

ADL X1 - USB DAC Headphone Amplifier for iPhone, iPod and iPad

The ADL X1 is a compact, high-performance USB DAC headphone amplifier designed for audiophiles seeking superior sound quality from their iOS devices and PCs. It supports high-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz, delivering crystal-clear sound for headphones ranging from 12 to 600 ohms.

Key Features

• High-performance 24-bit/192kHz XMOS USB and ESS-ES9023 DAC chip
• Supports Apple MFi certified USB connection for iPhone, iPod, and iPad (up to 16/48kHz)
• Supports 24/192kHz SPDIF input from PC via USB Mini-B
• Gold-plated 3.5mm analog line input and headphone outputs
• 3.5mm TOSLINK optical output for digital audio up to 24/192kHz
• GND TRRS switch for compatibility with different 4-pin headphone types (Sony or Apple)
• Rechargeable 2600mAh Li-ion battery with up to 7.5 hours playback time
• Does not draw power from connected iDevice battery
• Compact and elegant aluminium and ABS plastic casing
• Supports ASIO and asynchronous USB modes for low jitter audio
• Compatible with a wide range of Apple devices including iPhone 3GS to iPhone 5, iPod touch 3rd to 5th Gen, iPod nano 5th to 7th Gen, iPod classic 160GB (2009), iPad mini, iPad 2 and 3rd Gen

Specifications

• Max headphone output at 1% THD @ 1kHz: 34mW (12Ω), 60mW (16Ω), 82mW (32Ω), 86mW (56Ω), 36mW (300Ω), 19mW (600Ω)
• Channel separation: 60–64dB (1kHz, 33Ω), -50dB (±3dB)
• Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz (±0.5dB)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.033% (33Ω), <0.02% (300Ω), 0.0085% (600Ω) at 1mW
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 95.5dB (32Ω), 98.1dB (56Ω), 101.6dB (300Ω), 102.1dB (600Ω)
• Charge time: approx. 4–5 hours (AC/DC 5V, 1.0–2.0A adapter, sold separately)
• Charge time: approx. 7 hours (DC 5V 0.5A USB bus power)
• Playback time: up to 7.5 hours when fully charged
• Dimensions: 68mm (W) x 118mm (D) x 16.5mm (H)
• Weight: approx. 147g
• USB 2.0 High Speed (480Mbit/s) compliant supporting sampling rates: 8/16/32/44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz
• Power supplies: DC 5V 500mA–2000mA and internal 3.7V 2600mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery
• Uses Maxim MAX9724C low-RF direct-drive stereo headphone amplifier and TI LMV832 dual 3.3 MHz EMI-hardened low-power CMOS OP AMP

Compatibility

• iPhone 5 (Lightning cable), iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS
• iPod touch 5th Gen (Lightning cable), 4th Gen, 3rd Gen
• iPod nano 7th Gen (Lightning cable), 6th Gen, 5th Gen
• iPod classic 160GB (2009)
• iPad mini, iPad 2, iPad 3rd Gen

Controls and Indicators

• Front volume control: rotary variable resistor with power on/off switch
• Charging LED indicators: RED (charging), GREEN (fully charged), ORANGE (low charge)
• GND TRRS switch to match different 4-pin headphone types (Sony or Apple)
• 3.5mm headphone and analog output connectors (4-pin and 3-pin)
• Line input: gold-plated 3.5mm analog input (switched)

Panel Connections

Rear Panel

• USB A socket: Apple MFi certified USB cable connection for iDevices
• USB Mini-B socket: USB connection for PC music playback and battery charging
• Internal 3.7V 2600mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery
• Headphone and analog output 2 (3-pin): combined 3.5mm phone jack and mini optical output jack

Top Panel LED Indicator

Indicates sampling rates based on source and connection type:

• SB DAC (digital source via PC USB): sampling rates indicated according to computer settings (44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz)
• USB DAC (analog source via 3.5mm line-in): sampling rate indicated at 48kHz
• iDevice digital connection: LED flashes at 44.1kHz when connected with Apple MFi approved USB cable
• iDevice analog connection: LED on at 44.1kHz
• Playback via iTunes on Mac or PC: sampling rates indicated according to computer settings
• Playback via iTunes on Windows XP: sampling rate fixed at 44.1kHz

Bottom Panel

Input selection switch between USB A socket (iOS devices) and USB Mini-B socket (PC). Switch must be reset by powering the ADL X1 off and on after each change.