xDuoo TA-10

My xDuoo TA-10 holds up very well and is probably more liquid with a Mullard tube. I have Burson v6 vivid on the way for the Matrix M-Stage 2C and then I have to sell one as I only need two. I might have someone willing to trade an R2R.11 for the NFB.11.

 

• Classic tube 12AU7
• Top level XMOS 8-core chip (XSA-U8A-64)
• AKM flagship DAC AK4490
• USB/coaxial digital interface
• A class Transistor expansion
• USB OTG
• Dual clock system
• Combination of tube and transistor
• Japanese ELNA SILMC capacitors
• Shell made from aluminum
• Magnetic tube guardrail
• Power supply: AC 100–240V
• Supported OS: Windows (requires drivers), Mac
• Sample rate: SB input
• PCM: 16–32 bit/44.1–384 kHz
• DSD: DSD64–DSD256 (1bit/2.8M–11.2M)
• DXD: 24–32 bit/352.8–384 kHz
• Output power: Phone: 2,000 mW (at 32 ohms); XLR: 2,000 mW (at 32 ohms)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz–100 kHz(+/- 1 dB)
• Gain: +18 dB
• Distortion: ≤ 0.01% (1 kHz, 32-ohm load)
• Suitable headphone impedance: 8–600 ohms
• Size: 9.1 x 4.7 x 4.1 in (23 x 12 x 10.5 cm)
• Weight: 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
• USB input
• Two sets of AUX inputs
• SPDIF output
• AUX output

xDuoo official page
Massdrop

 

What about it?

 

I thought this relatively unknown DAC needed some attention. Plenty of power and well built, t's as probably as good as my NFB.11 with tube sound. With a Mullard NOS tube it's pretty smooth in it's delivery and a very enjoyable and the tubes do indeed change the flavor of the sound.

It's kinda like a DAC unicorn.

 

So much power and functions out of such a little thing.

Any distortion with that much gain?

 

It depends on the tube some have more distortion but the NOS Mullard I have in is pretty clear and velvet like. I actually have a solid state Fetron tube replacement from the 70's which is very clear but I always find myself throwing a tube back into the mix.

To answer your question, actually no not much if any distortion at all it remains pretty clear. You really have to be within 10-15% of maxing out to get say a T60RP itself to physically shake. Generally it's a very smooth and controlled unit. With the Mullard it's smoother to listen to than my NFB.11.

Other tubes like Mazda and Sylvania are very good too.

 

I am a shill for xDuoo.

 

Hi, sorry for the late reply.

It appears to scale with whatever is used, I have my TH-610's and it's a beautiful pairing even more so thna the T50/60. It softens up the bass a little and reduces harshness but still has great detail and imaging. I think the SQ is ahead of my NFB.11, The NFB might have more grunt but it's a bit more robotic, this has a more velvet like sound signature.

Everything is effortless and nothing is overdone, If that makes sense. Generally any decent tube sounds good in it and each one adds a little flavor.

Note: I also have the cheaper TA-01 and whist good the difference in sq is very apparent after a few minutes of listening.

 

Price competitive, capable gear is always welcome imo. When, and if you the possibility try with the usual 600 series, since it seems most have, or had, them.