Over the past year, the ONIX Alpha XI1 has established itself as a best-selling portable USB DAC/AMP, praised for its dual CS43198 decoding chips, balanced output power, and user-friendly design. At just $109, it became a go-to choice for music enthusiasts seeking portable hi-fi performance at an affordable price point.
But now, ONIX takes a bold step forward. Introducing the ONIX Beta (XI2) — a true flagship portable DAC/AMP priced at $328.06, designed not just to decode music with accuracy, but to infuse it with the richness and warmth of tubes.
Alpha XI1: Clean, Precise, and Widely Loved
The Alpha XI1 built its reputation on clarity and precision. With:
- Dual CS43198 DACs offering a 130dB dynamic range and THD+N of -115dB,
- Balanced and single-ended outputs (500mW @ 32Ω balanced),
- OLED display with LED indicators, and
- Compatibility with PC, Android, Apple, and even Switch gaming consoles,
…it delivered exceptional performance for its price. Its sound leaned towards neutrality and detail, making it an easy recommendation for listeners who valued reference-style playback in a compact form.
Beta XI2: A New Era of Portable Tube DACs
With the Beta XI2, ONIX redefines what a portable DAC/AMP can achieve. While it retains the dual CS43198 DAC architecture, the magic lies in its dual JAN6418 vacuum tubes integrated into the 4.4mm balanced output stage.
This addition creates a sound signature that is:
🎶 Warmer, fuller, and more organic, with a lush midrange and smooth highs.
🎶 More “tube-like” in character, adding natural harmonics and depth to digital precision.
🎶 Rich in musicality, making long listening sessions engaging and fatigue-free.
Alongside the tube stage, ONIX upgraded the amplifier section with 4 BUF634 high-speed buffers and 2 OPA1662 op-amps, pushing output power up to 550mW @ 32Ω balanced, ensuring even demanding headphones are driven effortlessly.
Side-by-Side: XI1 vs. XI2
| Feature | ONIX Alpha XI1 | ONIX Beta XI2 |
|---|---|---|
| DAC | Dual CS43198 | Dual CS43198 |
| Output | 180mW SE / 500mW Balanced | 180mW SE / 550mW Balanced |
| Extra Feature | Neutral solid-state sound | JAN6418 Tube Balanced Output |
| Display | OLED + LED | OLED + LED (with tube windows) |
| Formats | PCM 768kHz/32bit, DSD256 | PCM 768kHz/32bit, DSD512 |
| Price | $109 | $328.06 |
| Sound | Clean, precise, reference-style | Warm, musical, tube-like |
Why Upgrade to Beta XI2?
If the Alpha XI1 was about accuracy and neutrality, the Beta XI2 is about emotion and character. For listeners who crave:
- The tactile warmth of tubes,
- A more analog, inviting timbre, and
- Greater power and refinement in a still-portable device,
…the XI2 is the clear choice.
Final Thoughts
The ONIX Alpha XI1 proved that portable hi-fi could be both powerful and affordable. Now, the Beta XI2 proves that portable hi-fi can also be emotional and tube-rich, bridging the gap between desktop tube amplifiers and pocket-sized DACs.
At $328.06, it represents a serious step up in both price and performance — but for those seeking a warmer, more musical journey, the Beta XI2 is worth every penny.
👉 Experience the new dawn of ONIX sound: [ONIX Beta XI2 Now Available]
