Shanling Onix Zenith XDA20 High End Desktop ESS DAC Black
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The Shanling Onix Zenith XDA20 is a high-end desktop DAC built around dual ESS ES9039Pro chips, with FPGA-assisted I2S input, XMOS XU316 USB, RCA and XLR outputs that work as line out or preamp, and a 6.35mm headphone output. It is part of the Onix Zenith range from Shanling.
This listing is the Black finish. The matching Onix Zenith XST20 SACD/CD transport connects over I2S.
Key specifications
- DAC: dual ESS ES9039Pro with 8 x OPA1611 I/V stage
- Digital inputs: coaxial, optical, BNC, AES/EBU, I2S, USB (XMOS XU316)
- I2S and USB: PCM 768kHz/32-bit, DSD512
- SPDIF inputs: PCM 192kHz/24-bit, DoP64
- Analogue outputs: RCA (2.1V) and XLR (4.2V), line out or preamp
- XLR performance: 126dB dynamic range, 127dB SNR
- Headphone output: 6.35mm, up to 1.6W @ 32 Ohm (TPA6120 amplifier)
- Power supply: 15W and 25W Talema transformers, Vishay capacitors
- Size and weight: 320 x 240 x 62mm, 5.7kg
- Body: CNC-machined aluminium
Shanling Onix Zenith range
The XDA20 is the second device in Shanling's Zenith line, a dedicated range for high-end desktop and speaker hi-fi. It is designed as the reference DAC to pair with the XST20 SACD transport and the upcoming XMT20 streamer.
High-end DAC assembly
The XDA20 uses the same ESS flagship DAC chip found in the Shanling Onix Miracle System — the ES9039Pro — but upgrades to a dual-chip configuration. Eight OPA1611 op-amps are used in Shanling's in-house I/V conversion circuit.
Superior power supply
The XDA20 uses a combination of 15W and 25W Talema transformers alongside Vishay capacitors for power filtering.
Advanced I2S input
The Zenith line is built around a high-quality I2S connection between source and DAC. The XDA20 performs at its best from the I2S input, ideally paired with the Onix Zenith XST20 or XMT20 transport. For compatibility with third-party I2S transports, an FPGA-assisted I2S circuit provides 10 different pinout configurations.
Outputs and inputs
The XDA20 offers RCA and XLR analogue outputs, switchable between pure line-out and preamp mode. A TPA6120 headphone amplifier drives the 6.35mm output at up to 1.6W @ 32 Ohm. A dedicated XMOS XU316 USB input handles direct connection to a computer, alongside coaxial, optical, BNC, AES/EBU and I2S digital inputs.
Classic Onix design
The XDA20 has a CNC-machined aluminium body styled to match the wider Onix range, with gold accent elements.
Explore the full range in Shanling.
Specification
| USB DAC Input | XMOS XU316 |
|---|---|
| Digital Inputs | COAXIAL / OPTICAL / BNC / AES EBU / I²S / USB |
| Analog Outputs | RCA / XLR |
| Headphone Output | 6.35mm |
| Controls | Touchscreen / Remote Control / Volume Wheel |
| SPDIF Inputs | PCM: 192kHz / 24bit, DSD: DOP64 |
| I²S Input | PCM: 768kHz / 32bit, DSD: DSD512 |
| USB DAC Input | PCM: 768kHz / 32bit, DSD: DSD512 |
| RCA Output Level | 2.1V |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz–40kHz (±0.5dB) |
| THD+N | 0.0003% (A-Weighted @ 2.1Vrms) |
| Dynamic Range | 123dB |
| Channel Separation | 122dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 123dB (A-Weighted) |
| Noise | 117dB |
| XLR Output Level | 4.2V |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz–40kHz (±0.5dB) |
| THD+N | 0.0003% (A-Weighted @ 4.2Vrms) |
| Dynamic Range | 126dB |
| Channel Separation | 127dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 127dB (A-Weighted) |
| Noise | 114dB |
| Low Gain | 101mW@32Ω (1.8Vrms@32Ω) |
| High Gain | 1620mW@32Ω (7.2Vrms@32Ω) |
| High Gain | 252mW@300Ω (8.7Vrms@300Ω) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz–40kHz (±0.5dB) |
| THD+N | 0.003% (A-Weighted @ 1Vrms) |
| Dynamic Range | 121dB |
| Channel Separation | 69dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 120dB (A-Weighted High Gain), 117dB (A-Weighted Low Gain) |
| Noise | 112dB (Low Gain) |
| Output Impedance | 3.3Ω |
| Weight | 5.7kg |
| Dimensions | 320mm x 240mm x 62mm |
What's Included
- 1 x Shanling Onix Zenith XDA20
- 1 x Power Cable
- 1 x Remote Control
- 1 x User Manual
Shanling
About the Shanling SHANLINGONIXXDA20-BLACK
From our tech experts at CEN
A Shanling digital-to-analogue converter, giving a cleaner signal path than a computer or phone output.
Who it suits
Listeners with a capable system who want the source to stop being the weak link. Shanling is known for well-built portable players and DACs.
Our tech experts advise
Match it to what you are driving, and remember that a good DAC reveals what is upstream rather than fixing it. get in touch and we will suggest a pairing rather than guessing.
Explore the full Shanling range at CEN, with fast UK dispatch and expert advice from our Nottingham team. Shop all Shanling
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the XDA20 have a headphone output?
A: Yes. It has a 6.35mm headphone output driven by a TPA6120 headphone amplifier, alongside its RCA and XLR outputs.
Q: Can the XDA20 be used as a preamp?
A: Yes. Its RCA and XLR outputs can run in pure line-out mode or as a pre-amplifier for a speaker system, with volume set by the volume wheel or remote.
Q: Will the XDA20 work with other I2S transports?
A: Yes. Its FPGA-assisted I2S input offers 10 different pinouts for matching with other transports, as well as Shanling's own XST20.
Q: What's in the box with the XDA20?
A: The Onix Zenith XDA20, a power cable, remote control and user manual.
