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00:00:00 – 00:10:32
The video provides a comprehensive review of the THX Onyx, a new high-fidelity DAC/amp designed to enhance mobile audio experiences. Priced at $200, the device includes a sleek design with a polished THX logo, a 3.5mm jack with microphone input, and LED indicators for audio quality. It supports MQA studio-quality streaming, converting digital signals to analog for headphones and speakers.
The Onyx's versatility is highlighted through its compatibility with various devices, including PCs, Macs, iOS, and Android devices, facilitated by USB-C and included adapters. The standout feature is the THX AAA amplifier, offering significantly more power and lower distortion compared to similar products, ensuring clearer and richer sound. Also noteworthy is the inclusion of the ESS ES9281 Pro DAC, certified by MQA engineers, which is essential for rendering high-quality audio.
Using services like Tidal's master tracks, the Onyx delivers audio as intended by artists, significantly enhancing clarity and reducing distortion across media, including music and gaming. Comparisons with standard Apple adapters and other devices like the Behringer Euphoria UM2 suggest that while the Onyx excels in mobile audio, its advantages over other high-quality systems might be minor. Despite the additional setup requirements compared to wireless options, the THX Onyx stands out for its exceptional audio performance and cross-platform functionality. Viewers are encouraged to pair it with good headphones for the best experience and to share their feedback in the comments.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on the introduction and detailed overview of the THX Onyx, a new cross-platform DAC/amp designed to deliver high-fidelity audio from mobile devices. THX, known for its audio certification, brings its expertise to the consumer market with this $200 device, which supports MQA studio quality streaming. The Onyx converts digital signals to analog for headphones or powered speakers through a 3.5mm jack and decodes MQA tracks for studio-quality playback. The design features a sleek look with a machined and polished THX logo, and includes useful elements like a 3.5mm jack with mic input, and LED indicators to show audio quality. Setup is straightforward with a USB-C port and a USB-C to USB-A adapter included, though Apple users will need an additional adapter for devices with a Lightning port.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on the THX Onyx, a versatile mobile audio device known for its excellent compatibility and high-quality sound performance. The segment begins by discussing the use of a lightning to USB-A adapter, which, while making the setup a bit cumbersome at 13 inches in length, enables the Onyx to work with various devices such as PCs, Macs, iOS devices, and any device with a USB-C port, including Android devices. The THX Onyx is highlighted for its THX AAA amplifier, which offers five times more power than similar USB DAC amps while maintaining ultra-low distortion and noise levels. This powerful amplifier, previously used in products like the Drop Panda, ensures cleaner sound and greater audio clarity.
The Onyx also features the ESS ES9281 Pro DAC for studio-quality sound rendering. It has been independently tested and certified by MQA engineers to ensure it maintains high audio quality across the entire signal range. The video explains MQA technology as a significant advancement in streaming media, providing better-than-CD quality by cleaning up audio tracks and packaging extra data into files that require an MQA decoder, like the THX Onyx, for full quality playback. An overview of MQA’s process and its benefits is touched upon, with additional resources linked in the description for more detailed information.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on the benefits and performance of using Tidal’s master tracks, specifically with the THX Onyx. The master tracks ensure that audio is delivered as intended by the artist, providing high-fidelity sound directly from the master source. The discussion highlights the importance of reduced distortion and enhanced clarity, allowing listeners to discern individual instruments and vocals more easily. The narrator examines their experience using the Philips Fidelio X3 headphones and notes the significant differences when comparing the Onyx to a standard Apple adapter, particularly for tracks like Sam Smith’s “How Do You Sleep” and Haley Williams’ “Simmer.” Overall, the Onyx combined with MQA files provides a more vivid, detailed, and enjoyable listening experience, with improvements in dynamic range and clarity also evident in gaming and other media contexts.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker shares their experience with the THX Onyx, comparing it with the Behringer Euphoria UM2 typically used for gaming with Phillips Fidelio X3 headphones. They note that while the Onyx sounds great, it does not offer a significant noticeable improvement over the UM2. The THX Onyx stands out due to its cross-platform functionality, powerful THX AAA amp, and MQA track detail, making it a top choice for mobile audio quality despite being less convenient than wireless options. The review concludes with a recommendation to consider the THX Onyx paired with good headphones for outstanding mobile audio, and an invitation for viewers to share their thoughts in the comments.