Review Date: 12 February 2022
DAC Chip: Conexant (Synaptics) CX21988
PCM 24bit – 96kHz, SNR: Undisclosed, Power: Undisclosed, USB Type-C Male, 3.5mm SE (Microphone: YES), Metal Chassis & OFC Cable. Type-C Charging Port
Test Equipment
Headphones:
- FOSTEX T40RP MK3 (Magnetic Planar, 50 Ohm, 91db Sensitivity)
- Beyerdynamic DT880 (Dynamic Drivers, 600 Ohm, 96db Sensitivity)
IEMs:
- Etymotic ER4SR (Single BA, 45 Ohm, 96db Sensitivity)
- TRN VX Pro (8 BA + 1DD Hybrid, 22 Ohm, 106db Sensitivity)
- TIN HiFi T3+ (Single DD, 32 Ohm, 105db Sensitivity)
- Shure KSE1500 (Single Electrostatic 200V, KSA1200 Energizer)
- Kinera Idun Golden (3BA + 1DD Hybrid, 32 Ohm, 112db Sensitivity)
Sources:
- Windows 10, Foobar 2000 (Native USB Drivers)
- LG V50 ThinQ (UAPP USB Exclusive Mode, Bitperfect)
- Sony Xperia X Compact (UAPP USB Exclusive Mode, Bitperfect)
LISTENING EQUIPMENT USED IMPARTED HUGE INFLUENCE TO SOUND IMPRESSIONS & RATING
FOREWORD
Despite the new look and chassis, this one is actually identical to the previous ZOOAUX (CX21986), iNassen, Amazon DAC and KINSOUND. Running TTGK app revealed the exact same details as the earlier releases. The primary difference, now ZOOAUX has a charging circuit attached to it, hence the bigger chassis. Otherwise, the sound is exactly the same as the previous models. I have opted to not test or write too much on this one. Just laying out the details that matters
💚PROS
- Crisp balanced neutral flat timbre, mildly euphonic
- Vibrant and coherent dynamics, full bodied with smooth presentation
- Very well nuanced Micro and Macro details, transparent
- Balanced Mids with good textures and definition, naturally toned Male/Female vocals
- Sparkly Treble, crisp smooth decays, great extensions
- Smooth impactful Mid-Bass, tight, fast with crisp decays
- Sub-Bass with audible seismic responses, natural decays.
- Crisp and vivid guitars, piano, percussions (chimes, bells) and drums and taps
- Great holographic spatial imaging with sharp precise placement/layers
- Great speed and dexterity on complex passages and transients
- Very clean background, zero floor noises
- Very clean layers and well-defined separation lines
- Drives Magnetic Planars and BA at 80/100 volume, usable loudness
- Excellent synergy with many type of IEMs/HPs
- Forgiving on Lo-Fi and lower quality sources
- Low battery drain on the host
- Does not heat up easily
- Endurance score for battery drain, 8 hours non-stop (Sony Xperia X Compact, Android 8, 2700 mAH Battery, driving TRN VX Pro on UAPP)
- Very efficient and usable Type-C charging port to charge the host while in use
💔CONS
- Limited to 24bit/48kHz Max resolution
- Driving power for great fidelity maxed out below 100Ω and with no less than 90db sensitivity.
- A bit dry sounding compared to the top performers
- No volume adjuster
- Amazon only release
VERDICT
I don’t have much to say about this unit as I have done very extensive reviews on last year models of ZOOAUX 2nd Gen, iNassen, Amazon DAC and KINSOUND. All of them practically implemented with stock tuning that makes them sounding identical to each other. And by saying that, they are quite good for something which cost almost nothing. The Cons can be totally ignored and the fact that this new ZOOAUX will allow for charging of the host while in use is something that must be considered above the earlier models. But it also mean the price has doubled up to facilitate for the new charging circuit.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ($21.99)
Best Pairing: Flexible for anything less demanding under 100Ω
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