(Non-affiliate links)
(Non-affiliate links)
The Audioengine HXL is a premium, full-balanced dongle DAC/amp that I kept coming back to because it’s dead simple and it just works. It’s built like a little tank, draws surprisingly low power, barely warms up, and sounds transparent across everything I threw at it.
Pros
- +Excellent anodized aluminum build with smooth rounded edges
- +Satisfying, solid volume buttons with no rattle
- +Transparent sound that doesn’t get in the way of the music
- +Low battery draw in my testing (about 2% per hour at 70 dB)
- +Very low output impedance (under 0.5 ohm)
- +Drives a wide range of headphones and IEMs effortlessly
Cons
- -No gain modes, DAC filters, screen, or volume indicator
- -USB-C to Lightning is an adapter that’s easy to lose
- -Pricier than feature-heavy competitors
Featured in 15 videos
Plexsonic Strato and Strato+ Showcase - Audio Amigo Showcase Ep.15
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Audioengine HXL Showcase - Audio Amigo Showcase Ep.14
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Flathead Audio FH-01 Showcase/Review - Flathead Follies Ep.1
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Muse HiFi M6 Double Showcase - Audio Amigo Showcase Ep.13
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TRN BT30 Pro Showcase - Audio Amigo Showcase Ep.12
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The best thing I heard at CanJam SoCal 2025. (Apos Audio K1K Unscripted Video)
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Dekoni MagDac Showcase - Audio Amigo Showcase Ep.11
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TempoTec Variations V1 Review/Showcase - Audio Amigo Showcase Ep.10
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XDuoo X5 DAP Review/Showcase - Audio Amigo Showcase Ep.9
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Effect Audio Ares S Lite and Cadmus Lite Cable Showcase - Audio Amigo Showcase Ep.8
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Snowsky Echo Mini DAP Review/Showcase - Audio Amigo Showcase Ep.7
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EPZ TP35 Pro DAC/AMP Showcase - Audio Amigo Showcase Ep.7
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GYHiFi Cable and Custom Cable Showcase - Audio Amigo Showcase Ep.6
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SnowSky Retro Nano Bluetooth DAC/AMP Showcase - Audio Amigo Showcase Ep.6
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(Non-affiliate links)
Available on Audioengine
External purchase
Highlights
- +Excellent anodized aluminum build with smooth rounded edges
- +Satisfying, solid volume buttons with no rattle
- +Transparent sound that doesn’t get in the way of the music
Recommended by
Audio Amigo