THX Onyx: Portable DAC/amp from THX
The American company THX has released THX Onyx – the first portable device under its own brand. This is a miniature DAC amplifier for Onyx headphones. Because of the size of the device, I want to call it an adapter, at one end of which there is a USB-C connector, at the other-a 3.5-mm jack.
The USB-C is equipped with a magnet and a loop that allows you to fold the accessory in half, making it look like a scorpion. Attention is drawn to the three LED indicators that show the operating mode of the device: standard or high resolution, DSD and MQA.
The Onyx analog part is built on the THX AAA-78 amplifier chip. The manufacturer stated that this is the first portable DAC/amp in which it is used.
In the digital part, there is an ESS ES9281PRO DAC. For the new product, the dynamic range and the signal-to-noise ratio of more than 110 dB are declared. Onyx compatible headphones have an impedance range of 22 – 1000 ohms.
In addition to smartphones, THX Onyx is ready to work with PCs, Macs, and iPads. For iPhone, you will need an Apple Lightning — USB Camera adapter. As for computers running Windows, it is worth considering that Onyx is only compatible with version 10. For those who do not have a USB-C yet, a complete USB-C to USB — A adapter will come in handy.
In the US, THX Onyx costs $200.