Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
Calling all headphone enthusiasts! Are you looking for a way to elevate your listening experience? The xDuoo XA-02 DAC/headphone amplifier [https://apos.audio/collections/brand-spotlight-xduoo/products/xduoo-xa-02-balanced-desktop-dac-amp?sca_ref=9818805.ayDFIoHZFj] might just be what you need. In this video, I dive into an in-depth review, exploring its features, performance, and quirks.
From my unboxing experience to its sleek design and practical functionality, the XA-02 ticks many boxes. With balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs, intuitive controls (yes, even a multifunction knob), and support for high-resolution audio formats like PCM 384 kHz, DSD256, and aptX Bluetooth codecs, this unit is designed to please.
But it’s not without its nuances. Does the lack of a remote bother you? How about the limited manual explanations or the bass boost toggle? I cover it all, blending technical insights with practical observations to help you decide if this is the DAC/amp for you.
I also put the XA-02 through its paces objectively, diving into specs like THD+N (0.0005%), SNR (121 dB), and output power (2W balanced), to show you how it measures up. Spoiler: you probably can’t hear the imperfections.
So, whether you're considering this as your next upgrade or just love geeking out about audio gear, join me for this honest review. No fluff, no sponsorship bias—just my take. See you there!
EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE AUDIO MASTERCLASS VIDEOS
ERGONOMIC CHAIR - FlexiSpot C7 Air Pro flexispot.com/flexispot-best-ergonomic-office-chair-c7
CAMERA - Sony Alpha A6600 amzn.to/3uj7Dtq
COMPUTER - Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro amzn.to/47tW6Wg
MICROPHONE - Sennheiser MKH 416 amzn.to/3QWWvuO
ALTERNATIVE MICROPHONE - AKG C414 amzn.to/3SLqCad
BUDGET MICROPHONE CHOICE - Rode shotgun amzn.to/3G0ni36
MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER - Comica LinkFlex AD2 amzn.to/40SMHFT
TELEPROMPTER - Padcaster Parrot alternatives amzn.to/40A55TJ
TELEPROMPTER SOFTWARE - PromptSmart Pro promptsmart.com
AUDIO INTERFACE - Behringer UMC202HD amzn.to/3ugj6db
HEADPHONES - Sony wired amzn.to/3sEjlht
SPEAKER CABLE - KabelDirekt amzn.to/3ucgQ6T
POWER AMPLIFIER - Fosi V3 amzn.to/3vRumNH
KEYLIGHT- Amaran 100d amzn.to/40A5Gor
FILL LIGHTS - Switti RGB amzn.to/3ufhOPu
SOFTBOX Phot-R alternatives amzn.to/3QGoTjJ
LIGHTING STANDS Phot-R alternatives amzn.to/3QWXOKe
MONITOR - Samsung UJ59 amzn.to/3MEoBsk
MONITOR ARM - Invision alternatives amzn.to/40SLqi5
MIC ARM - Yellowtech M!ka (10% discount) - shop.yellowtec.com/discount/AUDIO-DAVID
TRIPOD - Velbon alternatives amzn.to/46gu2oa
GREEN SCREEN - Elgato alternatives amzn.to/3SG2F3L
DESK - FlexiSpot E7 Pro amzn.to/3QVIWvS
VIDEO EDITING - Apple Final Cut Pro apple.com/final-cut-pro
IMAGE EDITING - Adobe Photoshop amzn.to/3FZ7Ww0
AUDIO EDITING - Avid Pro Tools amzn.to/3QA5Wz7
NOTEBOOK - Leuchturm 1917 hardback amzn.to/47zonKX
PEN - Sakura Pigma archival pen Sakura Pigma archival pen amzn.to/47zz3cP
OSCILLOSCOPE - Hameg HM 203 alternatives amzn.to/47tWN1O
GROOMING - Philips 3000 nose hair trimmer amzn.to/40BdLJo
GROOMING - Nose plier amzn.to/41IOZaR
HAIR COLOUR - Just For Men amzn.to/475OgS1
HAIR CONDITIONER - TRESemmé Silky & Smooth amzn.to/41AdWFd
OPTICAL AID - tigerspecs.co.uk/item/jelli-multi-coloured-reading-glasses
Disclaimer: Videos on this channel may include affiliate links and may feature software that has been received free of charge with an NFR (not for resale) licence, equipment that has been loaned or donated by a manufacturer or distributer, or equipment that has been bought for less than full retail price.
Calling all headphone enthusiasts! Are you looking for a way to elevate your listening experience? The xDuoo XA-02 DAC/headphone amplifier [https://apos.audio/collections/brand-spotlight-xduoo/products/xduoo-xa-02-balanced-desktop-dac-amp?sca_ref=9818805.ayDFIoHZFj] might just be what you need. In this video, I dive into an in-depth review, exploring its features, performance, and quirks.
From my unboxing experience to its sleek design and practical functionality, the XA-02 ticks many boxes. With balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs, intuitive controls (yes, even a multifunction knob), and support for high-resolution audio formats like PCM 384 kHz, DSD256, and aptX Bluetooth codecs, this unit is designed to please.
But it’s not without its nuances. Does the lack of a remote bother you? How about the limited manual explanations or the bass boost toggle? I cover it all, blending technical insights with practical observations to help you decide if this is the DAC/amp for you.
I also put the XA-02 through its paces objectively, diving into specs like THD+N (0.0005%), SNR (121 dB), and output power (2W balanced), to show you how it measures up. Spoiler: you probably can’t hear the imperfections.
So, whether you're considering this as your next upgrade or just love geeking out about audio gear, join me for this honest review. No fluff, no sponsorship bias—just my take. See you there!
EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE AUDIO MASTERCLASS VIDEOS
ERGONOMIC CHAIR - FlexiSpot C7 Air Pro flexispot.com/flexispot-best-ergonomic-office-chair-c7
CAMERA - Sony Alpha A6600 amzn.to/3uj7Dtq
COMPUTER - Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro amzn.to/47tW6Wg
MICROPHONE - Sennheiser MKH 416 amzn.to/3QWWvuO
ALTERNATIVE MICROPHONE - AKG C414 amzn.to/3SLqCad
BUDGET MICROPHONE CHOICE - Rode shotgun amzn.to/3G0ni36
MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER - Comica LinkFlex AD2 amzn.to/40SMHFT
TELEPROMPTER - Padcaster Parrot alternatives amzn.to/40A55TJ
TELEPROMPTER SOFTWARE - PromptSmart Pro promptsmart.com
AUDIO INTERFACE - Behringer UMC202HD amzn.to/3ugj6db
HEADPHONES - Sony wired amzn.to/3sEjlht
SPEAKER CABLE - KabelDirekt amzn.to/3ucgQ6T
POWER AMPLIFIER - Fosi V3 amzn.to/3vRumNH
KEYLIGHT- Amaran 100d amzn.to/40A5Gor
FILL LIGHTS - Switti RGB amzn.to/3ufhOPu
SOFTBOX Phot-R alternatives amzn.to/3QGoTjJ
LIGHTING STANDS Phot-R alternatives amzn.to/3QWXOKe
MONITOR - Samsung UJ59 amzn.to/3MEoBsk
MONITOR ARM - Invision alternatives amzn.to/40SLqi5
MIC ARM - Yellowtech M!ka (10% discount) - shop.yellowtec.com/discount/AUDIO-DAVID
TRIPOD - Velbon alternatives amzn.to/46gu2oa
GREEN SCREEN - Elgato alternatives amzn.to/3SG2F3L
DESK - FlexiSpot E7 Pro amzn.to/3QVIWvS
VIDEO EDITING - Apple Final Cut Pro apple.com/final-cut-pro
IMAGE EDITING - Adobe Photoshop amzn.to/3FZ7Ww0
AUDIO EDITING - Avid Pro Tools amzn.to/3QA5Wz7
NOTEBOOK - Leuchturm 1917 hardback amzn.to/47zonKX
PEN - Sakura Pigma archival pen Sakura Pigma archival pen amzn.to/47zz3cP
OSCILLOSCOPE - Hameg HM 203 alternatives amzn.to/47tWN1O
GROOMING - Philips 3000 nose hair trimmer amzn.to/40BdLJo
GROOMING - Nose plier amzn.to/41IOZaR
HAIR COLOUR - Just For Men amzn.to/475OgS1
HAIR CONDITIONER - TRESemmé Silky & Smooth amzn.to/41AdWFd
OPTICAL AID - tigerspecs.co.uk/item/jelli-multi-coloured-reading-glasses
Disclaimer: Videos on this channel may include affiliate links and may feature software that has been received free of charge with an NFR (not for resale) licence, equipment that has been loaned or donated by a manufacturer or distributer, or equipment that has been bought for less than full retail price.
![Audiophiles! Will you LOVE this microphone? [Beyerdynamic M 201]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jaATI_yGBaw/mqdefault.jpg "Audiophiles! Will you LOVE this microphone? [Beyerdynamic M 201]
Sound engineers are as crazy about microphones as audiophiles are about DACs. But will hi-fi enthusiasts and audiophiles come to LOVE this microphone - the Beyerdynamic M201 hypercardioid dynamic?
LINKS
Beyerdynamic M 201 - https://europe.beyerdynamic.com/p/m-201
The Audio Masterclass Music Production and Sound Engineering Course - https://www.audiomasterclass.com/music-production-and-sound-engineering-course Use discount code WELOVEDACS to save $123
Yellowtec M!ka mic arm - https://shop.yellowtec.com/discount/AUDIO-DAVID
iZotope RX - https://www.izotope.com/en/products/rx.html
CREDITS
Eugen Beyer pic - https://blog-en.beyerdynamic.com/made-in-germany-third-generation-t1-and-t5/
Heidi Joubert playing a decorated cajón in Cambridge, England Dave Catchpole CC BY 2.0 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caj%C3%B3n#/media/File:Cajon_musician.jpg
Audacity - https://www.audacityteam.org/
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction (Sennheiser overhead)
1:12 Unboxing
3:35 Unboxing end (Sennheiser overhead)
6:04 Sennheiser side
6:32 Sennheiser overhead
7:07 Beyerdynamic M 201 front
8:53 Beyerdynamic M 201 angles
10:04 Beyerdynamic M 201 front
12:22 Beyerdynamic M 201 side
EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE AUDIO MASTERCLASS VIDEOS
CAMERA - Sony Alpha A6600 https://amzn.to/3uj7Dtq
COMPUTER - Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro https://amzn.to/47tW6Wg
MICROPHONE - Sennheiser MKH 416 https://amzn.to/3QWWvuO
ALTERNATIVE MICROPHONE - AKG C414 https://amzn.to/3SLqCad
BUDGET MICROPHONE CHOICE - Rode shotgun https://amzn.to/3G0ni36
MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER - Comica LinkFlex AD2 https://amzn.to/40SMHFT
TELEPROMPTER - Padcaster Parrot alternatives https://amzn.to/40A55TJ
TELEPROMPTER SOFTWARE - PromptSmart Pro https://promptsmart.com/
AUDIO INTERFACE - Behringer UMC202HD https://amzn.to/3ugj6db
HEADPHONES - Sony wired https://amzn.to/3sEjlht
SPEAKER CABLE - KabelDirekt https://amzn.to/3ucgQ6T
POWER AMPLIFIER - Fosi V3 https://amzn.to/3vRumNH
KEYLIGHT- Amaran 100d https://amzn.to/40A5Gor
FILL LIGHTS - Switti RGB https://amzn.to/3ufhOPu
SOFTBOX Phot-R alternatives https://amzn.to/3QGoTjJ
LIGHTING STANDS Phot-R alternatives https://amzn.to/3QWXOKe
MONITOR - Samsung UJ59 https://amzn.to/3MEoBsk
MONITOR ARM - Invision alternatives https://amzn.to/40SLqi5
MIC ARM - Yellowtech M!ka (10% discount) - https://shop.yellowtec.com/discount/AUDIO-DAVID
TRIPOD - Velbon alternatives https://amzn.to/46gu2oa
GREEN SCREEN - Elgato alternatives https://amzn.to/3SG2F3L
DESK - FlexiSpot E7 Pro https://amzn.to/3QVIWvS
ERGONOMIC CHAIR - FlexiSpot C7 Air Pro https://www.flexispot.com/flexispot-best-ergonomic-office-chair-c7
VIDEO EDITING - Apple Final Cut Pro https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/
IMAGE EDITING - Adobe Photoshop https://amzn.to/3FZ7Ww0
AUDIO EDITING - Avid Pro Tools https://amzn.to/3QA5Wz7
NOTEBOOK - Leuchturm 1917 hardback https://amzn.to/47zonKX
PEN - Sakura Pigma archival pen Sakura Pigma archival pen https://amzn.to/47zz3cP
OSCILLOSCOPE - Hameg HM 203 alternatives https://amzn.to/47tWN1O
GROOMING - Philips 3000 nose hair trimmer https://amzn.to/40BdLJo
GROOMING - Nose plier https://amzn.to/41IOZaR
HAIR COLOUR - Just For Men https://amzn.to/475OgS1
HAIR CONDITIONER - TRESemmé Silky & Smooth https://amzn.to/41AdWFd
OPTICAL AID - https://www.tigerspecs.co.uk/item/jelli-multi-coloured-reading-glasses
Disclaimer: Videos on this channel may include affiliate links and may feature software that has been received free of charge with an NFR (not for resale) licence, equipment that has been loaned or donated by a manufacturer or distributer, or equipment that has been bought for less than full retail price.")
