Shanling Zenith XDA20 High-End DAC
The Shanling Zenith XDA20 is the second release in the premium Zenith line, designed for audiophiles who demand uncompromising Hi-Fi performance. Built to complement the XST20 SACD Transport and upcoming XMT20 Streamer, the XDA20 is a flagship DAC engineered for pure, high-resolution playback. Powered by dual ESS ES9039Pro flagship DAC chips and an in-house developed I/V Conversion Circuit with eight OPA1611 op-amps, it delivers unmatched clarity, dynamic range, and tonal accuracy. Its superior power supply design integrates Talema transformers and Vishay capacitors for maximum stability, while the FPGA-assisted I2S input with 10 pin-out options ensures seamless pairing with Shanling transports and broad compatibility with other sources. With both RCA and XLR outputs, plus a built-in headphone amplifier, the XDA20 redefines what a desktop DAC can achieve.
Specifications
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Brand: Shanling
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Model: Zenith XDA20
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DAC Chips: Dual ESS ES9039Pro
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio (dB): RCA 123, XLR 127
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Digital Inputs: 1 Coaxial, 1 Optical
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Outputs: 1 RCA, 1 XLR
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Subwoofer Output: RCA/XLR (LFE not supported)
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Headphone Amplifier: Yes
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Bluetooth: No
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Wi-Fi: No
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Bit Depth (SPDIF): 24-bit
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Max Sampling Rate (SPDIF): 192 kHz
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Bit Depth (USB): 32-bit
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Max Sampling Rate (USB): 768 kHz
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Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.8" x 12.6" x 9.4"
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Weight: 12.6 lbs
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Warranty: 1 Year
Expanded Key Features List
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Dual ESS ES9039Pro DAC Chips: Provides ultra-high-resolution decoding with improved dynamic range and reduced distortion for true-to-life audio reproduction.
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In-House I/V Conversion Circuit: Utilizes eight OPA1611 op-amps to deliver precise current-to-voltage conversion, ensuring accurate tonal balance and detail retrieval.
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Superior Power Supply: Built with premium Talema transformers and Vishay capacitors for stable, noise-free power delivery that enhances overall sound clarity.
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Advanced FPGA-Assisted I2S Input: Offers 10 pin-out configurations for seamless pairing with Shanling transports and compatibility with a wide range of sources.
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Balanced & Unbalanced Outputs: Includes both RCA and XLR outputs, plus subwoofer support, for versatile integration into any Hi-Fi system.
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Built-In Headphone Amplifier: Delivers powerful, detailed sound directly to headphones, eliminating the need for an external amp.
Q&A Section
Q: What makes the XDA20 different from other DACs in its class?
A: The XDA20 uses dual ESS ES9039Pro chips with a custom I/V conversion circuit, delivering superior dynamics, detail, and tonal balance compared to standard DACs.
Q: Does the XDA20 work best with Shanling transports?
A: Yes, it is optimized for pairing with Shanling XST20 and XMT20 transports via the I2S input, but it is also fully compatible with other sources using SPDIF, USB, or I2S.
Q: Can I connect a subwoofer to the XDA20?
A: Yes, the XDA20 supports subwoofer output via RCA and XLR connections (LFE not supported).
Q: Is there a built-in headphone amplifier?
A: Yes, the XDA20 includes a high-quality headphone amplifier for direct headphone listening.
Q: Does the XDA20 support high-resolution USB playback?
A: Absolutely. It supports up to 32-bit/768kHz playback over USB for the highest fidelity digital audio.
Q: Is wireless streaming available?
A: No, the XDA20 does not feature Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, focusing instead on wired high-fidelity connections.
Q: What are the output options?
A: The XDA20 provides both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) outputs, offering flexibility for any Hi-Fi system.
Q: How does the FPGA-assisted I2S input help?
A: It provides 10 pin-out options for maximum compatibility, ensuring seamless operation with a wide range of digital transports.
