In depth review and analysis of unique Luxsin X9 vs Eversolo, Topping, Shiit and Gustard

You know that one company does a great job, is when arriving to the scene they effortlessly set standards in HIFI space. That is what Luxsin’s sister company did with Eversolo, out of nowhere just an explosion on the market with their DMP streamers. I see it now everywhere in homes of many audiophiles, who not even a few years ago even considered buying new Chinese brands. Only the proven ones.

And yeah Eversolo is that Cinderella story, same like Wiim. New company dictating new rules on stagnating market. And out of nowhere, they launch a sister brand Luxsin. And they announce just one product. And that is Headphone amplifier DAC X9.

And in reality, if look at what that product does Eversolo in its lineup have all of this covered. Great DAC, great headphone amplifications even streaming which is missing from X9. So to put this as a separate brand, they must believe that this will bring more than all of those things. And I am here to discover that. Is this just a first product that still needs refinement and character to stand on its own in sea of products like this or will this same like DMP streamers create explosion that will conquer this market.

Build Quality

And where to start with that, it is probably with build quality and features.

It is a bit bulky and big, so this is not that small slimline device that can fit everywhere, but rather it is its own device with its own personality and looks. And the build quality is amazing. I love how it has these sharp edges and lines, that create symmetry and precision that tries to separate it from the competition. And one more cool thing it is front of device is angled a little bit, which means that if device sits on lower surface, which probably most are, you have more easier way to access its screen, to have better clarity and even interact with outputs easier. It is a brushed metal, and even has a little bit DNA from Eversolo with this kind of grills on left and right.

It great looking, but what I am going to speak about next is going to make me realize why this device specifically is going to have a great fighting chance on a market.

What makes this device so unique and special

I am going to say it now I don’t know any device in this price range, that delivers this much inputs, outputs, power and phenomenal software features. It is what you will say packed, so much that it feels even though it is an only product as a true flagship.

Let’s start with front panel. You have 3 outputs 2 balanced with 4.4 and XLR4 and one unbalanced with 6.5 mm. It has a volume button, which has this super nice tactile feeling. Ugh.

And great 4 inch TFT touch screen. Which even though it is a TFT screen it was very responsive. And I have to give props to team behind this device. There is a lot of functionality and features in this device, and yet the UI is very easy to understand and use. Great pictograms, fonts, spacing made this easy to use. I only wish that screen was a bit bigger.

Now here comes the absolute madness amount of features that this device has. You have Bypass, you have effects and there is a bunch of them. And cool thing on Luxsin website they create few recipes for best sounds. You can adjust the stereo width, style of music, tone adjustment with bass and treble, and loudness to change the threshold of sound as well. There is so much to play around here that it is incredible.

There is also a Crossfeed, which allows certain bleed in left and right headphones of sounds. Making sort of similar experience how you listen to music in stereo environment. Also something I really like.

And they have something super unique, HP-EQ. The X9’s unique HP-EQ technology applies real-time hardware-level EQ adjustments based on each headphone’s frequency response. This enables a sound signature closely aligned with the ideal Harman curve, providing an audio experience that resonates with a wide range of listener preferences. So in layman terms they have library of equalizing presets for large variety of headphones. And you can choose different presets to be applied for best results.

In my experience, it works, but it changes so much the landscape of sound that even though it becomes technically better sound might not be something you will enjoy. By default the sound will become more clear and lean. With some other tweaks to treble and bass, but sometimes neutral sonic signature of headphone is going to be more for you especially that you are used after long listening sessions on that signature. But it does work, and it is super great.

And library does have a lot of headphones and they are constantly adding.

The only thing I would wish was to add manually adjustment of equalizer, something similar on their DMP series of streamers. To make your own personal curves and adjustments. Or even to load your own curves and presets, as what you have here is the ones you use, like it or not. But who knows maybe on next one.

And VU meters how can I forget the VU meters, There is a lot of visual presets with different VU meters and skins, they really went all in on this. So if you like changing skins often, and personalize it for your own use, well this is the one.

You also had DAC Filters, for choosing the sound roll off. You have ability add gain to headphones, and honestly bunch more.

But that all is not maybe the coolest feature, there is a Headphone Impedance Self-Check System. Which for some reason does not work with XLR, but works with 4.4 and 6.5. And that is such a great thing, what it will do. When connecting headphones to X9 it will automatically and intelligently recommend the most suitable output gain setting. That is one hassle that is gone forever. It is an amazing thing that should be in more devices in future.

But that is not all, while front is super great, so is back of device. There is so much inputs and outputs here, for your connection pleasure. You have USB C and B for audio in. You have HDMI ARC, you have coaxial, optical and RCA as well. You have sub out. But also if you want to connect this to additional DAC or amplifier you have audio out which is regular RCA and XLRs. And all that with triggers in and out, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.

So as you see truly amazing set of inputs and outputs. That will open many doors for experimentations and connections to many other devices.

But also we have great internals as well. Starting with DAC this is AKM chip a 4499EX, current top of the line DAC from AKM. This is same chipset from DMP A8, which costs so much more. It also has dynamic negative feedback, using OPA 1612 op amps, and TPA 6120 significantly reduces harmonic and intermodulation distortion, ensuring a cleaner, more transparent sound.

So we also know that these are very audiophile grade components. Including precision feedback R2R remote control. The power output is via XLR 4.2 Voltage, and via RCA 2.1 Voltage and via headphone outputs goes from 4 to 15 volts. And 6400 milliwatts in 16 ohms.

As far as you can see there is so much offered by X9 here, from the amazing features, inputs, outputs it truly is the marvel of this product what it offers.

Sound Quality

Now finally sound. Honestly there is lot to be said about sound. The sound is while neutral, it definitely leans to a bit warmish. It is not warm sound in sense that you have that galloping enveloping bass, but it has definition and size. And I love that it has a bit of character — enough that it is not boring, but helps with brightness if it appears.

It truly is, if I could describe it the sound is clashing between being musical in how it represents size, and energy into big waves of sound making it easy to listen and to tap your hands at your knees. But it is also really precise.

What I mean with precise it is very easy to understand where and how every instrument fits on soundstage. I think edges of instruments have been very vivid. It is filled with details and textures so it can appear to us 3 dimensional. It plays so well into that strength of AKMs. As AKM especially 4499EX does love to color your highs, in order for it to open soundstage vertically. And in scenario when you listen it via headphones, it makes it fun when you want to listen to it’s a bit clinically, as those percussions, and soft synths sound very forward and present.

This could create a bit of problem to be honest, by sometimes that forwardness and very spread out soundstage can sound a bit piercing, but not something a bit EQing cannot fix.

And you know what happens when you have sound that is detailed and yet a bit warm? Yes you are correct the sound is greatly dynamic. It truly helps open both sides, you notice and spread instruments greatly. It is always the case. Having defined bass and treble is a great thing for many reasons. Such as having musical yet detailed sound.

Now issue I have is also connected to that. We all know what happens when you have defined bass and treble. Mids get pushed in background. While this is not some problem like with some other devices, and will vary from headphones to headphones. But still even though I used songs where I know that voice has a huge presence, it still felt a bit spark and room for it.

Especially if you use more warmer headphones, then it really starts clashing with bass. Voice needed a bit more clarity and punch. It just was clashing too much with instrumentations. And while details at top end was top notch, I searched for background transparency a bit. It was decently clear, but in this price range you search for where sound could be better.

In the end the sound is very good. It is fun, musical, yet remains enough detailed at top for it to be able to extend its hands into more clinical listening. More rounded and vivid presentation of instruments that have nice edge around it. It was great experience that creates interesting cocktail of sound.

 Let`s talk about it`s price/value

Now let’s talk about price and alternatives you can buy. As I wanted this to be important aspect of this review, as X9 is 1100 EUR, not a cheap amp. And will the price be justified or not is all about your needs and perspective.

Can you find equally or little bit less sonic quality priced headphone DAC/amps on market for cheaper... yes. Something like Topping A90, SMSL SHX even at some nostalgic ways Chord Mojo 2... falls to my mind. But can you find this rich features and functionality and sonic quality for this price.... no.

So depending on your needs, if you search that your gear only excels in sonic qualities, this might not be your bang for the buck, but I think personally. With so much advanced ease of use, and quality of life improvements, it really is worth it.

It is worth it for future, for more you change your headphones the X9 will adjust and adapt to it, it looks and works flawlessly too. HP EQ and Auto Gain adjustments are very worthy features and all those inputs and outputs are allowing you more freedom how you use the X9. So in my case those extra cash is certainly worth it.

Vs. Eversolo products

What if you already have Eversolo products like DMP A6 or A8 or even their DAC like Z8? Then it becomes a bit problematic, but still it might be worth it. The reason is some functionality you already have in DMP and they work even better because of bigger screens. DAC in A8 is same, and just add a cheaper headphone amplification and you might get a superior device with all the streaming goodies of A8 and A6. You lose some specific X9 features but...

And Z8 and Z6 work so much better as a DAC and also have a headphone amplification. Especially that Z8 is such a capable device, you lose some X9 features and some grunt of the X9 in driving the headphones, but I don’t know at that moment does X9 make sense as a purchase. Z8 is such a practical and great device.

Those are questions that people in Luxsin need to think about, how to improve and expand the ecosystem of Eversolo/ Luxsin, and how can all this device work in system together.

But I still think the value of X9 is justified but depending on your needs, it might not be worth it.

But what about device in the same price range. There are couple of them and it is great to side by side them to understand them better.

vs. Topping A900

Topping just announced A900, while it is a great headphone amp and preamp, it does not have DAC. It is equally priced and that is why I want to side by side it. You know what power output of A900 is significantly more bigger than Luxsin it boasts 22000 milliwatts in @16 ohms. This is significantly more, and it cuts the noise floor far better than X9 for demanding IEMs etc. If you demand a best of best of sonic accuracy, transparency, noise floor and power I have to recommend A900 over X9.

But as I said A900 is pretty bare bones. With X9 you have an amazing DAC, you have bunch of features and inputs and outputs. Which A900 as pure headphone amp have bunch of XLR inputs and outputs, and balanced and unbalanced entries but that is it.

X9 works more as AMP/DAC for everyone while A900 is more just aiming at purists. Would love to review A900 and who knows maybe in future.

vs. Topping DX9

But Topping has its own horse for race, in DX9. Yes it is a bit more expensive with 100 to 200 euros more, depending where you look. But it uses same DAC and similar architecture as Luxsin X9.

And as that I can say that sonic character is very similar, as Topping is hitting that musical notes now. Not just clear, transparent and dynamically rich. Now both of them had great transients and dynamics I really could not fault them in this area. But there are few things that separate them.

While Luxsin is definitely leaning more to warmer sound, with more relaxed approach. Topping more firm, more gripping and more punchy. It definitely pushes in those upper dynamics more. But also remaining more clearer at mids, trying to open the background more.

Luxsin has more control and definition in bass, it has more pleasing smoother sound. It in theory more musical. The soundstage openness were very similar, not something that will be deciding moment.

So depending on your preferences you might go with DX9 or X9, but remember this Luxsin X9 has very futuristic features that DX9 just does not have. Which I really love. But then again DX9 has more power if you are driving some really demanding headphones.

vs. Shiit Mjolnir 3

So Schiit Mjolnir 3 is equally priced, and in my opinion much uglier device. I kind of preferred DX9 and X9 in one way or other, really loved lights and open top of DX9 but I really dislike design of Schiit devices.

Now this is not something that should dictate one or other but I think when you give this money it is important to choose which one will fit best aesthetics of your room. But I digress, it costs equally as X9, so it is a direct competitor.

Mjolnir is very much a serious class-A solid state beast. Clean, minimal coloration (especially when no feedback is used), very good transient response. The focus is on raw amplifier purity, signal integrity, and high-current class A performance.

So you know the drill smooth, yet minimal colorations, fantastic transparency and transients // if you like that. But it gets really warm, it is not so wild or fun at top end it cannot dynamically open so much. It has great spread out of soundstage, and amazing compact isolations of sounds on it with clarity.

But I can finish it like this, If you have low-impedance, hard-to-drive headphones (planars or inefficient dynamics), X9 gives more headroom and less margin for clipping or distortion at high volumes. If you value purity, minimal signal path, class A flavor, then Mjolnir 3 may appeal more — even if you give up some power margin, you might prefer its aesthetic and interaction with certain headphones. It is clear and transparent while remaining smooth and beautiful to listen.

But still X9 is from the future, it has DAC and it just delivers more features and inputs and outputs etc.

vs. Gustard H26

Last one is Gustard H26 and yes it costs the same. And I will try to be brief here. Gustard have amazing DACs and it is shame that it is not part of this Headphone amplification. So yeah another one without DAC.

But what I found amazing about H26 is just how spacious and amazing its soundstage and imaging was. And it is same like Mjolnir class A amp, which I can copy paste same thing from it. But what it does better than Mjolnir is just making sound wide and far. And there is a lot of power in H26 to drive those tricky headphones.

With combination of some DAC, this could be a killer combination, I was so happy with H26, it is more clear and transparent and a tiny bit more dynamic than X9.

Now the same copy paste from before is, yet it lacks bunch of features, inputs outputs, and DAC.

Conclusion

So as far you can see from all that I wrote here Luxsin is an amazing futuristic product. That has more in line with new mobile phones and computers how much it pushes the medium of products forward with impressive amount new features and inputs and outputs.

Now if what I told you sounds something that you think is impressive, the price of 1100 euros is a great price as it offers ALL that you want and need. If you believe value of product is only measured in sonic qualities you might find luck somewhere else and not feel that price is justified. As some products are sonically better in this price range.

But to me, this is an amazing product. It brings enough sonic qualities that all the futuristic features and quality of life improvements is just icing on the cake of this amazing product. I love auto impedance, I love dedicated HP EQ for headphones. I love the looks, I love the screen, I love the sound. So I am in team Luxsin. As a whole product nothing beats Luxsin X9. Nothing.

And this is a product that will certainly inspire other products to be better. So it can almost have influence and explosions like Eversolo DMP, but time will tell.

Thank you for watching and reading! Keep daydreaming!

✅Pros

• Build quality: Brushed metal, sharp edges, angled front panel for better visibility, premium look and feel.

• Front panel: 3 headphone outputs (2 balanced: 4.4 + XLR4, 1 unbalanced: 6.5 mm) with tactile volume knob.

• 4-inch TFT touchscreen: Responsive, easy-to-use UI, clear pictograms, fonts, spacing.

• Massive feature set: Bypass, effects, stereo width, tone adjustment (bass/treble), loudness, Crossfeed.

• Unique HP-EQ: Hardware-level EQ based on headphone profiles + Harman curve alignment, constantly updated headphone library.

• Headphone Impedance Self-Check System: Auto gain recommendation for optimal performance.

• VU meters & skins: Customizable, visually engaging.

• Connectivity: USB-C, USB-B, HDMI ARC, coaxial, optical, RCA, sub out, RCA/XLR audio out, triggers, Bluetooth + Wi-Fi.

• Internals: AKM 4499EX flagship DAC, OPA 1612 op amps, TPA 6120, R2R remote → audiophile-grade parts.

• Power: Up to 6400 mW @16Ω, 4–15V headphone output, strong drive for most headphones.

• Sound: Neutral with slight warmth, dynamic, detailed, textured, wide soundstage, musical but still precise.

• Future-proof features: HP-EQ, auto gain, multiple I/O options.

• Value: At €1100, no other device offers this combination of features + sound quality.

  
  

❌ Cons

• Bulky: Not slimline, takes up more space.

• Screen: Could be larger for better usability.

• No manual EQ: Limited to preset HP-EQ curves, unlike Eversolo DMP streamers.

• Sound caveats:

  • Mids sometimes recessed (vocals lack punch/clarity, especially with warm headphones).

  • Forward treble and spread-out soundstage can become a bit piercing at times.

  • Background transparency could be improved.

• Competition trade-offs:

  • Topping A900: Much more power (22,000 mW), lower noise floor for IEMs → better for purists.

  • Topping DX9: Similar DAC/architecture, more punchy/clear mids, but fewer features.

  • Schiit Mjolnir 3: Pure Class-A performance, transparent, but lacks DAC/features.

  • Gustard H26: Spacious soundstage, powerful, more transparent, but no DAC/features.

• Overlap with Eversolo lineup: For owners of DMP A6/A8 or Z8, X9 may feel redundant.