Loxjie D30 2024
Compact desktop DAC/headphone amplifier based on ES9039Q2M with full MQA decoding, LDAC Bluetooth, transparent headline specs, and outstanding value against the cheapest truly equivalent competitor.
Overview
Loxjie’s 2024 D30 refresh is a compact DAC/headphone-amp with USB, optical, and coaxial inputs plus Bluetooth 5.1. It uses ESS’s ES9039Q2M DAC with an XMOS XU-316 USB controller, offers seven PCM digital filters, supports up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512, and implements full MQA decoding (including MQA-CD over S/PDIF). Bluetooth uses Qualcomm QCC5125 with LDAC and aptX/HD alongside AAC/SBC. A preamp mode (up to 2.5 Vrms line out) is available, and the headphone stage is specified at up to 1.5 W×2 into 32 Ω with power ratings across 16–600 Ω loads [1][2].
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.8}\]Independent lab data for the 2024 unit are not yet available; the figures below are manufacturer-documented. Line out is specified at THD+N 0.00008 % (−121 dB) with dynamic range/SNR 125 dB; headphone out 0.0001 % (−118 dB) and 122 dB—all comfortably transparent against common audibility thresholds. Rated power: 3 W×2 (16 Ω), 1.5 W×2 (32 Ω), 380 mW×2 (150 Ω), 190 mW×2 (300 Ω), 95 mW×2 (600 Ω). USB supports up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512; S/PDIF up to 192 kHz and DSD64 (DoP) [1]. For historical context only, the older 2021 D30 measured ~114 dB SINAD on ASR [6].
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.7}\]Current-gen platform (ES9039Q2M + XU-316, LDAC-capable BT, full MQA, seven PCM filters, preamp mode). The design targets transparent performance and broad connectivity rather than novel DSP or unusual form factors [1][2].
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{1.0}\]Comparator (cheapest equivalent-or-better we could verify): SMSL C200 Pro—integrated DAC/amp with ES9039Q2M, full MQA decoding, LDAC Bluetooth, and output power up to 1.5 W×2 (32 Ω); current street around 183–199 USD [3][4].
D30 2024 representative market price (US): 170 USD (retail listing) [5].
Equivalence note: C200 Pro matches D30’s user-visible functions (USB/S/PDIF/BT with LDAC, full MQA, DAC+headphone amp, pre-out) and manufacturer specs meet or exceed key transparency metrics [3].
Result: With no cheaper truly equivalent product found (C200 Pro is higher priced than D30 at time of writing), CP = 1.0.
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.8}\]Mainstream silicon and a simple desktop design favor reliability. Distributor listing states warranty 1 year (2 years in Europe); official support pages provide drivers/manuals [2][5].
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.9}\]Emphasis on measurable transparency and practical connectivity (USB/S/PDIF/BT with LDAC) plus compatibility via full MQA is a rational, user-oriented approach at this price [1][2].
Advice
An excellent “one-box” desktop pick if you specifically want LDAC Bluetooth and full MQA together with enough headphone power for most dynamics/planars and a usable pre-out. If you don’t need MQA, non-MQA options (e.g., Topping DX3 Pro+) may be attractive but are not function-equivalent for CP purposes.
References
[1] Loxjie — D30 2024 User Manual (specs, filters, power, formats). https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/C1OzAmU1bOL.pdf
[2] Loxjie — D30 2024 Product Page. https://www.loxjie-audio.com/productshow.asp?id=156
[3] SMSL — C200 Pro Official Page (ES9039Q2M, full MQA, LDAC, power). https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/detail/id/917.html
[4] Aoshida — SMSL C200Pro product page (street price). https://aoshida-audio.com/products/smsl-c200pro
[5] HiFi-Express — Loxjie D30 2024 retail listing (170 USD; warranty note). https://hifi-express.com/products/2024-loxjie-d30
[6] Audio Science Review — Loxjie D30 (2021) measurements (context). https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/loxjie-d30-dac-and-headphone-amp.27361/
(2025.8.24)