Sherman, TX October 6, 2025
Audioengine, the Texas-based audio brand known for handcrafted Home Music Systems and sound-first engineering, announces the upcoming release of the HXL, a compact, powerful headphone amplifier and DAC designed for portable use without compromising high-fidelity audio. The HXL officially launches on October 6, 2025, and will be available at www.audioengine.com for $169.
Why the HXL Exists
The HXL was built with a singular purpose: to deliver serious headphone performance in a portable, plug-and-play form factor. Whether you're mixing, editing, or just enjoying your favorite record, the HXL gives you clarity, control, and headroom typically reserved for larger gear. No batteries. No setup. No dongles. Just balanced, high-resolution sound.
Designed for Real-World Listening
The HXL connects directly to your phone, tablet, or computer via USB-C and pulls its power from the host device, with no internal battery; no charging is needed. Inside the CNC-machined aluminum chassis are dual CS43131 DACs, a 60-step digital hardware volume control, and both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, making it ready for everything from daily listening to studio-level demands.
Big Sound. Small Footprint.
The HXL may fit in the palm of your hand, but it delivers audio quality you’d expect only from desktop gear. Whether you’re powering studio headphones or streaming music at home, the HXL brings clarity, depth, and detail that built-in headphone jacks simply can’t match.
Key Features
- Balanced and Single-Ended Outputs: Choose between 3.5mm or 4.4mm
- Dual Hi-Fi DACs: CS43131 x2 for ultra-clean 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256
- Powered by USB-C: No battery, no charging, no external power supply
- Hardware Volume Control: 60-step digital control built into the chassis
- Simple LED Format Display: Playback resolution shown on the device
- Low Noise Design: Built with premium components for maximum clarity
- Travel Ready: Built from aluminum, pocket-sized, and rugged
- Plug-and-Play: No apps or drivers needed on any major OS
- Use It Anywhere: Drive headphones or connect directly to powered speakers
- Balanced Output Advantage: More headroom, tighter bass, quieter noise floor
Technical Specifications
- DAC Chipset: SA9312 + Dual CS43131
- USB Port: USB-C
- Outputs:
- 3.5mm single-ended
- 4.4mm balanced - Max Output:
- 2.06Vrms @ 600Ω (3.5mm)
- 4.09Vrms @ BAL - Headphone Impedance Range: 10Ω – 600Ω
- Output Impedance: <0.5Ω
- SNR: 132dB (BAL), 125dB (3.5mm)
- DNR: 132dB (BAL), 125dB (3.5mm)
- THD+N: 0.0002% (112dB)
- Crosstalk: -129dB (BAL), -96dB (3.5mm)
- Noise Floor: <1.0uV
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz ±0.1dB
- Sample Rate Support:
- PCM: Up to 32-bit / 384kHz
- DSD: DSD64 / DSD128 (DoP), DSD256 (Native) - USB Class: UAC 2.0
- Enclosure: CNC aluminum case
- Power Consumption:
- Standby: ~75mA
- Active: ~120mA - Components:
- External low-noise crystal oscillator
- Low jitter PLL internal clock
- Low noise LDO regulator
- Asynchronous mode
LED Playback Indicators
- Red: Power / PCM 48kHz
- Green: PCM 88.2–96kHz
- Yellow: PCM 176–384kHz
- Blue: DSD64 / DSD128 / DSD256
What’s in the Box
- Audioengine HXL Headphone Amp & DAC
- USB-C to USB-C Cable
- USB-C to Lightning Adapter
- Quick Start Guide
MSRP: $169
Official Launch Date: October 6, 2025
Available At: www.audioengine.com
Warranty & Support
As with every Audioengine product, the HXL is backed by a 3-year warranty, 60-day audition period, and U.S.-based phone support for a frustration-free listening upgrade.
Media Contact:
marketing@audioengineusa.com
