HXL Portable Balanced Headphone Amplifier and HiFi DAC (Open Box)
Original price was: $169.00.$135.00Current price is: $135.00.
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The Power of Balanced Audio
Balanced output isn’t just a technical upgrade; it completely transforms the way you experience music. By giving the left and right channels their own dedicated signal paths, balanced audio virtually eliminates noise and interference. That means a cleaner, quieter background where every note and subtle detail stands out with stunning clarity.
For serious headphones, the HXL’s 4.4mm balanced output delivers the extra power and control needed to drive high-impedance or studio-grade models with ease. The result is deeper, tighter bass, incredible dynamics, and a wider, more precise soundstage that makes it feel like you’re sitting in the room with the artist. Once you hear your favorite songs through balanced audio, you won’t want to go back.
Join The Wired Headphone Revolution
Wired headphones aren’t just a throwback, they’re a choice for better sound, greater control, and less digital fatigue. With no compression or signal lag, they deliver clean, full-resolution audio that’s more detailed and easier on your ears at lower volumes. It’s why more DJs, creators, and everyday listeners are making the switch back.
The HXL takes that one step further with true balanced output. Dual DACs and a 4.4mm jack give each channel its own path, cutting noise and crosstalk for pinpoint imaging and a wider soundstage. Whether you’re editing, producing, or just riding the train, it brings your music into focus and makes every track hit harder, sound clearer, and feel more alive.
Pocket-Sized, Studio-Worthy
The Audioengine HXL may fit in the palm of your hand, but it delivers the kind of sound you’d expect from high-end desktop equipment. Housed in an anodized aluminum case, it’s built to last while staying portable. Built-in headphone jacks flatten and dull your music, but the HXL brings every track to life with incredible clarity, depth, and detail. Whether you’re pushing powerful studio headphones or streaming your favorite playlists at home, it unlocks layers of sound you’ve been missing, making every listen feel brand new. Once you hear it, you’ll never settle for ordinary audio again.
Big Sound, Zero Hassle
The Audioengine HXL packs massive performance into a size small enough to slip into your laptop bag. Powered directly by your device through USB-C, it’s always ready to deliver incredible sound without the hassle of charging. Inside, dual DACs, balanced output, and a precision 60-step digital volume control work together to unlock the full potential of your headphones. Whether you’re driving demanding studio cans or simply upgrading your daily listening, the HXL makes every track sound richer, clearer, and more alive. Just plug in and press play, no apps, no drivers, no barriers between you and the music you love.
No Charging, No Clutter
The Audioengine HXL keeps things simple so you can focus on the music. Powered directly through a single USB-C connection, it’s always ready to go, no batteries to charge, no extra cords to deal with. Just plug it in and get pure, powerful sound wherever you are, whether you’re at home, on the go, or in the studio.
- Sample rate indicator light
- USB Type C input
- Accurate and precise volume control
- 3.5mm Headphone Output
- 4.4mm Balanced Headphone Output
What's in the box
Questions & answers about the HXL Portable Balanced Headphone Amplifier and HiFi DAC (Open Box)
The HXL includes a headphone amplifier based on the LME49726 delivers 32-bit precision, high dynamic range and ultra low distortion. This headphone amp is able to provide low-impedance, high-fidelity audio to a wide range of wired headphones.
The HXL is essentially a very high-end external sound card. Its components and implementation of those components make it more capable than what might be built into a computer, not to mention the benefit of moving those sensitive components outside and away from the potentially noisy interior of your computer. All of this means the signal your speakers or wired headphones receive will be clearer, with a lower noise-floor, and with a more pronounced dynamic range over your internal sound card.
The HXL will work with Android or any device that can operate as a USB-C host, can provide enough power via USB-C, and includes generic drivers for standard USB-C audio playback. A device with Android 6.0 or later should have both USB-C host mode and native plug-and-play functionality for USB-C audio, so you could connect the two together using the included USB-C cable.
To get things up and running only takes 3 simple steps. You would just need to first connect the included USB-C cable from your device's USB-C port to the HXL; then you'll need to connect the 3.5mm/4.4mm output of your HXL to headphones, or any audio input of your powered speakers, stereo system, etc.
Next, if using a Mac, you will need to go to System Preferences/Sound, and select "Audioengine HXL"; if you're using a PC, no setting changes are needed as the computer will automatically find the USB-C driver. Finally, you'll just need to adjust the volume on your device and HXL to medium and you’re ready to play music from iTunes or your favorite media player and that's it! Setup really is that easy!
Step 1: Connect the HXL to your phone, tablet or computer's USB-C port using the included cables. (USB-C to Lightning adapter or USB-C to USB-C cable for iOS devices, MacOS, Android and Windows).
For PC, the HXL should be recognized automatically.
For Mac, under System Preferences/Sound, select "Audioengine HXL" as the sound output.
Step 2: Connect the 3.5mm/4.4mm output of your HXL to wired headphones, or any audio input of your powered speakers, stereo system, etc.
Note that the audio cables to connect your HXL to a stereo system are not included with the HXL.
Step 3: Adjust the volume on your device and HXL via the side panel control to a medium level and start playing music.
For the full setup guide, download the attached PDF:
HXL Quickstart Guide
DAC type
USB-C
Input
USB-C audio
DAC Chipset
SA9312 + Dual CS43131
USB transfer mode
Asynchronous dual clock
USB device class
UAC 2.0
Input bit depth
32 bit
Input sample rate
PCM: Up to 32-bit / 384kHz
DSD: DSD64 / DSD128 (DoP), DSD256 (Native)
Output
3.5mm and Balanced 4.4mm
Full-scale output level
2.06Vrms @ 600Ω (3.5mm)
4.09Vrms @ BAL
Output impedance
<0.5Ω
Recommended headphone impedance range
10Ω – 600Ω
Headphone amplifier
LME49726
Frequency response
20Hz – 40kHz ±0.1dB
SNR
132dB (BAL), 125dB (3.5mm)
THD+N
0.0002% (112dB)
Crosstalk
-129dB (BAL), -96dB (3.5mm)
Power requirement
Standby: ~75mA
Active: ~120mA (Pink noise @ 50%, 32-bit 384kHz)
Product dimensions
48 × 15 × 10 mm
Shipping weight
1.0lbs (0.5kg)
Environmental
Operating Temperature: 32 to 95 degrees F
Non-operating Temp: -4 to 113 degrees F
Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
Included accessories
USB-C to Lightning adapter and USB-C to USB-C cable
Setup guide
Other Components:
External low-noise crystal oscillator
Low jitter PLL internal clock
Low noise LDO regulator
Asynchronous mode operation
LED Playback Indicators
• Red: Power / PCM 48kHz
• Green: PCM 88.2 – 96kHz
• Yellow: PCM 176 – 384kHz
• Blue: DSD64 / DSD128 / DSD256
Pocket-Sized Power
The compact design of the HXL makes it easy to take anywhere while delivering serious performance. Built from precision-machined aluminum, it’s rugged enough for travel and clean enough for your desktop, proving that portable gear doesn’t have to compromise on quality.
Dual Headphone Outputs
The HXL includes both 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced outputs, giving you flexibility for everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding studio headphones. Balanced output delivers more headroom, tighter bass, and a quieter noise floor for a true hi-fi listening experience.
No Batteries, No Charging
Forget about managing extra power cords or waiting for a charge. The HXL draws power directly from your phone, tablet, or computer through a single USB-C connection, keeping your setup clean and ready to play at a moment’s notice.
Upgrade Any Audio Source
Bypassing the built-in sound card of your computer or mobile device, the HXL acts as a high-quality DAC and headphone amplifier in one. Use it to power headphones or connect directly to powered speakers or a Home Music System for a clear, detailed upgrade to any setup.
Simple, Hassle-Free Operation
No drivers. No apps. No setup headaches. Just plug the HXL into your device and start listening. LED indicators clearly display playback resolution, and the onboard 60-step volume control gives you precision without adding bulk or complexity.
The HXL uses the SA9312 + Dual CS43131 DAC chipset
If you do not have headphones connected to the HXL, the LED light will turn off after cycling through. This is an intended feature to help save device power when headphones are unplugged.
The HXL only needs 120mA USB power to work, which most all modern source devices are capable of.
Please check that the volume control on your phone/tablet/computer is up and at a good level; 75% should be a good level. Also try adjusting the volume on the HXL as well.
- Verify that one of the included cables is completely plugged into the HXL and your source device.
- Also, verify that the 3.5mm/4.4mm headphone outputs are firmly plugged in.
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting both the USB-C and 3.5mm/4.4mm cable.
- You will see an LED light confirming the HXL is getting power and is connected to an output.
- Check the volume level on your source.
- If connected to a computer, verify that the HXL is recognized and the active output device.
- Try restarting your computer.
If none of the above helps resolve your issue, please contact our Support Team for additional assistance.
HXL can easily drive wired headphones with impedances of 10 ohms or higher.
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Which Audioengine Headphone Amplifier & DAC is right for you?
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