Spectra X: Elevating Mobile Hi-Res Audio
The Portable Concert Hall, represents a groundbreaking achievement in audio technology, being the world’s smallest 384K DAC headphone amp. This innovative device transforms your on-the-go listening experience, allowing you to experience the full impact of Hi-Res audio wherever you are. With its ultra-compact design, Spectra X offers unparalleled portability without sacrificing audio quality, making it a must-have for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and more with clarity, depth, and power previously unattainable in such a small package. Spectra X sets a new standard for portable audio, ensuring that every note, beat, and nuance is heard in pristine quality. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, Spectra X brings the concert hall to you.
We Are Working With
UNLEASHING THE POWER OF YOUR SOUND
As the world’s smallest 32-Bit/384kHz portable DAC, Spectra X delivers unparalleled high-quality sound on-the-go.
With its ESS SABRE 9018Q2C DAC chip, Spectra X is better able to reproduce your favorite artists’ recordings more authentically.
Developed for Hi-Fi music lovers, Spectra X can simply provide your headphones or speakers with studio-grade audio performance.
TRASOUND ™: Giving you a live Experience
Spectra X introduces our one-and-only XtraSOUND™ sound technology, reducing the sound distortion rate to less than 1/100,000. This remarkable achievement in sound engineering ensures that your audio experience is as clear and precise as possible, minimizing any interference that could detract from the purity of the original recording.
In this way, the sounds you hear are just like a live recording. The incredibly low distortion rate means that every nuance of the music is preserved, from the deepest bass to the highest treble, making it feel as if the musicians are performing right in front of you. Whether you’re listening to classical compositions, live jazz sessions, or studio-mastered tracks, Spectra X with XtraSOUND™ technology delivers an unparalleled auditory experience that captures the essence and energy of live performances.
ITS ULTIMATE LIGHTWEIGHT Allows for a portable
Traditionally, you might have to invest heavily in audio equipment for the ultimate Hi-Fi experience, but that meant you could only enjoy it in one place. High-quality sound systems often require a significant financial investment, along with the space to accommodate bulky components such as amplifiers, DACs, and speakers. This setup restricts your listening pleasure to a specific location, typically at home or in a studio.
With Spectra X, that’s all changed. Its 17g lightweight and portable design plugs right into what you do, from your smartphone to your computer, revolutionizing how and where you can enjoy high-fidelity sound. The convenience of Spectra X allows you to carry studio-quality audio in your pocket, making it possible to experience detailed, immersive sound whether you’re commuting, working, or relaxing outdoors. The device’s compatibility with various digital sources means you can seamlessly switch from listening to music on your laptop to your smartphone without compromising on sound quality. This adaptability not only enhances your day-to-day music listening experience but also ensures that audiophile-grade sound is accessible anywhere, anytime.
Gamers and Sound: How a Quality DAC Transforms Your Play
Today’s gaming landscape goes beyond stunning visuals and immersive gameplay mechanics. Audio increasingly shapes outcomes, becoming the hidden edge every competitive player seeks. Whether you’re locating footsteps behind a corner or timing an attack perfectly to a rhythm, audio cues often spell victory or defeat. A powerful yet often overlooked accessory—the portable Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)—elevates…
Why Portable Audio Is No Longer a Compromise in 2025
A few years ago, the phrase “portable Hi-Fi” raised eyebrows. It meant choosing between size and sound, convenience and quality. That era is over. In 2025, tiny DACs and headphone amps are no longer stripped-down stand-ins for serious gear — they’ve become serious gear. If you’re still picturing low-powered dongles with poor audio output, it’s…
How to Choose a Portable DAC in 2025: The Smart Listener’s Guide
If you’re serious about audio quality, your smartphone or laptop’s built-in sound chip just won’t cut it anymore. With the rising popularity of Hi-Res streaming, lossless audio, and premium headphones, more people are turning to portable DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters). But in 2025, the market is saturated. Every other device promises studio-quality sound — so how…
A GoOd award–winning design
The winner of the Good Design Award 2018, Spectra X is a device that balances a wonderful user experience with high-end standards. This recognition is not just for its performance but also for its innovative design that marries form with function, setting it apart in the world of portable audio equipment. The Good Design Award is a testament to Spectra X’s exceptional design quality, reflecting its user-friendly interface and aesthetic appeal.
Its light aluminum body complements your hardware aesthetically, blending seamlessly with both modern and traditional devices. The use of aluminum not only enhances its visual appeal but also serves a practical purpose, shielding your audio experience from external noise interference. This material choice ensures that Spectra X delivers pure, uninterrupted sound by effectively blocking electromagnetic interference that can degrade audio quality.
And with no awkward hardware protruding from your devices, Spectra X integrates smoothly with your lifestyle. It’s designed to be the perfect extension of what you do, enhancing your audio experience without becoming a cumbersome addition to your devices. Whether you’re connecting it to a smartphone, tablet, or computer, its compact and sleek form factor ensures that it doesn’t disrupt your usage or hinder portability. Spectra X exemplifies how high-quality sound can be achieved without the need for bulky or intrusive equipment, offering a solution that is both elegant and effective.
RECOMMENDED FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD
ASKAUDIO Matt Vanacoro praised the Spectra X, noting, “NextDrive has given us an offering that is elegantly designed, wonderfully portable, and extremely pleasing to the ear.” This commendation highlights the device’s blend of aesthetic appeal with functionality, emphasizing its capacity to deliver high-quality sound without sacrificing portability. Vanacoro’s feedback underscores the appeal of Spectra X to audio professionals and enthusiasts who value sound quality and design equally.
HEADFONIA’s Nathan lauded its ease of use and performance, stating, “It is trivially easy to use. It kicks out sound on the level with devices many, many times its price … The 9018Q2C’s clean, extended, and detailed imagery comes through with crystal and coruscant clarity.” This review points out the Spectra X’s user-friendly interface, making it accessible to users of all levels. Nathan’s mention of the ESS SABRE 9018Q2C DAC chip underlines the device’s ability to deliver superior sound quality, comparable to much more expensive equipment, emphasizing its value for money.
PRODUCER/DJ K.A.N.T.A shared a personal testament to its versatility: “When I used Spectra X, my music studio could be anywhere.” This statement captures the essence of Spectra X’s portability and quality, allowing music professionals like K.A.N.T.A to set up a studio-grade audio environment in any location. It reflects the device’s capacity to transform any space into a potential creative hub, enabling artists to work without the constraints of a traditional studio setting.
Together, these testimonials from respected sources in the music and audio industry underscore the Spectra X’s impact on the way music is produced, enjoyed, and shared, highlighting its innovative design, exceptional sound quality, and transformative potential for music professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Spectra X Review: A Deep Dive into High-Quality Sound with Headfonics Senior Reviewer Nathan Wright, by VINEM
Inside Out
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Audio DAC/AMP | ESS Sabre 9018Q2C |
| Output Connector | 3.5 mm (1/8″) gold-plated stereo mini jack |
| Dimensions | H95 W11.2 D11.2 (mm) |
| Performance | +121dB DNR -110dB THD +N: 2Vrms @ 600Ω load -100dB THD +N: 49mW @ 32Ω load |
| Data Type Supported | Up to 32bit 384kHz PCM data DSD 5.6MHz data |
| Weight | 17g |
| Max. Power Output | 2Vrms @ 600Ω / 49mW @ 32Ω |
| Input Versions | USB 2.0 Type-A USB 2.0 Type-B (Micro USB) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz ~ 40kHz |
| Environment | Operating Temp: 0˚C ~ 45˚C Storage Temp: -20˚C ~ 60˚C |
| Color | Black/Silver |
| Technical Features | Humidity: < 80 % HBM (Contact): > 4KV ESD (Air): > 10KV Certification: FCC; CE DC power input: 5V 0.15A (Max 0.3A) |
