Audioengine Launches HXL Portable Balanced Headphone Amp & DAC

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.

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 FeaturesBalanced 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 SpecificationsDAC 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 IndicatorsRed: Power / PCM 48kHz
Green: PCM 88.2–96kHz
Yellow: PCM 176–384kHz
Blue: DSD64 / DSD128 / DSD256

What’s in the BoxAudioengine 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

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.

For more information please visit: https://audioengine.com/









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