Today, Meldrick reviews the xDuoo DM-01, a desktop CS43131 DAC and hybrid tube/transistor-based headphone amp with a unique robot form factor. It is currently priced at $279.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or status. I thank Shenzhen Audio and xDuoo for their support.
Click here to read more on xDuoo products previously reviewed on Headfonics.
This article follows our current scoring guidelines, which you can read in more detail here.
xDuoo is no stranger to releasing tube-based amplifiers and DAC/AMPS like the TA-26 and XD05T; however, their latest release, the DM-01, has quite a bit more flair than its predecessors.
Priced at $279, the quirky DM-01 sits in the middle of xDuoo’s hybrid tube DAC/AMP offerings and is aimed squarely at modern desktop audiophiles with a taste for the unusual.
Read through my thoughts and impressions below to see if the DM-01 can execute its goals of blending charming retro sensibilities with modern performance and convenience, and how it compares to popular models such as the FiiO K11 R2R.
Features
The xDuoo DM-01 is an integrated desktop DAC and hybrid tube/transistor amplifier primarily for headphone users, but also offers a 6Vrms lineout for HiFi systems.
Inside, it uses a CS43131 single DAC implementation capable of decoding up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD256. It is also BT5.4 wireless-capable and can handle formats up to LDAC and aptX Adaptive.
However, the xDuoo DM-01’s claim to fame is its unmistakably unique robot design. Straying away from the monotonous aluminum monoliths that flood the Chi-Fi space, xDuoo implemented what they call a “cyber-punk inspired” design when crafting aluminum shells.
At the heart, or more accurately, the head, of the DM-01 is its 12AU7 tube used for amplification. Similar to most tube amps, xDuoo claims that this creates a warmer and more natural sound signature that aligns with the preferences of most human hearing.
And its amplifier is not without some grunt, with a maximum rated output of 1.5W into a 32Ω single-ended (it has no balanced output alternative).
Design
xDuoo describes the DM-01 as cyberpunk-inspired, but its aesthetics strike me more as a tribute to 1950s retro-futurism, with its unique blend of past and future design cues.
The chassis is crafted from a dense, dark teal aluminum alloy that feels solid in hand, accented with vibrant red detailing toward its base or “feet.”
Sharp edges and clean fillets give the unit an assertive visual language, while the anodized, satin-like finish adds a touch of sophistication to what is otherwise a bold and eye-catching device.
Front and center is a pill-shaped cutout housing the unit’s two LED indicators, or “eyes”, which change color depending on the sampling rate or input format.
While these are sufficiently bright for general visibility, they can feel overpowering in low-light environments, however, these can be turned off altogether by pressing the volume+ and – buttons together simultaneously.
Just beneath this is a square, backlit panel that displays one of several included acrylic inserts, ranging from xDuoo’s logo to various Chinese mascots.
It’s a playful touch that adds personality and customizability. I’m hopeful that DIY and hobbyist communities will explore this further, creating cohesive designs that better complement the DM-01’s aesthetic.
Adding to its character are two side-mounted “arm” switches that control input selection and power. Positioned just above them are tactile volume control buttons, while the 6.35mm headphone output sits neatly below the left-side arm.
Despite initial concerns about clearance, I found no interference with the operation. Around the back, you’ll find a USB-C input, a dedicated power port, and a 3.5mm line-out.
Tubes
Perhaps the most defining aspect of the DM-01’s design is how it integrates the 12AU7 vacuum tube.
Unlike other tube DAC/AMPs that treat the tube as an ornamental afterthought, the DM-01 feels purpose-built to spotlight it. The exposed tube sits proudly at the top, acting as a visual centerpiece that ties the whole design together.
The unit’s taller-than-wide form factor and raised feet further reinforce this intent, suggesting that xDuoo envisions this not as a stackable component, but as a standalone piece of desk art.
In a sea of uninspired silver and black metal boxes, the DM-01 is a breath of fresh air.
I/O
The xDuoo DM-01 may look like just another quirky paperweight, but it delivers robust, straightforward I/O that supports its role as a dedicated DAC/AMP.
On the input side, it features USB-C, letting it connect to PCs, laptops, and mobile phones. While it lacks coaxial or optical inputs commonly found on more feature-rich desktop units, the DM-01 compensates with built-in Bluetooth functionality.
Supporting Bluetooth 5.4 via its Qualcomm QCC3084 chipset, it can decode a broad spectrum of formats such as LDAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC, and the latest LE Audio (LC3).
The DM-01 comes with a standard, albeit barebones, set of outputs. A 6.35mm SE headphone jack is conveniently located on the left side, just below the power toggle arm.
Despite initial concerns about potential clearance issues, especially when using a 3.5 mm-to-6.35 mm adapter, I did not notice any obstructions throughout my testing.
At this price point, I would have appreciated the inclusion of a balanced output with a slightly higher power output. This would open the DM-01 to a wider range of high-impedance headphones that could pair well with the analog warmth of the unit
At the rear, a 3.5mm line-out is available for connecting to external amplifiers or powered speakers. While functional, the absence of RCA or balanced outputs may pose limitations for users aiming to integrate the DM-01 into more traditional Hi-Fi setups, as it necessitates using a 3.5 mm-to-RCA adapter.
Controls
The xDuoo DM-01 opts for a tactile, mechanical control scheme in line with its retro aesthetic.
Two large side-mounted “arm” switches handle power and input selection—one toggles the unit on or off, while the other switches between USB and Bluetooth sources. The satisfying, clicky feedback of these levers was honestly tempting to fidget with, though I held back since they control core functions of the unit.
Volume is adjusted using the “+” and “–” buttons located above the left switch. After several days of use, I eventually got used to the short pressing of the buttons for quick adjustments, and holding them down for rapid volume increase, but I still prefer the convenience and precision of a traditional volume knob.
While the DM-01 includes a volume level warning system—green for 0–36, yellow for 37–70, and red for 71–99—I found it less intuitive than a dial, which provides a more immediate sense of where you are in the output range.
Another thoughtful touch is the customizable front panel lighting. Pressing both volume buttons cycles through lighting modes (code dependent, white, or off), while holding them enters Bluetooth pairing mode when needed.
Overall, the DM-01’s control layout prioritizes tactile interaction, even if it makes a few usability trade-offs.
Packaging & Accessories
The xDuoo DM-01 comes in well-designed packaging that reflects its futuristic theme, featuring subtle circuit board lines and an embossed robot outline on the box.
Inside, the unit is securely nestled in dense foam for protection, making the unboxing feel both polished and practical.
Included accessories are a USB-C to USB-A cable, a 6.35mm headphone adapter, and a basic power brick. A single decorative screen sticker is pre-installed on the front panel, although multiple front sticker options are included in the packaging
Bluetooth connectivity is built-in, so no antenna is needed or provided. Overall, the packaging and accessories strike a good balance between style and functionality, matching the DM-01’s distinctive design.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the xDuoo DM-01 were completed using the Sennheiser HD 580, Audio-Technica R70X, Harmonicdyne Baroque, and Moondrop Blessing 3 as my main headphone and IEM pairings.
Bass
The xDuoo DM-01 delivers a bass response that leans more toward warmth and musicality than sheer impact. Compared to solid-state sources like the FiiO K11, the DM-01 is slightly sub-bass light, favoring a fuller and thicker mid-bass presentation.
While it still reaches impressively low, sub-bass notes tend to be more reserved, with the emphasis placed instead on mid-bass warmth and body.
This tuning lends itself well to genres like funk and disco, where rich bass guitar lines come through with a lush, rounded quality.
The DM-01 plays synth basslines with a relaxing fullness yet retains enough resolution to preserve the textural detail and harmonic nuances of acoustic instruments and plucked strings.
Despite its mid-bass tilt, the DM-01 avoids excessive bloat or bleed into the midrange. It maintains a clean separation that ensures clarity in modern pop, rock, and hip-hop tracks.
The result is a relaxed and softened low-end presentation that is more reminiscent of R2R DACs than traditional hybrid tube amps.
Overall, the DM-01 doesn’t offer the full, organic bloom of a dedicated tube amplifier, but it strikes a pleasant balance that is smoother and more forgiving than solid-state gear, while still controlled and versatile across genres.
Mids
The midrange of the xDuoo DM-01 leans into a smoother, more atmospheric presentation, trading off some micro-detail for warmth.
Compared to more neutral solid-state sources, the DM-01 subtly softens the finer textures of vocals and string instruments.
Electric guitars and keys still maintain their place in the mix, but their harmonic overtones are slightly smoothed over, giving them a laid-back character rather than an upfront bite.
This tonal shaping allows male vocals, which receive a slight boost in presence, to come across with more authority and richness.
While not the most detailed, their smooth delivery is engaging and easy to listen to, drawing the listener’s attention naturally without sounding overly colored.
Snare drums and other upper-mid instruments don’t hit with the same energy as they might on more analytical gear, but the DM-01 preserves enough resolution for individual strikes to retain dimension and presence.
The midrange warmth adds a cohesive, immersive layer to acoustic instruments, allowing guitars and keys to blend seamlessly into the soundstage with a more ambient, enveloping feel.
The result is a midrange that favors tone and atmosphere over precision, leading to a relaxed presentation ideal for extended listening without sacrificing too much clarity.
Treble
The DM-01’s treble is what caught me the most off guard. Despite the tube amplifier’s reputation for smoothing out a large chunk of top-end detail, I found that the DM-01 still managed to retain treble sparkle and resolution.
Admittedly, it doesn’t preserve the same level of delicacy. Nor does it preserve full treble micro detail, but it is able to maintain a respectable amount of treble detail for a warm-leaning hybrid tube amplifier.
Hi-hats and cymbals have a detailed presentation that never comes off as sibilant. The DM-01 does a good job of balancing top-end resolution while ensuring that it never comes off as sibilant or fatiguing.
Overall, this well-defined treble region contrasts well with the warm, leaning presentation of the bass and mid-range, ensuring that the relaxing presentation is not fully devoid of any energy and resolution.
Staging & Dynamics
The DM-01 delivers solid imaging performance on its own, but what stood out more was how well it holds up against other tube-based or warmer-sounding DAC/AMPs I’ve tested.
Tubes often struggle with separation, particularly in the treble region, but the DM-01 avoids this pitfall. Despite its smoother tuning, it still manages to present instruments with commendable clarity and spatial precision.
The DM-01’s soundstage is equally competent. It doesn’t artificially stretch out the presentation of more intimate headphones, nor does it shrink the openness of naturally wide-sounding pairs.
Instead, it strikes a good balance by reproducing a convincing 360-degree sound field that feels immersive and natural without sounding forced or exaggerated.
Thanks to its warmer tuning, bass instruments come through with satisfying tactility and dynamic weight. They hit with good authority without muddying the mix.
This dynamic capability extends into the mids and treble, giving the DM-01 a sense of liveliness and punch that enhances the overall musicality of the device.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
