THX debuts MQA compatible THX Onyx DAC headphone amplifier

THX has launched its first consumer electronics product, the THX Onyx, an MQA compatible DAC/amplifier that uses THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA) technology. The THX Onyx has both THX AAA and ESS Pro DAC chips inside.

Suitable for use with music, movies, streaming and games, it connects through the USB output port of any device when listening over wired headphones, headsets, earbuds, or from desktop speakers.

THX Onyx is the first portable DAC/Amp to feature THX AAA-78, the highest-powered mobile THX AAA configuration. With THX AAA-78, THX Onyx has the same power as a desktop THX AAA DAC/amp, but in a much smaller package. THX AAA nulls conventional distortion mechanisms to reduce harmonic, intermodulation, and crossover distortion by up to 40dB. The tech also enables maximum output power for greater dynamic range and sound pressure level (SPL).

The DAC also sports an ESS ES9281PRO DAC and an Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) renderer. MQA technology captures and authenticates the original performance from the master recording, then ‘folds’ it into a file small enough to stream. MQA rendering in the THX Onyx adapter will ‘unfold’ MQA music from streaming services like TIDAL.

The Onyx DAC has an all-metal CNC-machined body, with 3D THX logo, and has a smart magnetic cable management to keep headphone wires tangle-free.

Jason Fiber, THX chief operating officer, said: “THX was founded on the principle that quality matters. We’ve remained dedicated for more than 35 years to innovation that ensures whatever an artist creates can be enjoyed by the audience in the manner intended. Consumers looking for the best audio experience over wired headphones may have found the quality is compromised, so we’re stepping up with a flexible, high-quality, and affordable solution with the launch of our first consumer product, THX Onyx.”

 The THX Onyx, available at thx.com and razer.com, retails for £199.