Thoughts on the Shandling Onix as a SACD transport?

[image] Shanling ONIX Zenith XST20 Transports This sacd transport the Shanling ONIX Zenith XST20 put out dsd out via i2s output. Someone already have hear this with a ps audio dac? There are a few other threads that discuss this as well that you can find …

What would you connect it to and how? I have one connected to an MU2 via digital cable similar to an rca cable (using an analog rca cable, but is a front row reserve), and am happy listening to SACD.

I’ll be connecting it to a SGCD and M700’s. Sources are Octave Records discs.

I tried that about six months ago. You can only connect the two via I2S, and it does work but be prepared to live with a couple of quirks. One of them is figuring out the proper pinouts on the Onix for compatibility with the StellarGold DAC --modes 5 and 9 seem to work the best. With any other mode,…

Thank you. Exactly the kind of information I needed! I currently listen to Red Book CD’s using a Jay’s transport which I love. I’ll probably pass on a Shandling.

The Shanling might not be the best for your situation, but is wonderful with the MU2. Music on SACD is the absolute best I have heard on my system.

I also use Onix connected to Grimm MU2, via AES/EBU - SACD and CD are great. This small little transport bested my Jay’s Audio CDT3-MK3… .which was way more costly, and bigger/heavier… I continue to be shocked how good the Onix transport is. Good luck.

I also have the Onix connected to the pmg dac via audio quest i2s dragon, sounds and works perfect. The Onix pin configuration is 1 for ps audio. For those of you that where not lucky enough to purchase the pmg transport like myself the Onix is the way to go.:slightly_smiling_face:

SACD Transport thoughts

Audio Components

tomhail August 26, 2026, 11:14pm 2

There are a few other threads that discuss this as well that you can find via search.

Topic		Replies	Views
Shanling ONIX Zenith XST20 Transports	11	1325	July 16, 2025
I2S pinouts on StellarGold DAC and Onix Zenith XST20 transport DACs	29	294	April 30, 2026
Which SACD Player to buy now? Transports	26	2461	July 16, 2025
What SACD transport is recomended to pair with DS Dac? DACs	60	6444	March 9, 2020
SACD display on screen Everything Else	9	411	January 28, 2024

SACD Transport thoughts

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