ONIX Tocata XM2 DAP: Compact Without Compromise

The name “Tocata” was not chosen at random. In musical tradition, a toccata is a piece designed to showcase the performer’s technique—a demonstration of virtuosity condensed into a short span of time. The Tocata XM2 is a fully balanced digital audio player (DAP) with an output power of up to 800 mW. The ONIX DAP family has established itself in recent years with models such as the Overture XM5 and the Waltz XM10, compact in size but with an audiophile soul. The Tocata XM2 draws inspiration from both: the same sound philosophy as the XM5 in the pocket-sized form factor of the XM10, a practical player accessible to everyone.

Design and Construction

Classic Aesthetics in a Pocket-Sized Format The ONIX Tocata XM2 is a device that impresses with its formal coherence. The aluminum chassis follows the aesthetic language refined by ONIX over the years, featuring a black-and-gold color scheme that creates an instantly recognizable visual identity. It measures 82 × 65 × 18 mm and weighs 140 grams: pocket-sized, yet with a physical presence that leaves nothing to be desired. The front panel is dominated by a 3-inch square OLED display with 720p resolution, flanked by four physical navigation buttons and a volume dial. The combination of touchscreen and mechanical controls is a deliberate choice: drivers, walkers, or anyone who wants to answer the phone without looking at the device can easily manage all functions using the dial and physical buttons. The heart of the Tocata: the CS4308P DAC The real technical innovation lies in the digital-to-analog converter. The Tocata XM2 is the first ONIX product to use the brand-new Cirrus Logic CS4308P, an eight-channel chip that enables a fully balanced architecture, typically reserved for much higher-end devices. After conversion, the signal passes through the Brighton circuit, developed in-house by ONIX, based on two Texas Instruments OPA2211 op-amps—low-noise, wide-bandwidth components. The output stage is handled by two SGM8262-2s, ultra-low-noise, high-current op-amps capable of delivering more than enough power for any headphone. The 3.5 mm unbalanced output delivers up to 204 mW into 32 Ω in high-gain mode, while the 4.4 mm balanced output reaches 800 mW into the same load. These figures allow the device to drive not only the most common in-ear headphones with ease, but also mid-range planar headphones.

Formats, Operating System, and Connectivity

The Tocata XM2 supports PCM files up to 768 kHz/32-bit and DSD512, covering all high-resolution formats available today. The operating system is proprietary, Linux-based, and developed in-house by ONIX. Remote control via smartphone is possible thanks to SyncLink, the Shanling feature that turns your phone into a control center via the Eddict Player app, available for Android and iOS. Despite its “pure music” approach, the Tocata XM2 is not a closed system: it features dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi with DLNA and AirPlay support, Tidal Connect streaming, and bidirectional Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, SBC, and AAC codecs. The bidirectional nature of Bluetooth means the device can both transmit to wireless headphones and receive audio from an external source, decoding it with its own DAC—a flexibility that significantly expands its use cases. The USB port supports both DAC mode for computers and smartphones, as well as digital output to an external DAC. Local music is loaded via a microSD slot supporting up to 2 TB. The 3,000 mAh battery provides a claimed battery life of up to 8.5 hours, from both the unbalanced and balanced outputs. The ONIX Tocata XM2 is a DAP that makes precise choices and backs them up with technical consistency. Its compact design and the availability of optional accessories—including a stunning leather case—make it the perfect choice for those who appreciate quality and design. The technical specifications are top-notch, thanks to the CS4308P DAC chip—which represents a generational leap forward compared to the converters used in this category until now—and its very high output power. For those seeking a genuinely portable, audiophile-grade DAP that puts music front and center, the ONIX Tocata XM2 is the right product.

Technical specifications:

Housing: aluminum
Display: 3" square OLED, 720p, touchscreen
Controls: 4 physical buttons + volume dial
Operating system: proprietary Linux (Ingenic X2000 platform)
DAC: Cirrus Logic CS4308P (8 channels, balanced architecture)
I/V circuit: “Brighton” with OPA2211 (Texas Instruments)
Output amplifiers: 2× SGM8262-2 3.5 mm single-ended: 1.28 V / 51 mW @ 32 Ω (low gain) — 2.56 V / 204 mW @ 32 Ω (high gain) 4.4 mm balanced: 2.54 V / 200 mW @ 32 Ω (low gain) — 5.08 V / 800 mW @ 32 Ω (high gain)
Output impedance: 0.4–0.7 Ω THD+N: 0.0005% SNR: 121 dB
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz PCM: up to 768 kHz / 32-bit DSD: up to DSD512
microSD slot: up to 2 TB Wi-Fi: dual-band 2.4/5 GHz
Streaming: Tidal, DLNA, AirPlay
Bluetooth: 5.2 bidirectional — LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, SBC, AAC USB:
DAC mode + USB digital output
Remote control: SyncLink via Eddict Player app (Android/iOS)
Battery capacity: 3,000 mAh
Charging: USB-C
Claimed battery life: up to 8.5 hours (SE and balanced)
Dimensions: 82 × 65 × 18 mm
Weight: 140 g
Price: €449