ONIX Zenith XST20 High End SACD Transport - Black

An SACD Transport That Sends Out Real DSD

Most SACD players convert the disc inside and hand you analog, because the DSD layer is not allowed out over ordinary digital connections. The Zenith XST20 takes the other route and sends native DSD to your own converter.

It reads CD, multi-layer SACD, single-layer SACD and MQA-CD. Output goes out as native DSD64, or as DSD64 over DoP if that is what your DAC expects, across coaxial, optical, AES and BNC.

That matters if you have spent money on a converter. Until now an SACD collection was tied to whatever chip sat inside the player, and this is the transport that unties it.

Ten Ways to Wire an I2S Socket

I2S carries clock and data on separate lines, which is better than S/PDIF in principle. The problem has always been that no two manufacturers agree on the pinout, so the sockets rarely match.

The XST20 solves that with custom hardware offering ten switchable I2S pinout modes. You select the one your converter uses, which turns a connector that usually only works within one brand into a general-purpose link.

Power comes from a 25VA Talema transformer, and a 3.4-inch touchscreen handles control. The case measures 32 by 24 by 7.2cm and weighs 5.2kg, which is substantial for a transport this size.

Who Is This Transport Best For?

• You own SACDs and a converter you rate — native DSD64 output means the disc's own layer reaches the DAC you chose, instead of being converted by whatever the player had inside.
• Your DAC has an I2S input — ten switchable pinout modes mean you can match almost any manufacturer's wiring, rather than hoping two brands happen to agree.
• You have MQA-CDs — the XST20 reads them alongside CD and both kinds of SACD, so an awkward corner of a collection still plays.
• Your DAC is picky about format — native DSD or DSD64 over DoP are both offered, across coaxial, optical, AES and BNC, so the connection is yours to choose.
• You want a transport, not another converter — the money here went into reading discs and getting the data out cleanly. Browse our digital-to-analog converters for the other half.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Choose the output that suits your converter: coaxial, optical, AES or BNC. Then set whether it sends native DSD or DSD over DoP, using the touchscreen on the front.

If your DAC has an I2S input, select the pinout mode that matches it from the ten provided. That link carries clock and data separately, which is the cleanest connection on the unit.

Pairs Well With

Building around the Zenith XST20? Here are some great companions:

• DAC: Ideally one that accepts DSD — see our Digital to Analog Converters.
• Preamplifier: The next box in the chain — see our Preamplifiers.
• Digital Cables: Coaxial, AES or BNC — see our Interconnect Cables.
• Equipment Rack: Keep the transport steady — see our Audio Racks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which discs will it play?

CD, multi-layer SACD, single-layer SACD and MQA-CD.

Does it really output DSD?

Yes. It sends native DSD64, or DSD64 over DoP if your converter prefers that, across coaxial, optical, AES and BNC.

What are the ten I2S modes for?

Manufacturers wire I2S sockets differently. Switching between ten pinout modes lets the XST20 match a converter from almost any brand.

Does it have a converter inside?

It is a transport, so the conversion happens in your DAC. That is the point: your converter handles the SACD layer rather than a chip chosen by the player's maker.

How big is it?

32 by 24 by 7.2cm and 5.2kg, with a 3.4-inch touchscreen on the front and a 25VA Talema transformer inside.

What is the warranty?

Call us at 800-942-0220 and we will confirm the current ONIX warranty terms for this model before you order.

See It in Action

ONIX shows the Zenith XST20 and its true DSD output:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about SACD and DSD playback, I2S connections, or choosing a converter? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.