---
product_id: 368346586
title: "THX Onyx Portable Headphone Amplifier: High Resolution Audio DAC for Smartphone/PC/Home Audio - THX AAA - MQA Renderer - Direct Stream Digital (DSD) - ES9281PRO - Magnetic Cable Management"
brand: "razer"
price: "A$559"
currency: AUD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 9
url: https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/368346586-thx-onyx-portable-headphone-amplifier-high-resolution-audio-dac-smartphone
store_origin: AU
region: Australia
---

# THX AAA tech for ultra-clean, powerful sound ESS ES9281PRO DAC with 32bit/384kHz high-res decoding Magnetic cable management for clutter-free setup THX Onyx Portable Headphone Amplifier: High Resolution Audio DAC for Smartphone/PC/Home Audio - THX AAA - MQA Renderer - Direct Stream Digital (DSD) - ES9281PRO - Magnetic Cable Management

**Brand:** razer
**Price:** A$559
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎶 Elevate every beat — portable audiophile power in your pocket!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** THX Onyx Portable Headphone Amplifier: High Resolution Audio DAC for Smartphone/PC/Home Audio - THX AAA - MQA Renderer - Direct Stream Digital (DSD) - ES9281PRO - Magnetic Cable Management by razer
- **How much does it cost?** A$559 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.au](https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/368346586-thx-onyx-portable-headphone-amplifier-high-resolution-audio-dac-smartphone)

## Best For

- razer enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted razer brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Compact Powerhouse Design:** Lightweight and pocket-friendly, the THX Onyx fits your mobile lifestyle without compromising on sound quality or volume.
- • **Plug & Play Cross-Platform:** Effortlessly connect to Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices via USB-C—no drivers or installation needed, just pure audio bliss.
- • **Audiophile-Grade Amplification:** Experience pristine, distortion-free sound with THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA) technology that powers even the most demanding headphones.
- • **Master Quality Audio On-The-Go:** Seamlessly render MQA files from Tidal and USB Audio Player Pro with the built-in MQA renderer and ESS ES9281PRO DAC for studio-level clarity anywhere.
- • **Tidy & Trendy Cable Management:** Integrated magnetic clasp keeps your headphone cables sleek and organized, eliminating desk clutter and enhancing your professional setup.

## Overview

The THX Onyx is a premium portable headphone amplifier and high-resolution DAC featuring THX AAA technology, an ESS ES9281PRO DAC supporting 32bit/384kHz playback, and an MQA renderer for authentic master-quality audio. Compatible across major platforms without drivers, it offers powerful amplification for audiophile headphones, enhanced sound clarity, and convenient magnetic cable management—all in a compact, travel-ready design.

## Description

Amp up your headphones and upgrade to master-quality audio with the THX Onyx—a powerful, portable digital-to-analog (DAC) amplifier equipped with THX AAA technology, to ensure the highest fidelity mobile listening experience for your music, movies, and games.

Review: Incredibly loud, unbelievably rich full sound - Tl;Dr: Great portable amp and DAC. Makes any pair of headphones sound even better, but it eats up battery life like crazy on your cell phone. A more in depth review: I originally got the Razer THX Onyx to pair with my KZ zs10 Pro IEM's (in ear monitors) because I wanted something that can take advantage of the full range that those earbuds offer (7hz-40khz). The THX Onyx did not disappoint at all, especially with a sound range to match (10hz-40khz). Both go beyond the normal sound range the average human can hear. Because of that it definitely enhances the sub bass range and adds more punch and "feel" to music that is bass dominant like "Barbie Dreams" by Nikki Manaj or "Freaks of the Industry" by Digital Underground. Mids and highs sound just as wonderful. Listening to jazz or blues, you can hear all the subtle nuances In a raspy voice or the crash of the cymbals. Listening to an artist like Massive Attack sounds really good. Because of the zs10 Pro's low impedance (24ohms), I had to turn the volume down by almost 1/2 of my normal listening volume. The amplifier in the THX Onyx is wonderful. I tried it with a pair of generic earbuds and they made those sound even louder too. Lastly, I tried it with my wife's Razer Kraken headphones because those are notoriously low sounding when using them with a cell phone. It definitely brought the volume up considerably for those. The DAC circuit decodes at higher sampling rates (32bit/384khz) then just your average USB C to 3.5mm adapter (24bit/96khz). Listening to Master Tracks on Tidal opens up a fuller range of sound to enjoy. Unfortunately Tidal's Master Tracks are not encoded that high (32bit), So although they are MQA certified, it is still at the lower 24bit level. So I have yet to enjoy the THX Onyx to its fullest extent with true MQA sound files. My one and only problem with the THX Onyx is that it eats up the battery life on my cell phone rather quickly when it's plugged in, even if I am not listening to any music. On my Google Pixel 6, I can literally watch the battery percentage drop at a rate of 1% approximately every 2 minutes. If I am watching a movie, which this is absolutely wonderful for, and start off with a full charge, my battery is around 50% when the movie is finished. That prevents me from binge watching any series unless I have a USB C splitter which I have yet to find out if it would even work with the THX Onyx and have my phone plugged in charging. To be fair, I tried it with my wife's OnePlus 9 and my daughter's Galaxy S21. Both had the same high battery drain while using the THX Onyx. It is to be expected though when using a portable amplifier/DAC that draws its power off of the USB port. Plugged into a computer, it would not be a problem at all since a computer it's usually plugged in. I have not checked the battery drainage on a laptop that is unplugged from its power supply. All in all, it is a great and wonderful addition to anyone needing a portable amplifier/DAC. A little pricey for some people but it is still less expensive than some other portable high end amplifier/DAC's out there, not to mention the frequency range it encompasses.
Review: Healthy, small, no crosstalk, decodes as described, works with iPhone and MacBook Pro, THXAAA-78 - Disclaimer: I am not an audiophile, musician, or sound engineer. My review is for general users. Received on December 24th. Have been using for only one day. Since Apple Music has introduced Hi-Res Lossless music, I want to fully experience the marvel. I bought this mainly for Apple Music. I use Sony IER-M9, iPhone SE (2020), and MacBook Pro (16 inch, 2019). Healthy: If you read simplified or traditional Chinese, you can see that at the end of the instruction manual, there are two tables indicating the level of harmful substances in Onyx. The level of lead exceeds the safety limit in the circuit board, but I will never open up Onyx to touch the circuit board, so I am fine with this. All externals of Onyx, including the package, paint, metal case, rubber wire, etc. are under the safety limit for all harmful substances. I am happy to see this. (I tried FiiO Q3. The accessories of Q3 had a high level of lead exceeding the safety limit. I assumed that accessories referred to the supplied cables. I returned it.) Size: I love Onyx because it is the smallest DAC I have tried with THX. I intend to use Onyx mainly with my iPhone. It is important to have a small size. Of course, Apple’s lightning to 3.5 mm adaptor is also smaller than Onyx, but it can only do 24-bit 48 kHz sampling without THX. I find a few smaller dongles from desertcart that can also do 24-bit 384 kHz sampling, but again they do not have THX. Most importantly, some reviews say that these dongles have crosstalk between channels. Crosstalk: None. It is absolute silent in the other channel when I test one channel with low and high volume setting. Furthermore, the electronic static noise is zero when there is no music. (I tried iFi hip-dac2. The crosstalk was so severe that I returned it.) Sound quality: Ironically, when I listen to a lossless music with M9/THX Onyx vs the default, build-in speakers of my MacBook Pro, I can hear more details with the default speakers (set at 24 bits, 96 kHz) than M9/THX Onyx (set at 24 bits, 192 kHz, yellow LED). For example, I can hear the unintentional background noise in the studio during recording with the build-in speakers but not with M9/THX Onyx. When the musician slides his fingers on the strings of a guitar, the sliding is also more pronounced with the build-in speakers than M9/THX Onyx. Perhaps THX Onyx filters out some details? I then unplug M9 from THX Onyx and plug M9 directly to the 3.5 mm audio out (set at 24 bits, 96 kHz) on my MacBook Pro and got similar results. The default, build-in speakers of my MacBook Pro still provide more details than M9. Perhaps the 3.5 mm audio out loses some details? Just to be fair with M9, the bass of M9 is stronger than the build-in speakers. Lastly, I plug M9/THX Onyx to my iPhone. Yes, I have a lightning to USB camera adapter from Apple. THX Onyx LED changes color according to the sampling rate of different songs. M9/THX Onyx performs similarly as the two forementioned conditions. THX: Onyx has THXAAA-78. It is the highest level within the Frontier series. Frontier series is for mobile, audiophile devices. For comparison, FiiO Q3 also has THX, but it is THXAAA-28, the lowest level within the same series. Conclusion: I am happy with this purchase.

## Features

- THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA): THX AAA technology enables the world’s highest fidelity audio and maximum dynamic range with the capacity to support power-hungry, audiophile grade headphones. Crank it up and enjoy satisfyingly loud volumes and ultra-clean sound
- Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) Renderer: The THX Onyx MQA renderer can reproduce digital Master Quality Audio recordings from services like Tidal or USB Audio Player Pro
- ESS ES9281PRO DAC: This digital-to-analog converter provides best-in-class dynamic range and lowest distortion, with direct rendering of MQA files in the DAC - enjoy the studio quality of Tidal Master Quality files on-the-go
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: THX Onyx connects to any USB/USB-C port and works on Android, iOS, Windows 10, and Mac without the need for any drivers or installation (USB-C to Lightning adapter not included)
- Magnetic Cable Management: A built-in magnetic clasp enables quick and convenient cable management, ensuring there are no messy headphone wires dangling around

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B09HN7887V |
| Best Sellers Rank | #252,675 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #359 in Headphone Amps |
| Brand | Razer |
| Color | Black |
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (247) |
| Date First Available | October 1, 2021 |
| Interface Type | USB |
| Item Weight | 4.6 ounces |
| Item model number | RC21-01630100-R3M1 |
| Manufacturer | Razer |
| Material | Plastic |
| Minimum Supply Voltage | 1.8 Volts |
| Mounting Type | Magnetic Mount,Plug Mount,Freestanding |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Number of Pins | 7 |
| Package Dimensions | 5.08 x 4.65 x 1.14 inches |
| Series | THX Onyx |
| UPC | 810056140380 |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Razer
- **Interface Type:** USB
- **Minimum Supply Voltage:** 1.8 Volts
- **Mounting Type:** Magnetic Mount,Plug Mount,Freestanding
- **Number of Pins:** 7

## Images

![THX Onyx Portable Headphone Amplifier: High Resolution Audio DAC for Smartphone/PC/Home Audio - THX AAA - MQA Renderer - Direct Stream Digital (DSD) - ES9281PRO - Magnetic Cable Management - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sruUYseQL.jpg)
![THX Onyx Portable Headphone Amplifier: High Resolution Audio DAC for Smartphone/PC/Home Audio - THX AAA - MQA Renderer - Direct Stream Digital (DSD) - ES9281PRO - Magnetic Cable Management - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61bSPf7vWHL.jpg)
![THX Onyx Portable Headphone Amplifier: High Resolution Audio DAC for Smartphone/PC/Home Audio - THX AAA - MQA Renderer - Direct Stream Digital (DSD) - ES9281PRO - Magnetic Cable Management - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71iXEJ9sBXL.jpg)
![THX Onyx Portable Headphone Amplifier: High Resolution Audio DAC for Smartphone/PC/Home Audio - THX AAA - MQA Renderer - Direct Stream Digital (DSD) - ES9281PRO - Magnetic Cable Management - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/714W5HnWSVL.jpg)
![THX Onyx Portable Headphone Amplifier: High Resolution Audio DAC for Smartphone/PC/Home Audio - THX AAA - MQA Renderer - Direct Stream Digital (DSD) - ES9281PRO - Magnetic Cable Management - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71jzqaD7wpL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Incredibly loud, unbelievably rich full sound
*by S***I on October 20, 2022*

Tl;Dr: Great portable amp and DAC. Makes any pair of headphones sound even better, but it eats up battery life like crazy on your cell phone. A more in depth review: I originally got the Razer THX Onyx to pair with my KZ zs10 Pro IEM's (in ear monitors) because I wanted something that can take advantage of the full range that those earbuds offer (7hz-40khz). The THX Onyx did not disappoint at all, especially with a sound range to match (10hz-40khz). Both go beyond the normal sound range the average human can hear. Because of that it definitely enhances the sub bass range and adds more punch and "feel" to music that is bass dominant like "Barbie Dreams" by Nikki Manaj or "Freaks of the Industry" by Digital Underground. Mids and highs sound just as wonderful. Listening to jazz or blues, you can hear all the subtle nuances In a raspy voice or the crash of the cymbals. Listening to an artist like Massive Attack sounds really good. Because of the zs10 Pro's low impedance (24ohms), I had to turn the volume down by almost 1/2 of my normal listening volume. The amplifier in the THX Onyx is wonderful. I tried it with a pair of generic earbuds and they made those sound even louder too. Lastly, I tried it with my wife's Razer Kraken headphones because those are notoriously low sounding when using them with a cell phone. It definitely brought the volume up considerably for those. The DAC circuit decodes at higher sampling rates (32bit/384khz) then just your average USB C to 3.5mm adapter (24bit/96khz). Listening to Master Tracks on Tidal opens up a fuller range of sound to enjoy. Unfortunately Tidal's Master Tracks are not encoded that high (32bit), So although they are MQA certified, it is still at the lower 24bit level. So I have yet to enjoy the THX Onyx to its fullest extent with true MQA sound files. My one and only problem with the THX Onyx is that it eats up the battery life on my cell phone rather quickly when it's plugged in, even if I am not listening to any music. On my Google Pixel 6, I can literally watch the battery percentage drop at a rate of 1% approximately every 2 minutes. If I am watching a movie, which this is absolutely wonderful for, and start off with a full charge, my battery is around 50% when the movie is finished. That prevents me from binge watching any series unless I have a USB C splitter which I have yet to find out if it would even work with the THX Onyx and have my phone plugged in charging. To be fair, I tried it with my wife's OnePlus 9 and my daughter's Galaxy S21. Both had the same high battery drain while using the THX Onyx. It is to be expected though when using a portable amplifier/DAC that draws its power off of the USB port. Plugged into a computer, it would not be a problem at all since a computer it's usually plugged in. I have not checked the battery drainage on a laptop that is unplugged from its power supply. All in all, it is a great and wonderful addition to anyone needing a portable amplifier/DAC. A little pricey for some people but it is still less expensive than some other portable high end amplifier/DAC's out there, not to mention the frequency range it encompasses.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Healthy, small, no crosstalk, decodes as described, works with iPhone and MacBook Pro, THXAAA-78
*by L***H on December 25, 2021*

Disclaimer: I am not an audiophile, musician, or sound engineer. My review is for general users. Received on December 24th. Have been using for only one day. Since Apple Music has introduced Hi-Res Lossless music, I want to fully experience the marvel. I bought this mainly for Apple Music. I use Sony IER-M9, iPhone SE (2020), and MacBook Pro (16 inch, 2019). Healthy: If you read simplified or traditional Chinese, you can see that at the end of the instruction manual, there are two tables indicating the level of harmful substances in Onyx. The level of lead exceeds the safety limit in the circuit board, but I will never open up Onyx to touch the circuit board, so I am fine with this. All externals of Onyx, including the package, paint, metal case, rubber wire, etc. are under the safety limit for all harmful substances. I am happy to see this. (I tried FiiO Q3. The accessories of Q3 had a high level of lead exceeding the safety limit. I assumed that accessories referred to the supplied cables. I returned it.) Size: I love Onyx because it is the smallest DAC I have tried with THX. I intend to use Onyx mainly with my iPhone. It is important to have a small size. Of course, Apple’s lightning to 3.5 mm adaptor is also smaller than Onyx, but it can only do 24-bit 48 kHz sampling without THX. I find a few smaller dongles from Amazon that can also do 24-bit 384 kHz sampling, but again they do not have THX. Most importantly, some reviews say that these dongles have crosstalk between channels. Crosstalk: None. It is absolute silent in the other channel when I test one channel with low and high volume setting. Furthermore, the electronic static noise is zero when there is no music. (I tried iFi hip-dac2. The crosstalk was so severe that I returned it.) Sound quality: Ironically, when I listen to a lossless music with M9/THX Onyx vs the default, build-in speakers of my MacBook Pro, I can hear more details with the default speakers (set at 24 bits, 96 kHz) than M9/THX Onyx (set at 24 bits, 192 kHz, yellow LED). For example, I can hear the unintentional background noise in the studio during recording with the build-in speakers but not with M9/THX Onyx. When the musician slides his fingers on the strings of a guitar, the sliding is also more pronounced with the build-in speakers than M9/THX Onyx. Perhaps THX Onyx filters out some details? I then unplug M9 from THX Onyx and plug M9 directly to the 3.5 mm audio out (set at 24 bits, 96 kHz) on my MacBook Pro and got similar results. The default, build-in speakers of my MacBook Pro still provide more details than M9. Perhaps the 3.5 mm audio out loses some details? Just to be fair with M9, the bass of M9 is stronger than the build-in speakers. Lastly, I plug M9/THX Onyx to my iPhone. Yes, I have a lightning to USB camera adapter from Apple. THX Onyx LED changes color according to the sampling rate of different songs. M9/THX Onyx performs similarly as the two forementioned conditions. THX: Onyx has THXAAA-78. It is the highest level within the Frontier series. Frontier series is for mobile, audiophile devices. For comparison, FiiO Q3 also has THX, but it is THXAAA-28, the lowest level within the same series. Conclusion: I am happy with this purchase.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ pretty decent
*by D***L on July 21, 2023*

enough power to drive my HD 660s with only a few clicks up on the volume, and sounds clean , slightly on the cooler side of netural, but that's not always a bad thing , bought on sale for $150 , and I'd say its worth it , sounds as good if not better than the dragonfly red to me

## Frequently Bought Together

- Razer THX Onyx Portable DAC Headphone Amplifier: THX AAA MQA Renderer Direct Stream Digital DSD ESS ES9281PRO DAC Cross Platform Compatibility Magnetic Cable Management, Black
- Sennheiser Consumer Audio Sennheiser HD 650 - Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone

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*Product available on Desertcart Australia*
*Store origin: AU*
*Last updated: 2026-02-23*