XOno 2019 Pictures

Christophe P. / France

March 30, 2025

Christophe is using the enclosures I recommended for his RStAudio XOno 2019. He uses separate transformers for the two audio channels and the digital power supply. He also chose a different layout for the circuit boards inside the power supply enclosure. It’s a very nice and well-executed project.

Equipment:

  • Thorens TD165 MK2
  • Shure M97 Pickup
  • DIY Integrated Amplifier Based on an Upgraded Hafler DH200
  • J Speakers Studio 3 Speaker’s House

Dieter A. / Germany

January 21, 2024

Dieter has installed his RStAudio XOno 2019 in a slim enclosure. A truly impressive job! Here are a few words from him:

Due to limited space in the hi-fi rack, I designed some parts differently than in the original.

  • The power supply and amplifier are housed in 24cm wide enclosures from the “Italian” brand — saving space. Power supply: 2U; amplifier: 3U
  • Since there wasn’t enough room for a single power transformer, it was “split in half” and mounted vertically behind the front panel. 40VA transformers from Toroidy just barely fit on each side.
  • The controller was too big for the 24cm front panel, so I had to come up with something else. A small custom controller board, featuring MM/MC and gain switching as well as adjustment of the MC load resistors. The muting circuit is also on the board. So everything is “passive,” with no clock generators.
  • Since the power supply for the controller had to be designed differently due to the transformer solution, a standby power supply was added, consisting of a small 12V switching power supply and a relay that activates the main transformers (the XOno is not involved in this process). There was just enough room on one side of the power supply unit for this additional board and the AC/DC filter.
  • Because of the amp’s narrow chassis, the circuit boards had to be stacked on top of each other. The only drawback I see is the alignment. So I ran a cable out for alignment so I could take measurements there. A metal plate is positioned at equal distances beneath the sensitive circuit components to ensure the same capacitive conditions for both channels.
  • Since the voltage of the first power supply rises very slowly, I wanted to ensure that the muting circuit doesn’t start until the voltages are stable. My goal was to prevent the muting from being enabled before the stage is stable. The voltage monitoring is on a small auxiliary board that taps into connector J6 (R98/99 have been removed and moved to the auxiliary board). Everything works well—as soon as voltage is applied, the signal is sent via an optocoupler (potential-free) to the muting circuit, which enables the output after approximately 60 seconds.
Dieter A.

Equipment:

  • Turntables: Everything from Clearaudio: Laufwerk Innovation, Tonarm Magnify, TA-System daVinci
  • Preamplifier: Audionet DNP
  • Power Amplifier: Audionet AMP, DIY Hypex NC1200, active solutions from Hypex and Fouraudio
  • Alternative Integrated Amplifier: Copland CTA408
  • Speakers: Achenbach Akustik, i.e. my own. Depending on what I feel like doing.
  • Kabel: Inakustik, Spura

Michael W. / Germany

July 16, 2022

Michael used his own microcontroller system with a great display to operate the XOno 2019. A truly impressive project!

Paul D. / England

November 22, 2021

Paul’s current equipment:

  • Linn Sondek LP12 with newly added Mose/Hercules II power supply, Helius Omega arm (silver wired) and Audio Technica AT33PTG.
  • Naim NAP 32.5 preamplifier with MC boards (Paul: “not that I need them any more!”)
  • Naim SNAPS Power Supply
  • Naim NAP160 Power Amplifier
  • Linn Keilidhs Speakers
  • A mixture of QED and Naim interconnects and speaker cables.
  • The little speakers on top of the Keilidhs are some DIY speakers that Paul made just before the XOno. According to him, they sound pretty good with the ACP+ and ACA from Nelson Pass.

A very nice system, into which the XOno 2019 fits perfectly.

Lothar D. / Germany

September 27, 2021

You can see a truly remarkable DIY setup — a wonderful setting for the XOno 2019:

  • Pro-Ject Perspective Anniversary turntable with Ortofon Quintet Black cartridge
  • XOno 2019
  • Pass Labs Aleph 2 Mono Power Amplifier Replica
  • Centre loudspeaker for the surround system with Focal loudspeaker chassis according to a construction proposal from Hobby HiFi.
  • Audio PC with analogue low-noise power supply and Roon Optimised Core Kit (ROCK) as operating system as streamer/player
  • Pioneer surround amplifier
  • Mains filter with galvanic isolation
  • Sabre ES9038PRO DAC with tube output stage according to a circuit by Audiodesignguide
  • Passive preamplifier with volume control via Sowter transformers and circuit boards for relay switching by Dantimax
  • Ambient loudspeaker based on a construction proposal from Hobby HiFi
  • Stereo loudspeaker with drivers by Focal and ribbon tweeter by Fountek based on a Hobby HiFi construction proposal.
  • Subwoofer with lower cut-off frequency of 17Hz for surround sound according to a Hobby HiFi construction proposal

Steven W. / USA

February 9, 2021

The RStAudio XOno 2019 in a wonderful DIY setup. Unfortunately not visible in the photos is the legendary Klipsch horn in a modified version that Steven is listening to. The XOno settings are cleverly implemented using relays but without a controller, via DIP switches routed out the side. The XOno amplifies the signal from the Transrotor Fat Bob / Kuzma 4 Point / Sound Smith Sussurro — very impressive.

You can download a complete report in English as a PDF file: Pass XONO Clone, Boards by RStAudio

Thomas C. / Germany

November 19, 2020

The RStAudio XOno 2019 paired with a Symphonic Line integrated amplifier — what a remarkable combination. The black cabinet blends in beautifully with the system. The knob, designed to match the integrated amplifier, looks very elegant on the XOno.

The XOno 2019 features a full configuration without EQ boards — that is, it includes the controller, 2SK2145, relays, and servo controller. It is equipped with the large display.

Meinolf S. / Germany

November 2, 2020

A Revox/Studer PR99 paired with the RStAudio XOno 2019 in a rack — what a beautiful sight. But the EMT turntable, equipped with two tonearms, is a real treat and a true showstopper.

The XOno 2019 comes fully equipped — that is, with a controller, EQ boards, 2SK2145 transistors, relays, and servo controllers. It features a small display.

Heiner F. / Germany

October 3, 2020

This is the prototype that can already be seen on the XOno 2019 website. Here you can admire the phono preamp in its final setting. The DIY turntable, featuring the beautiful DIY tangential tonearm by Detlef R., deserves special attention — it sounds absolutely superb.

The XOno 2019 comes fully equipped — that is, with controllers, EQ boards, 2SK2145 transistors, relays, and servo controllers. It features a large display.