ONIX has just rounded out its Zenith lineup with the launch of the Zenith XMT20, a dedicated digital streamer and transport designed for hi-fi enthusiasts who already have a DAC they like—and want a versatile, high-quality digital source to pair with it. Priced at $2,199 in the U.S. and €2,399 in the EU, the XMT20 joins the XST20 SACD transport and XDA20 DAC, completing the three-box setup for serious listeners who want a modular system without extra features they won’t use.
Built in collaboration with Shanling (who also helped develop the XST20), the XMT20 focuses on streaming, local file playback, and even CD ripping, all while leaving digital-to-analog conversion to your existing gear.
At the heart of the XMT20 is a brand-new Linux-based platform that ONIX and Shanling developed from scratch. It’s designed to be snappy, stable, and easy to control, whether you’re streaming over your network or playing back local files.
In terms of streaming, it checks all the boxes you’d expect in a high-end transport today: TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, and full Roon Ready support. You also get DLNA and Apple AirPlay 2, so most bases are covered, regardless of your setup.
If you prefer to play music locally, there are two main options: plug in a USB storage drive (up to 2TB), or install an M.2 NVMe SSD into a slot on the underside of the unit. Once files are in place, you can browse and play them through Shanling’s Eddict Controller app, available for both Android and iOS. Playback is gapless and supports high-resolution formats.
Unlike many streamer/DAC combos, the XMT20 is strictly digital—there’s no built-in analog output. Instead, it offers six different digital outputs so you can hook it up to just about any DAC:
The USB and I²S outputs support high-res formats up to PCM 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512, while the other outputs are limited to PCM 192kHz/24-bit and DSD64 via DoP. That’s still plenty of resolution for most setups.
The I²S output is worth highlighting—it’s FPGA-assisted and includes ten preconfigured pinout options. That matters because there’s no industry-wide I²S standard, and getting compatibility right often requires digging through manuals or buying adapters. ONIX tries to take the guesswork out of it.
If you're the kind of listener who worries about jitter (and let’s face it, if you're shopping for a $2K digital transport, you probably are), the XMT20 uses two high-precision KDS crystal oscillators to manage timing. These oscillators help ensure accurate digital signal delivery, which becomes especially important when you're passing that signal along to a high-end DAC.
It’s the same clocking philosophy ONIX used in the XST20 SACD/CD transport: avoid noise, avoid sloppiness, and let the DAC do its thing.
Streaming and files may be the focus here, but ONIX hasn’t left CD collectors behind. The XMT20 can play CDs through an external USB drive, or if you want something higher-end, Shanling’s CR60 CD transport ($299 at Amazon) is compatible too.
Even better, you can use the XMT20 to rip CDs straight to local storage. The process is handled in-app via Eddict Controller, which also takes care of metadata and album art automatically. It’s a hands-off way to digitize your collection, no PC required.
Physically, the XMT20 fits right in with the rest of the Zenith family. The chassis is made from CNC-machined aluminum, and like its siblings, it features ONIX’s signature gold dial on the front. There’s a 3.4-inch touchscreen for direct control, but most users will probably rely on the mobile app.
Power is delivered via a 25VA Talema transformer, and the unit weighs in at a solid 5.2 kilograms. It follows the three-quarter-width footprint used across the Zenith line, measuring 32 x 24 x 7.2 cm, compact enough to fit in a typical rack, but still with a substantial presence.
Technical Specifications:
The XMT20 is a good match for listeners who already have an external DAC and want a flexible, well-integrated digital front-end, without wading into the world of all-in-one streamers or streamer-amps. Its ability to handle everything from Roon and TIDAL to SSDs and CD ripping gives it broad appeal, especially if you're looking to consolidate digital sources into a single device.
What it doesn’t do is analog output or onboard amplification. That’s by design. This is a box for folks who are building out a modular system, not simplifying down to one device.
The ONIX Zenith XMT20 is set to ship in February 2026, priced at $2,199 USD and €2,399 in the EU. It completes the Zenith lineup, which now includes:
All three are designed to work together, or to be mixed and matched with other gear, depending on how your system is set up.
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