British Onix is a sub-brand of Shanling and has launched the XMT20 network player to complete the Zenith product line. The new Zenith XMT20 joins the existing Zenith XST20 (SA)CD drive and the Zenith XDA20 DA converter. The new Zenith XMT20 is based on a new in-house developed Linux platform. First deliveries are expected to take place in February.
The new network player from Onix is certified for Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect and is also Roon Ready. The user also has access to DLNA and AirPlay 2 support. The Zenith XMT20 can also use local sources, such as a connected USB storage medium up to 2 TB and the manufacturer has placed a hatch on the bottom so the user can install an M.2 NVMe SSD. The Eddict Controller app from Shanling manages the files in the music library on Android and iOS.
The Zenith XMT20 features a total of six digital outputs, namely TOSLINK (optical), coaxial (phono), BNC and AES/EBU (XLR), capable of handling a maximum resolution of PCM 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64 via DoP, plus USB and I2S connections supporting PCM 24-bit/768kHz and native DSD512. The I2S output utilises FPGA support to provide ten pre-configured pinout options. This appears to offer flexibility but is due to the lack of standardisation that still plagues the format. Two KDS crystal oscillators provide the clock signals.
The power supply is based on a 25VA Talema transformer. The Zentiht XMT20 weighs 5.2 kilograms. Its dimensions are 32 x 24 x 7.2 centimeters.
Playing and ripping CDs
An optional extra feature is the ability to play and rip CDs. To do so, simply connect a standard CD drive to the USB port, such as Shanling’s CR60 . The XMT20 will play CDs directly or rip them to the internal SSD or connected USB storage, including automatic tagging and retrieval of album art.
The casing is constructed in the style of the other members of the Zenith family, i.e., CNC-milled aluminum with the characteristic gold-colored dial on the front. A 3.4-inch touchscreen provides on-device controls.
Price and delivery information
The Onix Zenith XMT20 is expected to be available for delivery sometime in February 2026. The suggested retail price is just under $2,400.
