NEO X Introduction
NEO X is an all-in-one device integrating 4K UHD media player, music streaming media
player, audio and video media center, high-fidelity headphone amplifier, music decoder and
Bluetooth decoder.
As a 4K UHD media player, it can decode and output advanced 4K 12Bit HDR10+/Dolby
vision.
NEO X supports playing music from a variety of input sources, such as hard disk,
computer and NAS server. Not only supporting almost all high-sampling master-tape music
files such as MQA, SACD ISO, DFF, DSF, FLAC, WAV, APE etc., but also supporting managing
local music resources and music streaming. Live streaming media app and DLNA streaming
all can get good audio quality.
NEO X adopts ESS9038Pro DAC chip for audio decoding and supports lossless Bluetooth,
Coaxial, AES/EBU and asynchronous USB audio input, which can be used as an independent
high-fidelity audio decoder. XLR balance, RCA stereo preamplifier output and high-
performance headphone amplifier output are supported. No matter for local file playback or
external audio input, excellent audio index can be obtained with the decoding processing of
DAC, fully balanced operational amplifier circuit and audio components. It can parse lossless
master-tape format files up to 22.5792 MHz DSD files (DSD512 Native mode), 768 kHz 32-bit
PCM.
NEO X can be controlled easily by cell phone with exclusive Zidoo Controller APP. The
large 5-inch OLED HD screen can intuitively display general settings menu, music library
data, playback status and input source sampling rate etc. Touch screen, physical volume and
multifunctional control knobs are very convenient to operate.
NEO X helps us solving devices connecting and matching problems, which is easy to use
and pursuing for excellent performance.
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4K UHD Hi-end Media player
Specification
Chassis Aviation aluminum alloy
Display 5-inch OLED HD touch screen
OS Android 9.0
CPU Realtek RTD1619DR ARM Cortex-A55(hexa-core)
GPU ARM Mali-G51 MP3
Internal Storage 2GB DDR4 (RAM)+16GB eMMC
DAC ESS 9038Pro
Bluetooth BT 4.2
Wi-Fi 2.4G+5G dual band WiFi, 802.11 a/b/g/n/AC 2T2R MIMO 867Mbps
Ethernet 1*RJ-45(10/100/1000Mbps)
2.0a (4K@60fps/12Bit/HDR/BT2020/YCbCr 4:4:4 output)
HDMI Output
support audio passthrough
Video Decoding 4K@60p HEVC/H.265 12Bit HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Support true-hd HD audio passthrough, stereo PCM decoding;
Audio Decoding Built-in DAC audio decoding: support up to stereo DSD512 24Bit,
PCM 768KHz 32Bit, MQA
Bluetooth Audio CSR8675 flagship Bluetooth audio module supports mainstream
Input lossless audio protocols such as SBC/AAC
USB audio compatible system: Windows(7,10), Mac, Android
USB Audio Input
Support up to stereo DSD512 24Bit, PCM 768KHz 32Bit, MQA
Digital Audio Input USB DAC IN*1, AES/EBU input*1, Coaxial input *1
Digital Audio Output Optical output*1, Coaxial output*1
Preamplifier output: XLR(balanced)*1, RCA*1
Analog Audio
Headphone amplifier output: 4.4mm balanced*1
Output
6.35mm single end*1
Headphone
16-300Ω (low-gain mode: 16-32Ω/ high-gain mode: 32-300Ω)
Impedance
USB Ports USB3.0*1，USB2.0*2
SATA Internal SATA3.0 (3.5-inch HDD bay, hard drives are not included)
Control Ports IR IN*1, RS-232*1, TRIGGER (12V) IN/OUT, TCP/IP control (WOL)
Power Supply AC 110-240V 50/60Hz (dual linear power supply）
Dimensions 395mm*291mm*110mm
Packing List Remote control*1, Power cable*1, Antennas*3, Product manual*1
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Specification
XLR(balanced) Output
Output Level: 4.1 Vrms
THD+N: -110dB（0.00031%）
Noise: 2uVrms
SNR: 118dB(20Hz-20kHz)
Frequency response: ±0.25dB(20Hz-20kHz)
Crosstalk: -126dB(1kHz,Fs=44.1kHz)
DNR: 118dB
RCA Output
Output level: 2.26 Vrms
THD+N: -109dB（0.00035%）
Noise: 2.6uVrms
SNR: 115dB(20Hz-20kHz)
Frequency response: ±0.258dB(20Hz-20kHz)
Crosstalk: -132dB(1kHz,Fs=44.1kHz)
DNR: 114dB
Headphone 4.4mm Balanced Output
Output level: 2.9 Vrms
Output power: 410mW/32Ω
THD+N : -110dB（0.00032%）
Analog Audio Noise: 1.7uVrms
Characteristics SNR: 120dB(20Hz-20kHz)
Frequency response: ±0.25dB(20Hz-20kHz)
Crosstalk: -131dB(1kHz,Fs=44.1kHz)
DNR: 118dB
Headphone 6.35mm Single End Output
Low-gain mode
Output level: 1.45Vrms
Output Power/ Headphone impedance: 110mW/32Ω
THD+N: -108dB（0.0004%）
Noise: 3.2uVrms
SNR: 112dB(20Hz-20kHz)
Frequency response: ±0.25dB(20Hz-20kHz)
Crosstalk: -128dB(1kHz,Fs=44.1kHz)
DNR: 110dB
High-gain mode
Output level: 2.56Vrms
Output Power/ Headphone impedance: 42mW/300Ω
THD+N: -108dB（0.0004%）
Noise: 3.3uVrms
SNR: 114dB(20Hz-20kHz)
Frequency response: ±0.25dB(20Hz-20kHz)
Crosstalk: -132dB(1kHz,Fs=44.1kHz)
DNR: 108dB
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4K UHD Hi-end Media player
Hardware Introduction
1.Front
POWER OLED TOUCH SCREEN RETURN VOLUME KNOB
4.4mm BALANCED 6.35mm HEADPHONE SELECT KNOB/CONFIRM
SWITCH USB2.0
IR RECEIVER
In addition to the touch screen of NEO X, the front panel is also designed with convenient
control buttons to collaborate the operation of touch screen.
① Select Knob
The Select knob is multifunctional, it can be used to rotate left/right and press down.
Horizontal menu: rotate the Select Knob clockwise to move right, rotate the knob
counterclockwise to move left, press down the knob to confirm.
Vertical menu: rotate Select Knob clockwise to move downwards, rotate the knob
counterclockwise to move upwards, press down the knob to confirm.
② Volume Knob
Volume knob can be used to adjust the volume, rotate clockwise to increase output volume,
and rotate counterclockwise to decrease output volume.
* Under the DAC IN mode, volume can be adjusted with step 0.5db~3db in DAC setting.
③ Return Button
Press Return Button will go back to previous menu. When long press Return Button,it will go
back to Home page.
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④ Switch Button
Press Switch Button will directly go to the current music playback page.
⑤ Power Button
Power on/off this device.
Note:
Except Power Button and Volume Knob, other buttons can only work for NEO X OLED touch
screen (not for large screen of display device).
2.Back
RS-232 IR IN OPTICAL COALXIAL IN
ANTENNA RST TRIGGER OUT/ IN COAXIAL OUT R/L (AUDIO OUT) ANTENNA
AC POWER GIGABIT LAN USB3.0 AES/EBU XLR R/L (AUDIO OUT)
HDMI OUT USB DAC ANTENNA
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4K UHD Hi-end Media player
3.Right
NEO X is equipped with a 3.5-inch SATA 3.0 high-speed HDD bay, which can load a hard drive.
Just pull out the door of HDD bay and push in hard drive with suitable size, no other tools are
needed (support hard drive up to 16TB).
Hard Disk Loading
Note:
Do not install or replace the hard disk when the device is power-on, so as to avoid the
damage of the device and data corruption of hard disk. Please format newly-purchased hard
disk on the computer and then load it to the device. This device supports hard disk formats
including EXT3, EXT4, NTFS, FAT32, EXFAT.
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Connection and Installation
1. HDMI Device Connection
① Connect with TV
Make sure both TV and NEO X are power-off, connect these two devices by HDMI cable, from
NEO X HDMI OUT port to TV HDMI IN port. And choose the correct signal source on TV after
powering on.
HDMI cable
TV
Note:
Please use HDMI 2.0 or higher-spec cable and display device to enjoy 4K UHD HDR
experience.
② Connect with TV and AVR
Make sure AVR, TV, and NEO X are all power-off. Two HDMI cables are required in this process,
one cable connect from NEO X HDMI OUT port to AVR HDMI IN port, another cable connect
from AVR HDMI OUT port to TV HDMI IN port. Choose the correct signal source on AVR and TV
respectively after powering on.
HDMI cable HDMI cable
AVR
TV
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4K UHD Hi-end Media player
Note:
* In order to get wonderful 4K UHD HDR experience, please ensure that HDMI cable, display
device and AVR all can meet the corresponding technical specifications.
* HDMI audio out and DAC analog audio cannot output at the same time. It is needed to turn
off DAC to output audio from HDMI.
Settings > DAC Audio > Source In > Digital OUtput (Turn Off DAC)
* HDMI audio passthrough is supported by NEO X, if AVR supports more advanced audio
formats, please set HDMI output mode to RAW.
Settings > Audio > HDMI Audio > RAW
2.Audio Output Connection and Installation
Digital audio output includes HDMI audio output, Optical audio output, Coaxial audio
output, USB audio output and Bluetooth audio output. Please select the audio source as
"Digital Output", meanwhile the DAC audio will be turned off.
① Digital Output
❶ Connect DAC or AVR by Optical/Coaxial
Connect NEO X with AVR by Optical/Coaxial audio cable, switch to corresponding signal
source on DAC or AVR.
Optical cable/Coaxial cable
DAC/AVR
Note:
Optical/Coaxial supports up to 5.1 output.
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❷ Connect DAC by USB Audio Output
Connect NEO X USB Type-A port with DAC USB DAC IN port by USB audio cable.
USB type-A to USB type-B cable
Audio DAC/Audio decoder
Note：
* Corresponding setting: Settings > Audio > USB Audio
* There might be incompatible situation when USB audio output to some DACs. If so, please
contact with Zidoo tech support.
② Analog Output
Audios from analog output includes RCA, XLR, and headphone jacks all have been decoded
and output by the ESS 9038Pro DAC. When playing from internal player, it's needed to turn
on "Source In > DAC (internal player)". When playing from external player, please switch to
relevant sources. The digital output will be closed when outputting from analog output.
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4K UHD Hi-end Media player
❶ RCA, XLR output
Using a pair of RCA or XLR balanced analog audio cables to connect NEO X with active
speaker or HiFi amplifier.
RCA-type audio cable
XLR balanced audio cable
Stereo HiFi audio system
(HiFi headphone amplifier
/Active monitor speaker)
Note：
* NEO X is equipped with two independent stereo output ports: RCA-type and XLR-type
balanced ports can output audio signals simultaneously. Generally only choosing one of
these ports is enough, and it is recommended to choose XLR balanced port to obtain better
noise suppression and signal integrity.
* NEO X's balanced output is a three-pin XLR male port, which will output differential signals
pair (positive/negative signals). The amplifier circuit can compare the voltage difference of
signals pair to cancel common mode noise and improve the integrity of the original signal.
* In some audio systems, the positive and negative polarities are reversed. The default
positive polarity are shown below. If you need to reverse the polarity, please set it in the
system: Settings > DAC audio > XLR Port Polarity > Reverse
GND + GND -
- +
Positive polarity diagram + system positive setting Negative polarity diagram + system negative setting
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❷ Headphone Amplifier Output
There is two headphone ports including 6.35mm and 4.4mm balanced headphone amplifier
output on NEO X front panel. Please connect to corresponding port according to your
demand.
4.4 mm balanced headphone cable
6.35mm single headphone cable
Note：
* This recommended headphone impedance range is 16-300Ω (low-gain mode: 16-32Ω/
high-gain mode: 32-300Ω).
* Switch headphone amplifier gain mode on NEO X OLED screen,
Settings > DAC settings > Headset gain > Low gain/High gain
* The output priority: 6.35mm headphone output > 4.4mmbalanced headphone output >
XLR balanced output = RCA output.
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4K UHD Hi-end Media player
3. Digital Audio Input
① USB Audio Input
NEO X can connect with a PC, USB audio output device and mobile phone by using a USB
Type-A port to USB Type-B port cable.
This connection method allows NEO X to be used as a high-performance pure DAC. The
digital signal input by the external player has been decoded by ES9038PRO DAC decoding
chip, so that it provides the best audio decoding performance.
* Corresponding setting
Settings > Source IN > USB IN
USB audio data cable
External playback device
(PC/mobile phone/player)
Note：
* You may need to install drivers or make settings to support external playback device to
transmit audio to NEO X. For example, audio driver is needed to be installed for Windows.
Please download the driver on official website or contact technicians. No drivers are needed
on Mac OS and Android.
* NEO X USB input supports up to stereo DSD512 24Bit, PCM 768KHz 32Bit and MQA,
but external playback devices and software are also needed to support corresponding
specifications.
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② Coaxial Input and AES/EBU Audio Input
❶ Coaxial Audio Input
A 75 ohm coaxial cable is used to connect coaxial output port of a playback device to the
digital coaxial in port of NEO X. Please don't forget to switch audio source input setting to:
Source In > Coaxial IN
Coaxial audio cable
External playback device
(CD player/digital decoder /player)
❷ AES/EBU Audio Input
A 75 ohm digital XLR audio cable is used to connect the AES/EBU output of a playback device
to the AES/EBU balanced digital audio input port of NEO X. And it is needed to switch audio
source input setting to:
Source In > AES/EBU IN
AES/EBU audio cable
External playback device
(CD player/digital decoder /player)
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4K UHD Hi-end Media player
❸ Bluetooth Audio Input
A Independent CSR8675 flagship Bluetooth audio module has been built in NEO X, which
supports SBC and AAC lossless audio protocols and can receive Bluetooth audio signals from
mobile devices as a Bluetooth decoder.
Settings: Source In > Bluetooth In
Open Bluetooth on mobile device and search "NEO X" and finish pairing.
4. Smart Control
① RS-232
NEO X RS-232 port can be used for most home theater control system. RS-232 control
protocol can be downloaded on Zidoo official website. If you want to integrate NEO X into
control system, please contact with relevant distributors or AV installers.
② Trigger Port
There are 3.5mm standard 12V Trigger IN/OUT ports on NEO X. NEO X Trigger IN port is
connected to Trigger OUT port of CD player/ digital decoder, and NEO X Trigger OUT is
connected to Trigger IN port of active speaker/headphone amplifier. All of these devices can
be connected by 3.5mm trigger cables.
3.5mm cables
Headphone amplifier/active speaker Trigger IN
3.5mm cables
CD player/digital decoder Trigger OUT
Note：
Trigger cables is 2-pin 3.5mm. You can also use a 3-pin AUX cables instead.
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③ IR IN Port
For audio-visual system integrators, 3.5mm IR IN port is an optional port for control system;
For ordinary users, if NEO X is put into a cabinet, the infrared signal will be blocked, then it is
suggested to connect with a external infrared receiver extension device.
IR cable
IR receiver/Infrared transmitter
port of central control host
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4K UHD Hi-end Media player
④ Smart Phone APP Control
Users can control Zidoo media players by installing Zidoo Controller APP. File manager,
applications, music player, poster wall and settings can all be controlled.
❶ Application Installation
Please find "All APPs > Control Center" on display device or "Settings > Control Center"
on NEO X touch screen, then scan the QR code to download the APP. Zidoo Controller APP
can be downloaded on iPhone by searching "Zidoo" in"Apple Store".
❷ Connection
After the APP is installed, please ensure devices are connected with network successfully
and mobile device and Zidoo media player in same LAN. Then following steps below to add
device:
Open Zidoo Controller APP and click "+" on the right-top corner then scan QR code in Media
Center.
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Boot and Initial Setup Wizard
NEO X will enter into initial setup wizard when it is booted for the first time, which will be
displayed on large screen (display device) or small screen (NEO X OLED touch screen). If it is
detected that NEO X has connected with display device by HDMI cable, initial setup wizard
will show on large screen. Otherwise it will show on small screen. Please follow the system
guidance to finish setting.
1.Initial Setup Wizard on Large Screen
① System language selection, screen zoom, time zone setting
Choose the system language according to your language habit.
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4K UHD Hi-end Media player
Press the UP and DOWN buttons on remote control to adjust screen display area.
Select the time zone for the system according to your location.
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② Bluetooth Match-Up
Let remote controller be aligned with media player and press Page-Down KEY and Menu
KEY at the same time for least 5 second until indicator light blinking.The light will be off after
matching successfully.
③ Network Setting
Configure network to connect device with network quickly.
WI-FI: choose network SSID, input password and connect WIFI.
Ethernet: plug in the network cable to connect the network automatically.
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4K UHD Hi-end Media player
④ Select output mode
Please select the corresponding mode according to your needs, then it will finish relevant
setting.
Wizard mode: select the corresponding option according to your usage environment and
device connection.
Expert mode: The audio and video output is customized by users, it is recommended for
professionals.
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⑤ The key definition
Define the corresponding functions for number keys, timing key, subtitle key, audio key, up
and down keys and page keys on the remote control according to your usage habits.
After completing settings above, please follow prompts and click"Next"to finish initial setup.
Enjoy Zidoo audio visual feast!
2. Initial Setup Wizard on Small Screen
① System Language Selection
Select the system language according to your demand.
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4K UHD Hi-end Media player
② Network Settings
Choose Ethernet or WiFi to connect the device with network quickly.
WI-FI: choose network SSID, input password and connect WIFI.
Ethernet: plug in the network cable to connect the network automatically.
③ Theme Selection
Two themes are supported, please choose the theme according to personal preference.
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OTA Update
Zidoo will update firmware from time to time. After new firmware is released, it can be
updated through the OTA to experience new functions. NEO X OTA update can be updated
through large display screen or small NEO X OLED screen. Both online update and USB
update are supported.
1.Update on Large Display Screen
① Online Update
Click the "online update" option to obtain the latest firmware information through the
network. Follow instructions to update and wait the device to restart automatically after the
update is finished.
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4K UHD Hi-end Media player
② USB Update
Download firmware from official website to a USB stick, insert the USB stick to the device,
and then click "USB update"option. Follow instructions to update and wait the device to
restart automatically after the update is finished.
2.Update on NEO X OLED Screen
Firstly find "Settings > Generic Setting > Update " on NEO X OLED screen.
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① Online Update
Click the "online update" option to obtain the latest firmware information through the
network. Follow instructions to update and wait the device to restart automatically after the
update is finished.
② USB Update
Download firmware from official website to a USB stick, insert the USB stick to the device,
and then click "USB update"option. Follow instructions to update and wait the device to
restart automatically after the update is finished.
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4K UHD Hi-end Media player
Special Note：
In order to improve user experience, Zidoo will update firmware from time to time. Therefore
the content of this manual may differ from the actual menus in this product.
Safety Warning：
1. No water splashing or dripping, don't put objects with liquids like vases on the device.
2. The socket should be put aside the device, easy to operate and no occlusions.
3. It is a Class 1 device, there must be grounding measures inside the box when using.
* Safe using below 2000m altitude.
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FCC Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: 1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and 2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
--Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
--Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
--Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
--Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
This device complies with RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
This device must operate with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator
and user body
