The THX Onyx USB-C dongle is a MQA with hi-res audio DAC, works with iPhones, Androids, PCs and Macs

THX has long been associated with audio and continues to feature heavily in products from Razer following its acquisiton by the gaming company in 2016. We've previous seen a THX-certified USB-C DAC from Razer sold as an accessory for its Razer smartphones, but it was nothing like this. While there are other MQA dongles on the market featuring ESS DACs, there are none that also include an AAA amplifier onboard as well.

The new THX Onyx packs in three really impressive pieces of audio technology. It starts with a high-quality ESS ES9281PRO DAC which is coupled with a THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (THX AAA) and a Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) decoder. This gives the Onyx the ability to play back music in standard resolution, hi-resolution, Direct Stream Digital (DSD) and MQA. MQA titles can be enjoyed with a Tidal subscription and compatible titles in its streaming catalog. 

An added bonus is that the THX Onyx is compatible with iPhones (via a USB-C to Lightning adapter sold separately), Androids, PCs and Macs meaning that just about everyone will be able to enjoy what it has to offer. The company says that the Onyx THX amp increases the voltage available in a pair of headphones to two full volts which is enough to drive headphones with as little as 22 ohms impedance at 180 milliwatts per channel. Just when you thought that listening to audio over Bluetooth was good enough, THX has decided to up the ante on wired audio.

The THX Onyx is available now through the Razer online store for US$199.

Buy the Razer THX-certified Opus headphones from Amazon for just US$135, a US$65 saving.

Correction: The article has been updated to reflect that is a THX product and, although sold by parent company Razer through the Razer Store, was designed and made soley by THX.