Allen & Heath Xone:92 vs Xone:92 MK2: is it worth paying more?

Sounds Market Score

Allen & Heath Xone:92: 9.3/10

One of the most important and robust analogue mixers of recent decades. Four-band EQ, VCF filters and excellent construction remain relevant. The age of many units, original phono stages and clicks during some filter operations slightly reduce our assessment compared with the MK2.

Allen & Heath Xone:92 MK2: 9.5/10

A well-judged evolution that preserves the original approach while improving specific weaknesses. Optimised phono preamps, silent filter switching, refined VCF control and fader improvements make it our choice when the price gap is small.

Pros and cons

Xone:92

Pros

• Fully analogue audio path.
• Four-band EQ and two VCF filters.
• Pre-EQ/post-EQ CUE and Split Cue.
• Excellent build and more than 20 years of proven reliability.
• Strong value on the used market.

Cons

• Less refined phono preamps than the MK2.
• A small click may occur when switching or assigning filters.
• The oldest units may have over 20 years of use.

Xone:92 MK2

Pros

• Retains the Xone:92's analogue character.
• Optimised phono preamps, silent filter switching and refined VCF.
• Mini innoFADER Pro and selectable channel-fader curves.
• Pre-EQ/post-EQ CUE and Split Cue.
• A much newer generation of units.

Cons

• The changes do not radically transform the experience.
• Higher used price.
• Insufficient history to assess very long-term reliability.

What changes in the Xone:92 MK2?

Allen & Heath introduced the new generation in 2024, around 20 years after the original. It refines the established concept.

The MK2 also improves level matching between Line and Phono sources, alongside small design and ergonomic changes.

The two changes we value most at Sounds Market

Improved phono preamps

The Xone:92 is popular with vinyl DJs, but its original phono preamps were an area with room for improvement. The MK2's optimised RIAA stages and better Phono/Line level matching are a strong reason to choose it if turntables are your main source.

Silent filter switching

The original can produce a small click or pop when activating a filter or making certain assignments. This behaviour can be part of its design and does not necessarily indicate a fault.

The MK2's silent VCF switching provides cleaner transitions. Having used both, we appreciate the difference, especially when working with filters frequently.

The VCF changes go beyond switching

Allen & Heath refined the VCF's control curve for more precise frequency adjustment and also revised its resonance behaviour. The familiar Xone filter character remains, with more refined control on the MK2.

Mini innoFADER Pro and channel-fader curves

The MK2's mini innoFADER Pro is tuned to retain a response similar to the original 92, with the aim of providing smoother, more precise and durable operation.

A global selector offers three channel-fader responses to suit different mixing styles. These are useful improvements, although we give phono and filter changes more weight in the purchase decision.

Monitoring: PRE EQ, POST EQ and Split Cue

Both generations let you globally select whether channel CUE is heard before or after EQ.

With PRE EQ, EQ changes do not alter your cue reference. You can cut frequencies heavily in the mix while still hearing the complete track for timing. POST EQ lets you hear the EQ adjustments before bringing the source into the mix.

Both also have Split Cue, placing CUE in one side of the headphones and the programme in the other. This is particularly useful for DJs who mix extensively with EQ, but it is a shared strength rather than a MK2 upgrade.

Reliability and workshop experience

The original launched in 2004. Used examples range from relatively recent units to mixers with more than 20 years and thousands of professional operating hours behind them.

Older examples may show wear in filters, potentiometers, faders, outputs and other components. That does not make the model unreliable. The number still working after two decades shows how durable the platform has been.

The MK2 is too recent for an equivalent judgement. We currently see fewer faults in these much newer units, but that does not prove greater reliability. In our current experience, construction philosophy and repair complexity are similar. We need years of further use to assess its ageing as confidently as the original's.

The Sounds Market workshop's view

We would not choose the MK2 on the assumption that it is more reliable. The immediate advantage is buying from a newer generation.

With an original Xone:92, the individual history matters greatly. A properly maintained home unit can be a better buy than one used every week in a club for 15 years. We would inspect filters, faders, potentiometers, inputs and outputs particularly carefully.

What about early silver Made in UK Xone:92 units?

Some early UK-built examples have the distinctive silver finish and appeal to enthusiasts. Certain buyers favour them for their reputation for strong construction.

We would not buy one solely because it says Made in UK. After around two decades, current condition, maintenance and working history matter more. A newer, properly maintained example can be a considerably better purchase.

Used prices

Sounds Market reference prices for September 2026:

• Original Xone:92: approximately €1,000.
• Xone:92 MK2: approximately €1,200.

Prices vary with condition, accessories and the market. At a €200 gap, we would choose the MK2 for its refinements and newer generation.

If an excellent original costs €800 to €900, compared with €1,200 to €1,300 for a MK2, the original becomes more attractive. The actual condition and price difference can change our recommendation.

Which should you choose?

Choose the original Xone:92 if...

• You find a well-maintained unit at a good price.
• You want the lowest outlay.
• The small filter click does not bother you.
• You do not need the MK2 refinements.
• You want the classic Xone:92 experience.

Choose the Xone:92 MK2 if...

• The price difference is only around €200.
• You regularly play vinyl or use the filters heavily.
• You want silent filter switching.
• You value the fader and VCF improvements.
• You prefer the newer generation and the most refined version of the Xone:92 approach.

Comparison scores

Category scores assess these models within this comparison. The Sounds Market Score is our overall editorial assessment of each product, independent of its comparison partner. It is not necessarily the arithmetic average of the categories.

What other comparisons often miss

Phono improvements matter most with vinyl. If you mainly use Line sources, they carry less weight. The MK2 refines the established design without changing its core approach.

Monitoring was already comprehensive. PRE EQ, POST EQ and Split Cue were present on the original.

History and price determine the used purchase. A carefully maintained original can be excellent. We favour the MK2 at a €200 gap, but a much larger saving changes the decision.