Yes, but it's a huge difference getting the right parts. I originally was using xx cranks with 9spd x0 stuff last year and then I upgraded to the full xx. I was most blown away by the front shifting. I thought it was good with the x0 shifter and xt FD, but it was worlds better with the right parts.
You can use a triple f. shifter with a double FD, its a little weird to setup, you have the slackest cable you have ever seen, but it works better.