The iBasso DX180 is a run-of-the-mill high-of-the-line DAP glued together into a strong performance, striking looks, and ease of use. It promises an enticing combo of both technical perfection and musicality, hence promising the best blend of high-fidelity sound combined with great build quality.
Disclaimer
I received the iBasso DX180 from iBasso for review purposes. All opinions expressed in this review are my own, and iBasso has no influence over my evaluation. This review is unbiased and reflects my honest experience with the product. I am not affiliated with iBasso in any way, and I have not received any compensation beyond the product itself.
Note: I am into warm, analog sound that can produce rich and cozy tones, with enhanced bass and midrange frequencies to smoothly render it full-bodied. This captures the organic warmth of music with depth and intimacy, much like the soft texture of vinyl. Natural-sounding, relaxed, and emotionally engaging, this is perfect for immersive soothing listening. Based on my sound preference, I am writing this review.
If You willing to buy this product you can visit iBasso Store. If you are from Bangladesh you can visit GeekMart and make your pre-order.
Gears Used
- Dac Dongle: ddHifi tc44c, tc44pro e2, Fosi audio Ds1,
- Phone: LG V60.
- Desktop Dac & Amp: Xduoo XD05 Basic with (BB OPA2132p, N5532p, JRC5532DD, OPA07CP) op amps, Kaei tap 2, Zen dac V2, Earman ST-Amp.
- Some IEMS.
Specification
Just Take a look at the picture below.
Picture from Ibasso.com
Box Content
- DX180 Dap
- Silicon Case
- Some Screen Protector
- USB to USB-C cable
- Some Paper Works.
Design and Build
The body of the DX180 is classily finished: a back of frosted glass and an outer frame of heavy-gauge metal; its ergonomic design fits great in the hand, while a modern high-resolution touchscreen offers an intuitive interface. Equipped with Android 13, it’s happy to run streaming apps without breaking a sweat-though owners can also sideload APK files.
It also supports balanced and single-ended outputs via 4.4mm and 3.5mm, correspondingly, hence this makes it fit for a wide variety of headphones and IEMs. Clicky responsive hardware buttons further enrich the user experience. also, it is designed for users to change the battery by themself.
Sound Performance
The DX180 uses quad Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips. It has a neutral-slightly warm sound signature, which is very detailed and with good transparency. Herewith is the breakdown of its sound characteristics:
Bass: tight, fast, controlled deep, and extended, with some real good natural reverb and weight in it-never overweighted or booming-quite engaging.
Mids: midrange is very wide and natural. The timbre sounds just like life, marvelously articulate. Vocals and instruments are clear with a slight lushness, really driving across the point of the emotional depth.
Treble: The highs are light and smooth, offering openness that does not come out as harshly bright. Therefore, it makes the DX180 suited to extended listening.
Soundstage: Wide, immersion-like soundstage on the DX180, instruments are well-placed where their locations can be heard. It can carry complex arrangements with ease through its separation clarity.
Power and Compatibility
The DX180 is capable of outputting a maximum 690mW at 32Ω from the balanced port; it can drive everything from sensitive IEMs right through to power-hungry full-sized cans. Impressively silent, the background makes it a perfect match for even the most sensitive of monitors. Coupled Impressions It makes for one heck of a source for a wide array of IEMs and headphones courtesy of its tuning and power capability.
Some pairings
QOA Mimosa: Compared to the DX180, the Mimosa is softer and more transparent and full while maintaining bass-mid oriented character; it’s perfectly suitable for pop and genres having heavy bass notes. The midrange sounds more open, the treble comes out smooth.
Sennheiser IE 200: Naturally tuned and a bit warm, it married very well with the transparency of the DX180. Bass extends to lower and better-defined mids and treble retains smooth and clear character. That will probably delight acoustic and vocal-heavy tracks a lot more.
Ikko OH10s: Perhaps for their V-shaped signature, but just as the refinement from the DX180 is in control, it never truly overstays its welcome – bass hits hard without stepping on the articulate mid-range, and the sparkle in the treble is there rather than sharp. The soundstage does feel wider.
Aful Performer 5+2: Balanced signature that’s enjoyable even scales relatively well with the DX180. Bass punches and extends nicely, mid-range is lush and textured while the treble sparkles with its detailing without coming off too aggressive. The resolution added by the DX180 enhances the already decent layering and separation present on the Performer 5+2.
TinHifi Dudu: The Dudu, being neutral in signature, picks up extra warmth on the DX180, making it far more engaging. The midrange comes across as clear and lavish in presentation, while the treble retains its air without hitting hard. This combination actually works very nicely for listeners who enjoy a well-balanced signature but with just the right amount of richness.
Hidizs MP145: The MP145 really lets the planar driver get alive with the power output of the DX180, and then the bass goes much tighter while the mids remain lush with space. The treble gains refinement and has very little or no sibilance. The expansive soundstage and good imaging make it ideal for orchestral or complex genres.
Rose Technics QT-X: Swift, detailed sound; DX180 brought much-needed natural warmth. Just rounding the mid-presentation of QT-X a bit and smoothing out those peaks of treble made this combo so much more engaging and far from being clinical.
It’s the user experience.
Operating system: Impressions of the Android 13 OS in operation-most smooth and fluid with absolutely no lag anywhere. The DX180 also supports high-resolution audio formats such as DSD and PCM, including NOS (non-oversampling) mode, and a choice of FIR filter options these are sure to establish the exact sound one wants. Some will find the FIR filter a tad too clinical.
Battery Life: The battery life of the DX180 is quite respectable, up to 9 hours with one charge, in high gain mode, which should be enough for most people, well above average. Its USB-C port provides support for fast charging, which is nice.
Conclusion
The iBasso DX180 strikes a great balance between technical capability and musicality, naturally and in great detail, engaging and genre-versatile. Be it power, clarity, or even user experience DX180 is indeed one strong candidate within its bracket and is overall worth the estimated value of about $550.
iBasso DX180 is one of the perfect devices for audiophiles, as it’s a highly performing DAP with inclusions for modernity and fantastic sound.
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Happy listening
