iBasso AMP8 MK2 Review

 

 

 

 

 

iBasso AMP8 MK2 Review

 

 

Introduction:

iBasso is Chinese company that is specialized in the Portable Audio products such like Digital Audio Players (DAP), USB & Portable Amplifiers, In-Ear Monitors and Headphones. iBasso is also offering Amplifier Modules for their Digital Audio Players and the AMP8 MK2 is the one created for the DX240, which is the successor of the very popular DX220 that we have reviewed for you.

The AMP8 MK2 is a discrete amplifier module that is equipped with high level components and both 3.5mm Single Ended and 4.4mm Balanced output ports. The stock AMP1 MK3 module, which came with the DX240 did not feature a 4.4mm Balanced output, while it came with a smaller sized 2.5mm Balanced output, since the module has limited space for such an implementation.

 

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank iBasso for providing me the AMP8 MK2 module as review sample. I am not affiliated with iBasso beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product!

 

 

 

Price & Availability:

The current price of the iBasso AMP8 MK2 is $219.00 USD. For more information’s please visit the link below;

 

 

 

Package and Accessories:

The AMP8 MK2 came in relative simple small cardboard box in black color that sports a strait white paper strip with an iBasso branding on the top.

 

This box is containing the following items/accessories;

  • 1 x iBasso AMP8 MK2 Amplifier Module
  • 1 x Screwdriver
  • 2 x Hex Screw
  • 1 x User Manual
  • 1 x Warranty Card

 

The Amplifier Module was placed in to an Antistatic Bag (also known as Electrostatic Discharge) that you should keep and use when you but the module again in to the box.

Inside the box are also 2x Hex Screw and a Tool (screwdriver) that you can use to replace the AMP8 MK2 amplifier module.

 

 

 

Design & Product Details:

The AMP8 MK2 is a discrete amplifier module that can be installed on the iBasso DX240 Digital Audio Player.

It shares a similar front plate design with the stock AMP1 MK3 amplifier module, while it comes with a 1x 4.4mm Balanced and 1x 3.5mm Single Ended output, instead of 1x 3.5mm Single Ended Phone Out, 1x 3.5mm Balanced Out and 1x 2.5mm Balanced that was found on the AMP1 MK3.

The module is equipped with some high level amplifier components like Bipolar transistors, Low VCE transistors and ERO capacitors. The Low VCE transistors do have an output current rating of about 2000mA. The ERO 1839 capacitor do help to increase restitution of the sound performance.

The architecture of the AMP8 MK2 uses discrete components instead of operational amplifier (op-Amp) components, in order to provide high output voltage and current, while maintaining a low output impedance and better level of measurements.

The AMP8 MK2 has a +/- 8V high voltage swing, which results to a better sense of dynamics and headroom.

The 4.4mm Pentaconn Balanced output port has a large contact area that helps to decrease the resistance and to archive a better current transmission, which has positive impact of the sound performance.

The AMP8 MK2 that is dedicated to the DX240 offers both high voltage and current output. High voltage is helpful for high demanding full sized headphones, while the current output is ideal for sensitive IEM’s with low impedance.

 

 

 

 

 

Some Technical Specifications:

 

4.4mm Balanced (TRRRS) Headphone Output:

  • Frequency Response : 10Hz-45kHz (+/- 0.3dB)
  • SNR                            : 125dB
  • THD+N                       : -114dB (No Load), -113dB @300ohm, -101dB @32ohm
  • Dynamic Range         : 125dB
  • Crosstalk                    :  -122dB
  • Max. Output Level      : 6.2Vrms
  • Output Power             : 980mW@32ohm, 128mW@300ohm
  • Output Impedance      : 0.55ohm

 

3.5mm Single Ended (TRS) Headphone Output:

  • Frequency Response : 10Hz-45kHz (+/- 0.3dB)
  • SNR                            : 122dB
  • THD+N                       : -110dB (No Load), -109dB @300ohm, -98dB @32ohm
  • Dynamic Range         : 122dB
  • Crosstalk                    :  -117dB
  • Max. Output Level      : 3.1Vrms
  • Output Power             : 281mW@32ohm, 32mW@300ohm
  • Output Impedance      : 0.32ohm

 

 

Impact of Battery Life:

When I do use the DX240 with the AMP8 MK2 amplifier module, I do get about 9.5 hours over the 4.4mm Balanced Petaconn, testing conditions are bellow;

Gain: Normal, Volume: %50, Screen: Off, File: Flac 16bit/44.1kHz, Earphone/IEM: iBasso IT07 & iBasso IT01X

 

 

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

  • DAP’s             : iBasso DX240 with AMP8 MK2
  • Erphones       : iBasso IT07, iBasso IT01X, Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020, Oriveti OV800
  • Headphones  : iBasso SR2

 

 

 

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

  • Adele – My Little Love (Spotify)
  • Randy Crawford – On Day I Will Fly Away (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Hayley Westenra – Odyssey Album (Dezzer HiFi)
  • Dionne Warwick – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
  • Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • B.B. King – Riding With The King (Tidal Hi-Fi)
  • Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
  • U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
  • Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Really Slow Motion – Deadwood (Deezer HiFi)
  • Jo Blankenburg – Meraki (Spotify)
  • Lorde – Royal (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
  • Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
  • Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
  • Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
  • Rush’s – Leave That Thing Alone (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)s
  • Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
  • Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

 

 

 

 

The Sound:

The DX240 paired with the new AMP8 MK2 Amplifier Module shows an impressive sense of dynamism from the lows to the highs. The lower frequency region is shows a decent sense of authority, tightness and control, while the midrange is one of highlights, which is mildly warm, transparent and detailed. The treble range on the other hand is reproduced with a fabulous level of resolution, extension and control.

PS: This review has been written after a burn-in period of about 100 hours. The sound impressions below are based on my impressions paired with IEM’s like the iBasso IT07, Oriveti OV800, Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 and headphones like the iBasso SR.

 

 

iBasso DX240 + AMP8 MK2 Combination (Lows / Mids / Highs / Soundstage):

The first audible character of the DX240 + AMP8 MK2 combination in the lower frequency region is the sense of control and authority, which is on an impressive level. The subbass region has a warm tonality, while the depth and rumble paired with IEM’s like the iBasso IT07 and Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 is on a decent level when I do listen to songs like Massive Attack’s “Angel” or Lorde’s “Royals”. The grade of clarity and resolution of the DX240 + AMP8 MK2 combination fulfills my expectation from a product this standard.

 

The midbass region of the DX240 + AMP8 MK2 combination shows an outstanding synergy with the iBasso IT07 and Oriveti OV800 in terms of depth and body, and doesn’t creates a negative conditions such like a unwanted midbass hump. The midbass region of the AMP8 MK2 combo offers a good level of resolution and impact, while it retrains a decent sense of authority.

The DX240 + AMP8 MK2 combination shows a nicely warmish and smooth tonality along with an impressive sense of transparency, spaciousness and detail retrieval. The lower midrange creates a good amount of body and depth when I do listen to male vocals or instruments like acoustic guitars, violas or cellos. The lower midrange has the perfect balance between intensity and clarity that was pretty audible with the Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 and iBasso SR2 (Headphone).

The upper midrange of the AMP8 MK2 combo shows a great sense of dynamism and authority and offers a good performance in terms of detail retrieval and control in moments when instruments play with high level of distortion. For example, instruments like cymbals and drums are reproduced in a pretty clear and controlled manner, when I listen to it with the Oriveti OV800 or iBasso IT07. Female vocals like Edith Piaf, Diana Krall, Sertap Erener and instruments such like a pianos, side flutes, violins or mandolins are reproduced with excellent sense of liveliness and extension without to sound sibilant or overly sharp.

The iBasso DX240 + AMP8 MK2 combination shows a pretty rich and detailed treble presentation with good level of separation and control. The intensity of the treble region is moderately strong, while the tonality is quite realistic when I listen to instruments or soprano vocals. Instruments like cymbals in genres like jazz or metal music do sound pretty clear, while the level of micro detail and extension is outstanding, especially when I have listen to it with the IEM’s like the Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 or Oriveti OV800.

The iBasso DX240 + AMP8 combo shows a very dark and clean background, which creates ideal decent conditions for a precise separation and localizations of instruments and vocals. This AMP8 MK2 combination has a pretty airy and spacious soundstage atmosphere that offers a pretty realistic sense depth and wideness.

 

 

Comparison:

iBasso DX240 + AMP8 MK2 versus iBasso DX2240 + AMP1 MK3:

The AMP8 MK2 shows a slightly warmer tonality compared to the AMP1 MK3 which is the stock Amplifier module of the DX240. The subbass region of both amplifier modules dos share a pretty similar sense of depth and rumble, while the AMP8 MK2 offers a tad better level of transparency in this area. The midbass region of the AMP1 MK3 has slightly less intensity and authority compared to the AMP8 MK2, which has also the slightly edge when it comes to the dynamism of this region.

Both the AMP8 MK2 an the AMP1 MK3 do have a pretty clean, airy and transparent midrange character, while AMP8 MK2 shows a slightly warmer tonality, which is fairly audible but not a night and day difference. The lower midrange of the AMP1 MK3 is less highlighted compared to those of the AMP8 MK2, which shows more body and depth in this area. This makes the AMP8 MK2 more successful when I do listen to male vocals and instruments like hi-hats, acoustic guitars or organs.

The upper midrange of both amplifier modules does sound pretty similar in terms of tonality, brightness level and resolution. The main difference is that the AMP8 MK2 has the advantage in terms of micro detail retrieval and extension, especially towards the lower treble area.

When it comes to the treble range I can say that both the AMP8 MK2 and the AMP1 MK3 do offer a decent performance in terms separation, extension and resolution in this area. The AMP8 MK2 has the slightly in the lower treble register, where it shows a slightly better sense of clarity and definition. The upper treble character is almost similar for both amplifier modules, which do offer an impressive grade of airiness and sparkle.

The difference in terms of soundstage atmosphere is quite minimal, since both amplifier modules do offer an above average level of depth and wideness.

 

 

Conclusion:

The iBasso DX240 was already an impressive sounding Digital Audio Player with its stock AMP1 MK3 amplifier module, which however was missing a 4.4mm Pentaconn Balanced output. The brand new AMP8 MK2 comes now with both a 4.4mm Balanced and 3.5mm Single Ended outputs. But the best part is that it offers also some audible sound improvements such like better dynamics from the lows up to the highs, a higher sense of resolution and a slightly warmer analog-like tonality, which was something I missed while listen to the AMP1 MK3.

 

 

 

Pros and Cons:

  • + Dynamism & Resolution
  • + Overall Technical Performance
  • + Warm & Lush Tonality
  • + 4.4mm Balanced + 3.5mm Single Ended outputs
  • + Ideal for both Sensitive IEM’s and Power Hungry Headphones

 

  • – No Line-Out Option

 

 

 Thank you for the Read!

 

 

 

 

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2 Responses

  1. Viktor says:

    Hello,
    I recently acquired amp8 mk2 module and am very satisfied with the sound.
    However, I have a bit of an issue with it. If I connect headphones via 3.5 or 4.4 with screen off and then turn on screen and start playing music, there is no sound. This is fixable by pulling out/reconnecting headphones and also does not happen, if I turn the screen on and then connect headphones.
    Minor issue, but I I didn’t have with stock amp or amp5 mod which I also own. Tried disconnecting/reseating module, but it did not help.
    Has anyone encountered this issue?
    I’m using Neutron player, but it probably does not matter.

  2. Zack says:

    This is a bit strange, because I don’t have such an issue. Did you contact ibasso?

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