iBasso DX180 Review

 

Introduction:

The iBasso DX180 is the latest portable digital audio player from the company, equipped with a quad-DAC configuration utilizing Cirrus Logic CS43131 chips. Designed to deliver 690mW of power at 32 ohms, the device aims to provide ample driving capability, while audio output is facilitated through both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced connections. It operates on the Android 13 operating system powered by Qualcomm’s 665 chipset, 4GB LPDDR4X RAM, and 128GB ROM. Moreover, the device features a SHARP 5-inch 1080p display and offers connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band Wi-Fi.

The player incorporates a revamped user interface and a new aesthetic design. Additionally, a removable back cover grants access to the internal components, including the battery, for potential servicing or upgrades.

Let’s take a deeper look at the design, hardware/software features, and sonic performance of the device.

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank iBasso for providing me the DX180 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 actual price of the iBasso DX180 is $529.00 USD. For more information, please visit the link below;

• iBasso DX180 Portable Digital Audio Player

 

 

Package & Accessories:

The iBasso DX180 comes in a relatively small, rectangular box with a stylish blue finish. It’s housed within a blue cardboard sleeve that features brandings with an iridescent finish on the top.

Inside the box of the iBasso DX180 are the following items/accessories:

• 1 x iBasso DX180 Digital Audio Player
• 1 x Silicone Case
• 1 x USB Type-C to USB A Charging/Data Cable
• 4 x Screen protectors
• 1 x User Manual
• 1 x Warranty Card

 

Design and Build Quality:

The iBasso DX180 is a refreshing departure from its predecessors. While the DX160 and DX170 opted for a rounded profile, the DX180 boasts a sharp, contemporary design reminiscent of its high-end sibling, the DX260. Crafted from durable aluminum, it feels substantial in your hand and exudes a premium quality. The device’s sleek lines and smooth finish are complemented by stylish angled edges, giving it a modern, sophisticated look.

Available in green, blue, or black, the DX180 offers a sleek and durable design.

The device has compact dimensions of 123mm x 75mm x 16mm and is impressively lightweight at approximately 206g, easily fitting into a pocket.

The Ibasso DX180 is equipped with a beautiful 5-inch touchscreen of the compamny SHARP. It’s clear and has vivid colors that make looking at album covers and finding your music a real treat.

For easy control, the right side of the DX180 features a handy dial, similar to its bigger brother, the DX260. You can adjust the volume (with 100 steps) and power the device ON or OFF with this same dial. It looks great and is easy to use.

The iBasso DX180 shows a familiar design aesthetic, echoing the look of its higher-end sibling, the DX260. Conveniently placed next to the volume dial, three dedicated buttons allow for easy music control. Skip tracks, pause, or rewind with a simple press. The device features a Hi-Res Audio sticker on the bottom.

The rear panel of the DX180 is showing a minimalist aesthetic, featuring the prominent “DX180” branding etched into the surface. The panel exhibits an iridescent finish, transitioning from black to grey depending on the lighting conditions, adding a subtle yet intriguing visual element. Essential regulatory markings like CE and FCC certifications are tastefully integrated, maintaining the overall clean look.

The rear panel of the DX180 introduces iBasso’s New UI Removable Back Cover design. This innovative approach provides easy access to the device’s internals, including the battery, for user serviceability and potential upgrades. The brushed metal finish and screw mechanism maintain the device’s premium aesthetic while ensuring reliable operation.

The bottom of the DX180 houses the audio output section. It features both 3.5mm single-ended (SE) and 4.4mm balanced (BAL) headphone/line-out ports (line-out function is shared). Additionally, the 3.5mm SE output doubles as a coaxial output, capable of handling up to 24bit/384kHz or DoP DSD128.

The top of the iBasso DX180 houses its connectivity suite. A microSD card slot is provided for expandable storage. A versatile USB Type-C port handles data transfer, USB DAC functionality, and charging.

Overall, the new iBasso DX180 presents a premium build quality and ergonomic design. Crafted from durable aluminum, the device feels solid and well-constructed in hand. Its compact dimensions and lightweight profile make it highly portable, easily slipping into pockets or bags. The integration of a tactile volume dial and dedicated playback controls enhances user experience, ensuring intuitive operation. The device’s sleek, modern aesthetic, coupled with its comfortable form factor, contributes to an overall positive user experience.

 

 

Some Specifications:

• Model: DX180
• DAC: Quad (x4) Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips
• Operating System: Android 13 + Mango OS Dual System
• CPU    : Snapdragon 665 SoC
• Screen: Sharp 5.0inch, 1080*1920P touch panel
• Audio Formats: Flac, WAV, WMA, ACC, ALAC, AIFF, MP3, DSF, DXD, DST
• USB C: USB 3.1
• Output Port: 4.4mm Balanced / 3.5mm Single Ended/ 4.4mm line out / 3.5mm line out
• WiFi: 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4Ghz/5Ghz)
• Bluetooth: V5.0
• RAM+ROM: 4GB LPDDR4X, 128G ROM
• Battery: 3200mAh Li-Polymer battery
• Charging Time: 1.5 hours
• Average Play Time: approx. 15.5 hours (Low Gain) / 13 hours (High Gain)
• Size: 123mm x 75mm x 16mm
• Weight: 206g
• Color: Green/Blue/Black
• Contents: DX180 Player / USB-C cable / TPU case / screen protectors / warranty card / quick start guide

3.5mm Single Ended Headphone Out:

• Maximum Output Level: 2Vrms (Low Gain) / 3Vrms (High Gain)
• Output Power: 281mW + 281mW@32ohm, 525mW + 525mW@16ohm, THD<0.1%
• Frequency Response: 10Hz~75kHz-1dB
• S/N: 127dB
• Dynamic Range: 127dB
• THD+N: -116dB (0.000156%)@1kHz (600ohm Load)
• Crosstalk: -118dB
• Output Impedance: 0.6ohm

4.4mm Balanced Headphone Out:

• Maximum Output Level: 4Vrms (Low Gain) / 6Vrms (High Gain)
• Output Power: 690mW + 690mW @32ohm, THD<0.5%
• Frequency Response: 10Hz~75kHz-1dB
• S/N: 133dB
• Dynamic Range: 133dB
• THD+N: -121dB (0.000087%)@1kHz (600ohm Load)
• Crosstalk: -144dB
• Output Impedance: 1.1ohm

3.5mm Line Out:

• Maximum Output Level: 2Vrms
• Frequency Response: 10Hz~75kHz-1dB
• S/N: 125dB
• Dynamic Range: 125dB
• THD+N: -112dB (0.00025%)@1kHz
• Crosstalk: -115dB

4.4mm Line Out:

• Maximum Output Level: 4Vrms
• Frequency Response: 10Hz~75kHz-1dB
• S/N: 133dB
• Dynamic Range: 133dB
• THD+N: -121dB (0.00025%)@1kHz
• Crosstalk: -130dB

  

 

Hardware & Software Features:

The iBasso DX180 is a digital audio player equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB internal storage. Its audio core features a quad-DAC configuration employing Cirrus Logic CS43198 chips, managed by an FPGA Master 2.0 system controller.

The DX180 employs a DAC matrix using four Cirrus Logic CS43131 chips, each offering a dynamic range of 130dB and THD+N of -115dB. This configuration allows the DX180 to achieve a measured THD+N of -121dB, surpassing the theoretical performance of a single CS43131.

The FPGA-MASTER 2.0 algorithm optimizes the quad-DAC setup through features like synchronous parallel output and FIR filtering (Normal and 2x), aiming to reduce distortion and improve sound quality.

The FIR 2x mode of the DX180 utilizes precise control over DAC clocks and data to enhance audio quality. This mode enables independent adjustment of each DAC data stream, resulting in picosecond-level accuracy. Additionally, a hardware analog FIR filter is employed to average the differences between multiple DACs, effectively reducing distortion and improving sound detail and bitstream quality.

Offering connectivity versatility, the DX180 includes 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs, as well as a coaxial output. Its headphone amplifier module provides balanced and single-ended outputs, delivering up to 690mW of power at 32 ohms via the 4.4mm balanced output, which is quite impressive for such a portable device.

 

USB & Wireless DAC Mode:

The DX180 can work as a USB DAC for Windows PC, Mac computer, and Linux computer. It is driver free on Mac computer and Linux computer. With Mac computers, the DX180 Supports PCM up to 32bit/384kHz and DoP DSD up to 128x. For Windows PC, one can download the driver from iBasso.com and install it following the steps, before using the USB DAC function. The DX180 supports up to 32bit/384kHz PCM, and native DSD up to 256x when be used as a USB-DAC on Windows OS.

The DX180 offers also wireless connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi for streaming and high-resolution Bluetooth 5.0 for lossless wireless listening and Bluetooth DAC Mode with Bi-Directional Connectivity.

 

Dual OS for Flexibility and Pure Audio:

Combining the best of both worlds, the DX180 features dual operating systems. The first, Mango OS, is a dedicated audio platform designed for pure music enjoyment with a minimalist interface. The second, a customized Android 13, provides flexibility for accessing popular streaming services and managing music libraries through familiar apps.

Both systems share user-friendly interfaces. The Android system offers standard navigation, settings, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity, while Mango OS prioritizes music playback with intuitive controls. The DX180’s powerful Snapdragon 665 processor, 4GB RAM, and a spacious 5-inch 1080p display ensure smooth performance and visual clarity for everything from music playback to multitasking.

 

Battery Life & Replacement:

The iBasso DX180 is equipped with a 3200mAh battery, promising up to 15.5 hours of continuous playback. This claim holds true when using the 3.5mm single-ended output in low gain mode. Battery life decreases to approximately 12-13 hours in high gain mode. However, factors like screen brightness, volume level, and audio format can impact these figures. Thanks to PD3.0/QC3.0 fast charging, a full recharge takes about 1.5 hours.

With its New UI Removable Back Cover design, the DX180 combines aesthetics with practicality. The back cover can be easily removed by unscrewing two screws, providing convenient access to the battery.

   

Equipment’s used for this review:

• DAP’s             : iBasso DX180, Astell&Kern SR35
• Earphones     : iBasso IT07, iBasso 3T-154, Campfire Audio Supermoon
• Headphones  : SIVGA P2 PRO

  

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Adele – My Little Love (Deezer HiFi)
• 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)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• 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)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Radiohead – Live in Berlin “ Album” (Deezer HiFi)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
• Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
• 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 – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

The Sound:

The iBasso DX180 showcases a well-rounded sonic profile characterized by its controlled bass, natural midrange, and extended treble. This balanced foundation makes it a versatile player that pairs favorably with a wide range of IEMs and headphones. The DX180’s ability to deliver both quantity and quality in the bass, combined with its detailed and engaging midrange and refined treble, contributes to an immersive and enjoyable listening experience, especially considering its portable size and competitive price.

Let’s take a deeper look into the specifics of each frequency range to understand how the DX180 interacts with different headphones and IEMs.

This review has been written after a burn-in period of approximately 150 hours. The sound impressions below are mainly based on my experiences with In-Ear Monitors such as the iBasso IT07, iBasso 3T-154, and IO Audio Volare and Headphone like the SIVGA P2 Pro.

Bass:

The iBasso DX180 delivers a controlled and accurate bass response that pairs well with a variety of IEMs and headphones. Its ability to balance quantity and quality is a key strength, an extremely well ability for a device at this price level. For instance, the iBasso IT07, with its quite balanced sound signature, benefits significantly from the DX180’s tight and articulate low-end. The DX180 adds depth and impact to the IT07’s sound, resulting in a more dynamic and engaging listening experience. On the other hand, the iBasso 3T-154, known for its nicely layered and textured bass response, benefits from the DX180’s controlled low-end presentation. Moving to headphones, the SIVGA P2 Pro, with its planar magnetic drivers, forms a compelling partnership with the DX180, which offers enough power in order to handle this relative power-hungry headphone. The controlled bass response of the DX180 completes the P2 Pro’s powerful low-end, resulting in a bass response that is both impactful and precise.

 

Midrange:

The DX180’s pretty natural and detailed midrange is a cornerstone of its sonic performance, making it a versatile source, pairing well with a wide range of IEMs and headphones. The iBasso 3T-154, with its balanced approach, benefits significantly from the DX180’s clear and engaging midrange. Vocals are reproduced with exceptional clarity and nuance, allowing to fully appreciate the artist’s emotional delivery. Instrumental timbre is accurate and lifelike, with a good balance of warmth and detail. This combination results in a midrange presentation that is both engaging and informative. The IO Audio Volare, known for its neutral sound signature, finds a complementary partner in the DX180. The DX180 adds a touch of body and warmth to the Volare’s midrange without sacrificing transparency or detail. This synergy creates a midrange presentation that is both rich and nuanced, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricacies of the music.

 

Treble:

The DX180’s extended and refined treble is a key factor in its ability to create a balanced and engaging soundstage. The iBasso 3T-154, often characterized by its smooth and controlled treble tuning, benefits significantly from the DX180’s extended upper frequencies. The DX180 adds a bit of additional air and sparkle to the IO Audio Volare’s sound, resulting in a slightly more open and lively presentation. The DX180’s treble also contributes to improved clarity and detail retrieval, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricacies of the high-frequency spectrum. The SIVGA P2 Pro, known for its bright and extended treble, forms a harmonious partnership with the DX180. The DX180’s refined treble enhances the P2 Pro’s treble presentation, creating a cohesive and balanced overall sound. The combination of the two results in a treble response that is both engaging and refined, offering a satisfying level of detail without becoming fatiguing.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The DX180 excels at expanding the perceived soundstage, contributing significantly to an immersive listening experience. When paired with IEMs or headphones that benefit from a wider presentation, such as the iBasso IT07, the DX180 noticeably enhances spatial cues. Conversely, when combined with headphones that already possess a wide soundstage, like the SIVGA P2 Pro, the DX180 reinforces and solidifies this characteristic.

 

Comparison:

iBasso DX180 (529 USD) versus Astell&Kern SR35 (649 USD):

The Astell&Kern SR35 and iBasso DX180 present distinct sonic signatures. The SR35 offers a warm, bass-forward sound with a smooth treble presentation. It prioritizes a comfortable listening experience over detailed retrieval. In contrast, the DX180 delivers a more neutral, balanced sound profile with a focus on clarity and precision. Its bass is controlled and accurate, while the treble is extended and detailed.

The Astell&Kern SR35 presents a midrange that is just a bit warm and engaging, with a focus on vocal clarity and body. While it offers a pleasant listening experience, I do find it slightly veiled compared to the DX180. The DX180, on the other hand, delivers a more neutral and detailed midrange closer to iBasso’s reference midrange profile, with excellent instrument separation and vocal clarity. It provides a more transparent and revealing presentation, allowing to appreciate the nuances of recordings.

The SR35’s treble is relative smoother and laid-back, prioritizing comfort over detail retrieval. While it avoids fatigue, it lacks some sparkle and extension compared to the DX180. The DX180 offers a slightly more extended and accurate treble response, with a bit more detail retrieval and airiness. It presents a more coherent and engaging treble presentation, capable of handling complex musical passages with ease.

The Astell&Kern SR35 creates a reasonably wide and deep soundstage, with good instrument separation. The iBasso DX180 on the other hand excels in creating a spacious and layered soundstage, with precise imaging and excellent depth cues for its price tag. It provides slightly more three-dimensional listening experience, allowing easier to located instruments and vocals within the sound field.

 

 

Conclusion:

The iBasso DX180 is a well-rounded digital audio player delivering exceptional sound quality and a premium user experience. Its powerful quad-DAC system, combined with a clean, balanced sound signature, makes it versatile for various musical tastes. The sleek aluminum design and responsive interface offer both style and functionality. While providing a dedicated audio OS for pure listening, the inclusion of Android 13 expands its capabilities for streaming and app use. With impressive battery life, extensive connectivity options, and a competitive price of $529, the DX180 offers exceptional value for its impressive performance and comprehensive feature set.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Powerful quad-DAC system for exceptional sound quality
• + Balanced and detailed sound signature
• + Spacious soundstage and Accurate Imaging
• + Modern Industrial Design & Premium Built Quality
• + Dual operating system for flexibility
• + Versatile connectivity options (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB DAC)
• + Good battery life
• + New UI Removable Back Cover design providing convenient access to the battery
• + Ample power output for driving headphones

 

• – Hard to complain about such a well-rounded device at this price level
  

 

 

Thank you for the Read!