iBasso DX340 Review

 

Introduction:

For its 18th anniversary, iBasso Audio has released the DX340, a flagship digital audio player featuring a 1-Bit Discrete PWM DAC. The DX340 builds upon the existing DX series, combining advanced technology with a refined aesthetic.

The DX340’s user interface is powered by an open Android 13 system, a Snapdragon 665 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage. Audio processing is handled by iBasso’s proprietary FPGA-Master 3.0 precision audio system controller. The device utilizes a 16-group, 8-element 1-Bit Discrete PWM DAC cascade, with 32 elements per channel for L+, L-, R+, and R-. This configuration, along with a rated maximum power output of 2150mW @ 32 Ohms per channel, aims to provide a powerful and stable sound output.

The DX340 features a silver stainless steel chassis and a 6″ 1080×2160 AMOLED display. The design allows for user replacement of the dual batteries (4000mAh + 2100mAh) and the amplifier module.

This review will take a close look into the features and performance of the iBasso DX340, the new high-end DAP of the company.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank iBasso for providing me the DX340 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 DX340 is 1,699.00 US$. For more information, please visit the link below;

• iBasso DX340 Digital Audio Player

 

Package and Accessories:

The packaging of the iBasso DX340 digital audio player features a distinctive iridescent finish on the grey sleeve that changes color under different lighting conditions. This unique design element adds visual interest to the box. Once the sleeve is removed, it reveals the main blue box, which prominently displays the iBasso branding on the top. The front of the sleeve displays the model number “DX340” in a bold, modern font, along with the words “Reference DAP” and the brand name “iBasso Audio” in a clean, minimalist font.

Inside this box, you will find the following items and accessories:

• 1 x iBasso DX340 Digital Audio Player
• 1 x Premium Leather Case
• 1 x USB Type-C Charging/Data Cable
• 1 x 12V External Power Adapter
• 1 x Coaxial (SPDIF) Cable
• 1 x Burn-In Cable
• 3 x Protective films (rear panel)
• 3 x Screen Protector films (1x pre-installed)
• 2 x Protective Cap for the Type-C Port
• 1 x User Manual
• 1 x Warranty Card

The DX340 comes with a premium looking that features a combination of light blue leather and a metal frame. The leather portion, in a light blue and textured finish, covers most of the device, while the metal frame, with a polished and reflective surface, is visible at the top and sides. The inner surface of the case is soft to the touch and includes iBasso patterns. The design improvements make the case less slippery and the volume knob easier to use.

Included in the package are protective films, burn-in and coaxial (SPDIF) cables, two sets of protective caps for the Type-C ports, and a 12V external power adapter, enhancing the overall functionality of the product.

 

Design, Buttons and Build Quality:

Upon receiving the iBasso DX340, the first impression is its sleek and modern design. The device features a high-quality silver stainless steel housing, which adds a touch of elegance while enhancing its durability. The large black screen dominates the front of the device, providing a minimalist aesthetic. The DX340 reflects iBasso’s new design philosophy and lines, first seen in the DX260 and later in the DX180, setting it apart from the DX300 and DX320 models. The overall dimensions are 150mm x 77.5mm x 19mm, and it weighs in at 486 grams, making it a substantial yet portable device. Both its weight and overall design lines contribute to a premium feel. The attention to detail is apparent in every aspect, from the precise construction of the metal frame to the smooth finish of the stainless steel.

The front of the DX340 is highlighted by its 6-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080×2160. This screen offers sharp and vivid colors, making album art, interface elements, and videos pop with exceptional clarity. The slightly curved edges around the display lend a modern aesthetic, ensuring that the device feels smooth and comfortable in the hand. The display supports a double-tap to wake-up feature, similar to modern mobile phones, which is a convenient and user-friendly addition. The silver stainless steel frame around the display adds to the device’s sophistication and sturdiness, creating a balanced blend of elegance and durability.

On the right side of the DX340, the design focuses on usability and ergonomics. The multi-functional volume wheel is a standout feature, serving dual purposes: it allows users to adjust the volume and, when pressed, can turn the screen on and off. The wheel has a textured, ridged surface that provides a comfortable and precise feel, making it easy to grip and operate. The intricate design, with its radial pattern and precise machining, showcases the attention to detail and craftsmanship.

The wheel integrates smoothly with the device’s overall design, complementing the cohesive and modern look of the DX340.

Below the volume wheel, there are playback control buttons, including play/pause, next, and previous track buttons. These buttons are placed strategically for easy access, even when holding the device in one hand. The tactile feedback from the buttons and volume wheel significantly enhances the user experience, making it enjoyable to use for long listening sessions. Overall, it’s clear that the DX340 has made significant strides compared to previous models, demonstrating a genuine commitment to improving usability and user satisfaction.

At the bottom of the DX340, there are additional connection points. The AMP card that comes with the DX340 is the AMP15, which utilizes the following ports: the 4.4mm balanced output, the 3.5mm single-ended output, and the 12V DC-IN port. This area is designed to be removable, allowing users to replace it with different AMP cards, similar to the DX300 and DX320 models.

The DX340 utilizes iBasso’s replaceable amp card design, which is compatible with the AMP12, AMP13, AMP14, and will also be compatible with other upcoming AMP1x series AMP cards. The backplate of the device can be removed using the screws, revealing the AMP card and allowing for easy replacement. This modular design adds to the versatility and functionality of the device, providing users with the flexibility to customize their audio experience.

The rear surface of the DX340 features a glass panel with a subtle blue tint, adding a touch of modern elegance. The glass back provides a sleek and smooth finish, with the blue tint catching the light beautifully. The top-left corner of the back panel includes a design element with a knurled knob and two screws, adding to the device’s intricate design and craftsmanship. This panel is removable with the help of the screws, allowing users to easily replace the battery, which enhances the device’s longevity and maintenance.

The precise machining and combination of smooth and textured surfaces enhance both aesthetics and functionality. The iBasso logo is subtly etched into the glass, contributing to the refined aesthetic without overwhelming the overall look. The combination of glass and metal creates a luxurious feel, ensuring that the DX340 stands out both in terms of design and build quality.

On the top of the device is the MicroSD card slot, the multifunctional USB Type-C (Data/USB DAC/Charging) and the SPDFI digital output interface.

After spending time with the iBasso DX340, it’s evident that this device has made significant progress compared to its predecessors. The design and build quality are immediately noticeable, combining glass and metal for a luxurious feel without compromising durability. The volume wheel and playback control buttons are thoughtfully designed, offering comfortable and precise operation.

The screen is sharp and vivid, adding to the premium feel of the device. The AMP card design allows for easy upgrades, showing iBasso’s commitment to flexibility and user satisfaction. The ability to replace the battery through the back panel is a practical feature that enhances longevity.

Overall, the iBasso DX340 stands out not just for its aesthetics but also for its functional robustness. It’s evident that a lot of thought has gone into every aspect of its design, from the precise machining of the volume wheel to the seamless integration of controls and ports. While it’s clear that I appreciate the device, my observations are based on its tangible qualities and the improvements it has made over previous models.

 

Some Technical Specifications:

• Display                       : 6.0-inch AMOLED (resolution 1080×2160)
• Chassis                      : 316 Stainless Steel
• Processor                  : Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
• RAM/ROM                  : 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM, expandable to 2TB via SD card
• DAC Design              : 1Bit Discrete DAC Design
• DAC’s in Total          : 16 sets of 8E PWM-DAC’s (128 PWM DAC’s in Total)
• PCM                           : up to 32bit/768kHz
• DSD                            : Native DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512
• Audio Formats          : APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, ACC, ALAC, AIFF, OGG, MP3, DFF, DSF, DXD, DST
• APM Section             : 8 pieces BUF634
• Outputs                      : 4.4mm Balanced Phone/Line Out, 3.5mm Single-ended Phone/Line/Coaxial Out, USB OTG
• Bluetooth                   : V5.0
• WiFi                            : 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5GHz)
• Battery                       : 3.8V 4000mAh (Digital) + 3.8V 2100mAh (AMP), Li-Polymer
• Battery Life               : Approx. 11 hours
• Charging Time          : Approx. 2.5 hours
• Dimensions               : 150mm * 77.5mm * 19mm
• Chassis                      : 316 Stainless Steel
• Weight                       : about 486 grams

 

Hardware Features:

The iBasso DX340 is a high-performance portable audio player featuring advanced hardware components. It incorporates iBasso’s in-house discrete PWM-DAC and FPGA-Master 3.0 technologies. This design aims to provide a high level of precision. The DX340’s DAC configuration utilizes a large number of elements compared to some other portable discrete DAC implementations. This contributes to a rated THD+N of -119dB, which represents a significant improvement over some open-source PWM-DAC designs with a THD+N around -80dB.

 

DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter):

The iBasso DX340 utilizes a 16-cascade, 8-element PWM-DAC configuration based on iBasso’s in-house discrete PWM-DAC technology. This design aims to minimize distortion and noise, achieving a rated THD+N of -119dB. This specification is comparable to some flagship desktop DACs. In terms of file format support, the DX340 handles PCM audio up to 32bit/768kHz and Native DSD512, covering a range of high-resolution audio formats. During listening, the DX340’s presentation is characterized by its detail retrieval. Subtle nuances in familiar recordings become more apparent, contributing to a potentially more engaging listening experience.

 

AMP (Amplifier):

The amplifier section of the DX340 is designed with performance and versatility in mind. The replaceable AMP card design is particularly noteworthy, allowing for easy customization. The AMP15 card, which comes standard, uses eight BUF634 chips to ensure high output ability and supports an external DC 12V power supply. When using this external power, the amp operates in “Super gain mode,” delivering up to 2150mW+2150mW@32Ω, which is suitable for driving both IEMs and headphones. With multiple output options, including a 4.4mm balanced phone port and a 3.5mm single-ended phone out, the device offers a well-rounded listening experience with excellent frequency response and low distortion.

One of the key features I’ve appreciated is the replaceable AMP card design, which allows for swapping amplifier modules to tailor the listening experience. The DX340 is compatible with the AMP12, AMP13, and AMP14, and will also support future AMP1x series AMP cards, ensuring adaptability with the latest audio advancements.

 

4.4mm Balanced Phone Port:

• Maximum Output Level: 8.3Vrms (12V DC-IN), 6.23Vrms (Battery)
• Output Power: 2150mW+2150mW@32ohm, THD<1% (12V DC-IN), 1200mW+1200mW@32ohm, THD<1% (Battery)
• Frequency Response: 10Hz~22kHz -0.7dB, 10Hz~40kHz -2.2dB
• S/N: 123dB
• Dynamic Range: 123dB
• THD+N: -119dB (A-wt, 600ohm load), -117dB (A-wt, 300ohm load), -106dB (A-wt, 32ohm load)
• Crosstalk: -140dB

 

3.5mm Single Ended Phone Out:

• Maximum Output Level: 4.2Vrms (12V DC-IN), 3.16Vrms (Battery)
• Output Power: 550mW+550mW@32ohm, THD<1% (12VDC-IN), 312mW+312mW@32ohm, THD<1% (Battery)
• Frequency Response: 10Hz~22kHz -0.7dB, 10Hz~40kHz -2.2dB
• S/N: 123dB
• Dynamic Range: 123dB
• THD+N: -117dB(A-wt,600ohm load), -117dB (A-wt, 300ohm load), -104dB (A-wt,32ohm load)
• Crosstalk: -138dB

 

4.4mm Balanced Line Out:

• Maximum Output Level: 2Vrms
• Frequency Response: 10Hz~22kHz-0.7dB, 10Hz~40kHz -2.2dB
• S/N: 123dB
• Dynamic Range: 123dB
• THD+N: -119dB
• Crosstalk: -145dB

 

3.5mm Single Ended Line Out:

• Maximum Output Level: 1Vrms
• Frequency Response: 10Hz~22kHz-0.7dB, 10Hz~40kHz -2.2dB
• S/N: 118dB
• Dynamic Range: 118dB
• THD+N: -110dB
• Crosstalk: -135dB

 

SOC (System on Chip):

At the core of the DX340 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 SoC, which ensures smooth system performance. The device includes 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.1 high-speed memory, providing ample space for software installation and efficient multitasking. Additionally, the storage capacity can be expanded with a Micro SD card up to 2TB. This combination ensures a responsive user experience, making the DX340 a reliable portable audio player. Navigating through the interface has been smooth, even with multiple apps running in the background.

 

USB (USB DAC):

The DX340 can function as a high-performance USB-DAC, supporting PCM up to 32bit/768kHz and Native DSD512. The ultra-low latency of the USB receiver is beneficial for activities like watching movies or playing games, providing a seamless audio experience with no noticeable delay. I’ve used it in USB-DAC mode for streaming high-resolution audio, and the quality has been consistently good.

 

FPGA-Master 3.0:

The FPGA-Master 3.0 technology is a notable feature of the DX340. The new FPGA chip has 7.5 times the number of LUT units compared to its predecessor, equipped with an exclusive harmonic adjustment algorithm. This technology enhances audio quality by adjusting odd and even harmonics, leading to a more refined and detailed listening experience. The FPGA-Master 3.0 drives 128 PWM-DACs to work at their maximum performance, generating and decoding the PWM signal with precision.

 

Battery:

The DX340 features a dual battery power supply structure, where the digital and AMP sections are powered by independent batteries. Specifically, it has a 3.8V 4000mAh Li-Polymer battery for the digital section and a 3.8V 2100mAh Li-Polymer battery for the AMP card section. This design ensures the stability of the AMP section’s power and isolates it from electromagnetic interference.

The device offers a battery duration of 8-9 hours at medium gain over the 4.4mm Balanced output, and 9-10 hours over the 3.5mm Single-Ended outputs at medium gain with the volume set to 40 out of 100 steps. When connected to a USB charger, the DX340 operates solely on external power, enhancing its practicality for on-the-go use. The batteries can be fully charged in about 2.5 hours, ensuring that the device is ready for use.

 

Wireless Connectivity:

The iBasso DX340 offers robust wireless connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with modern wireless standards. ¹ The device supports Wi-Fi 6 and is compatible with 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz/5GHz), providing fast and stable internet connections for streaming and downloading high-resolution audio files. In my previous experience with older iBasso DAPs like the DX200 and DX220, there were occasional Wi-Fi issues. However, since the DX300, DX320, and now with the DX340, I haven’t encountered any of those problems. It seems like the improvements made by iBasso have successfully addressed these concerns.

Additionally, the DX340 includes Bluetooth 5.0, making it easy to connect wireless headphones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. In my experience, Bluetooth pairing was simple, and the connection remained stable. The DX340’s ability to function as a Bluetooth DAC is a welcome bonus.

 

 

2. Software & GUI (Graphical User Interface):

Using the iBasso DX340, I’ve found it to be equipped with a Dual OS system, similar to its predecessors, the DX300 and DX320. One of the operating systems is iBasso’s self-developed Linux-based MangoOS, which offers a pure music experience. The main operating system is an Open Android OS, slightly customized by the iBasso software team.

This Android 13-based OS provides the flexibility to download third-party applications, including online streaming services like Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, Apple Music, as well as any other third-party apps, just like a smartphone.

One of the first things I noticed was the fluidity of the interface. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 and 8GB of RAM, the DX340 operates smoothly. Using the device’s 6-inch 1080*2160 resolution AMOLED display feels very similar to using a mid-range Android smartphone. The vibrant and sharp screen enhances the overall user experience, making navigation intuitive and visually appealing.

The iBasso DX340’s home screen features several app icons including iBasso Music Player, Chrome, Clock, Gallery, Settings, Play Store, Calculator, Files, Aptoide, Gboard, etc.

The status bar at the top display’s important information such as the time, battery percentage, harmonic filter, WiFi status, and volume.

By pulling down the top bar, you can access the quick settings panel, which includes toggles and settings for WiFi (On/Off), Bluetooth (On/Off), Output (LO, PO), Harmonic Filters, AMP Gain, DAC Gain, etc. that you can edit according to your preference.

The Audio Settings menu on the iBasso DX340 offers a range of customizable audio parameters to enhance your listening experience. Here, you can adjust settings such as AMP Gain, DAC Gain, Output, Harmonic, Volume Limitation, Volume Control Wheel, DC-IN Super Gain, and Car Mode.

By pressing the Settings icon and navigating to Audio Settings, you’ll find options like AMP Gain, where you can select from three different gain levels, and DAC Gain, allowing you to choose between two gains. The Output setting lets you switch between Phone out and Line out, while the Harmonic setting offers five options to tweak the audio harmonics. Volume Limitation allows you to set a maximum preset volume level, and the Volume Control Wheel can be fine-tuned to your preference.

DC-IN Super Gain becomes available when a 12V AC adapter is plugged in, significantly boosting the output power when enabled. Finally, Car Mode powers on the DX340 upon connecting to a USB power source, starts audio playback automatically, and powers off the device when the USB power source is disconnected.

Mango OS is another key feature that has been used by iBasso in previous devices, and it becomes more mature with each new release. I have used the iBasso DX340, and I appreciate its dual operating system experience. Android provides general device functionality, while Mango OS is dedicated to audio playback. Mango OS prioritizes sound quality by minimizing resource demands and streamlining the user interface. The Mango Player app serves as the primary interface for music library navigation and playback control. This contrasts with the more versatile, but potentially more resource-intensive, Android environment.

A key characteristic of Mango OS is its rapid boot time, allowing for near-immediate music enjoyment. Its functionality is limited to audio playback, excluding features like app installation and web browsing. This focused approach aims to maximize audio performance.

The DX340 allows to switch between Android and Mango OS. This dual OS capability provides the flexibility of Android for streaming and other applications, while Mango OS offers a dedicated environment for focused listening.

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• DAP’s             : iBasso DX340, Sony WM1ZM2
• IEM’s              : iBasso IT07, Campfire Audio Astrolith
• Headphones  : iBasso SR3

 

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)
• Radiohead – Pyramid Song (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 – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• 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)
• Miles Davis – So What (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)
• Dream Theater – Fall into the Light (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• 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 (Apple Lossless)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Apple Lossless)
• Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon (Flac 24bit/48kHz)

 

The Sound:

Exploring the iBasso DX340’s sound performance has been an enjoyable and enlightening experience, and I’m pleased to share my impressions. The player’s ability to render music with clarity, detail, and nuanced musicality is notable. It’s not just about technical proficiency; the DX340 appears to bring out layers and textures in the music that might have gone unnoticed before. This review is based on my personal listening experience and aims to offer insights into this device.

The iBasso DX340 presents a balanced and highly resolving sound signature that excels across the frequency spectrum. The bass is impactful and controlled, providing a satisfying depth without ever feeling bloated or overshadowing the delicate nuances of other frequencies. The midrange is where the DX340 truly shines, offering a detailed and engaging presentation. Vocals and instruments are rendered with a rich, textured quality that brings out their subtle character, adding an emotional layer to the music. The treble is smooth and extended, contributing a sense of airiness and sparkle to the overall sound without any harshness or sibilance.

Furthermore, the DX340 creates a wide and spacious soundstage, significantly enhancing the listening experience. This expansive soundstage, coupled with precise imaging, constructs a convincing three-dimensional auditory environment. Instruments and vocals are positioned with remarkable accuracy within this sonic landscape, allowing the listener to appreciate the full depth and complexity of the music.

 

This review has been written after a burn-in period of over 150 hours. The sound impressions below are based on my experience with the stock AMP15 amplifier module, paired with IEMs like the iBasso IT07 and Campfire Audio Astrolith, as well as headphones like the iBasso SR3.

 

Bass:

The iBasso DX340 impresses with its bass that is both impactful and precise. Paired with the iBasso IT07 and Campfire Audio Astrolith IEMs, the subbass decay is carefully controlled, allowing for deep extensions when necessary without lingering unnecessarily. I noticed that this precision ensures bass notes are tight and articulate, presenting each note with clarity and without muddiness.

Using the Campfire Audio Astrolith IEMs, the midbass performance stood out to me, adding a punchy and dynamic quality to the sound. The midbass is robust yet controlled, giving each bass note a well-defined presence that enhances the overall richness of the sound. The combination of subbass and midbass ensures a full-bodied bass response, providing a strong basis for the music, enhancing the overall listening experience with its depth and definition. Instruments such as bass guitars and kick drums are rendered with a natural timbre, offering an authentic and enjoyable listening experience. The control and definition in the bass make the DX340 particularly adept at handling complex bass lines, maintaining detail and impact without becoming boomy or overpowering.

 

Midrange:

The midrange on the iBasso DX340 is another area where it performs remarkably well. When paired with the iBasso IT07 IEMs, male vocals such as Sting and David Bowie gain a rich depth in the lower midrange, adding a full-bodied and realistic presentation. I found that this range captures the baritone and tenor nuances perfectly. The upper midrange, highlighted with female vocalists like Adele and Aretha Franklin, captures their powerful dynamics and delicate inflections with clarity and detail. Listening to Adele’s voice through this setup truly showcases the DX340’s ability to handle the subtle nuances of her emotive delivery. This balanced tuning ensures that instruments such as guitars and pianos present a true-to-life tonality, enhancing the overall musical experience.

The midrange’s coherent presentation guarantees that no particular frequency overwhelms the others, providing an engaging and enjoyable sound. The detail retrieval in this range is excellent, capturing the nuances of each instrument and vocal inflection. The result is a midrange that is rich, textured, and highly engaging, making it a standout feature of the DX340. The midrange further enhances the emotional impact of vocal performances, ensuring that listeners can fully appreciate the subtle nuances and expressions conveyed by the artists.

 

Treble:

In the treble region, the iBasso DX340 demonstrates an impressive level of control and extension. Paired with the iBasso IT07 IEMs, the treble is extended and detailed, providing a sense of airiness and sparkle to the overall sound signature. The treble region handles the finer details and subtle textures in music with precision. High-frequency instruments, such as cymbals and high hats, are rendered with clarity and separation, allowing them to stand out without becoming unnatural. The treble remains smooth and non-fatiguing, even during extended listening sessions, which is a testament to the DX340’s ability to manage sibilance effectively.

The presence region is well-balanced, offering just the right amount of emphasis to make high-pitched notes stand out without becoming harsh. Paired with the Campfire Audio Astrolith IEMs, the treble performance becomes even more refined, adding a sense of airiness and brilliance to the overall sound. The treble contributes to a highly resolving and detailed sound signature, that allows to hear the full spectrum of high-frequency details in the music. The overall treble performance is refined and polished, contributing to the DX340’s highly resolving and detailed sound signature. The treble’s ability to deliver both energy and smoothness ensures a pleasurable listening experience across a wide range of music genres.

 

Soundstage and Imaging:

The iBasso DX340 offers a notably wide and spacious soundstage for a portable device. Paired with both the iBasso IT07 and Campfire Audio Astrolith IEMs, it creates a three-dimensional listening experience, positioning instruments and vocals within a well-defined spatial environment. This spacious soundstage allows for clear separation of individual musical elements, giving each instrument and vocal its own distinct placement. Precise imaging further enhances this by enabling accurate localization of instruments and vocals within the sonic landscape, contributing to a more realistic presentation.

 

Comparison:

iBasso DX340 (AMP15) versus Sony WM1Z M2:

The iBasso DX340 presents a controlled and detailed bass response, with an emphasis on accuracy and definition, avoiding excessive bloom or muddiness. This characteristic lends itself well to genres where bass precision is crucial. The Sony WM1Z M2, on the other hand, offers a more emphasized bass presence. While it possesses a warmer tonality, this can sometimes result in a less defined low-end compared to the DX340. The WM1Z M2’s bass may be more appealing for genres like electronic or pop, where a stronger bass impact is often desired.

The iBasso DX340’s midrange is characterized by its clarity and separation. Vocals and instruments are rendered with precision, allowing for detailed listening and easy identification of individual elements within the music. The Sony WM1Z M2 also delivers a detailed midrange, but with a warmer and slightly more intimate presentation. This can add a sense of richness and body to vocals and instruments, making them sound fuller. The DX340’s superior separation may be preferable for listeners who prioritize a more reference-type listening experience.

The iBasso DX340 shows an extended and detailed treble response, with a slight emphasis on the higher frequencies. This contributes to a lively and airy presentation, enhancing clarity and detail retrieval. The Sony WM1Z M2 also offers detailed treble, yet its presentation is generally a bit smoother and less emphasized than the DX340. For some, the WM1Z M2’s smoother treble may be preferable, while the DX340’s airier presentation can add a sense of spaciousness and excitement to the music.

The iBasso DX340 creates a wide and holographic soundstage with precise instrument placement, contributing to an immersive and three-dimensional listening experience. The Sony WM1Z M2 also offers a wide soundstage and good instrument separation, with a slightly more natural and less analytical presentation compared to the DX340.

Overall, the iBasso DX340 and the Sony WM1Z M2 are both excellent portable audio players, each with their own unique strengths. The DX340 generally offers a more detailed and precise sound, while the WM1Z M2 provides a warmer and more engaging presentation. Additionally, the DX340 offers better hardware specifications, a more fluid user interface, and higher output power for more demanding headphones, all at a lower cost compared to the WM1Z M2, which makes this achievement even more exiting.

 

Conclusion:

The iBasso DX340 has undergone evaluation, demonstrating impressive performance. Its Snapdragon 665 processor, complemented by 8GB of RAM, ensures a responsive user interface capable of managing extensive music libraries with ease. Notably, the new AMP15 card is a significant module.

Sonically, the DX340 demonstrates competent performance. The bass is controlled and impactful, avoiding excessive emphasis. Midrange reproduction is detailed, resulting in clear vocal presentations. The treble is extended and refined, free from noticeable harshness. The soundstage presents a sense of spatial depth. The high-power output allows it to drive a variety of headphones effectively, while the low noise floor makes it suitable for sensitive IEMs as well.

The build quality is commendable. The stainless-steel chassis offers a premium feel, and the AMOLED screen remains clear and visible under various lighting conditions. A leather case is included, and although the modular design may seem complex to some, it provides valuable flexibility. Battery life is reasonable for a device of this type.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that iBasso should be commended for only increasing the price of the DX340 by $100 compared to the DX320, while incorporating enhancements such as a better screen, more memory, and a stainless-steel chassis.

Overall, the DX340 combines performance, features, and design, catering to users who prioritize audio quality and device customization, all within a premium aesthetic.

 

 

Pros:

• Top-class detail, technicality, and balance across the frequency spectrum
• Wide and immersive soundstage
• Clean output even with very sensitive IEM’s
• High power output (2000mW) capable of driving a variety of headphones
• Modular design with replaceable amp cards for sonic customization
• Replaceable battery design for longevity
• Smooth and responsive user interface due to Snapdragon 665 and 8GB RAM
• Premium build quality with stainless steel chassis and AMOLED display
• Included leather case and other accessories

 

Cons:

• A bit heavy (about 486grams) due to the robust stainless-steel chassis

 

Thank you for the Read!