iBasso DX180
Prons
Excellent audio performance
Great technicalities and fidelity
Transparency and clarity
natural timbre without much artificiality
weighty and dynamic low-end
+ Dead silent
Expansive soundstage with sharp imaging
Compact and lightweight
Good battery duration
It Doesn’t get warm
Excellent build quality
user-replaceable battery
Vibrant screen
Fast and responsive Android 13 OS
Excellent value for money
Cons:
not class-leading in power output
not as slim as the DX170
No double-tap to wake the screen
New products are rolling out at iBasso’s rapid pace as the company refreshes its portfolio. The DX180 will soon replace the iBasso DX170, following in the footsteps of the DX260, which replaced the DX240.
Digital audio player (DAP) features are not skimped on in the DX180, despite its low price point, according to iBasso. Despite its little stature, it retains the DX260’s groundbreaking DAC matrix array.
Technical highlights
The DX180 decides to use four CS43131 DAC chips instead of eight CS43198 chips in a matrix array. This is the first and only digital audio processor (DAP) in its class that, as far as I am aware, employs a quartet of DAC chips in tandem, a technique that goes above and beyond the theoretical technological limitations of the CS43131 and yields remarkable results, such as a 130dB dynamic range and an astonishingly low THD+N of -115dB.
Generation 2.0 of iBasso’s FPGA-Master is here after years of algorithm development. It is responsible for requesting audio data directly from the system on a chip (SoC) and is crucial for signal reproduction and integrity maintenance in its position as audio system controller. By combining two NDK femtosecond oscillators into one perfectly synchronized clock source, it is able to synchronize and produce all audio clocks. The FPGA-Master 2.0 can produce the FIR filter, modify the DAC clock and data, and exhibit picosecond-level exact control, among other capabilities. To increase overall performance, the FIR filter lowers “discrete distortion” between DACs using a synchronous parallel output mode. The iBasso DX260 has four DAC chips, but the DX180 only has two; therefore, it can’t go into FIR mode at 4x. You may toggle the FIR on or off in the audio settings or via the menu.
The USB DAC mode on the DX180 ensures low latency and supports decoding up to 768 kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD512. It also has a dedicated USB receiver for this mode. Additionally, WASAPI and ASIO output are supported via the USB DAC mode.
Non-audio stuff
An angular and somewhat aggressively formed chassis is the defining feature of iBasso’s new design pattern, which was unveiled with the DX260. A sleek and industrial design that goes in the opposite direction of their earlier DAPs, which featured softer curves and rounded corners.
The DX260 and the DX180 are nearly indistinguishable in appearance; both have small dimensions (123x75x16mm), but the DX180 is 23 grams lighter at 206 grams. On the right side of the chassis, where the volume control wheel is located, there is a subtle visual variation. The DX180 is a small and light DAP that fits snugly in the palm of your hand or in a pocket. There is a silicone case provided in the packaging in case you feel any sharpness from the corners or edges.
A single piece of CNC-machined aluminum forms the chassis, and a layer of hardened glass reinforces the back cover in an attractive fashion. The build quality and polish are simply excellent. To those unfamiliar with the iBasso volume wheel, it may appear delicate and easily broken; yet, this could not be further from reality; the wheel is strong and long-lasting. You may get the iBasso DX180 in three different colors: black, green, and blue.
Layout
Following standard iBasso fashion, the two headphone ports are situated on the underside of the device, with the USB type-C connector and micro SD card slot occupying the top half. One of the many uses for the 3.5mm output is as an SPDIF jack. On the right side, you’ll find the three buttons that control playback, as well as the multifunction volume wheel. uncluttered, practical, and uncomplicated layout.
Hardware and software
Following standard iBasso fashion, the two headphone ports are situated on the underside of the device, with the USB type-C connector and micro SD card slot occupying the top half. One of the many uses for the 3.5mm output is as an SPDIF jack. On the right side, you’ll find the three buttons that control playback, as well as the multifunction volume wheel. uncluttered, practical, and uncomplicated layout.
User experience
Installing all your favorite programs straight from the official Play Store comes pre-installed with the iBasso DX180, giving you the full Android experience. The DX180 is lightning-quick and fluid in every application, in contrast to the rather sluggish DX170. Reception on both WiFi and Bluetooth is robust and consistent. You can access all the standard Android menus with gestures, and there’s also an audio settings panel where you can adjust things like digital filters, gain, maximum volume, balance, line output (fixed or variable), and more. You may also access most of these settings using the customizable shortcut menu, which appears as a drop-down. You can easily see the sampling rate, digital filter, gain, and FIR mode in the top bar while the music is playing. An absolute delight to operate, the DX180 is a very responsive and user-friendly DAP.
The iBasso Mango player eliminates extraneous features in favor of a robust parametric equalizer, allowing for cleaner listening. Mango is merely a player app and not a second operating system; the DX180, in contrast to the DX260, does not support dual operating systems. In order to play music with precise bit accuracy, the DX180 incorporates an SRC bypass that is system-wide.
User-replaceable battery
Featuring a user-replaceable battery, the iBasso DX180 follows in the footsteps of the iBasso DX260 as the second market participant to do so. Simply loosen the two screws on the rear cover to remove it and access the internal battery; the process is that simple. Avoid soldering by simply attaching the battery with double-sided adhesive tape and connecting it to the main board with a tiny socket. Get in touch with iBasso if you need a new battery.
Battery duration
The 3200mAh battery can be charged quickly with both PD3.0 and QC3.0. In just 60 minutes, the battery is charged 83% of the way, and in just 84 minutes, it is fully charged. The balanced phone output can last up to 15.5 hours on a charge, and the line-out can last an amazing 30 hours. Even though these numbers may seem a bit high, I have been able to get about 12 hours of playing from the balanced output when streaming high-resolution music. The power life is pretty good for a player that is so small.
Power output and noise
The DX180 is literally dead silent, without a hint of background noise or any kind of hiss from electromagnetic interference. This must be the most silent DAP in existence, with a measured noise as low as 0.79 μV or 1.1 μV at the highest volume setting from the balanced output. Pretty impressive and the ideal partner for your most sensitive earphones.
Listening impressions
While it’s true that iBasso is an authority on the CS43131 DAC chip, the real story is that with the DX180, they pulled off an unprecedented feat of implementation, pushing performance to its absolute maximum.
Regardless of price point, the DX180 is among the best-sounding digital audio players (DAPs) available. It will be difficult for anyone to realize that this is a $520 DAP due to the outstanding sound performance. In all candor, I have not heard any major drawbacks to this DAP, and it ranks among the best-sounding ones I have ever tested. Trust me when I say this: I never exaggerate.
There is no discernible change in the linearity of the tonal balance. The rapid, tight, and controlled bass, which has a deep and extended low end, produces astounding physical impact and dynamic contrast. Even with challenging material, the bass shines in layering and retrieving complex details thanks to the presentation’s immaculate clarity and well-defined bass. The DX180’s separation and layering capabilities will astound you when you play large-scale symphonic compositions, such as Mahler’s 9th symphony, which features hundreds of bass instruments playing in unison. Although the DX180’s bass isn’t particularly visceral in texture, it sounds full-bodied, hefty, and authentic thanks to its natural reverb and a hint of subtle echo.
The FIR filter effect
Activating the FIR filter will enhance the clarity, separation, and imaging of the sound to a small extent. Nevertheless, one may observe a somewhat antiseptic and arid auditory experience when comparing it to the absence of the filter. However, this remains a favorable choice for individuals who appreciate enhanced technological aspects and the utmost clarity.
Comparison with the iBasso DX170
In terms of both audio quality and hardware performance, the iBasso DX180 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the DX170. A more colorful and lively screen, a more effectively integrated volume control wheel with more tactile input, and a much faster and more responsive user interface all contribute to an improved overall experience.
When compared to the DX170, the sound is noticeably superior in terms of quality, sophistication, and maturity, and it has a significantly more authentic timbre, particularly in the higher frequencies. Improved technicalities give the bass a richer, heavier sound; the midrange is more wide and has more harmonic variation; and the overall sound presentation is much more authentic and alive.
The user-replaceable battery is another perk, and to be honest, the only thing I wish the DX170 had was a somewhat thinner chassis. The iBasso DX180 is an improvement over the DX170 and an obvious step forward in terms of performance, according to objective standards.
Comparison with the iBasso DX260
Reminiscent of the superior but far more costly DX260, the DX180 is a downsized variant of it. But the DX180 is genetically identical to the DX260, so for $520, you can experience a little more relaxed and forgiving sound signature while still getting a good idea of what the bigger brother can achieve. Is it bad?
Comparison with the FiiO M11S
The FiiO M11S is 26 grams heavier than the DX180, although it shares the same small proportions as the former. The DX180 operates on the most recent version of Android, 13 instead of the old 10, and it comes with better hardware, a screen with a higher resolution, and a user-replaceable battery. But the FiiO M11S has a multifunction button that you can customize, and it supports wireless modes like AirPlay and DLNA. The average battery life and power output of the two players are identical.
It should come as no surprise that the two musicians’ sonic signatures are distinct. The DX180’s more natural reverb and deeper, punchier bass make it sound less dry than the FiiO M11S, which excels in contrast, layering, and definition. While the DX180’s midrange is more fluid and dynamic, resolving harmonies in a more nuanced and vibrant fashion, the M11S has a roomier, lighter sound. The DX180 has a somewhat more natural sound than the M11S, which has a more clinical and sterile tone. The DX180 has a more controlled and refined treble, while the FiiO M11S has a little more pep, is cleaner, and is slightly brighter. Though it’s quicker and less laid-back than the DX180, the M11S still has a few more digital artifacts. While the DX180 expertly blends technicality and musicality, the M11S is more of a technical player.
Conclusion
If you want to listen to music of the highest possible quality without breaking the bank, the iBasso DX180 is a great digital audio player to consider. Without a single noteworthy flaw, the audio performance is absolutely first-rate, surpassing all but the most hopeful of expectations.
The iBasso DX180 is a lightweight and compact portable digital audio player (DAP) that runs the newest Android 13 operating system seamlessly, has a user-replaceable battery, and has enough power to run a wide range of headphones.
An undisputed victor for iBasso, this outstanding DAP joins the ranks of the outstanding DX260, making me fear for what lies ahead in the replacement of their DX320 flagship model.
I was generously given a free sample to review in return for my honest opinion. You can purchase the iBasso DX180 from this vendor for $529.
