iBasso DX180: a Superb Digital Audio Player with a Quad DAC Array, Android 13 OS, and Extremely Black Background Quad (x4) Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips + capable 690mW @32Ω driving power Noticeably smoother and quicker user interface Dedicated USB receiver for low latency USB-DAC mode New aesthetic design, new UI (Android 13 OS), and removable back cover with battery access and serviceability 5.0" 1080x1920P screen, BT v5.0, and 802.11b/g/n/ac dual-band WiFi 3.5mm SE + 4.4mm BAL outputs (headphone / line-outs shared) All models now come with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage Genuine iBasso Green Case now available Bloom's Take “Entry-level” means different things to different folks. But at roughly 500 bucks, DX180, iBasso’s newest budget-friendly HiFi DAP, offers everything the on-the-go audiophile typically needs at a reasonable price. It offers excellent “total package” value in terms of sound, performance, and usability for its price point, appealing to audiophile newcomers and gadget enthusiasts who want in without breaking the bank. Top mentions for the DX180 are noticeably improved user performance, impressive drive power for its size, easily the best-looking iBasso DX100 series DAP to date, pre-installed Google Play Store app, and removable back panel for easy battery swap out. DX180 keeps in line with iBasso’s accurate, reference sound but with a twist in the form of a little bit of natural warmth, strong dynamic delivery, and decent imaging. Noteworthy and fun IEM / headphone impression pairings were DITA Project M, Moondrop Dark Saber, and Sennheiser HD660S2. Put it all together, and DX180 makes a compelling case for anyone who wants to enhance their portable audio experience. Check out the full review here. (x4) CS43131 Flagship DAC Array The CS43131, a flagship DAC chip from Cirrus Logic, boasts an impressive dynamic range of 130dB and an incredibly low THD+N of -115dB. The DX180 utilizes the same DAC matrix technology as DX260, with 4pcs CS43131 chips working in unison to exceed the theoretical technical limit of the CS43131. The AP measured THD+N reaches an impressive -121dB, demonstrating the superior technology and design concept utilized by the DX180, surpassing that of its competitors. FPGA-MASTER 2.0 After years of algorithm development, our FPGA-Master has entered generation 2.0. As the audio system controller, it directly requests audio data from the SoC and plays a major role in signal reproduction and maintaining signal integrity. It synchronizes and generates all audio clocks utilizing two NDK femtosecond oscillators to achieve a fully synchronized single clock source. The FPGA-Master 2.0 also has picosecond-level precise control and adjusts the DAC clock, data, and constructs the FIR filter. Leading Algorithm to Achieve FIR 2x Output The FPGA-Master 2.0 algorithm fully exploits the capabilities of the 4pcs CS43131 DAC chipsets. With the sum greatly enhancing the normal performance of the CS43131 allowing the chip set to become a super performer. Synchronous Parallel Output ModeThis reduces "discrete distortion" between DACs to improve overall performance. FIR 2x ModeWith FPGA-MASTER 2.0, picosecond-level precise control and adjustment of the DAC clock and data is achieved, making each DAC data stream independently adjustable. Through the "delay parallel" of DACs, the DACs form a hardware analog FIR filter, which averages the differences between multiple DACs, reducing distortion and effectively improving sound details and the quality of the bitstream. Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 SoC Smooth Operator The DX180 employs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 SoC, featuring an 8-core architecture and an advanced 11nm process. This results in reduced heat generation and enhanced stability for seamless operation. With the Micro SD card expansion, the DX180 can provide an impressive 2TB of extra storage space. No matter how much music you adore, the DX180 can effortlessly accommodate it all. Astonishingly True AP Measurements The true measurements of DX170 are close to the theoretical limits of the CS43131 chipset. However, the DX180 has gone a step further, completely surpassing the obstacles and becoming an insurmountable peak in this price range. The DX180 THD+N measurement ranks second among portable audio players, with only the DX260 having a better THD+N measurement. DX180: 133dB SNR | -121 dB THD+N DX170: 130dB SNR | -113 dB THD+N Competitors: 120dB SNR | -100 dB THD+N Blackest Background Possible The DX180 boasts an impressively low noise floor of just 0.79uV. Even at the highest volume with high gain, the balanced port noise floor is only 1.1μV. The noise floor is significantly lower than other players in this price range and due to this, the DX180 has a distinct quietness. The black background provides an exceptionally vibrant music playback experience. Android 13 DX180 is equipped with Android 13 system, which allows you to freely install streaming APPs and enjoy the convenience of Android. The DX180 bypasses SRC at the system level whether it is Mango Player or third-party streaming APPs, you can enjoy the system-level "Non-SRC" feature, and enjoy Hi-res music. 84 Minutes of Charging, 15.5 Hours Playback The DX180 is compatible with PD3.0 and QC3.0 fast charge. The battery reaches 83% charge in just 60 minutes, and a full 100% charge is achieved in a mere 84 minutes. Additionally, the improved power management system allows for an impressive battery life of up to 15.5 hours for the balanced phone out usage and an astonishing 30 hours for Line Out playtime.
