This Transportable DAC/AMP got me Sold: iBasso D16+PB5 Review

Hello Friends,
Today’s video is going to be all about the iBasso’s current flagship D16 TAIPAN and PB5 OSPREY transportable DAC and Amp combo. The D16 is a DAC/AMP with true 1-bit DAC while the PB5 is a NuTube-based balanced headphone amplifier. Both the devices are quite powerful and have a charm of their own. I have spent over a month with both of these and I personally feel this is a stack which one can purchase and be done with it in a single go. I like the stack to the extent that my setup at the time that I got this in my hands was DX260, and it started to feel me like a toy and pushed me to upgrade to the DX320. Here are my Pro’s and Con’s for the setup.
A Short Disclaimer:-
The D16 and PB5 belong to my friend Mr. Sandeep Aggarwal from Audiogeek India. He bought these units from Jaben, SG. I hand-carried these for him last month during my trip to Singapore for CanJam 2024. I would like to thank him to allow me to keep the setup for more than a month. Rest assured, all thoughts and impressions in this video are mine only based on my own experience with the pair without any influence by anyone. Also sorry for my grammatical mistakes, I was a little nervous while shooting this Video.
For media enquiries or assistance or suggestion for new audio gear, connect with me at:-
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Pros:-
1. Outstanding resolution and clarity.
2. D16 on it’s own is also very powerful.
3. D16 can be used as a high-end standalone DAC/AMP with a phone or laptop as a source.
4. Neutral sound signature with a hint of warmth.
5. Has a very smooth and buttery presentation. Sounds effortless.
6. Both devices are quite powerful.
7. PB5 adds a bit of mid-bass punch, but still retains a neutral presentation. Doesn’t sound overly warm.
8. Clean background in most cases.
9. Soundstage feel is massive, good depth as well, full 3D feeling.
Cons:-
1. Doesn’t charge with most adapters. Need PD Charging compatible ones in my case.
2. Sometimes feel too neutral.
3. Not very portable.
4. Price. Yes A little pricey, just a little you know ;)
Final Words:
I was sold the moment I listened to the D16+PB5 stack for the first time. It sounds massive, silky smooth, and has crazy level of resolution. I simply wish to buy this combo one day and be done with my portable and desktop usage in a single go. Well, not so much portable but transportable yes. Well, I hope you guys enjoyed watching today’s video, for any questions or queries related to the D16 or PB5, feel free to ask me in the comments section below. If you like my video, kindly leave me a like and don’t forget to subscribe to my channel as well.

[@Masimo_Yovanni]

Cool moustache

[@gadgetgenerationspulkit]

Thank You!!

[@TRIPTA7]

Bhai Gadar ❤❤❤❤❤

[@gadgetgenerationspulkit]

Thanks Bhai

[@rutwiktechie]

Wonderful bhai !!!

[@gadgetgenerationspulkit]

Thanks bro

[@tusharbartakke2797]

Mst 😍

[@gadgetgenerationspulkit]

Thanks bro

[@Masimo_Yovanni]

For iem is the PB5 needed or is the Taipan enough conneted to a phone?

[@gadgetgenerationspulkit]

Taipan is more than enough my friend. PB5 adds a flavor.

[@kieran1348]

How do these stack up as amps compared to the enleum hpa 23rm if u have tested that 1

[@gadgetgenerationspulkit]

Sorry i have not heard that one.

[@dhruvtampa146]

Endgame stuff 🗿🗿🗿

[@gadgetgenerationspulkit]

YES Truly

[@tango_gru]

Is this the best DAC amp you have heard ?

[@gadgetgenerationspulkit]

YESSSSSS, It has a flavour which i definitely want in my collection.

[@realrohitupadhyay]

Gifting me this? Very well covered

[@TRIPTA7]

AG ka hai to aapka hi hua ❤

[@gadgetgenerationspulkit]

Haha sure sure

[@masterazlan6999]

Another bricks.. Ha4 ok.. Peace!

[@gadgetgenerationspulkit]

yeah kind of big haha

[@masterazlan6999]

Naa nano tubes, i'd preferred like the new Dap n3 cayin.. Real pentodes.. Bout the charger issues, Just use the provided charge in the box.. Ha3.. Peace!