Hi there, Nice work on the video. Quick question, how do you get lossless / high res audio from Apple Music / Amazon Music, is it as simple as just downloading the app and playing a file? Or more complex than that? I will only use streaming services and not my own files and want to download offline files of the best quality I can. Thanks so much
Hii, I have vewry little experience with Apple and Amazon music, but in theory, it should work simple enough. Tidal just allows you to store the files locally, and you're good to go
Seems like the new FPGA MASTER 2.0 holds up to the marketing. It synchronizes and generates all audio clocks utilizing two NDK femtosecond oscillators to achieve a fully synchronized single clock source With 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. Which is supposed to greatly reduce any interference or audio delay and sounds like Ibasso made the perfect DAP for me. The problem is I still really love my DX320 and it's not that old. Just looks like they got the size right. The DX320 is obviously not as small as you are aware. So not dropping that type of money yet. I've never been sold on tube amps in DAPs but my only experience was with the tube expansion/replacement card. If you had WiFi on you were heading some sort of interference at all times. . I went back to the stock card pretty quickly This doesn't appear to have a tube amp but maybe I missed that part
I'm thinking to go for iBasso DX180 once it's available in India. Budget is a constraint, i spent on multiple IEMs in different price ranges and couple of DACs already 😄 I don't see a review of DX180 in your channel. Could you please do, if not done?
I just received the DX180 for myself and I got my brother a R4 Evangelion as a gift. The thing that DX180 offers over the R4 is the FIR x2 mode FGPA Master 2.0 which is beyond any other DAP in the price bracket. R4 does have MSEB and PEQ but I don't mess with EQ at all so I don't mind not having these options on the DX180. Also DX180 & R4 both have a slightly better Snapdragon 665 processor than the DX260 Snapdragon 660. DX180 has replaceable battery and the volume knob is invaluable for me, it's just so useful for me to have volume knob. DX260 has FIR x4 mode which is great but if I'm going to buy something that expensive then I might as well go all the way save up for the HIBY R8 II or DX320 TI MAX. Also DX180 feels more solid than DX260 from what people are saying online.
Hi! Thank you for your video. I’m new to daps since I don’t travel a lot. And when travelling I have the iphone wired to fiio btr7 and the Fiio fh9 or the Meze 99 Classics on balanced cables. At home I have the Fiio k9 pro ess with node x and the Meze Empyrean, also balanced. I was wondering if the dx260 will offer better sound from the two setups mentioned. Thank you so much!
@@AudiophileHeaven Salut! Acum am aflat ca suntem conationali. Multumesc mult pentru raspuns. Sursele mele de muzica sunt cd, vinil, din cand in cand casete si minidisc (deh, 46 de ani) si tidal, desi, in ultima vreme, mai putin streaming. Cu alte cuvinte, nu am muzica de pus pe un player, ci l-as lua doar pentru streaming, in sistemul de casti. Si ma tot intreb daca pentru o astfel de utilizare se justifica. Am auzit lucruri bune si frumoase despre dap-uri, dar majoritatea utilizatorilor au muzica pe sd. Cred ca ma atrage doar cu gandul ca nu as mai sta cu telefonul langa mine si poate as scoate mai mult de la empyreans. Multumesc!
@@AudiophileHeaven Intr-o alta ordine de idei, ma atrage si ideea unor close back, mai exact Focal Radience. Tot de la Meze am 99 Classics, cu care am inceput, ca sa zic asa. Iar intr-o a treia ordine de idei, ma intreb daca nu mai binesa schimb din sistemul stereo comboul preamp/amp din anii 90 Pioneer c73/m73 seria Urushi cu denon pma-a110. Am cd playerul a110 si suna extraordinar. Asa ca I’m in the rabbit hole already. :)
Hi, Thanks for very fruitful review! I just bought wireless full-size headphone Mark Levinson 5909 - I need flexibility using it wired as well as wireless, and also I didn't want to sacrifice much in sound quality. As for player, I am now in process to choose DAP and currently tend towards DX260. You have mentioned in video that this DAP is mostly for IEMs. Would its output power no be enough for full-size headphones like 5909 or there could be other issue affecting flawless operation? To sum up - I need to use 5909 both wired and wireless, via Bluetooth when on the go and for wired (passive) mode, all I need is DAP with sufficient output power and necessary quality codecs. Second part is fullfilled, but how about the first one - driving full-size headphone via wire?
Hiii, DX260 has more than enough power for 5909, the only headphones it won't suffice for are very hard to drive planars, like Susvara or HE1000SE. Even Arya Organic is driven well out of DX260, it should be plenty fun! For Bluetooth, usually smartphones are a bit more reliable though (?)
@@AudiophileHeavenThank you so much for feedback! Quality sound has top priority for me. Since I have iPhone which only supports AAC bluetooth codec, wireless listening through it will sacrifice sound quality. Have you noticed frequent interruption in bluetooth operation, like in a way which can cause head ache? 😂
I did not notice frequent signal dropouts, but I do not test DAPs at the gym via Bluetooth, or in crowded places, as they are too bulky to take there, so for home usage, near a router, you will be fine :) For a crowded room, even my phone with reliable TWS IEMs will fail.
Exactly, while streaming my DAP will generally be near reliably high-speed wi-fi router. Also I have huge collection of Hi-Res albums on my PC, part of which I will store on DAP as well and mainly play them while on the go. Thanks again for very fruitful information, I am new to DAP world, you have covered everything I was interested in 🙏🏻.
Hi, I want to use a DAP as a source and connect it to a Desktop DAC + AMP and play local WAV files (For linearing my Headphones by the PEQ). Sound wise, a quality Streamer will give me a better results? Thank you 🙏
It is a hard question to answer, it would depend on the streamer. DX260 is a bit overkill for a transport, but it would most certainly have almost the best sound. Most streamers are made for Tidal and not for local wav files, and especially if you use PEQ, a DAP would be more flexible than a streamer. Streamers usually are designed against using EQ and to be as linear / faithful to the orighinal signal as possible
Thanks for your review. Good to hear about this nice player. How do you think it is compared to dx240. From sound perspective? Very different? I have 240 but use it with last amp amp8 mk2s.
I prefer it a lot over DX240, better control, lower distortion at all volumes, improved resolution, similar size, but better software as well. A great option to upgrade. If you need a full upgrade, consider getting D16, it is even better as a DAC/AMP, and you can use DX240 as transport, or DX320 is even better if you want a larger DAP
@@AudiophileHeaven thanks a lot, yes i was thinking what ibasso sources to get as an upgrade from 240 to really feel the upgrade and i see from your opinion dx320 is best way. Agree even if it is not fresh still very good sounding dap. Only more reference tuned as you said.
A tiny tiny bit yes, it is not the ultra stiff type, but it nis not wobbly enough for me to notice or to mention in general. DX200 for example had a really rigid wheel
Thank you for the review! I have 2 questions, though: 1. How does booting in Linux change the experience? I don‘t need Streaming, Bluetooth, Wifi, etc. I just want a DAP to play my HD tracks from microSD. 2. How is the screen in a dark environment? I want to play music to fall asleep without waking up my wife with a bright screen. Will it still preserve contrast like an iPhone?
The contrast at minimum brightness is still ok. Some smartphones are not, like Asus ROG Phones, and even samsung sometimes, but DX260 looks great even at minimum brightness. The iBasso special Mango Mode would theoretically improve the sound slightly, I can't say that i hear a big difference, but it takes away the distractions typically found in Android mode.
@@AudiophileHeaven Thanks! I will pick one up next month as I’ll travel to China anyway. The purchase decision made is thanks to you - and your review alone.
Hi, what would you recommend between Hiby R4 and iBasso DX 180 ? Is there any USB Delay in DX 180 or R4 ? Is there any hissing sound on DX 180 ? Is DX 180 back cover removable for battery replacement ?
No delay i either, DX180 has loewr noise floor. DX180 has replaceable battery. Overall I recommend DX180 more, better sound, but it is twice the price if I'm not mistaken
@@AudiophileHeaven Thank you for your response, really appreciate it! Yes you're correct its double the price of R4 in my country. DX 180 weight is lower than R4 and my requirement is to have an android based DAP with all necessary features and as light as possible. Also if I'm correct the DX 180 screen resolution is Full HD panel which could be plus point depending on situations. It runs on android 13 as per specs sheet and 4 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage with same SD 665 processor seems a better package to me which should be more fluid, smooth and lag free than 3 GB RAM and 32 GB storage on R4. And as you said it's overall a better DAP even if we consider it in technical aspects that's why I'm thinking of holding my purchase and getting DX 180.
@@HPY07 DX180 is indeed the superior DAP overall, but R4 is not disappointing at all. Just DX180 is what I think in a different class, R4 is entry-level for DAPs, while DX180 is already midrange, better sound
@@HPY07 Both are very good. iBasso has been making more high-end DAPs, while Hiby made software for many entry-level DAPs. Overall, this indicates iBasso has much better experience for delivering high-end products and flagships, while Hiby makes good entry-level stuff, but that's about it, their high-end DAPs never made it to me, so they are not as appealing.
It should work no problem with Soundcloud. I usually download the tracks purchased there, do you want to open it in browser, or do they have an app for it now?
5 หลายเดือนก่อน
@@AudiophileHeavenThey have the best UI app on the music market (at least for me) 😀 Thank you.
5 หลายเดือนก่อน
@@AudiophileHeavenThey have the best UI app on the streaming market (at least for me). 😀 Thank you.
5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1
@@AudiophileHeavenThey have the best UI app on the streaming competition 👌 (at least for me). Thank you.
Hm.. OLED consumes less, but people are scared it would lead to burn-in effects. Also, OLED displays are priocier, would you be prepared to pay more to have it?
@@recode8453 This came to mind too, Oled tends to burn in if showing the same GUI for long periods of time - A DAP would show the same GUI for hours on end... I can't get an OLED display for my work, so I think that's the reasoning iBasso used too, IPS and OLED panels are very similar in pricing, as you said XD
DX320 is mostly superior in dynamics, detials and resolution, but it is far less portable, so for best portability, dX260 wins big time, Max driving power is a bit higher on DX320.
You confuse Desktop Mode with Ultra High Gain on the Q15. Desktop Mode can be triggered with any Gain level, it just cuts off and protects the battery. Ultra High Gain Mode is the most powerful state you can get from the Q15 and you need to connect both usb cables, for digital data and for power. Pls, also check the parameters of each device before reviewing: dx260: 4.4 mm- 1015mW into 32 Ohm- High Gain Fiio Q15: 4.4 mm- 1060mW into 32 Ohm- Super High Gain available in BT also, 4.4 mm-1610mW into 32 Ohm- Ultra High Gain So no, the dx260 is even slightly less powerful than the Q15 in a "Portable Mode" with Super High Gain Mode ON and is significantly less powerful than the Fiio when the Ultra High Gain Mode is triggered. Also about the battery- NO there is no way that the battery will degrade 50% after 2 years of use. It will maybe 15%. I have a 6 years old AK SP1000 and the battery holds around 8,5-9h from balanced out when the new was stated as around 11h. It also doesnt boot significantly quicker than most daps. Pls less hype and emotions and more facts will be appreciated:)
Those are some good points, but - FiiO Q15 in Super High Gain will distort faster, so it has less actual usage volume than DX260, which does not distort even close to max volume. Q15 can have theoretically more power, but it is not useful, hence why I state the driving power of DX260 being higher. In my experience, Q15 sounds best when put in desktop mode, it seems to have a lower distortion, but still will distort quicker than DX260. - A single battery will degrade around 50% in 2 years if used daily, or around 600 charge cycles. If you have a DAP you use only rarely, it won't degrade much, but I used DX220 until it wouldn't hold even 50% of the battery, replaced it with a new one, and it was as good as new. I state this with a reason and most people buying a DAP will buy one, not 50 like I have as a reviewer. This is proven scientifically for the current battery tech available worldwide, and after 8-9 months of usage, my S23 Ultra has already degraded with around 10% - 15% I try to keep relying the actual facts and experience, the numbers do not reflect real world usage all the time.
Very good review . I do have the ibasso dx260 and it's way beyond dongles , sonically speaking. This dap is giving the power to the music. Kudos to you brother
Im using the Q15 with Hifiman XS and with PEQ -3dB and it doesnt dostort even on 120/120 (just checked out of curiosity as im never passing the 108 volume level). My AK is used almost every day and the battery holds around 8-9h fro balanced, its been almost 6 years! The dx220 had horrible battery life from the beginning so i wouldnt use it as an example. It was a very badly optimised dap (sounded great btw), with a very powerful 2x ESS desktop grade chips and bad battery. Also you will never use a dap as frequently and intensively as your smartphone, its not even possible. The only thing you will do on your dap is listen to the music when smartphones are used for almost everything and they are never switched off.
@@karolkedzierski5824 I don't think you can bring Edition XS with Q15 on super high gain at max volume. Even with He1000se, you can't really go that high. The question here was about the maximum volume you can go with a DAP, Q15 will distort before DX260 if going for the highest dB you can achieve with no distortions. The way companies quote driving power may also be measured differently
![Звукозапись без пафоса [Что нужно для начала]](/img/n.gif)
I am going buy it next month i saved half of the price already ! Thank you sir ❤
I hope it will be a lot of fun!!
Nice review George. Keep up the good work. It is always appreciated!
Thank you so much and always happy to help!!
Thanks George for the review ❗️ It looks like you love this DAP. I am deciding between this one and Fiio M23...🧐😁🙋♂️💯
Go for DX260, it shall bring you endless fun!
Hi there,
Nice work on the video. Quick question, how do you get lossless / high res audio from Apple Music / Amazon Music, is it as simple as just downloading the app and playing a file?
Or more complex than that? I will only use streaming services and not my own files and want to download offline files of the best quality I can.
Thanks so much
Hii, I have vewry little experience with Apple and Amazon music, but in theory, it should work simple enough. Tidal just allows you to store the files locally, and you're good to go
Seems like the new FPGA MASTER 2.0 holds up to the marketing. It synchronizes and generates all audio clocks utilizing two NDK femtosecond oscillators to achieve a fully synchronized single clock
source
With 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. Which is supposed to greatly reduce any interference or audio delay and sounds like Ibasso made the perfect DAP for me.
The problem is I still really love my DX320 and it's not that old. Just looks like they got the size right. The DX320 is obviously not as small as you are aware. So not dropping that type of money yet.
I've never been sold on tube amps in DAPs but my only experience was with the tube expansion/replacement card. If you had WiFi on you were heading some sort of interference at all times. . I went back to the stock card pretty quickly This doesn't appear to have a tube amp but maybe I missed that part
No tubes in DX260...
I'm thinking to go for iBasso DX180 once it's available in India. Budget is a constraint, i spent on multiple IEMs in different price ranges and couple of DACs already 😄 I don't see a review of DX180 in your channel. Could you please do, if not done?
I just received the DX180 for myself and I got my brother a R4 Evangelion as a gift. The thing that DX180 offers over the R4 is the FIR x2 mode FGPA Master 2.0 which is beyond any other DAP in the price bracket. R4 does have MSEB and PEQ but I don't mess with EQ at all so I don't mind not having these options on the DX180. Also DX180 & R4 both have a slightly better Snapdragon 665 processor than the DX260 Snapdragon 660. DX180 has replaceable battery and the volume knob is invaluable for me, it's just so useful for me to have volume knob. DX260 has FIR x4 mode which is great but if I'm going to buy something that expensive then I might as well go all the way save up for the HIBY R8 II or DX320 TI MAX. Also DX180 feels more solid than DX260 from what people are saying online.
I think the DX180 review should be live now!
Okay. I also got one for myself few weeks ago and I’m loving it 😍❤
Hi! Thank you for your video. I’m new to daps since I don’t travel a lot. And when travelling I have the iphone wired to fiio btr7 and the Fiio fh9 or the Meze 99 Classics on balanced cables. At home I have the Fiio k9 pro ess with node x and the Meze Empyrean, also
balanced. I was wondering if the dx260 will offer better sound from the two setups mentioned. Thank you so much!
Yes, DX260 would sound considerably better as a source than all of the setups you mentioned
@@AudiophileHeaven Salut! Acum am aflat ca suntem conationali. Multumesc mult pentru raspuns. Sursele mele de muzica sunt cd, vinil, din cand in cand casete si minidisc (deh, 46 de ani) si tidal, desi, in ultima vreme, mai putin streaming. Cu alte cuvinte, nu am muzica de pus pe un player, ci l-as lua doar pentru streaming, in sistemul de casti. Si ma tot intreb daca pentru o astfel de utilizare se justifica. Am auzit lucruri bune si frumoase despre dap-uri, dar majoritatea utilizatorilor au muzica pe sd. Cred ca ma atrage doar cu gandul ca nu as mai sta cu telefonul langa mine si poate as scoate mai mult de la empyreans. Multumesc!
@@AudiophileHeaven Intr-o alta ordine de idei, ma atrage si ideea unor close back, mai exact Focal Radience. Tot de la Meze am 99 Classics, cu care am inceput, ca sa zic asa. Iar intr-o a treia ordine de idei, ma intreb daca nu mai binesa schimb din sistemul stereo comboul preamp/amp din anii 90 Pioneer c73/m73 seria Urushi cu denon pma-a110. Am cd playerul a110 si suna extraordinar. Asa ca I’m in the rabbit hole already. :)
Boxele fiind focal aria 948.
Hi,
Thanks for very fruitful review!
I just bought wireless full-size headphone Mark Levinson 5909 - I need flexibility using it wired as well as wireless, and also I didn't want to sacrifice much in sound quality. As for player, I am now in process to choose DAP and currently tend towards DX260.
You have mentioned in video that this DAP is mostly for IEMs. Would its output power no be enough for full-size headphones like 5909 or there could be other issue affecting flawless operation?
To sum up - I need to use 5909 both wired and wireless, via Bluetooth when on the go and for wired (passive) mode, all I need is DAP with sufficient output power and necessary quality codecs. Second part is fullfilled, but how about the first one - driving full-size headphone via wire?
Hiii, DX260 has more than enough power for 5909, the only headphones it won't suffice for are very hard to drive planars, like Susvara or HE1000SE. Even Arya Organic is driven well out of DX260, it should be plenty fun! For Bluetooth, usually smartphones are a bit more reliable though (?)
@@AudiophileHeavenThank you so much for feedback! Quality sound has top priority for me. Since I have iPhone which only supports AAC bluetooth codec, wireless listening through it will sacrifice sound quality.
Have you noticed frequent interruption in bluetooth operation, like in a way which can cause head ache? 😂
I did not notice frequent signal dropouts, but I do not test DAPs at the gym via Bluetooth, or in crowded places, as they are too bulky to take there, so for home usage, near a router, you will be fine :) For a crowded room, even my phone with reliable TWS IEMs will fail.
Exactly, while streaming my DAP will generally be near reliably high-speed wi-fi router. Also I have huge collection of Hi-Res albums on my PC, part of which I will store on DAP as well and mainly play them while on the go.
Thanks again for very fruitful information, I am new to DAP world, you have covered everything I was interested in 🙏🏻.
Hi,
I want to use a DAP as a source and connect it to a Desktop DAC + AMP and play local WAV files (For linearing my Headphones by the PEQ).
Sound wise, a quality Streamer will give me a better results?
Thank you 🙏
It is a hard question to answer, it would depend on the streamer. DX260 is a bit overkill for a transport, but it would most certainly have almost the best sound. Most streamers are made for Tidal and not for local wav files, and especially if you use PEQ, a DAP would be more flexible than a streamer. Streamers usually are designed against using EQ and to be as linear / faithful to the orighinal signal as possible
Thanks for your review. Good to hear about this nice player. How do you think it is compared to dx240. From sound perspective? Very different? I have 240 but use it with last amp amp8 mk2s.
I prefer it a lot over DX240, better control, lower distortion at all volumes, improved resolution, similar size, but better software as well. A great option to upgrade. If you need a full upgrade, consider getting D16, it is even better as a DAC/AMP, and you can use DX240 as transport, or DX320 is even better if you want a larger DAP
@@AudiophileHeaven thanks a lot, yes i was thinking what ibasso sources to get as an upgrade from 240 to really feel the upgrade and i see from your opinion dx320 is best way. Agree even if it is not fresh still very good sounding dap. Only more reference tuned as you said.
I hope youi will have a lot of fun with it!
Is that volume knob not a little wobbly?
A tiny tiny bit yes, it is not the ultra stiff type, but it nis not wobbly enough for me to notice or to mention in general. DX200 for example had a really rigid wheel
Thank you for the review! I have 2 questions, though:
1. How does booting in Linux change the experience? I don‘t need Streaming, Bluetooth, Wifi, etc. I just want a DAP to play my HD tracks from microSD.
2. How is the screen in a dark environment? I want to play music to fall asleep without waking up my wife with a bright screen. Will it still preserve contrast like an iPhone?
The contrast at minimum brightness is still ok. Some smartphones are not, like Asus ROG Phones, and even samsung sometimes, but DX260 looks great even at minimum brightness.
The iBasso special Mango Mode would theoretically improve the sound slightly, I can't say that i hear a big difference, but it takes away the distractions typically found in Android mode.
@@AudiophileHeaven Thanks! I will pick one up next month as I’ll travel to China anyway. The purchase decision made is thanks to you - and your review alone.
@@odkKoma Thank you and I hope you will have a lot of fun with it!
Great review bro. How do you compare this to Hiby R6 gen 3 ?
Thank you! DX260 is a full upgrade both sonically and for software from R6 III.
@@AudiophileHeavenoh wow, thanks a lot. Maybe I should give it a try. Thanks.
@@AudiophileHeaven oh ya how about comparison with the Cayin N7? Currently owning N7 and Hiby Gen 3.
@@CoffeeXmusic Considering what you already have, you'd feel much more of an improvement if getting iBasso DX320, D16, or PB5
@@AudiophileHeaven ok bro thanks for the advice!
Hi, what would you recommend between Hiby R4 and iBasso DX 180 ?
Is there any USB Delay in DX 180 or R4 ?
Is there any hissing sound on DX 180 ?
Is DX 180 back cover removable for battery replacement ?
No delay i either, DX180 has loewr noise floor. DX180 has replaceable battery. Overall I recommend DX180 more, better sound, but it is twice the price if I'm not mistaken
@@AudiophileHeaven Thank you for your response, really appreciate it!
Yes you're correct its double the price of R4 in my country.
DX 180 weight is lower than R4 and my requirement is to have an android based DAP with all necessary features and as light as possible.
Also if I'm correct the DX 180 screen resolution is Full HD panel which could be plus point depending on situations. It runs on android 13 as per specs sheet and 4 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage with same SD 665 processor seems a better package to me which should be more fluid, smooth and lag free than 3 GB RAM and 32 GB storage on R4.
And as you said it's overall a better DAP even if we consider it in technical aspects that's why I'm thinking of holding my purchase and getting DX 180.
@@HPY07 DX180 is indeed the superior DAP overall, but R4 is not disappointing at all. Just DX180 is what I think in a different class, R4 is entry-level for DAPs, while DX180 is already midrange, better sound
@@AudiophileHeaven oh i see, btw which one is the more trusted and superior brand in your opinion and has less quality control issues ?
@@HPY07 Both are very good. iBasso has been making more high-end DAPs, while Hiby made software for many entry-level DAPs. Overall, this indicates iBasso has much better experience for delivering high-end products and flagships, while Hiby makes good entry-level stuff, but that's about it, their high-end DAPs never made it to me, so they are not as appealing.
Can I use Apple Music streaming without Android downsampling the hi res files?
Hii, yes, Android on DX260 does not have SRC resampling, it should output all apps full lossless
@@AudiophileHeaven Thanks for your reply!
How does it compare to Hiby R6 Pro 2?
DX260 is far superior in resolution, detail, dynamics and clarity. Also quicker OS and better system, basically it is a full upgrade.
Does accepts Soundcloud?
It should work no problem with Soundcloud. I usually download the tracks purchased there, do you want to open it in browser, or do they have an app for it now?
@@AudiophileHeavenThey have the best UI app on the music market (at least for me) 😀 Thank you.
@@AudiophileHeavenThey have the best UI app on the streaming market (at least for me). 😀 Thank you.
@@AudiophileHeavenThey have the best UI app on the streaming competition 👌 (at least for me). Thank you.
we need DAP with oled screen
Hm.. OLED consumes less, but people are scared it would lead to burn-in effects. Also, OLED displays are priocier, would you be prepared to pay more to have it?
More important is to have more Hz and better CPU for smoother operation.
Why? Only cost more. I believe the money should go in the sound. All the other stuff, use a smartphone
Dap only for music, to me.
Some cheaper phone now have oled screens
Meaning it's not that much expensive now (unless maybe LTPO panels)
@@recode8453 This came to mind too, Oled tends to burn in if showing the same GUI for long periods of time - A DAP would show the same GUI for hours on end... I can't get an OLED display for my work, so I think that's the reasoning iBasso used too, IPS and OLED panels are very similar in pricing, as you said XD
Hi, great review thanks. I know that you are a huge fan of the DX320. How do they compare?
DX320 is mostly superior in dynamics, detials and resolution, but it is far less portable, so for best portability, dX260 wins big time, Max driving power is a bit higher on DX320.
You confuse Desktop Mode with Ultra High Gain on the Q15. Desktop Mode can be triggered with any Gain level, it just cuts off and protects the battery.
Ultra High Gain Mode is the most powerful state you can get from the Q15 and you need to connect both usb cables, for digital data and for power.
Pls, also check the parameters of each device before reviewing:
dx260: 4.4 mm- 1015mW into 32 Ohm- High Gain
Fiio Q15: 4.4 mm- 1060mW into 32 Ohm- Super High Gain available in BT also, 4.4 mm-1610mW into 32 Ohm- Ultra High Gain
So no, the dx260 is even slightly less powerful than the Q15 in a "Portable Mode" with Super High Gain Mode ON and is significantly less powerful than the Fiio when the Ultra High Gain Mode is triggered.
Also about the battery- NO there is no way that the battery will degrade 50% after 2 years of use. It will maybe 15%. I have a 6 years old AK SP1000 and the battery holds around 8,5-9h from balanced out when the new was stated as around 11h.
It also doesnt boot significantly quicker than most daps.
Pls less hype and emotions and more facts will be appreciated:)
Those are some good points, but
- FiiO Q15 in Super High Gain will distort faster, so it has less actual usage volume than DX260, which does not distort even close to max volume. Q15 can have theoretically more power, but it is not useful, hence why I state the driving power of DX260 being higher. In my experience, Q15 sounds best when put in desktop mode, it seems to have a lower distortion, but still will distort quicker than DX260.
- A single battery will degrade around 50% in 2 years if used daily, or around 600 charge cycles. If you have a DAP you use only rarely, it won't degrade much, but I used DX220 until it wouldn't hold even 50% of the battery, replaced it with a new one, and it was as good as new. I state this with a reason and most people buying a DAP will buy one, not 50 like I have as a reviewer. This is proven scientifically for the current battery tech available worldwide, and after 8-9 months of usage, my S23 Ultra has already degraded with around 10% - 15%
I try to keep relying the actual facts and experience, the numbers do not reflect real world usage all the time.
Very good review . I do have the ibasso dx260 and it's way beyond dongles , sonically speaking. This dap is giving the power to the music.
Kudos to you brother
Thank you and happy to help!
Im using the Q15 with Hifiman XS and with PEQ -3dB and it doesnt dostort even on 120/120 (just checked out of curiosity as im never passing the 108 volume level).
My AK is used almost every day and the battery holds around 8-9h fro balanced, its been almost 6 years!
The dx220 had horrible battery life from the beginning so i wouldnt use it as an example. It was a very badly optimised dap (sounded great btw), with a very powerful 2x ESS desktop grade chips and bad battery.
Also you will never use a dap as frequently and intensively as your smartphone, its not even possible. The only thing you will do on your dap is listen to the music when smartphones are used for almost everything and they are never switched off.
@@karolkedzierski5824 I don't think you can bring Edition XS with Q15 on super high gain at max volume. Even with He1000se, you can't really go that high. The question here was about the maximum volume you can go with a DAP, Q15 will distort before DX260 if going for the highest dB you can achieve with no distortions. The way companies quote driving power may also be measured differently