We haven't noticed any heat issues so far. I walked around with it in my pocket for about a half hour, and it didn't seem particularly hot. I definitely didn't notice any heat issues with it sitting out on a desk or table while listening.
I'm not really tech savvy, but would it be easy to transfer my apple library onto the dx180? Also, how does the dx180 compare to the new activo P1? Thanks
this channel is a great addition to my other audiophile content...Bloom is coming with the content for real. And Ibasso has come a long way with their from my old DX80 and DX160.
This review definitely convinced me to buy one from Bloom. However, regarding the "look" he talked about at 3:00 (again around 3:30), it LOOKs great and definitely is a big change from earlier generations. However, I find it very uncomfortable and sharp-edged in my hand. Might just be me.
The KANN Ultra is always going to be a good pick for getting the most out of planar magnetic headphones from a DAP (especially providing enough power to get the oomph in the bass), and the Cayin N7 is another good option if you're specifically concerned about bass, as I've found that it delivers a little more bass than most DAPs.
i had 170 and ieally love the sound of player . also on the specs 170 balanced 6,4 vrms little bit power than 180 , new updates bring google store on the 170 but heat and slow operating really annoying, i cant put in my pocket like boiling , my question is worth it upgrade 180? thanks for review ,
It's definitely bigger than the SR35, but probably about the same weight, so it just feels less dense. DX180 is still really pocketable and lightweight.
We haven't had a chance to fully remove the back, as it seems like you need a suction cup tool to remove the backplate once you remove the screws. If we run through the process, we'll be sure to make a video.
How's the latency when used in USB DAC mode? That dedicated USB receiver for it has me interested if it doesn't have the latency issue like other DAPs have when used in USB DAC mode
Stephen - 3 follow up questions: 1 - how’s the volume wheel? Is it firm or wobbly? 2 - how’s the synergy with the PB5? 3 - is it bidirectional Bluetooth?
1 - The volume wheel feels good out of the box. We have several units open and they all feel pretty firm. There's a small amount of rock if you push on it laterally, but I didn't notice until I really deliberately tried. 2 - Great synergy with PB5. Ends up moving the needle from DX180 being just on the warm side of neutral to being more warm, and expands the space significantly. 3 - I'm not 100% re bidrectional. I tested using a WiFi calling app and was unable to hear the audio from my bluetooth headset on the receiving end, so it may be limited to one way. It can be used as a Bluetooth receiver as a DAC though. Hit us up on our site or hello@bloomaudio.com if you have any more detailed questions!
There is something I don"t get : How come you can be so precise to describe the sound differences of the mentioned DAP's and at same time telling us you cannot tell any difference in a blind test ? Honestly, I am fed up with these reviews that only rely on "impressions", never mention measurements and never base their conclusions on serious blind tests.
I was wondering the same thing: how can someone mention the best sounding DAP. This guy only reviews Ibasso and A & K. Best sounding DAP's are merely preference of DAC's (and yest the implementation of circuitry around them)
no (at least mine did not come with it). OTOH, the TPU case actually lets you use the right hand side app slides and also pull down from the top notification area. At least in previous generations, the leather cases were pretty, but had top and side lips that made them nearly useless (to me, anyhow).
I own a pair of UE 11 Pro's that aren't getting much use these days since I rarely play music on stage anymore and since having "upgraded" to a cellphone without a headphone jack. Would you recommend the 180 for someone who uses TIDAL for high quality sound sources and who mostly listens to Metal ?
Yes - DX180 is a great pick if you want a cell phone-like user experience but with a higher level of sound quality. The TIDAL app works great, and you can also use it as a sort of "backpack" DAC/Amp for your phone with the right cable, to use higher quality headphones while streaming music from TIDAL on your phone.
@@BloomAudio I just bought the DX260, should be arriving today :). I'm trying to find cables for my UE 11 Pro's that are compatible so I can take advantage of the 4.4mm balanced connection. Thank you for all the information and helping me with my decision !
@@josegomezsaavedra8389the m6 ultra sounds incredible if you a warm midrange foward dap, im really glad i bought the m6 ultra it really does sound head and shoulders above the 260, having said that i preffer a warmer sound, depends what you want
I think you could look at DX180 in two ways: 1. as a "budget" high end player, 2. as a flagship/endgame version of a basic player. It's ultimately in the same class of devices as things like the Astell&Kern SP3000 (that retails for $3500), so it's "budget" if you're looking for that sort of device. But compared to some of the $100-$200 players out there, it will blow them away.
Silly question but how is the Tidal app on this DAP? Easy to install / use / no sideloading weird app stores? Thanks
good question..
Any plans on them releasing a leather case for this?
Bought this from you guys/gals yesterday at CanJam SoCal 2024, so far so good, wish it had double tap to wake on the display.
Does it get hot? My 170 got hot.
We haven't noticed any heat issues so far. I walked around with it in my pocket for about a half hour, and it didn't seem particularly hot. I definitely didn't notice any heat issues with it sitting out on a desk or table while listening.
How does Hiby R4 compare with this? Much cheaper. Is the upgrade worth or R4 can be got?
I'm not really tech savvy, but would it be easy to transfer my apple library onto the dx180? Also, how does the dx180 compare to the new activo P1? Thanks
this channel is a great addition to my other audiophile content...Bloom is coming with the content for real. And Ibasso has come a long way with their from my old DX80 and DX160.
Sr35 tilted screen makes me twitch ngl
This review definitely convinced me to buy one from Bloom. However, regarding the "look" he talked about at 3:00 (again around 3:30), it LOOKs great and definitely is a big change from earlier generations. However, I find it very uncomfortable and sharp-edged in my hand. Might just be me.
What DAP do you recommend for best sub-bass driving sub-bass heavy headphones like Arya Organics?
The KANN Ultra is always going to be a good pick for getting the most out of planar magnetic headphones from a DAP (especially providing enough power to get the oomph in the bass), and the Cayin N7 is another good option if you're specifically concerned about bass, as I've found that it delivers a little more bass than most DAPs.
sounds perfect for me!
i had 170 and ieally love the sound of player . also on the specs 170 balanced 6,4 vrms little bit power than 180 , new updates bring google store on the 170 but heat and slow operating really annoying, i cant put in my pocket like boiling , my question is worth it upgrade 180? thanks for review ,
Can you compare this with hiby r4
How would this compare to the Sony ZX707?
Damn Steve this is a tempting one.. does it feel smaller and lighter than the sr35? I really am looking for the smallest one I can find
It's definitely bigger than the SR35, but probably about the same weight, so it just feels less dense. DX180 is still really pocketable and lightweight.
You have such a radio voice. Have you thought of having your own podcast?
Thanks for the Review, Which all IEMs have you tried? Would you please suggest a few IEMs with warm signatures to be paired with dx180.Thanks.
Is the replaceable battery widely available?
We haven't had a chance to fully remove the back, as it seems like you need a suction cup tool to remove the backplate once you remove the screws. If we run through the process, we'll be sure to make a video.
how does it compare to d16 and 320max ti?
How does this compare to the shangling m5 ultra ?
How's the latency when used in USB DAC mode? That dedicated USB receiver for it has me interested if it doesn't have the latency issue like other DAPs have when used in USB DAC mode
Latency seems really low. I watched a couple TH-cam videos with it and didn't notice any lip sync issues or notable latency.
Stephen - 3 follow up questions:
1 - how’s the volume wheel? Is it firm or wobbly?
2 - how’s the synergy with the PB5?
3 - is it bidirectional Bluetooth?
1 - The volume wheel feels good out of the box. We have several units open and they all feel pretty firm. There's a small amount of rock if you push on it laterally, but I didn't notice until I really deliberately tried.
2 - Great synergy with PB5. Ends up moving the needle from DX180 being just on the warm side of neutral to being more warm, and expands the space significantly.
3 - I'm not 100% re bidrectional. I tested using a WiFi calling app and was unable to hear the audio from my bluetooth headset on the receiving end, so it may be limited to one way. It can be used as a Bluetooth receiver as a DAC though.
Hit us up on our site or hello@bloomaudio.com if you have any more detailed questions!
There is something I don"t get : How come you can be so precise to describe the sound differences of the mentioned DAP's and at same time telling us you cannot tell any difference in a blind test ? Honestly, I am fed up with these reviews that only rely on "impressions", never mention measurements and never base their conclusions on serious blind tests.
I was wondering the same thing: how can someone mention the best sounding DAP. This guy only reviews Ibasso and A & K. Best sounding DAP's are merely preference of DAC's (and yest the implementation of circuitry around them)
I just pre-ordered it, hopefully it has a premium leather case like FiiO, and A&K
no (at least mine did not come with it). OTOH, the TPU case actually lets you use the right hand side app slides and also pull down from the top notification area. At least in previous generations, the leather cases were pretty, but had top and side lips that made them nearly useless (to me, anyhow).
I own a pair of UE 11 Pro's that aren't getting much use these days since I rarely play music on stage anymore and since having "upgraded" to a cellphone without a headphone jack. Would you recommend the 180 for someone who uses TIDAL for high quality sound sources and who mostly listens to Metal ?
Yes - DX180 is a great pick if you want a cell phone-like user experience but with a higher level of sound quality. The TIDAL app works great, and you can also use it as a sort of "backpack" DAC/Amp for your phone with the right cable, to use higher quality headphones while streaming music from TIDAL on your phone.
@@BloomAudio I just bought the DX260, should be arriving today :). I'm trying to find cables for my UE 11 Pro's that are compatible so I can take advantage of the 4.4mm balanced connection. Thank you for all the information and helping me with my decision !
I got the shanling M6 ultra for about $633 on ali express on choice day sale i had the ibasso dx260 but sold it as it was to revealing
Hola ,,me interesa comprar alguno de los dos modelos , no te gustó el shanling m6 ultra? Me podrías dar tu opinión
@@josegomezsaavedra8389the m6 ultra sounds incredible if you a warm midrange foward dap, im really glad i bought the m6 ultra it really does sound head and shoulders above the 260, having said that i preffer a warmer sound, depends what you want
oled screen?
500 dollar plus player is now a budget player!😂
I think you could look at DX180 in two ways: 1. as a "budget" high end player, 2. as a flagship/endgame version of a basic player.
It's ultimately in the same class of devices as things like the Astell&Kern SP3000 (that retails for $3500), so it's "budget" if you're looking for that sort of device. But compared to some of the $100-$200 players out there, it will blow them away.
@@BloomAudio The lord appreciate your good work mate,keep it up..Thank you.
How much was iPods on release
@@123benley 260,but it wasn't budget,it was top of the mp3 player ladder then.
@@123benley $399... in 2001 dollars. ;)