iBasso DX160

REVIEW – iBasso DX160

 



Website – iBasso Audio


 

Specifications

  • DAC: Dual CS43198
  • Output Ports: 4.4BAL, 3.5PO, 3.5LO, SPDIF, USB output
  • Screen: 5.0 inch 1080P Sharp Full Screen
  • OS: Android 8.1
  • CPU: Octa Core
  • RAM: 2G
  • ROM: 32G
  • Wi-Fi: 80 2.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4Ghz/5Ghz)
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Battery: 3200mAh
  • Quick Charge: QC3.0, PD2.0
  • Audio Formats Supported: MQA, APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, OGG, MP3, DFF, DSF, DXD, CUE, ISO, M3U, M3U8
  • Size: 113mm x 69mm x 15mm
  • Weight: 178g
  • Average Play Time: 13 hours (3.5mm output)
  • 4.4mm Headphone Out:
  • Output Level: 6.4Vrms
  •  Frequency Response: 10Hz~40kHz +/-0.15dB
  • S/N: 130dB
  • THD+N: 0.00022% (32Ω, 3Vrms)
  • 3.5mm Headphone Out:
  • Output Level: 3.2Vrms
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz~40kHz +/-0.15dB
  • S/N: 125dB
  • THD+N: 0.0007% (32Ω, 2Vrms)
  • Line Out:
  • Output Level: 3.2Vrms
  •  Frequency Response: 10Hz~40kHz +/-0.15dB
  • S/N: 125dB
  • THD+N: 0.00035% (no Load)

 

Price: U$D 399.




The DX160 arrives in the usual compact cardboard box as with most iBasso products. The blue color theme is quite elegant. The outer cover holds minimal information of the player specifications on the back side. The inner box has the same soft magnetic closure, holding the DX160 device at the upper layer safely surrounded by thick foam material, while the underneath section holds the accessories. The package includes a USB Type-C cable, two adhesive screen protectors and a TPU clear case. There is no ‘burn-in’ cable included this time.

The case covers the whole player back and sides, leaving the micro SD slot, wheel control, audio output and USB ports open. The case does limits a bit of the wheel rotation, which may actually be considered a plus for some. The only observation is that it can fit too tight, causing the power/screen button on the upper side to be pressed.





 

Design

For the mid-fi tier segment, the DX160 features a modern design with a very solid good quality. The form factor is more friendly than the couple previous iBasso I’ve tried, holds better ergonomics and while not truly compact it is easy to carry around as daily portable player with a slimmer body and rounded edges. The large 5” screen introduced on the DX220 is also here with the same excellent quality, looking more as a compact smartphone, and much cooler with the gold colored volume wheel at the side.





Build quality is quite good, thick yet lightweight CNC machined aluminum on the whole main chassis, though only seen through the contour, while both front and back panels are made of glass; there are no specifications listed, but probably using the same 2.5D glass as on the DX220. The finish is completely smooth and apart from the black color seen here, the DX160 is available in three extra more colors, blue, silver and red to make it even more attractive.


The dimensions are very close to the DX220 in height and width where the 5” screen occupies practically the whole panel, while the DX160 is thinner. Having fewer components inside and dropping the swappable amplifier modules feature of the DX150/200/220, the DX160 is noticeable lighter and feels more hollow.


The layout follows the usual formula for iBasso players. On the left side there is just a single micro SD card slot; not sure the supported capacity but no issues with a Samsung 128GB card. Quickly recognized by the Android system and simply listed as ‘external storage’.



On the right side there the three playback buttons placed on the upper half, back, play/pause and next and the volume wheel above. The default buttons setup is upper for next and lower for back, but can be quickly set otherwise. The wheel is diameter is same as the thickness of the player, meaning it is smaller than the DX220's wheel. Easy to rotate with a very precise volume adjustment. All of these controls can be set to be locked when screen is off. The three buttons do not stick out from the player lateral side, but are a bit sensitive.

 


The upper side holds the power button which works for screen on/off as well, and the USB Type-C port in the middle. The USB works for charging (supporting quick-charging) and data transmission and also for DAC functions.

 


On the bottom there are the two audio output ports. Single ended 3.5mm that works as headphone out, line-out and SPIDF, and the Pentaconn 4.4mm balanced audio output. Both are surrounded by large golden colored rings.

 


Screen is of excellent quality. A 5” 1080p Sharp LCD full touch screen and quite wide for a portable player. The resolution is of 1080x1920 and 445ppi, though now can be set to a lower 720p which may help to extend the battery time. The screen shows sharp images, rich color and saturation, good viewing angles and reaches good brightness; there is a Video app already installed, suggesting the DX160 can provide good video playback and with the great audio quality. Screen rotation does work too.


The hardware inside switches to a Cirrus Logic CS43198 dual DAC, still offering various digital filters. Apparently the processor goes back to an octa-core Rockchip used previous models from iBasso, and RAM of just 2G. Internal storage memory is of 32GB (part of it already used by the Android system and apps). The system speed is decent, it runs at about the same level as the DX220, if a bit smoother, but below the faster competitors with Qualcomm Snapdragon or Samsung Exynos SoC.

 



 

User Interface & Software

 

The DX160 is not only simpler in its design and layout but also in interface. Unlike the previous iBasso Android based players which offered a dual OS boot, Android and pure Mango OS, the DX160 runs straight into Android OS, Oreo 8.1 version. The touch screen responsiveness is good and the whole navigation is easy and fairly smooth for an Android based platform. The player arrives with a few basic apps pre-installed, and new apps can be installed via APKPure or CoolAPK. Google Play is not included from factory; however, as can be seen here it is now supported by updating to the last firmware and installing directly from APKPure as any other application.

 

On the main home screen it is like any Android one with an extra iBasso icon to access the Mango player App; alternatively, it can be reached by switching to the secondary screen to the left.

This is the 2nd version of the main audio software but any others can be installed. The Mango main playback screen shows a colorful album artwork (if available) and all the playback touch controls and the lower part. The icon to the left will show the track info, while the one to the right toggles between the various playing sequences. At the upper part, the right icon opens the Settings menu, while the left icon is for the Music menu. Scrolling through the music lists and folders is fast and accurate with almost no lag. The DX220 with updated firmware now runs much better and the DX160 is a bit even faster. Still not as smooth as the Hiby R5 with its Hiby Music app, but close, and much more comfortable than any of the Shanling DAPs (excluding the M6). Access to the current playing list is easily done by scrolling down the hidden upper menu. Skipping tracks can be also done by a single swipe right or left to go to previous or next track, respectively. Equalization options are found under the settings options and include the usual ones with extra user defined Custom option.

 


 

Wireless features – Bluetooth & WiFi

 

The DX160 follows the same wireless features as the DX220. Bluetooth version is 5.0 and now one of the few DAP to support it. Sound quality and signal proves to be good enough, no drops or cuts on the connectivity so far with a few wireless headphones or IEMs tried. However, the wireless range is less wide than on the DX220 – there are a few reported units on the DX160 with this issue, but seems that iBasso are working on this. Moreover, the DX160 also supports Two-way Bluetooth so can work as a receiver, so a wireless Amp/DAC with balanced 4.4mm output.

For Wi-Fi it supports the dual band 2.4/5GHz, now a standard for portable devices, and seems to work well with home internet servers for both navigation and streaming.

 

DAC functionality

The DX160 works as external DAC through the Type-C USB port, connected to either a PC or other smart devices. With a Win 10 notebook there was no need to install any drivers, simply connect it and wait until it is automatically recognized. However, to activate the DAC mode it only possible from the ‘Advanced’ options under the Settings menu on the Mango app. Also do note that if the playback button is pressed the DAC function will stop.

 

Battery

Battery time rates to 13hrs of continuous playback, from single-ended 3.5mm output. The time is rather accurate, at least using IEMs after playing a mix of Flac and 320kps Mp3 files, on low gain and with both wireless connections off, it reaches about 12hrs with few random screen uses. 4.4mm balanced output will be lower, around 8~9hrs. It is a decent performance for such a portable device with such a quality of screen. Note that the resolution can be set to 720p which may optimize the battery time a bit further. As usual the needed Quick-charge is supported as well.

 




Sound Quality

 

Sources: iBasso DX220 AMP1 mk2 & AMP9, Shanling M5s, HiBy R5 & R6 Pro, Fiio M6.

Ear/Headphones: iBasso IT04, qdc Anole VX & Fusion, Dita Audio Twins, Sendy Audio Aiva, Meze 99.

 

As the new mid-tier portable player from iBasso, the DX160 implements a Cirrus Audio different DAC chip from the previous takes of AKM and Sabre ESS options used on the flagships DX200/220 or DX120/150. However, it is not iBasso's first take on a Cirrus DAC; DX80 for instance used an older chip model. The one here is a dual CS43198 DAC, found on a few competitors like the A&K SR15 and the newer and more affordable HiBy R5, a much closer rival to the DX160.

Despite this shared audio component, its implementation and tuning of the DX160 still shows the iBasso more characteristic sound, found on the upper DX220 and lower DX120, with a nicely balanced and rich engaging presentation. The DX160 does fit accordingly to its suggested price tag when compared to the lower priced DX120, and more next to similar priced such as the Hiby R5 or Shanling M5s. And more importantly is how it performs next to more expensive players; in fact, the DX160’s sound resembles in many ways the DX220 (AMP1 mk2) with the wide soundstage, great layering and touch of musicality.

 

The volume range is of a standard 100 steps and there are two gain options. it may sound more limited next to the DX220 that raises up to 150 and features an extra middle gain option, but then it is the usual option you get on almost every player. The changes from each volume step are small and smooth, suiting well very sensitive, low impedance IEMs. For example, using the IT04 the required volume of the single 3.5mm output is just around 30 and ~20 on the balanced output. Hiss is audible only with very sensitive IEMs and the DX160 can present some EMI noise with those, mainly when Wi-Fi is on. It is audible when music is paused and mostly when scrolling through menus. On the 4.4mm output it is less noticed. A small impedance adapter definitely helps to fix this issue.

 

The Cirrus CS43198 offers a short variety of 4 digital filters. Lower than the ESS Sabre Pro chip on the DX220 with 7 options, Shanling M5s with 6, or own DX120 with 5. Even so, the Hiby R5 with same DAC has none. Unless you really can tell differences between all these filters, then this will never be called as a disadvantage. Similarly to the DX220 with the new Mango player app, there is a small graph showing the digital audio filters differences – a nice touch. Anyway, the true changes will be achieved using the Equalizer. Again, the Mango app offers two equalization systems, Graphic and Parametric. On the Graphic Equalizer there are six options, five EQ presets and one Custom; all of them can be still adjusted by user’s preference by simple touch on the frequency. graph. The frequency band is wide, with 10 frequencies from 33Hz up to 16kHz in a 12dB -/+ range. A nice feature is that the graph curve will change when adjusting each band. There is a small volume drop when enabling the Graphic EQ to apparently avoid channel distortion. The Parametric Equalizer (or PMEQ) is more interesting and much more complex that requires more time to fully understand, but will give a most precise tuning. As it should work like the DX220, so the same manual (to be found online) will properly explain how to use it.

 

As usual, for the sake of the review the sound impressions and comparisons were done without EQ options and using the Mango player App preinstalled.

 

For a mid-tier player the iBasso DX160 performance is excellent, making it worth its price tag with key features over some of the competition. An ‘all-rounder’ presentation would be the most proper what to describe the sound out of the DX160, pairing with different types of gears from IEMs to over-ear headphones. It is fairly balanced and linear, but not flat or too reference tuned with that cold, clinical approach; but rather, puts a very good overall balance without emphasizing a certain frequency or adding much coloration. There is fullness on notes with a more natural timbre, and probably the most natural among these mid-fi priced DAPs, which only gives up on some transparency in exchange for extra touch of musicality. It also adds better texture and layering without losing in clarity. Moreover, the DX160 stands out having greater dynamics and a wider surrounding effect. The low-end extends well and effortlessly; there is a slight touch of added warmth that does give a bit more body to the lower instruments yet keeps a very good layering and separation. Control and speed are very good as well. Mid-bass has a slight more priority over the sub-bass which results a bit lighter; it shows good rumble just less depth. Midrange is mostly neutral to slightly forward depending on the pairing; with more v-shaped sets then it just less distant and more even. There is almost no coloration but richer texture, and focus in giving better resolution and greater dynamics. It is at expenses of total precision and transparency, though still all accurate and detailed. Highs balance is as good as with the low-end, well textured and energetic enough. Not as resolving as the flagship tier level of the DX220, and not most natural but yes more enjoyable than the treble on the R5 with the same CS43198 DAC. The layering and treble dynamics are well achieved, completing the touch of ‘musicality’ the DX160 tends to offer, less linear or reference-like, more rounded and very controlled where sibilance or harshness are less perceived. Extension is pretty much equal to the lows, so quite good for a mid-fi range. Soundstage is a key feature on the DX160, and the most expansive among the various mid-tier DAPs compared. It easily offers the best width with more equal depth and height. In fact, it is not far from the DX220 impressive level of large stage presentation. It also has a more realistic imaging and accurate positioning of elements.

 

The balanced output on the DX160 which is now Pentaconn 4.4mm brings the expected results. On the technical side, there is the usual jump in power, with output level of 6.4Vrms, twice the single ended output. Also, the matching listening volume level is lower by at least 10 steps, depending on the gears used. The real improvements are clearly in terms of dynamic range, greater separation with an even wider and more spacious staging. The sound presentation is more even, open, and well, more ‘balanced’. It also is ‘less forward’ than out of the single-ended out, with better and more effortless extension. With very sensitive IEMs it can result in an extra boost in bass and treble, but otherwise it is easy to recommend if applicable and when battery time is less critical.

 

 

Comparisons

 

HiBy R5

The R5 is probably the closest rival of the DX160. Not only both retail at same price, but also share the same Cirrus Dual DAC CS43198, same dual output options of single 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced, Android 8.1 OS and all multiple wireless functions, WiFi and Two-way Bluetooth. Build quality is solid on both devices and similar in weight too. Then, they differ in clear physical dimensions being the R5 the most compact out of full Android based players, while the DX160 retains the same excellent wide 5” touch screen introduced with the current flagship DX220. On other internal hardware components, the R5 has the advantage in speed with a faster Snapdragon processor but limited to a lower ROM of just 16GB. The DX160 doubles to 32GB but then is not as fast as the R5. While the R5 arrives with preinstalled Google Play app, it can now also be installed on the DX160.

In terms of sound, both players have immediate similarities in the technical level and a few cons as well; not that surprising, having the same audio DAC component. The detail, resolution, speed and precision are pretty much equal. However, the presentations are differently tuned. The R5 is more average to narrow in soundstage, a bit more linear, cooler and drier in the midrange. It has also a bit more dense texture. The sub-bass is greater on the R5 too, while the mid-bass less emphasized. Treble is sparkly though not the best in quality. On the other hand, the DX160 wins with a wider staging, a bit more open and spacious. It is more musical, especially in the mids, more dynamic but then a tad less accurate. Mid-bass is more focused with less depth on the sub-bass. Treble is better tuned too, more natural and forgiving. Using closed headphones or IEMs, the differences are less noticed, but easier to notice with more open designs.

 


 

Shanling M5s

Before the release of the new M6, the M5s was Shanling’s flagship player. There are not just obvious differences on the outside design, but in the hardware and software applied. For a non-Android based device the M5s is very fast in interface response, and still much less accurate when trying to browse through the various menus. The DX160 is smoother and more comfortable to operate, even not being the fastest in its price bracket.

Sound wise differences are easier to pick than against the above R5. The M5s is more neutral and more linear, less lively and dynamic, but more focused in accuracy and detail. Stage is wide on the M5s but the DX160 is even greater in all dimensions. Bass is shier and lighter on the M5s, though also tighter, while the DX160 is more bodied and forward, especially in mid-bass with more rumble. The midrange is similarly forward on both; however, the DX160 is richer and more musical, whereas on the M5s is a bit drier. Treble is even more different – the M5s is just smooth and much less emphasized, making it darker sounding next to the more lively and energetic treble on the DX160. The M5s still has a more natural treble texture, while the DX160 is still better than the R5.

 


 

DX220

The most interesting comparison is obviously against the own iBasso flagship player, the DX220 with stock AMP1 (MK2). Does the DX160 sound is a good as the twice priced DX220? Well, no, but it has been tuned to offer a very close (maybe too close) presentation with similar strong key features, like the extension and very wide soundstage, fullness and musicality. If comparing with IEMs or closed portable headphones, differences (or improvements) will be less obvious. The DX220 has better layering and further extension on both ends. It sounds more neutral in the midrange, less forward and leaner for a greater sense of space and air. The detail is presented more effortlessly too. However, in terms of value, then the DX160 has the upper hand and is more portable with the same great screen; unless you need or want the exchangeable amp modules. With both players on their latest firmware upgrades, the system speed is similar, though the DX160 runs a bit smoother, while the Bluetooth range is better on the DX220.

 

 

Pairings

 

Single ended 3.5mm output:

 

qdc Anole VX

Like with the DX220, the pairing is still limited to the 3.5mm single ended output, until I get a proper cable for the qdc’s. Even with all switches off on the Anole VX, there is a strong bass presence, with a warmer tonality. Midrange is a tad forward than neutral and a bit thicker. The treble is sparkly and extends to all what the DX160 is capable of. Soundstage has more width than depth. To be fair, the sound is not as high-end level as when paired with the DX220, although does stand out for its price. The VX shows that DX160 is not a totally neutral, reference DAP, but yes a balanced one with a touch of added fun factor.

 

final E5000

Single dynamic in-ear that with just ~6.4mm driver diameter has a reality low sensitivity for just an IEM and requires greater power to sound best. The DX160 is plenty powerful to drive the E5000 and pairs quite well. Bass is impactful yet controlled and not overwhelming. The midrange sounds clean, forward and more bodied. Treble is more energetic despite the laid-back nature of the E5000. Wide soundstage.

 

Dunu DK-3001 Pro

While the DK-3001 Pro arrives with all the possible plug adapters, with the DX160 I found using just the 3.5mm single-ended output to sound more enjoyable. The DK3001 Pro has a bit of midrange forward sound. The DX160 adds the extra layers of bass, more punch and texture, as well as more treble presence, maintaining a forward, very rich midrange. Soundstage is about average, but tonality is very natural.

 

Custom Art Fibae 3

The Fibae 3 is a right example that shows the less neutral and more dynamic sound of the DX160. It is a very linear IEM with a reference tuning, brighter tone and impressive detail. Synergy with the DX160 is superb. There is a very solid low-end, more dynamic but with the speed and detail the Fibae 3 can present. Midrange is richer, especially more in the low-mids. Treble is still bright and well extended. The presentation is very airy and actually reaches a wide stage with just the 3.5mm single-end port.

 

 

Balanced 4.4mm output:

 

Dita Audio Twins

The DX160 benefits well both Dita Twins, but my preference in this case goes for the Fealty. There are very good dynamics, more lively, all-rounder presentation, bass power and richer midrange. The highs are not completely smooth, peak free, but there is very good extension. If available, the 4.4mm plug for the Dita cable will give better results, especially a wider and open staging.

 

iBasso IT04

Still the current flagship earphone from iBasso, the IT04 works as good reference when trying different DAPs and a must if it is an iBasso DAP. Unlike the DX220 with a stock 2.5mm balanced output, a small adapter is needed for the DX160 or if you prefer, a 4.4mm terminated cable. The IT04 still performs greater with the DX220, a cleaner, smoother, more organic sound overall with expansive soundstage. With the DX160, the 4.4mm balanced is also recommended to bring best results out of the IT04. Bass is impactful, with more mid-bass elevation, and good speed and well textured with that graphene driver; deep and rumbly sub-bass too when called for. Midrange is full, and more forward versus the DX220 pairing, especially in vocals or upper string instruments sounding crunchier, but not as layered and resolving. Width and depth are very good. Treble is not as refined, a bit aggressive and not completely harshness free. Some quick EQ can help, or even better small added impedance adapter to smooth down and give more body to the sound.

 

 

Sendy Audio Aiva

Between both Hiby players, R6 Pro and R5, I already preferred the R5 synergy with the planar Aiva, not for the technical abilities, but simply for the tonality and less bright signature. With the DX160, the results are similar, though the DX160 benefits the Aiva even more: it has the soundstage the Aiva may need and a better treble control, yet not completely forgiving but at least smoother.