In this article, I review the iBasso DX180 Digital Audio Player (DAP). The DX180 has quad CS43131 DAC chips, runs on Android 13 and has a clear 5″ display. The DX180 comes in two configurations: one with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage priced at $469, and another with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for $529.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by iBasso for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
iBasso DX180
Functions
The iBasso DX180 succeeds the DX160 as iBasso’s new entry-level DAP. It runs on Android 13, offers full third-party app support, and comes pre-installed with the Google Play Store. The system-level SRC bypass ensures bit-perfect audio, not just with the iBasso Mango Player but also with third-party streaming apps.
Its microSD expansion slot supports up to an additional 2TB of storage, offering more than enough space to accommodate your entire music library.
DX180 is powered by an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 SoC. Navigating the software feels responsive without any noticeable lag. Its internal 3200 mAh battery delivers up to 15.5 hours of playback from the balanced output and an impressive 30 hours from its Line Out. DX180 supports PD3.0 and QC3.0 and can reach a full charge in 84 minutes. Notably, iBasso has made battery replacement simple, offering the option to purchase a replacement directly from them and making it easy to open and access the device’s internal battery via a screw-on rear panel.
In charge of decoding are quad CS43131 DAC chips controlled by iBasso’s new FPGA-Master 2.0 controller technology, synchronizing and generating the signal to all audio clocks. The device supports up to 32bit/768kHz and DSD512. In addition, it supports Hi-Res Bluetooth codecs including LDAC and aptX-HD.
DX180 can be used as an external USB DAC for Windows and iOS devices. It has a dedicated low-latency USB receiver with support for ASIO and WASAPI output.
Design
The iBasso DX180 has a box-shaped case with angular edges and a modern aesthetic. It’s available in 3 colours: black, blue and green. On the front is a gorgeous 5.0” Sharp hi-res 1080x1920P screen with small bezels.
The volume knob is positioned on the right, accompanied by three angled playback buttons. Both the knob and buttons offer satisfying tactile feedback, with the volume knob adjusting in smooth, detented increments. Thoughtfully designed angular cutouts just below the knob make it easier to grip and operate.
On the top of the device is a USB-C port for charging and data transfer plus a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 2TB. The 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs are on the chassis’s bottom. I should also point out that both headphone outputs can be used as coaxial outputs supporting up to PCM 24bit/384kHz or DoP DSD128.
Usability
Running on Android 13, the iBasso DX180 has a modern and intuitive user interface. Anyone who has used a modern smartphone will immediately feel right at home. The UI feels snappy and responsive thanks to the SnapDragon 665 SoC. Google Play Store is installed out of the box so you can easily start adding any apps you want right away.
I installed a few apps, including Tidal, Spotify, YouTube and UAPP and within minutes I was ready to go. Swiping down from the top opens a quick settings screen which can be further expanded, just like on modern Android phones. From there it’s easy to adjust settings including the digital filters, output mode, display brightness and gain mode.
Mango Player
iBasso’s default Mango Player is preinstalled on the device and can be accessed from the icon on the home screen or by swiping right. All the usual settings and features are there but the navigation style is a bit unusual and takes some time to get used to.
From the player screen, you can access the media library via an icon at the upper left. A settings icon in the upper right takes you to the options screen where you can perform tasks like scan media, enable gapless playback and access the 10-band EQ and Parametric EQ.
The Mango player does everything I need from a music player. However, if you prefer to use a different music app, it’s super easy to install from Google Play or Aptoid etc.
Sound
I put the iBasso DX180 to the test with a diverse selection of in-ear monitors, headphones, and my eclectic musical tastes. With its impressive 690mW from the balanced output, the DX180 has more than enough power to drive all of the IEMs and headphones in my collection.
I’d characterize the DX180’s sound as neutral with a slight emphasis on the high frequencies. That’s not to say it sounds bright, but it’s more revealing and transparent than my other DAPs. It’s no secret that I’m a fan of the CS43131 chipset and I love how iBasso has implemented the quad DACs in this device.
The background is black and the subsystem is completely inaudible to my ears, even with sensitive IEMs (on low gain). The dynamic range and SNR are outstanding, reflecting the numbers on the provided measurements (133dB from the balanced output). These combine to create an open spacious sound with precise and immersive imaging that puts you in the middle of the music.
The DX180’s treble presentation is stunning. It’s airy yet precise and ultra-detailed and the extension is outstanding but remains smooth throughout. Clean space is abundant between each instrument, enhancing the holographic effect and layering on the stage.
Ultimately, the iBasso DX180 sounds transparent, detailed, spacious and dynamic yet despite its excellent technical performance, it’s still musical and natural. It paired flawlessly with all the IEMs and headphones I tested and I’ll discuss some of those in the next section.
Select Pairings
Spiral Ear SE6 Nebula: This pairing is a sensory feast. The SE6’s ultra-detailed and revealing nature becomes even more pronounced with the iBasso DX180. Together, they create a holographic, expansive soundstage with a balanced and transparent presentation. Bass notes are tight and punchy. The mids offer articulate nuance and a lifelike timbre. The treble shines with crispness and intricate detail.
Spirit Torino IEM Twin Pulse Beryllium: Balanced sound signature. Extra-wide soundstage with excellent stereo imaging. A light and airy treble that’s sparkly but smooth. Punchy, textured bass with good authority. The mids are transparent and lifelike.
Sennheiser HD650: The soundstage is nice and wide with this pairing. Bass notes are clean but still have good weight and authority. The mids are forward and natural and sound clearer than they do on my other DAPs. The treble is a bit more pronounced than usual and sounds airy and precise yet smooth.
Comparison
Soundaware M2Pro ($1100)
The M2Pro has a warmer tonality and a tad more bass presence. The soundstage isn’t as wide but more rounded and has greater depth. Midrange tonality is similar but slightly richer on the M2Pro. Both DAPs are equally resolving and detailed but the DX180’s treble is airier.
The biggest difference between these 2 DAPs is the UI. The M2Pro runs a basic operating system that feels and looks antiquated compared to the DX180’s Android 13. M2Pro doesn’t have a touch screen so navigating is done via the D-pad.
Shanling M5s ($429)
The M5s has an AK4493EQ DAC chip. has a thicker and denser character. It’s more upfront and direct in its presentation, especially the mids and vocals. The DX180’s stage feels more expansive and open due to its airier and crisper treble. Moreover, DX180 has more space between instruments and better detail retrieval.
M5s runs on Shanling’s MTouch 2.0 software. The OS is simple but does everything you need for a music player although, of course, you can’t sideload any other apps. Navigation is done via the touchscreen and everything runs smoothly. The battery life is slightly less on the M5s if looking specifically at playback time. However, the M5s has a fantastic deep sleep mode and can stay powered on in standby for literally weeks on end. DX180 offers similar playback time but will drain the battery after a few days if left turned on.
Sony NW ZX-300
The ZX300 shares a similar sound profile to the DX180 – it’s spacious and airy and highly resolving. It lacks the power of the DX180 so it’s less suitable for power-hungry full-sized headphones. The Sony’s mids and vocals aren’t as forward or intimate. It doesn’t sound as robust or as confident as the DX180, maybe due to its lower output power.
Sony’s proprietary software feels a bit clunky compared to a modern Android OS, but it’s functional and easy enough to navigate with the touchscreen. The NW ZX-300 has outstanding battery life, matching or surpassing the DX180’s. Sony was an early adopter of the now-ubiquitous 4.4mm Pentaconn socket, which has effectively replaced the once-popular 2.5mm balanced option.
Verdict
The iBasso DX180 gets pretty much everything right. It’s got a great physical design and good build quality. It’s got a modern, responsive UI that can be customized and optimized. The battery life is great and the display is clear and bright. Most importantly, it sounds fantastic and is powerful enough to be compatible with a huge variety of IEMs and headphones. In summary, this is probably the best DAP in its price range right now and is easily worthy of the PAR recommended award.
Specifications
