Name: iBasso DX180 | Digital Audio Player
Brand: iBasso
SKU: IBS-DX180-BK-128
Price: 425.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$499.00 $425.00 Save 15%

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iBasso DX180: a Superb Digital Audio Player with a Quad DAC Array, Android 13 OS, and Extremely Black Background

Quad (x4) Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips + capable 690mW @32Ω driving power
Noticeably smoother and quicker user interface
Dedicated USB receiver for low latency USB-DAC mode
New aesthetic design, new UI (Android 13 OS), and removable back cover with battery access and serviceability
5.0" 1080x1920P screen, BT v5.0, and 802.11b/g/n/ac dual-band WiFi
3.5mm SE + 4.4mm BAL outputs (headphone / line-outs shared)
All models now come with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage
Genuine iBasso Green Case now available

iBasso DX180 blue rear, eye level with retail box

Bloom's Take

“Entry-level” means different things to different folks. But at roughly 500 bucks, DX180, iBasso’s newest budget-friendly HiFi DAP, offers everything the on-the-go audiophile typically needs at a reasonable price. It offers excellent “total package” value in terms of sound, performance, and usability for its price point, appealing to audiophile newcomers and gadget enthusiasts who want in without breaking the bank. Top mentions for the DX180 are noticeably improved user performance, impressive drive power for its size, easily the best-looking iBasso DX100 series DAP to date, pre-installed Google Play Store app, and removable back panel for easy battery swap out.

DX180 keeps in line with iBasso’s accurate, reference sound but with a twist in the form of a little bit of natural warmth, strong dynamic delivery, and decent imaging. Noteworthy and fun IEM / headphone impression pairings were DITA Project M, Moondrop Dark Saber, and Sennheiser HD660S2.

Put it all together, and DX180 makes a compelling case for anyone who wants to enhance their portable audio experience.

Check out the full review here.

(x4) CS43131 Flagship DAC Array

The CS43131, a flagship DAC chip from Cirrus Logic, boasts an impressive dynamic range of 130dB and an incredibly low THD+N of -115dB. The DX180 utilizes the same DAC matrix technology as DX260, with 4pcs CS43131 chips working in unison to exceed the theoretical technical limit of the CS43131. The AP measured THD+N reaches an impressive -121dB, demonstrating the superior technology and design concept utilized by the DX180, surpassing that of its competitors.

iBasso DX180 diagram with full feature thumbnails

FPGA-MASTER 2.0

After years of algorithm development, our FPGA-Master has entered generation 2.0. As the audio system controller, it directly requests audio data from the SoC and plays a major role in signal reproduction and maintaining signal integrity. It synchronizes and generates all audio clocks utilizing two NDK femtosecond oscillators to achieve a fully synchronized single clock source. The FPGA-Master 2.0 also has picosecond-level precise control and adjusts the DAC clock, data, and constructs the FIR filter.

iBasso DX180 rear bird's eye over vinyl record on wood table

Leading Algorithm to Achieve FIR 2x Output

The FPGA-Master 2.0 algorithm fully exploits the capabilities of the 4pcs CS43131 DAC chipsets. With the sum greatly enhancing the normal performance of the CS43131 allowing the chip set to become a super performer.

Synchronous Parallel Output Mode
This reduces "discrete distortion" between DACs to improve overall performance.

FIR 2x Mode
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. Through the "delay parallel" of DACs, the DACs form a hardware analog FIR filter, which averages the differences between multiple DACs, reducing distortion and effectively improving sound details and the quality of the bitstream.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 SoC Smooth Operator

The DX180 employs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 SoC, featuring an 8-core architecture and an advanced 11nm process. This results in reduced heat generation and enhanced stability for seamless operation. With the Micro SD card expansion, the DX180 can provide an impressive 2TB of extra storage space. No matter how much music you adore, the DX180 can effortlessly accommodate it all.

closeup Snapdragon 665 CPU and circuitboard

Astonishingly True AP Measurements

The true measurements of DX170 are close to the theoretical limits of the CS43131 chipset. However, the DX180 has gone a step further, completely surpassing the obstacles and becoming an insurmountable peak in this price range. The DX180 THD+N measurement ranks second among portable audio players, with only the DX260 having a better THD+N measurement.

DX180: 133dB SNR | -121 dB THD+N
DX170: 130dB SNR | -113 dB THD+N
Competitors: 120dB SNR | -100 dB THD+N

iBasso DX180 blue rear bird's eye with connected earphones over navy silk

Blackest Background Possible

The DX180 boasts an impressively low noise floor of just 0.79uV. Even at the highest volume with high gain, the balanced port noise floor is only 1.1μV. The noise floor is significantly lower than other players in this price range and due to this, the DX180 has a distinct quietness. The black background provides an exceptionally vibrant music playback experience.

Android 13

DX180 is equipped with Android 13 system, which allows you to freely install streaming APPs and enjoy the convenience of Android. The DX180 bypasses SRC at the system level whether it is Mango Player or third-party streaming APPs, you can enjoy the system-level "Non-SRC" feature, and enjoy Hi-res music.

iBasso DX180 front bird's eye over leather couch highlighting UI

84 Minutes of Charging, 15.5 Hours Playback

The DX180 is compatible with PD3.0 and QC3.0 fast charge. The battery reaches 83% charge in just 60 minutes, and a full 100% charge is achieved in a mere 84 minutes. Additionally, the improved power management system allows for an impressive battery life of up to 15.5 hours for the balanced phone out usage and an astonishing 30 hours for Line Out playtime.

Specifications

Screen: Sharp 5.0" | 1080x1920 P | on-cell capacitive touch panel
Audio Format: APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, ACC, ALAC, AIFF, OGG, MP3, DFF, DSF, DXD, and DST
USB: Type C (3.1)
Outputs
- 4.4mm balanced phone out (+ line out)
- 3.5mm SE phone out (+ line out)
- 3.5mm coaxial output
- USB OTG
WiFi: 802.11b/g/n/ac (2.4Ghz/5Ghz)
Bluetooth: v5.0
- Transmitter Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX HD, LDAC
- Receiver Codecs (DAC Mode): AAC, SBC
RAM+ROM: 128GB + 4GB
Clock: Dual NDK Femtosecond Oscillators
Battery: 3200mAh 3.8V li-polymer battery
Charge Time: 1.5 hours
Average Play Time: 15.5 hours (Low), 13 hours (High), 30 hours (Line Out)
Size: 4.8" x 2.9" x 0.6"
Weight: 7.3 oz
iBasso 1 Year Product Warranty

4.4mm BAL Headphone Out:

Max Output Level: 6Vrms
* Low Gain: 4Vrms
Output Power: 690mW + 690mW @32Ω, THD+N＜0.1%
* Low Gain: 500mW + 500mW @32Ω)
Frequency Response: 10Hz~75kHz -1dB
SNR: 133dB
Dynamic Range: 133dB
THD+N: -121dB (A-wt, 600Ω)
Crosstalk: -144dB
Noise Floor: <1.1μV (High Gain)
Output Impedance: 1.1Ω

3.5mm SE Headphone Out:

Max Output Level: 3Vrms
Output Power: 281mW + 281mW@32Ω, THD＜0.1%
Frequency Response: 10Hz~75kHz -1dB
SNR: 127dB
Dynamic Range: 127dB
THD+N: -116dB (A-wt, 600Ω)
Crosstalk: -118dB
Noise Floor: <1.1μV (High Gain)
Output Impedance: 0.6Ω

4.4mm BAL Line Out:

Max Output Level: 4Vrms
Frequency Response: 10Hz~75kHz -1dB
SNR: 133dB
Dynamic Range: 133dB
THD+N: -121dB
Crosstalk: -130dB

3.5mm SE Line Out:

Max Output Level: 2Vrms
Frequency Response: 10Hz~75kHz -1dB
SNR: 125dB
Dynamic Range: 125dB
THD+N: -112dB
Crosstalk: -115dB

In the Box

DX180 Player
USB-C cable
TPU case
Screen protector
Warranty card
Quick start guide

iBasso DX180 on wood table with retail box and included accessories, bird's eye

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Great sound but some quirks.

I recently bought the DX180 based on a recommendation from a YT reviewer.
I love the unit, but there are some quirks which aren’t deal breakers.

First, if you want to use the DX180 as a USB DAC, you have to open up their music interface and then select it. (Locking everything else out until you stop using it as a DAC only device. ) It would have been better that when you plug in the USB-C cable, it will sense the connection (beyond just a power supply) and ask you if you want to use this as your music source… then work as a DAC in the background.
(The music app itself is a bit of a kludge)
Everything goes thru the app, so if you want to set up any sort of EQ…you’re stuck going thru their app. Including BT.

The other issue… had it lock up on me. Had to lock it out and then re-enter to get it working again. (Hit the side volume button twice.)

The protective screens are also a pain to get on. Good thing that they give you multiple ones…

On the plus side its an android device so you can download other apps like spotify.

Pairs well with the Dita Project M. If you want a good sounding DAP, this is it.
But you should really think about how you are going to use it. It may make sense to just get a good ’transportable’ DAC instead.

Had to give it 3 stars.
It sounds great but there are other alternatives which may suit you better.

Excellent DAP

Using it for the past few weeks and liking it so far. It can inject enough juice to most of your IEMs and Headphones. Clear sound, on the warmer side though that sounds musical. Bloom did a great job delivering it safe in time.

Dx180

I've on the Sony 507 and the astell & kern sr 25, the Sony died and the sr25 the battery swelled and came apart. I find the DX 180 to be far superior than both those. I've only owned it a month and I love it and I think you will too.

This thing sounds like a dream. Going from hi res wireless earbuds to this plus Performer 5+2 was like waking up on a new plane of reality. They sent it with around 70% charge, letting me jump straight into it. The background is extremely black, the tone is well supported in all regions, and the volume wheel tops off the experience. Props to Ibasso for an amazing product and Bloom Audio for getting it to me a day early.

Absolutely love it.

This is my first DAP since the old iPod days and I absolutely love it. I use it with both iems and with my Kanto YU6s at home. At work I use it with a JBL Charge 3 speaker. It’s lets me take an audiophile level system with me wherever I go. (Currently using it with Tidal)

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iBasso DX180 | Digital Audio Player