With the DX2xx series, iBasso set its sights on more expensive competitor DAPs to bring flagship-level performance at a fraction of the cost. They were largely successful with the DX220 and DX240 providing excellent performance for the dough. Enter the new DX260 with its 8x DAC matrix and enhanced FPGA Master, the most impressive DAP in the series to date.
It’s got a new, unique look with artistic flair and lines in its aluminum body, and it boasts a sturdy, solid construction. You get a nice goodie package with cables, interconnects and clear plastic case (upgrade leather case is available.) Interestingly, they ditched the interchangeable AMP cards, but you get 3.5mm and 4.4mm stock outputs which can be toggled between headphone and line out in the UI, a custom Android 11 build. The DX260 isn’t off-the-charts fast, but is very snappy - you can install the player-only Mango OS which strips it down and bumps both UI and sound performance. You also get about 14 hours of battery life per iBasso which is in line with our tests, and both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity were solid.
Sound-wise, the DX260 maintains and strengthens the series’ detailed, resolving reference tunings with wonderful imaging and holographic presentation that surpasses other similarly priced DAPs. iBasso has succeeded with bumping the sound quality and technology without bumping the price tag and offers a stellar bang for your buck at under a grand.
The CS43198, a Cirrus Logic flagship DAC chip, has an excellent dynamic range, outstanding resolution of micro details, and an impressively low noise floor, adding up to exceptional performance. The Octa DAC Chip Matrix with our implementation guarantees both superb sound quality and DAP leading measurements. THD+N hits -123dB, the best among portable players. This groundbreaking achievement sets a new standard in the industry. The more the merrier. Taking the advantage of quantity to achieve better quality and achieving extraordinary results.
Evolved Audio System Controller
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 haspicosecond-level precise control and adjusts the DAC clock, data, and constructs the FIR filter.
The DAC Matrix Magician
Thanks to the new algorithm of FPGA-MASTER 2.0, the potential of the Octa CS43198 DAC chip can be further explored and developed. Synchronous parallel output mode reduces discrete distortion between DACs to improve overall performance.
FIR 2x mode, FIR 4x 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 4 DACs, the DACs form a hardware analog FIR filter, which averages the differences between multiple DACs, reducing distortion and effectively improving sound details and realism.
Android 11 + Mango OS
The DX260 comes with the latest Android 11 system, allowing you to easily install streaming APPs for a seamless Android experience. The DX260 efficiently bypasses the SRC at the system level. Whether it's Mango Player or a third-party streaming APP, you can take advantage of the system-level "Non-SRC" feature giving you the highest quality sound from the recording.
The DX260 features the Mango OS, a Linux-based audio system that has been meticulously designed for exceptional audio playback. It has accumulated a lot of optimization to the underlying driver algorithms, which focuses on audio playback. This pure sound system has no WiFi or Bluetooth interference, it has lower EMI, and a purer listening experience.
New Design + User Removable Cover
Introducing the new ID design, complete with the return of volume control guards and a more industrial look. Conveniently, the rear cover is easily removable with total battery access making replacement of the battery simple.
I’m loving my new iBasso DX260. While it hasn’t probably achieved full burn-in yet, I’m reveling in the clarity of the music, the instrument separation, and the overall soul pouring into my ears. Music is essential to my life and I’m plunging back into my favorites, upping my game again. Music is never background for me. I want to feel everything move in my world without having to turn up the volume all the way. This gives me exactly what I want. Coltrane’s horn is big enough for me to fall into. Philip Glass opens the desert as wide as deserts should be. The Dead are, well, The Dead, and within reach. I’m enjoying everything I’m listening to with all my attention. This device immediately moved into the inner circle of my life. My earbuds and headphones feel like they’re on vacation somewhere that every day is a spa day. I could say a lot more but I’m too busy enjoying my iBasso DX260. Come back later.
R
Rodney McGrew
ibasso 260- Mind blown
I paired this with my IE 900 an dusk. I am in absolute heaven.
J
Jim Dodson
Highly recommended
I own collection of portable audio players. From the Sony’s wm1a am2, FiiO m11, m17, A&K SR35, Ibasso Dx320, and several others. My current favorite is the DX260. It has a very engaging sound profile. I think it sounds the best out of all of my players. It has a lot to do with the chips, because the SR 35 uses the same Cirrus Logic DAC’s, they sound very similar, but the DX260 sounds more transparent and open. The android OS is very responsive and the fact that the battery is replaceable at the user level without solder is a definite positive. If you could only buy one player, this would be the one to get. If it’s too expensive, then I would suggest the SR 35. My experience with after sale service was also very positive. Michael from support called me with my issue of uploading Apple Music to the player. He said they encountered a similar issue with their demonstrator model and he talked me through it to get it installed, as looking up on the intergoogle was no help. As the title says highly recommended. You won’t find a better sounding digital audio player at this price point from anyone else currently.
A
ANDREW
Just Superb
I previously owned the Sony WM1AM2 walkman. Liked the Sony buy it does not stand up against the iBasso DX260. Highlights include superb build quality, great sound, fast android OS without all the unnecessary bloat. Not sure what a much more expensive DAP sounds like, but I have to think that for under $1000, the value proposition is hard to beat with the DX260.