iBasso DX100 Reference DAP Impression

[Hitsugaya87]

Aaron Tan priest lah priest.

 

[iAHBEE]

haben put bieber shushu tracks insai yet h0kays

 

[riderxps]

What are your selections for the d-filter and src on the dx-100?

 

[Red_herring]

bros, you guys using it via the internal amp or still using external amp...

thinking of selling my iems, headphones, amps to get this...

 

[dqwong]

What are your selections for the d-filter and src on the dx-100?

using slow roll off + no SRC.

SRC makes the sound too harsh and artificial.

 

[dqwong]

bros, you guys using it via the internal amp or still using external amp...

thinking of selling my iems, headphones, amps to get this...

I am using the O2 amp with the DX100.. it's really the best pairing in portapile heaven.

 

[Red_herring]

I am using the O2 amp with the DX100.. it's really the best pairing in portapile heaven.

have you compared it amp and unamped? I'm a lazy person, dun really feel like bringing out 2 bricks...

looks like i won't be able to sell my nano + shadow combo anytime soon...

 

[dqwong]

have you compared it amp and unamped? I'm a lazy person, dun really feel like bringing out 2 bricks...

looks like i won't be able to sell my nano + shadow combo anytime soon...

Ibasso dx100 internal amp is slightly colored, with emphasis on bass and treble. Sounds really good but still lose out to O2 amp for overall refinement.

The nano's dac cannot be compared withe Sabre32 on the DX100. There's so much more accuracy to the sound with more life-like instruments.

 

[riderxps]

using slow roll off + no SRC.

SRC makes the sound too harsh and artificial.

Thanks,hope to audition the O2 amp soon.

 

[Red_herring]

Ibasso dx100 internal amp is slightly colored, with emphasis on bass and treble. Sounds really good but still lose out to O2 amp for overall refinement.

The nano's dac cannot be compared withe Sabre32 on the DX100. There's so much more accuracy to the sound with more life-like instruments.

confirm, my nano dac not very impressive. looks like its time for spring cleaning...

 

[dqwong]

Those with DX100, try to find some heavy Cymbal music... go compare the DX100 vs your previous player or soundcard... tell me if it sounded different.

 

[mark_twain]

I have a similar experience after doing a half hour audition with my buddy's DX100.

Was intending to buy the DX100 thinking that it will be better than my HM-801. As usual gadget person's bad habit, thinking that new gadget should always be better than old one.

Tested same songs with DX100 and HM-801 and concluded that I can keep my 801 and save the money for other gadgets (ordered a new 801 spare battery and charger).

Maybe my own ears preference, but it is very difficult to find a DAP that can play songs and music with analogue sounds - which only HM-801 comes very close to it, yet with details and soundstage. DX100 is very analytical and clear, but it is like most modern players. If you already have a good iPod, you can probably try out the Fostex HP-P1 or CLAS, as they both generate very analytical and clean sound and good soundstage.

Sold my Fostex quite sometimes back so can't do direct comparison, but to me, HM-801 sounds nicer and smoother.

Anyway, if you are upgrading from a iPod, you will definitely not be disappointed with DX100. It is one of the best DAP available, and you can't get a HM-801 any more since it is out of production now!

I'm not an audiophile so I will skip the part of warm sound etc............

Hifiman sounds more hifi like and better to me than the DX100.

Another reason, for a Hifiman owner, a new DAP must have at least a 20% sound improvement for me to take the switch over to the DX 100. Well, DX100 don't give me that.

 

[dqwong]

I guess the sound signature of the HM801 is more fluid and musical
While the DX100 will offer greater detail and PRAT.

 

[dqwong]

time to bring the DX100 to pair with tube amps... maybe it will bring out the "magic"

But frankly once you try it on the O2 amp, the DX100 is pretty fluid as well.

 

[kenz]

Actually the HM-801 and DX100 have very different sound signatures.

Many will probably like the HM-801 more as it's sound sig is closer to that of the iPod Classic, with a bit more brightness, more musicality and a bit more aggressive mids. This applies to both vocals and instruments. From my session with the HM-801, it excels especially with rock music. imo, it's analogue-ish sound reduces fatique during prolong listening which is a plus.

Personally, i prefer the DX100 over the HM-801 for one major aspect. In a simple description, i'd say the DX100 is able to deliver the "atmosphere" of the music it plays and does so well in almost any genre i throw at it. Yes, it is towards the analytical with clarity side, however, it delivers the timbre, tonality and character of instruments, in almost frightening realism. Even vocals have layers and flaws that are so minute, yet so plainly laid out. With the right recording, the sound stage brings about an almost 3D image. Fatigue may not be an issue as well since i've drained the DX100 after 4 hours plus of continuous playback.

at least for me, coming from a cowon J3, the HM-801 was 2 steps forward, while the DX100 is 4 steps.

still for HM-801 owners, the DX100 could be an alternative player (albeit slightly better) rather than the next leap.

 

[dqwong]

Ibasso DX100 > O2 amp > Vsonic GR07

Jam Project's Victory:
Complex piece of music, but everything sounds crystal clear and coherent on the DX100.

 

[mark_twain]

Yes, HM801 is indeed more fluid and musical.

I used to have the Korg MR-2 that plays DSD 1Bit files directly, and record DSD directly which is 24bit/192. Very very detailed and super accurate as it is meant for singers doing analytical assessment. Bought it in Singapore (one of the music store at Selegie area). Just that it uses AA battery and battery life sucks. But cheaper than both DX100 or HM-801.

Good to have more choices for us to choose and buy when you are happy! And Be happy with whatever you have bought!

I guess the sound signature of the HM801 is more fluid and musical
While the DX100 will offer greater detail and PRAT.

 

[dqwong]

Yes, I agree with Kenz, the DX100 has the ability to bring out the mood/atmosphere of the music.

if you blindfold me and my brain might be fooled into thinking I am at the location of the actual recording, the sound stage + realism is through the roof on the DX100.

Cymbals to drums to saxphones to trumpets to strings.. they all sound so frighteningly real on the DX100.

 

[mark_twain]

That's weird. My HM-801 does not sound anything close to a iPod Classic. In fact, most 801 users will say it is a totally different signature.

Anyway, this is just from a long user of HM-801 who is very used to the analogue sounding 801 and thus will prefer the 801 sound. To me, 801 delivers similar accuracy and details (with balanced amp module) as the DX100, but a lot smoother and more analogue sounding.

If I don't have the 801, will definitely get the DX100. Not an argument, but I think having an Android device is much better to make improvement at least to the interface - and if that helps in making the sound better in the future with firmware upgrades.

This is a DX100 appreciation forum, so sorry to divert from it. Enjoy your mighty DX100!

Actually the HM-801 and DX100 have very different sound signatures.

Many will probably like the HM-801 more as it's sound sig is closer to that of the iPod Classic, with a bit more brightness, more musicality and a bit more aggressive mids. This applies to both vocals and instruments. From my session with the HM-801, it excels especially with rock music. imo, it's analogue-ish sound reduces fatique during prolong listening which is a plus.

Personally, i prefer the DX100 over the HM-801 for one major aspect. In a simple description, i'd say the DX100 is able to deliver the "atmosphere" of the music it plays and does so well in almost any genre i throw at it. Yes, it is towards the analytical with clarity side, however, it delivers the timbre, tonality and character of instruments, in almost frightening realism. Even vocals have layers and flaws that are so minute, yet so plainly laid out. With the right recording, the sound stage brings about an almost 3D image. Fatigue may not be an issue as well since i've drained the DX100 after 4 hours plus of continuous playback.

at least for me, coming from a cowon J3, the HM-801 was 2 steps forward, while the DX100 is 4 steps.

still for HM-801 owners, the DX100 could be an alternative player (albeit slightly better) rather than the next leap.

 

[kenz]

That's weird. My HM-801 does not sound anything close to a iPod Classic. In fact, most 801 users will say it is a totally different signature.

Anyway, this is just from a long user of HM-801 who is very used to the analogue sounding 801 and thus will prefer the 801 sound. To me, 801 delivers similar accuracy and details (with balanced amp module) as the DX100, but a lot smoother and more analogue sounding.

If I don't have the 801, will definitely get the DX100. Not an argument, but I think having an Android device is much better to make improvement at least to the interface - and if that helps in making the sound better in the future with firmware upgrades.

This is a DX100 appreciation forum, so sorry to divert from it. Enjoy your mighty DX100!

no sorry, mark_twain

our ears just hears differently i guess. was thinking of getting the HM-801 at one time and did a comparison with the ipod classic. Yeah, they are different, just thought it was the closest comparison i could have, as the HM-801 sounded different from the sony x1060 and cowon j3 i have.

about the android interface for DX100.. that's a whole other matter! them ibasso chaps better be whipping out an update soon before some of us loose more hair using it.