Hands-On Review: iBasso DX180 - A New Standard in Hi-Fi Portables

Welcome to my review of the iBasso DX180 Digital Audio Player! In this video, I'll be taking an in-depth look at the DX180, the highly anticipated successor to the DX170. I had the opportunity to test out this demo model, which was provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion. We'll explore its design, features, and most importantly, its sound quality. I'll also compare it to its predecessor, the DX170, to see how much of an upgrade the DX180 really is.
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Disclaimer: This demo model was provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[@hokagoteatimereviews]

Great review Yuri! This looks like a great dap. I love the replacable battery ibasso has kept

[@YuriBrus]

Thanks a lot! I'm glad you enjoyed the review. The replaceable battery is definitely a great feature that adds a lot of convenience. iBasso really nailed it with the DX180!

[@nusu5331]

thank you for the review! i wonder if the dx260 is noticably better just in soundstage depth and layering. would appreciate a short comparison regarding only that in case anyone got both

[@dragonfire61]

Getting mine today. Green, can't wait.

[@YuriBrus]

That's awesome, George! The green one looks fantastic. Enjoy your new DX180! Let us know how you like it.

[@dragonfire61]

I've had it for a few hours now and it is fantastic. Build quality is top notch, unit is very snappy with no lag at all. I've installed both Qobuz and Tidal and I find that sound quality is nothing short of outstanding using my Moondrop Kato and Dita Project M IEM 's both with 4.4 connection. Extremely satisfied and would highly recommend!

[@YuriBrus]

@@dragonfire61 That’s fantastic to hear! The build quality and performance of the DX180 are truly impressive. I'm glad you're enjoying it with your Moondrop Kato and Dita Project M IEMs. Thanks for sharing your experience and recommendation!

[@joshuaolaekeji1254]

Got mine and really loving it

[@YuriBrus]

That’s awesome to hear! I’m glad you’re enjoying it. The DX180 is a fantastic player!

[@pancsasa]

Great review! Thank you so much! Suscribed!

[@YuriBrus]

Thank you so much for the support! I'm glad you enjoyed the review. Welcome to the channel! 😊

[@NoKozi120]

how would this compare to like, Fiio DAPS (M15, M23, or so on) been planning to get a Used Fiio M15 off Ebay but been holding off because ive been waiting for this to come out

[@YuriBrus]

Thanks for your comment! I don’t have any of those Fiio DAPs on hand to make a direct comparison, but if you like your DX170, you're gonna love the DX180.

[@Gadgetibles]

This is the one to get if you dont have money for the high end flagship ones like the dx 260 or 320 ...the shangling m5 ultra is awesome too

[@roberta.6579]

M5 ultra is awesome bro especially if you don't want to deal with Android bitrate limitations

[@YuriBrus]

Absolutely, the DX180 offers fantastic value for its price and delivers outstanding performance. The Shanling M5 Ultra is another excellent option as well! Thanks for watching!

[@Haydos]

​@@roberta.6579android doesn't have any bitrate limitations with proper src bypass

[@orborbea9844]

@@roberta.6579 As with the DX3XX series, the DX180 also comes with an SRC bypass backed into the OS meaning you will receive a bitperfect output at a system level and applicable to almost every audio app you load on the device

[@Ulka.suleymanli]

As an owner if DX300 I would rather go with DX170 because it is really slim and nice.

[@blueaquilae]

Would you be able to have to global comparaison with DC Elite. Also can you share a quick feedback on long session temperature? Thank you very much for this comprehensible review!

[@nanduss5654]

Thanks for the Review, Which all IEMs have you tried? Would you please suggest a few IEMs with warm signatures to be paired with dx180.Thanks.

[@YuriBrus]

@nanduss5654 Thanks for your comment! I've had the opportunity to try a variety of IEMs over the years. For a warm sound signature to pair with the DX180, I’d recommend the following options: 1. Sennheiser IE 80 S - This is a great budget-friendly option with a warm, bass-rich signature. 2. Shure SE846 - For a high-end alternative, the SE846 provides a warm, smooth sound signature. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. Best regards, Yuri

[@nanduss5654]

@@YuriBrus Thanks mate for the suggestions, would check those as well, many of them suggested Nick Himalaya and Duno Da Vinci, any comments on those iems?

[@YuriBrus]

@nanduss5654 I do not have hands-on experience with either of those, but from what I have read in the forums, those are solid choices as well👍🙂.

[@jorgeluisfernandez2560]

Between this and hiby r6 III which one you think is better? Thanks

[@akoskolok]

Great review! I want to buy the DX260. In terms of sound quality is it better than the DX180? What is the difference? Thank you!❤

[@YuriBrus]

Thank you! The DX260 does offer some improvements in sound quality over the DX180, with enhanced resolution, transparency, and an even wider soundstage. Additionally, the DX260 offers Mango OS. However, the DX260 costs nearly double the price of the DX180. If you prioritize top-tier sound quality and can invest in the DX260, it’s a fantastic choice. If not, the DX180 will still deliver an outstanding listening experience. Personally, I'd be fully satisfied with either.

[@akoskolok]

@@YuriBrus Thank you!🤗

[@YuriBrus]

Anytime 😊

[@Haydos]

I doubt the sound quality if difference will be worth double the price. Also this comes with android 13. One of the only players with that at this point and will mean your device will be supported for longer and has a really good ui.

[@mst3kld]

Did you find that the volume would change a lot in your pocket?

[@TokyoDan0]

Great review but can it boot in Mango OS instead of Android?

[@thedar7164]

No.

[@YuriBrus]

Thank you! Unfortunately, the DX180 cannot boot in Mango OS; it only runs on Android.

[@johnlaser9965]

You can use various apps with the DX180.

[@thanrl-yd9ub]

Hi, can the DX180 output 3.5mm coax spdif and 4.4mm analog simultaneously? When you turn on coax output in the settings, can you still hear music from the 4.4mm? Thank you!

[@jamesbush2720]

Great review!!! However I already have a Chord Mojo2 that connect to my Android phone. -Do you think that this player will outperform Mojo2/Android phone as single device??

[@123benley]

Nope

[@Ulka.suleymanli]

Please indicate music at 00:35

[@Roni-u2c]

I prefer a system wide PEQ.....

[@47thdarkdimension]

I have dx170 i think it's great but battery life is terrible

[@stevenj2380]

DX 180 has tempting specs and I've watched other very favorable reviews. To me, all the top and bottom ports are reversed, Very unfavorably, to me. Might have gotten one anyway, but did just get another brand (at $1k). Which is large and heavy. For home desktop/ system connection. Did not realize about the iBasso DX180. Major factor was what was immediately at retail here (NY NY). Some A&K was also available in same store. No iBasso there. So I also got (Amaz.Z) Hiby M300 for pocket and travel use.

[@marlonsalugao6272]

Hi . How will you compare it with the ibasso dx260?

[@hunterborden6891]

260 is much more analytical sounding. I did not like it too much. But using my DX180, I don't feel that way at all. Great option for those looking for a fun DAP to last them a long time!

[@YuriBrus]

@hunterborden6891, I completely agree with your assessment! The DX180 really strikes a nice balance between performance and enjoyment.

[@Stargaze79]

I'm having a hard time choosing between this one and Hiby R04.

[@Haydos]

Same

What was your choice?

[@MARYOLIONHEART]

What you got in the end? This or R4?

[@Ozzie070]

Good review, but don't ever call 'L'amour toujours' a TECHNO classic again😢. This is no techno at all. Just a poppy dance track...

[@YuriBrus]

@Ozzie070 Thanks for pointing that out! I appreciate the feedback. You're right, "L'amour toujours" is more of a poppy dance track rather than a techno classic. Thanks for watching and for keeping me on my toes! 😊

[@dave91863]

You know nothing about techno

[@iyason6878]

You're very cute