iBasso DX180 Review & Comparison - Midrange DAP Wonder

[@erictracy1630]

Andy just fyi, if you swipe once or twice from the left in the Mango player you can access all the categories (artists, songs, genres, etc). I too had this problem until I figured that out. The player has a terrible UI that needs another overhaul.

[@AndyAudioVault]

You are a LIFE saver!

[@jamesberryman9893]

Awesome review, Andy! I have never purchased an iBasso DAP. My first recent DAP was Hiby R3 ii and was going to save up for the M23 after watching your review of it but my wife beat me to upgrading my DAP and she purchased me the Hiby R6 Gen 3. I have had it for almost 2 weeks and I'm extremely happy with it. It smashes the Hiby R3.

[@AndyAudioVault]

Awesome James, you are a lucky man!

[@AronAddams7]

I used the dx90 long time ago. Since then, I have used several daps from Hiby and Shanling, mostly entry -level stuff. Ibasso knows how to design a dap very well.

[@Cons2911]

How’s the hiby sir, after a few months

[@Cons2911]

@@AronAddams7how’s is the hiby sir?im looking to get a dap, eyeing r4 Eva

[@jamesberryman9893]

@Cons2911 They are all fantastic!

[@geardawg1358]

Very interested in the N3 Ultra, might be my first DAP saving for it now. Thanks for the review Andy!

[@AndyAudioVault]

My pleasure

[@Flo-ge9db]

Take a look on the shanling m5 ultra, warmer Sound and not a bugged android. I’m loving it 100%.

[@thedar7164]

As always thank you. I ordered the Onix Overture XM5 waiting for it.. this looks interesting as well. All the success to you.

[@AndyAudioVault]

Thanks, you too!

[@StevenL717]

Just bought it today and the sound quality is amazing for this price! I have compared with much more expensive DAP and this is the most lightest and smallest one with surprising good sound quality. Now I can finally have a great sound quality DAP in my pocket on the go! Thanks Andy for your recommendation

[@AndyAudioVault]

My pleasure!

[@Soloaudiophiling]

sold my wm1zm2 and bought the dx180, simply because it is lighter than most daps. The more expensive it gets the more heavy. And most review says it has very dark background which is what I like. Light weight and dark background plus affordable!!!

[@UFO-Audio]

Geoff was having a great time! 😁 This dap is out of my price range right now but is one to consider for the future!

[@AndyAudioVault]

Lol Geoff is taking over AndyAudioVault 😹

[@UFO-Audio]

@@AndyAudioVault 😆

[@DoubleZ.2331]

I just saw this on store last week. For now i use sony zx300, i think its enough for me until i saw this video. You are poison my need andy 😂

[@AndyAudioVault]

😂

[@c.k1523]

Wow nice. Tempting to get one.

[@Helmond2017]

I'd always choose a dap instead of dongles with better sq, thanks for the review.

[@AndyAudioVault]

No problem 👍

[@kennethquah3137]

Hopefully, you can review Ibasso DX260.

[@AndyAudioVault]

That's what I am hoping too :D

[@kmnaniak]

thanks for pointing out the sharp corners - it is important because if you want to use this player with pleasure a case is a must but then you won't be able to feed your eyes with nice green or blue color of DX180 so you can buy black. I love DX180 for it's easy to use experience, wheel, weight and battery. I think it is a little bit bright sounding but connecting to portable headphone amp elevates what this player can do. DX260 might be somehow better but imho is bulkier and more expensive - instead of paying more for DX260 just buy DX180 and a nice portable headphone amp.

[@AndyAudioVault]

My pleasure

[@nmatheis]

Think I'll save up for DC07 Pro and use the iBasso usb splitter to power out with my small Anker battery.

[@Roni-u2c]

Hi Andy, Please compare it to the Chord Mojo 2, sound wise. It's very interesting.....

[@amishwhip9921]

Hello Andy, I would like some advice. What should I buy? Ibasso DC07pro or DX180 ? I use the Fiio FT5 as headphones. Greetings from Germany ✌️

[@AndyAudioVault]

DX180 is like a supercharged DC07Pro and they are literally spiritual siblings with the same transparent and exceedingly resolving yet never overly clinical tuning. DX180 of course being a DAP offers immense capabilities which DC07Pro lacked and overall a better performer in the long run where DC07Pro may suffer some setbacks like RF interferences from the phone it is connected to. They serve different usage case scenario and DC07Pro is undoubtedly the more versatile for simplicity of usage and a lot lighter and smaller too

[@amishwhip9921]

@AndyAudioVault Danke Andy✌️

[@Rezzzn0r]

Wow i didn't expect it to sound better than M23.

[@gogo8033]

Sold my RU7 recently and considering buying the DC07 pro now! Not a dap person but I enjoy your reveiws, feels like new products coming out everyday🫨

[@AndyAudioVault]

Thanks so much for the support!

[@nusu5331]

thank you a lot f or the review!

[@AndyAudioVault]

My pleasure!

[@maxt.1726]

Great review as always thank you Andy. I never used a DAP before so I think this should be a very good entry DAP. Just want to know, can I have my Apple Music library transfer to DX 180? Thanks again Andy!

[@AndyAudioVault]

My pleasure. Yes, you can install Apple Music on DX180 since it runs stock Android system, you can install anything you find in Play Store

[@maxt.1726]

@@AndyAudioVault just ordered for us$475 4G+128G black, love the sound of Onix Alpha with Cirrus chips, thanks again Andy!

[@maxt.1726]

@@AndyAudioVault received the DX180. All I can say is WOW. Love it!👍👍👍

[@filipescalco3590]

Hi! Great review ! Can you tell me if the Ibasso dx180 can play lossless and hi-res music from Apple Music? Thanks !!

[@AndyAudioVault]

Thanks. Yes it can just like any Android based DAP, you can install Apple Music app and play/stream as you please

[@filipescalco3590]

@@AndyAudioVault perfect ! I was looking for a bit perfect DAP .. to use with Apple Music and tidal

[@jokerxue83]

Indeed dx180 is a great audio player the same price range but my dx180 just dead, sent for warranty, hopefully is under warranty or even not able to claim warranty repair with minimal charges

[@guitar_man3778]

My DX180 died on me too after a couple of days. But, I found the solution in another KZbin video: Press the volume wheel + the lowest of the three buttons at the same time until the bootloader menu appears. Get out of that menu and... it works as it should!

[@BrianVallotton]

Hi Andy. Quick question... I have the Hiby R4 and like it but don't love it. If I had a do-over I would probably have bought this one. I can't remember if you mention the difference in sound between the R4 and the DX180 in this video. What would you say is the main differentiator between the two? Thanks again.

[@AndyAudioVault]

The main difference would be resolution which is slightly better with DX180, and also the timbre transient which is smoother edged with a little bit more of analog tint to it than R4

[@redeidson140]

Great review and very helpful… thanks 😊 Could you please give me an idea of how the Hiby R6 iii stacks up against this? Thanks 🤘

[@AndyAudioVault]

Thanks. I would not know as I haven't tried R6iii yet

[@markusj.946]

Great review! I really appreciate your precise insight on this little beast. I have a huge dilemma between the DX180 and the upcoming Hiby R4 x Evangelion. I'm like you: not fan of eq and liking analogue sound. What do you think? 🤔

[@AndyAudioVault]

Thanks. Taste like me? DX180 is what you want 😉

[@markusj.946]

​@@AndyAudioVault Exactly and I'm gonna get one! Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer our questions in the comments. It's really appreciated and continue your fantastic work as reviewer. 😁

[@이성희-e7z9b]

Thank you so much.

[@AndyAudioVault]

No worries!

[@Dark_Acoustic]

Andy, thank you! What in-ear headphones would you suggest for DX180? I think about Fiio fx15 or fh9

[@AndyAudioVault]

Any IEMs really. DX180 is transparent and neutral so you can attach anything to it

[@КостянтинБубна]

thanks for the great review. Please tell me for how many hours the battery lasts through 3.5 and 4.4

[@AndyAudioVault]

Thanks. The answer to this question is on 10:39. DX180 will run for 11 hours non stop on 4.4mm BAL doing Tidal Streaming with WiFi switched on. A bit longer at around 12-13 hours on 3.5mm SE

[@КостянтинБубна]

​@@AndyAudioVaultthank you for your reply. this is really impressive, very good figures. I thought it would be worse with such power, and a beautiful 1080p screen with a capacity of only 3200. if you turn off Wi-Fi and everything else, the indicator will be even better

[@charlesjag3407]

The small size, excellent battery life, and low temps are impressive features. Though, it seems built-in EQ should be present.

[@gamerfinn3634]

Well done

[@AndyAudioVault]

🙏

[@belselkel]

Andy, great video as always. I got a dx180 last week and love it. I have had trouble getting tidal working within the hiby app though. I had to sideload hiby because it wasnt in play store. So hiby works, but when i sign into tidal within it the circle just spins. Any ideas?

[@AndyAudioVault]

I side loaded HIBY App version 4.2.9 Build 5753 and I think I have the same issue as you, can't connect Tidal. But this was never an issue to me because I prefer to use Tidal own App for streaming. If you still want to use HIBY App for Tidal, you need to find the APK that supports it

[@belselkel]

​@@AndyAudioVaultwhat is an APK?

[@AndyAudioVault]

APK is a package for installer files for Android system. If you need to install manually, you look for APK files

[@totorokitano]

Great review as usual!How did you find the DX180 (and the M23) compared to the Q15 you owned in term of sound quality?I'm always hesitating between DAP & Dac-amp portable as Q15,Shanling H5 etc...thanks

[@AndyAudioVault]

My pleasure. Q15 offers a more traditional AKM sound signature which is frontal and slightly colored. DX180 offers the same resolution to Q15 but more transparent and uncolored. DX180 is also more open and wide sounding (less frontal). But I do feel Q15 just a hair denser with sound texture

[@totorokitano]

​@@AndyAudioVault Hi Andy, thank for your quick answer.From what you said the DX180 will be the perfect match for laid back iems I owned (such as Penon Quattro , Kefine Delci..)

[@louis1231]

it would be interesting to compare with a R2R DAC -HIby rs6 in particular

[@AndyAudioVault]

I am keen on that one too

[@martinfox2244]

I would like to see an RS2 comparison. The RS2 is very smooth and analog to my ear.

[@ronenbuium7699]

Hi, It's very interesting to know if you can hear a difference in the sound quality when connecting it to a DAC via the Coax out? VS the USB-C out. Thank you

[@AndyAudioVault]

I would love to try that, but I don't have a device setup to test the Coax out. Sorry

[@cesarsartre4925]

Hello, how does Bluetooth connectivity behave? Greetings from Mexico

[@AndyAudioVault]

Saludos. BT works perfectly fine just like any good Android devices, supports LDAC and many other protocols

[@joselabastida6744]

Great review Andy, as always. I like your cat, I'm a cat person too. I can't install the Hiby Music app on my Ibasso DX180 from the Google Play store, it says is not compatible with my device. Can you advise, please? Cheers!

[@AndyAudioVault]

Geoff says thanks! 😹 Yes you can install HIBY Music App on DX180, but not from Play store. You will need to side load it with manual install, just Google for HIBY Music APK and then get the latest version available. That's how I did it

[@joselabastida6744]

@@AndyAudioVault Thank you, Andy!

[@MARYOLIONHEART]

@@AndyAudioVault Hiby music would work beer than mango player in DX180? Worth to get this for DX ?

[@ronenbuium7699]

Hi Andy, I will be happy to know if the iBasso D16 TAIPAN DAC/AMP worth buying! (Compered to a much cheeper products). Thanks

[@AndyAudioVault]

I am curious too on that one, would love to try it

[@carlomarchese6003]

Hi, I'm following your comments with interest. You recently presented the ONIX Alpha XI1, your evaluation of the ONIX Overture XM5 would be very welcome. A thousand thanks

[@AndyAudioVault]

Thanks! I am definitely trying to get ONIX Overture to test. Let's hope I don't have to wait long

[@ronenbuium7699]

Hi Andy, Can you do a real A/B test with the Burson Playmate 2? Is this DAP even in the same tier? Thank you and have a good day

[@AndyAudioVault]

Already did comapring those two, my Burson Playmate 2 with V7 Opamps remained the one with the most resolution and imaging, macro and micro details. But DX180 sounds more open and airy, with a little smoother edged decays

[@acealbertouano]

Hi Andy! I have Ibasso DX160. But I have issues with the latest version of Tidal. It has no sound output. The only version that only working is the tidal version 2.37.0 and older versions. I don't know what's the problem with the DX160. Maybe you can help?

[@AndyAudioVault]

Let me check on this

[@acealbertouano]

@@AndyAudioVault I did some research on the issue, too. I found a facebook group named Ibasso Audio Club. Turns out, this issue is not an isolated case. Many users of Ibasso continue to experience this issue with Tidal. I hope there's a solution to this. Thanks Andy!

[@ronenbuium7699]

For getting the most Neutral / Natural sound, which IEMs / Headphones you recommend to buy ? And are them your favorite? Thank you

[@AndyAudioVault]

For Diffused Feild Neutral 100% uncolored, 100% transparency and accuracy, Etymotic ER4SR and ER2SE, for neutral and natural, the closest thing to that is the Kinera Idun Golden or I use headphones like Sennheiser HD600. The Tanchjim 4U in Monitoring mode is also as flat neutral as the Etymotic ER series, but I would not use them for pleasure, they can be too lifeless and flat for enjoyment, I like a bit of coloration in the Midbass region which I get from SIVGA Nightingale, my most used IEM still. (I use my Etys and Kinera Idun Golden only for monitoring and source assessment)

[@ronenbuium7699]

@@AndyAudioVault About the Sennheiser HD600 - The big problem for me is that according to graphs, there's a big Sub-Bass roll-off that I can't EQ to much, if I want to Prevent distortion (Because it have a dynamic driver). Thank you

[@terenceloh957]

As-salamu alaykum. Hi Andy, great work. Started following your channel recently. Just purchased DX180 and playing with various software players. HiBy software music player seems to be unable to play DSD files bit-perfect. It would convert to PCM. Default Mango and Neutron player works fine. Do you have any comments on the settings in HiBY software music player? Thank you. P.S. HiBy music player apk was side loaded.

[@AndyAudioVault]

It's a problem with HIBY Music App which seems to be limited on DX180. I only play DSD on Mango player while many other FLAC I have I play on HIBY Music

[@terenceloh957]

@@AndyAudioVault Thank you Andy!

[@hellyeah_tv]

hi! good review. I struggle to choose between this DX180 and Fiio M11S. can you advise as metalhead to metalhead?))

[@AndyAudioVault]

From Metalhead to Metalhead, DX180 is what you want. The 11s can be a bit spicy with energy if you listen mostly to Metal

[@hellyeah_tv]

@@AndyAudioVault thanks for reply)) I found out your channel just recently and you doing really good job. and you know what? I will receive both of them today for review %) I already had opportunity to listen both but less then hour. and I've been interested in DX180 immediately, cos' DX170 not really good compare to both mentioned. anyway, thanks again 😁

[@tamersosman]

Can i use it as a streamer by connecting it via USB c to external dac?

[@AndyAudioVault]

Yes

[@deepakrnair1489]

I bought this as my first DAP ❤ I've one question. If anyone using Poweramp player in DX180, do you feel volume is too low ? In mango player volume level at 20 itself gives a quite good sound through IEMs. But in Poweramp I need to increase it to at least 45 or above to hear properly. Please help on this

[@AndyAudioVault]

I have no idea as I never use Poweamp. On a DAP like this, always best to use native player or HIBY Music App

[@deepakrnair1489]

​@@AndyAudioVaultOkay, thanks for the reply. Mango player is good sound wise but ui is a bit confusing always. That's why I tried to use Poweramp. The weird thing is it really works well in my android smartphone

[@UltimateEnd0]

So, I think you said somewhere in one of your videos that the DX180 is equal or better sound quality to the DC Elite dongle? If so then I can save $450.

[@AndyAudioVault]

Yes DX180 easily matches DC-ELITE

[@UltimateEnd0]

@@AndyAudioVault Thanks Andy!

[@UltimateEnd0]

@@AndyAudioVault I just bought the DX180 in light blue!

[@lextr3110]

can you compare with 320max ti and d16+osprey?

[@AndyAudioVault]

I don't have both, so I can't do that yet

[@jeo7958]

Hi, love your vids! Was wondering have you tested it out as a desktop or laptop dac/amp and if so, how is it?

[@AndyAudioVault]

Thanks! Yes in DAC mode attached to the PC it will behave like a dedicated DAC/Amp with all the goodness DX180 serving stationary role

[@shamelessplace11]

Did you name Geoff after Geoff Tate (OG Queensryche singer) ?!!! If so i respect you even more

[@AndyAudioVault]

Lol, I wish I did. Geoff was already named Geoff when I adopted him from the SPCA Animal shelter/rescue two months ago, and I opted to keep his name, that's a very good name anyway

[@shamelessplace11]

@@AndyAudioVault he's adorable... Try a laser pointer as a toy cats love them

[@AndyAudioVault]

LOL, I will find a laser!

[@guilladogui8259]

ibasso Dx 180 or hiby R6 iii? which has better sound quality

[@AndyAudioVault]

No idea, haven't tried R6iii yet

[@guilladogui8259]

@ oh ok thank u . I’m trying to decide which one I should get

[@Opeth1483]

Dx180 is better than ifi go blu? In terms of sq? And .....miad or go blu?

[@AndyAudioVault]

DX180 is superior than both MIAD01 or GO Blu

[@simas861]

How does it compare to the DX170

[@AndyAudioVault]

I have no idea, haven't tried DX170

[@shogun5436]

Hi Andy, i have a question. I want to buy DAP since sometimes i want separate device while listening Music. I use FiiO BTR15 and Tanchjim Zero and Origin. In terms of just sound quality, do you think this iBasso DX180 is an upgrade to FiiO BTR15 (USB connection)? Or I can just buy an Hiby R4 × Evangelion? Do i get slight improvement on DX180 or R4 over BTR15? Can you give me an idea in their pros and cons of this 3 DAC device? Thank you so much

[@AndyAudioVault]

Yes absolutely. As much as I love BTR15, DX180 is superior with resolution, imaging and overall performance. DX180 is also sonically superior than R4 on all front, and R4 is already an impressive DAP regardless

[@shogun5436]

@@AndyAudioVault Thank you Andy 🙂

[@UltimateEnd0]

HiBy R4 Evangelion Pros: Looks sick af Native (system-wide) PEQ, EQ, MSEB Much cheaper Has a lanyard loop if that matters to you Cool plugins for good sound staging if it matters to you Cons: What donglemadness said.

[@Viewer13128]

How about DX320?

[@AndyAudioVault]

I haven't tried DX320 yet

[@seanjoe1704]

Compare to dc elite for sound, which one you choose ?

[@AndyAudioVault]

DX180

[@blacktxars5461]

Purely on the basis of sound quality should i buy Ibasso dx180 or Onix Alpha

[@AndyAudioVault]

You have the budget, get DX180, sound wise both closely matched, but DX180 offer a little more vertical depth to sound density

[@Opeth1483]

Its better than moondrop miad? In terms of sound quality?

[@AndyAudioVault]

Yes. A lot better

[@pantheo1965]

Dear Andy, if you find the following basic thought-regarding the function of IEMs, interesting--please post a response. Here it is. As we know, there are no two pairs of ears or even two single ears that are exactly same as regards their sensitivity to the different frequencies of the acoustic spectrum. Given this, all IEM 'windings'/calibrations (V-shape, etc.) play no actual role when the question comes to a Hi-Fi auditory experience of a musical piece. The hearing experience varies widely. It is thus strongly subjective. So, I think, before selecting any particular IEM, we need to be sure that the source of the analog signal (DAC exit) sent to our ears is a sound spectrum as much as possible flat for our ears only. It is only then that we know we hear what the IEM sounds like (how they handle the original recording). Additionally, we can only then also meaningfully select some specific equalizer set (pop, rock, jazz, etc.), according to our further musical tastes. So, if this is true, the question is: do you know any smartphone app that could flat-adjust the relative volume of the specific parts of the spectrum in accordance to the sensitivity of one's ears? I used to use NEUTRALIZER, but it was controlling only a limited number of bands in the acoustic spectrum and, in addition, it does not seem to perform satisfactorily with latest versions of Android... Any help in this direction will be appreciated. Thanks.

[@AndyAudioVault]

Thanks, I agree with your point of view. On the other hand, I never use EQ to fix anything, and for my own usage and the method that I practice, I use something which is known and accepted as Diffused Field Neutral standard like Etymotic ER4SR to give me a baseline of what neutral, accurate and transparent sound is all about. I also use Sennheiser HD600 and Etymotic ER2XR for non Diffused Field Neutral references. Using these listening devices, I would be able to gauge how "neutral", transparent or colored the sources are. Again, I don't do EQ, I am a complete idiot when it comes to EQ or graphs, the method I use purely of describing how I hear them and hopefully my audiences can make sense out of it. Cheers

[@ANiCKiN]

CAAAAAAAAAAAT 🤗

[@AndyAudioVault]

😻

[@royalnkm1]

i recenty is planing to get ibasso dx180 but u said that ibasso dongle perform similar to dx180,so still got benifits to get dx180 over dongle?

[@AndyAudioVault]

Yes of course, you go for DAP because it offers the rich user experience with more controls over what a dongle can do, both excellent with sound quality and serves different needs for different form factor

[@royalnkm1]

@donglemadness DAP also produce richer and better sound quality right?

[@bourjuva]

hello can u review fd15 plz

[@AndyAudioVault]

That's in my wish list. Thanks!

[@nirojim6664]

salam , nk tny .. kalau abg.. pilih ibasso Dx180 or Hiby R6iii?

[@AndyAudioVault]

Tak pernah try plak R6iii so tak tau camna nak compare

[@miaobinhuang2315]

Non android based dap are they more lasting than android based dap?

[@AndyAudioVault]

Not really, many Android DAPs now are very well built as compared to what we see three years ago

[@miaobinhuang2315]

@@AndyAudioVault Do you think Hiby R6G3 is reliable.

[@AndyAudioVault]

I don't have R6G3 so it's hard for me to tell. But if anything my experience with HIBY has been great, they are one of the manufacturers that pay attention to quality

[@wahid-lg1kk]

Is it really so much better then dx170? I like the appearance and feel of dx170 better..

[@AndyAudioVault]

No idea. Haven't tried DX170

[@wahid-lg1kk]

@AndyAudioVault same dac chips, only two instead of four, don't know if there is any change to the amp architecture

[@sachinmapari5796]

Cayin RU6 Vs Ibaaso dc04 suggest best all segments My performance - Rich sound and wide stage

[@AndyAudioVault]

DC07Pro is what you looking at

[@sachinmapari5796]

@@AndyAudioVault DC07 NOT AVAILABLE IN INDIA

[@AndyAudioVault]

Can you get EPZ TP50 or ONIX Alpha? if not then get iBasso DC04Pro then

[@Larenz2022]

Can i install deezer app on this device?

[@AndyAudioVault]

Yes you can

[@albeklik8055]

Can you please tell me what is the difference if you have a dab or playing it through your cell phone connected to a dongle. Is it worth paying $500😢

[@AndyAudioVault]

A DAP offers tons of freedom for integrated all in one solution without having an external device connected to your phone, it really depends on your subjective preferences

[@charlesjag3407]

I am looking for a warm, analogue DAP to compliment my detailed, neutral Astell CA1000 DAP. Would love to hear some ideas from anyone in the community.

[@AndyAudioVault]

Perhaps you should consider Cayin N3 Ultra in Tube mode for nice warm sound

[@cesargutierrez4999]

Sound wise how does it compare to the onyx dongle?

[@AndyAudioVault]

Both has similar rich neutral analog tuning, but DX180 offer a little bit of vertical depth to the sound density

[@mkalok1307]

​@@AndyAudioVaultHi Andy, does the vertical depth also appear in the DC07 Pro, too?