iBasso DX320 Review
Time setup for apps. We can use the built-in APKPure or use Google Play for applications. More on Google Play later.
To start using apps with APKPure, do the following:
Click the icon, allow, allow, and follow the additional menus. Once done, you will then open APKPure again and are now ready to start downloading applications.
The first app that I used was Qobuz, a popular High-Rez audio application. Other than the download and install process, the installation process is the same as on standard Android.
The iBasso DX320 runs an open Android 11, making it highly compatible with most applications.
For those who want to still use the Google Play store, you can down this from APKPure. However, some applications still require Google Play to run.
Once we have the download ready, install the APK. The APK is a bit tricky. Click install, and let it do its process. It will go through a “loop” of sorts before it enables you to enter your credentials. This is normal. After this, you are set to run the Google Play store.
USB AUDIO PLAYER PRO is one application that needs to run on “stock” Android.”
As an option, we set the time to standard A.M./P.M. To do this, navigate to settings, system, “Date & Time.” Once there, tap the “Use locale default” toggle under time format.
Check the manual for more information on setting up the iBasso DX320.
Time for the show…
We use a pair of Fir Audio V x V for listening observation in single-ended and balanced mode. Additionally, we used a pair of Audeze LCD-X 2021 Rev.
For optimal battery life, ensure the latest firmware is applied. The iBasso uses a dual battery system in which 2,000 Mah for the Analog section and 4,000 Mah for the Digital sections of the Ibasso. More on this later.
To apply the latest firmware, navigate to system, updater, and click “Check Update.” If there is an update, use it.
If an update is available, use it and follow the steps to apply it, including a reboot.
Now it is time to use any music application of your choice. For our review, I used Qobuz, as I felt it has the best sound quality.
We use the beloved “Tears in Heaven” from his 1992 unplugged album for our first track. From the first pluck of Eric’s guitar, you can feel the emotion of his son. The details the DX320 can convey in this track with the background singers and guitars are often that of full-size components such as desktop components.
For your consideration, bass! And vocals! The bone-chilling ballad “It’s Not That Easy” by Lady Blackbird is a simple ballad but one that touches your soul. From the chilling double bass and piano, the rest of the band that does the fill, Lady Blackbird, is genuinely a chilling song. I can not explain how or why, but the reproduction from the iBasso DX320 gives me chills. Perhaps it is the minute details the DX320 produces, including the brushing of Lady Blackbirds jewelry on the microphone, or just the soul of her emotion!
In our following selection, we use “Morph the Cat” from Donald Fagen, a Jazz-Rock pick. This pick showcases the typical tight Bass groove, nice Sax, and rhythm high-hat we have grown to know that carry Donald’s songs.
The iBasso retains a neutral sound signature, thus allowing IEMs or Full-sized headphones to take on their own sound.
I used the 3.5mm and 4.4 balanced out on the iBasso DX320. Again, I used the balanced connection provided; this provided a tighter punch in bass, refined clarity, and more power for both IEMs.
I must say, regardless of using the 3.5mm connection or the 4.4mm, the nosiefloor was kept at a minimum. This is excellent, especially when sensitive IEMs, where the nosiefloor may be elevated.
Throughout the use of the iBasso DX320, battery life was excellent, averaging 9-11 hours. This was with or without WiFi on, quite a bonus. At the time of writing, I had firmware 2.02.834. This ensures the Digital and Analog batteries are appropriately managed.
The firmware brings rapid charge to the DX320 and the latest updates as of this review.
For Rapid charging, the iBasso DX320 requires a PD3 or a QC 3.0 charger.
While using the iBasso, there is an LED bar indicator towards the top of the screen. This is used to show the file’s bit-type and when the player is charging.
To learn more about the iBasso DX320, click here:
https://www.ibasso.com/uploadfiles/download/DX320usermanual.pdf
Amp Me Up
The iBasso DX320 is loaded with the AMP11 MKIIs stock and allows for other AMP cards when available. The AMP11 MKIIs include a single-ended 3.5mm output and 2.5mm and 4.4mm balanced outputs. The 3.5mm connection has a maximum output level of 3.5Vrms, and the 2.5mm/4.4mm outputs have a maximum output level of 7.1Vrms.
There are three amp connections, low, medium, or high. You can pull these down from the top of the screen for quick access to the gain settings during normal playback. The AMP11s can power almost any headphone, and it leans on the neutral side, which is a plus!
Suggestions
If I had to make a suggestion, it would be to change the volume/power knob. Add half a millimeter of travel between the body to ensure user feedback. As is, button presses can be challenging to ensure, resulting in a second press.
This is the only suggestion I can think of; while minute, it would significantly improve the user experience.
Closing Thoughts
The iBasso DX320 is a fantastic player. Is it perfect? No, but I can dismiss the slight imperfection, as this is a spectacular piece of kit! The ability to run Android applications buttery smooth includes a power stock AMP and the ability for expansion is top-notch! So if you are looking for a full-fledged DAP that will not hold you back, the DX320 is it! And yes, the iBasso DX320 is worthy of the iBasso reputation!
If you would like to purchase the iBasso DX320, use the following link!
Gear Used
Fir Audio V x V IEMs
Audeze LCD-X (2021) Rev.
Anker 735 Charger
Anker USB 3.1 Cable
Songs Used
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven (Acoustic; Live at MTV Unplugged, Bray Film Studios, Windsor, England)
https://open.qobuz.com/track/11854201
Lady Blackbird - It’s Not That Easy
https://open.qobuz.com/track/130019045
Donald Fagen - Morph the Cat
https://open.qobuz.com/track/7722661
