I've had mine for a month now got the sexy sleek black variant and in my opinion it's literally one of the best DAPs on the market right now regardless of price 💯. The sound is absolutely stunning 🤩.
As usual excellent review! The only thing I wish you had discussed in the review if only briefly was to do a comparison with the DX170 you reviewed awhile back. Particularly since the DX180 appears to be the upgrade to the DX170. Might be wrong about the update. And if you made the reference earlier in the intro and I missed, except my apologies,
Ibasso support is incredible. I found a bug on the DX170 and they emailed back and forth and fixed it within a week. Then a patch came out and no more issues. I’m happy the DX180 is so good!
One thing to note is the sd card slot jamming issue that a lot of people seem to have with the DX180 and DX260. iBasso will deny that there is an issue, so your warranty won't cover it if you do have this problem. It seems that no reviewer received a unit with this problem, so no one talks about it. But a lot of actual users have reported the problem, so everyone should be aware of it when considering purchase.
@@Emi-rd1lk The DX170 doesn't have this issue, so if you don't mind the slightly laggy processor and the lack of 4.4 line out mode, try that one instead.
I had the jamming issue right off and it freaked me out, but eventually I tried a guitar pick which sprang it straight out and it's been fine ever since I got this as an indulgence for myself after a crappy year to upgrade from my Shanling M6, and I find the sound fuller and richer, with real heft. I've had some problems with media players (the Mango lumps about 1200 albums together as "unknown") but after some tweaking I have no regrets.
Nice introduction to this dap! Nice video footage! Good descriptions :) More comparisons above and below it’s price point would be helpful/appreciated 🙏 Some of the comments are informative too! Thanks 🎧
Great review! I second everything you said. I replaced my 170 with this, and you can definitely hear the difference. Snappier, more dynamic, and very crisp by comparison. The speed and UI are much better, and the replaceable battery is a huge plus. I have it set to charge only to 80%, and it still plays longer than my 170. Runs Android apps better as well. Can almost be your non-phone Android device it's so quick and well engineered.
@@joshuasantoso556 It is a native Android function. It’s significant, because my other Android DAPS using prior versions showed the option, but they always charged to 100% no matter what you specified. Android 13 really does it.
Dave, what's your dogs name? He's adroble! Another banger review, brother. At this point, I'm really only interested in sources and you deliver the goods!
Best DAP player having silent background and clean neutral sounding with very nice imaging,layering and depth, somemore equipped with android 13 under "Non-SRC" feature.
I tried this alongside the SR 35 at canjam and to be honest if you could save up a little bit more than the SR 35 is definitely a better overall product imo
Hi Dave great review I am definitely considering the DX180 but have you compared this to other options such as the Fiio M23, or the Hiby R6 mkiii or Astell & Kern SR35 (currently on offer here in the uk for £599/US$750). Your observations on those alternatives would be very welcome as I am also seriously thinking about the M23 that I just mentioned. Thanks
Of course you need to access the battery. How else do you replace it when it won't hold a charge? We all need to stop buying products that have non-replaceable batteries as they end up as landfill after a couple of years of daily use. I will buy this only because it has a user replaceable battery.
What do you mean exactly by jamming issue ? Other questions guys micro sdxc card must be u3 or u1 for screen fluidity when scrolling song for example or other improvements as the price is not the same for large size card . Thank a lot for your help. Greetings from switzerland
I am not clear on why a DAP is needed when I have an iphone with a DAC dongle or just connected to my desktop DAC/AMP(?) see these videos but just do not get it.
I don't think that anybody claims that DAPs are "needed"; they land squarely in "want" territory. Why people want them vary from person to person, but typical reasons include wanting a single-purpose device (no notifications, one less function using up phone battery, etc) and device ergonomics preferences (buttons for playback control, knobs, just not liking how dongles dangle, etc). If you don't care about those things and are happy with your current setup, then there's no need to go out and buy something over what other people are looking for.
One huge advantage would be most modern DACs bypass Android audio resampling so you can get nitrate perfect sound from steaming apps and downloaded tracks. You can't get that with a dongle DAC without resorting to UAPP and live streaming through it.
@@hyedefinition1080 thanks. I am trying to research what you are saying. So if I listen to a lossless track on Tidal (or apple music) from my iphone to say Onix aXi1, it would not be as good as this DAP?
@@mtbjd3046 The systemwide resampling they're referring to is an android thing that iphones don't do, so not really applicable to your particular circumstances. How much it even matters where it does happen (i.e. can you actually hear any difference between bitperfect playback and e.g. upsampling from 44.1 to 48) is another question entirely.
Hi need your advice ASAP please. Out of this IBasso DX180, and then the HiBY R6 mkiii, and the Fiio M11s (ess version). Which would you choose (and why)?? These are my options. Also what IEMs would you suggest to match your choice. (Budget up to $200). And finally, what do you recommend us the best way to transfer my modest (250) CD collection? I have a laptop PC - also lots of my stuff is backed up to iTunes. How can I get best quality music possible in terms of settings? What apps or programs are best? Thanks in advance.
I always enjoy your intro. You have a beautiful home. God bless. I have the Hiby R4. I am tempted to get this, but wondering if you could assign a percentage of sound quality increase to the difference? 5%... 10? Just wondering. Thank you.
do what you like with your life, but we are not interested in knowing - when I'm subscribing certain channel or quitting I'm not announcing that to entire world, grow up
A good MP3 player shouldn't cost more than $200. More than half of the device is screen and non removable battery. There is no space left for any good amplifier components. They usually lack dynamic range. In couple of years this junk battery will be flat and become an expensive paper weight. You didn't show how responsive is UI and how fast device starts up when turned off. I prefer good old sony mini disc walkman from the 90s that can play the disc immediately and runs on a single AA battery. It's super easy to make an ultimate playlist on a mini disc as it can digitally record and combine songs from any source PC, CD, DVD concerts, spotify, game console or youtube, TV etc.
This is not a mp3 player, this is a high-resolution player with 4 converter and amplifier especially optimized on balanced out. Despite their size, it’s 2x more powerful than my old portable DAC/amp. Good luck to find a $200 device with the same specs. The battery and screen here are the less expensive components. You can easily replace the battery by yourself. It’s ok if you’re happy with a minidisc or a simple mp3 player but both have poor output power and inferior audio performance.
Perhaps they fixed this issue, at least I hope so.. but in case they have not.. beware the SanDisk Micro SD extreme cards have a tendency to get stuck in the slot...so pick up the ultra instead ... again this may be a non issue now.. not sure.
@@ANOLE_VX mine is stuck , but it did not break the micro sd card, my understaning is that I will need to open the back and use a flat type of tool and gently pry the micro sd card out. As I have a 512gb card in there , I most likely will not bother, as it will take me quite some time to fill that card to capacity.
Phenomenal video. Production quality is superb and sound impressions are dead on. Great work, Dave
I like what you are doing with editing, really good job
I've had mine for a month now got the sexy sleek black variant and in my opinion it's literally one of the best DAPs on the market right now regardless of price 💯. The sound is absolutely stunning 🤩.
As usual excellent review! The only thing I wish you had discussed in the review if only briefly was to do a comparison with the DX170 you reviewed awhile back. Particularly since the DX180 appears to be the upgrade to the DX170. Might be wrong about the update. And if you made the reference earlier in the intro and I missed, except my apologies,
Ibasso support is incredible. I found a bug on the DX170 and they emailed back and forth and fixed it within a week. Then a patch came out and no more issues. I’m happy the DX180 is so good!
One thing to note is the sd card slot jamming issue that a lot of people seem to have with the DX180 and DX260. iBasso will deny that there is an issue, so your warranty won't cover it if you do have this problem. It seems that no reviewer received a unit with this problem, so no one talks about it. But a lot of actual users have reported the problem, so everyone should be aware of it when considering purchase.
Thank you, order has been cancelled
@@Emi-rd1lk The DX170 doesn't have this issue, so if you don't mind the slightly laggy processor and the lack of 4.4 line out mode, try that one instead.
@@SmileyD1125 At Bloom, we’ve dealt with this a handful of times with customers and we’ve replaced every unit under warranty with iBasso.
I had the jamming issue right off and it freaked me out, but eventually I tried a guitar pick which sprang it straight out and it's been fine ever since
I got this as an indulgence for myself after a crappy year to upgrade from my Shanling M6, and I find the sound fuller and richer, with real heft. I've had some problems with media players (the Mango lumps about 1200 albums together as "unknown") but after some tweaking I have no regrets.
Do you happen to use Sandisk Extreme SD card?
Nice introduction to this dap!
Nice video footage!
Good descriptions :)
More comparisons above and below it’s price point would be helpful/appreciated 🙏
Some of the comments are informative too!
Thanks 🎧
just bought one of these. I dont eaven have any local music files. I guess now is a reason to get started
Great review! I second everything you said. I replaced my 170 with this, and you can definitely hear the difference. Snappier, more dynamic, and very crisp by comparison. The speed and UI are much better, and the replaceable battery is a huge plus. I have it set to charge only to 80%, and it still plays longer than my 170. Runs Android apps better as well. Can almost be your non-phone Android device it's so quick and well engineered.
does it have the ability to set the charging rate bulit-in or third party app??
@@joshuasantoso556 Built-in battery saver
@@joshuasantoso556 It is a native Android function. It’s significant, because my other Android DAPS using prior versions showed the option, but they always charged to 100% no matter what you specified. Android 13 really does it.
@@kaavik47 would you mind telling me in what settings category this feature is?
@@joshuasantoso556 Go to Settings - Battery - Battery Saver
Dave, what's your dogs name? He's adroble!
Another banger review, brother. At this point, I'm really only interested in sources and you deliver the goods!
Dog's name is Xerox.
Agree with you Dave, the DX180 is a fantastic device for the price. Very clean, transparent.
as always, great video!
13:18 Noise level, this is why don't push the volume to more than 60% even it the specs say its distortion free for human ears.
Have you had the opportunity to compare this DX 180 with the DX 260
Great review are you able to offer a comparison between this one and the fiio M23?
Best DAP player having silent background and clean neutral sounding with very nice imaging,layering and depth, somemore equipped with android 13 under "Non-SRC" feature.
I tried this alongside the SR 35 at canjam and to be honest if you could save up a little bit more than the SR 35 is definitely a better overall product imo
How is the sound compared to the DC Elite for those of us not interested in a DAP?
DC Elite will sound significantly better.
@@NealzOfficial depends if it's IEM or headphone. For IEM, i don't feel much difference. Headphone, i can feel it a lot
@@Rsalmond83 DC Elite sounds close to the DX180 but remember it's a DAP so of course it's going to sound better
@@The_Crayon_God what do you mean? Some dongles sound better than DAPs.
Similar tuning but DC-Elite has better technicalities.
Daps have taken a huge leap in general in the last two year. Before that, driving a hd650 was considered an extraordinary trait for a dap.
So this can drive Arya SE?
Hi Dave great review I am definitely considering the DX180 but have you compared this to other options such as the Fiio M23, or the Hiby R6 mkiii or Astell & Kern SR35 (currently on offer here in the uk for £599/US$750). Your observations on those alternatives would be very welcome as I am also seriously thinking about the M23 that I just mentioned. Thanks
I’m going for the DX260.
Of course you need to access the battery. How else do you replace it when it won't hold a charge? We all need to stop buying products that have non-replaceable batteries as they end up as landfill after a couple of years of daily use. I will buy this only because it has a user replaceable battery.
Hello, how will it be in comparison ещ Hiby R6 Pro 2, differences in sound?
What do you mean exactly by jamming issue ? Other questions guys micro sdxc card must be u3 or u1 for screen fluidity when scrolling song for example or other improvements as the price is not the same for large size card . Thank a lot for your help. Greetings from switzerland
Can it be u used as a streamer only while by passing its internal dac, by connecting it via USB C to more high end external dac?
I am not clear on why a DAP is needed when I have an iphone with a DAC dongle or just connected to my desktop DAC/AMP(?) see these videos but just do not get it.
I don't think that anybody claims that DAPs are "needed"; they land squarely in "want" territory.
Why people want them vary from person to person, but typical reasons include wanting a single-purpose device (no notifications, one less function using up phone battery, etc) and device ergonomics preferences (buttons for playback control, knobs, just not liking how dongles dangle, etc).
If you don't care about those things and are happy with your current setup, then there's no need to go out and buy something over what other people are looking for.
One huge advantage would be most modern DACs bypass Android audio resampling so you can get nitrate perfect sound from steaming apps and downloaded tracks. You can't get that with a dongle DAC without resorting to UAPP and live streaming through it.
@@hyedefinition1080 thanks. I am trying to research what you are saying. So if I listen to a lossless track on Tidal (or apple music) from my iphone to say Onix aXi1, it would not be as good as this DAP?
@@mtbjd3046 correct, unless you listen to Tidal or Qobuz through UAPP. Listening to them on the native app still redirects audio through Android
@@mtbjd3046 The systemwide resampling they're referring to is an android thing that iphones don't do, so not really applicable to your particular circumstances. How much it even matters where it does happen (i.e. can you actually hear any difference between bitperfect playback and e.g. upsampling from 44.1 to 48) is another question entirely.
Fiio m11s or ibaaso dx 180?
DX180 is superior
I have the DX320, but also for the same price as the DX180 I instead have the Cayin N3 Ultra
The volume wheel looks a bit too protruded. Can it be locked?
well made video!
Hiby and Fiio comparison?
This or the Hiby r6 pro?
Hi, could you please compare SQ dx180 with hiby r6 pro2? Which has smoother treble and is less analytical, more warm ? Thanks in advance. BR.
Can i use it as a streamer by connecting it via USB c to external dac?
You'd need to purchase a zyker manifold first. Then run it through your chromium converter.
In terms of sonic quality and performance do I pick this over a ibasso dc elite? Just straight up best sound...
depends. cheers.
@@Frip36 I ended up picking up the DC Elite for mobility and the DX340 DAP to cover all bases. Thank you for your reply.
I got the dx320 for 800.00 😊
This vs Fiio M23?
DX180 better to me
@@jaywane8870do you own both, why is the DX 180 better for you?
@@jaywane8870 can you describe sonic differences?
Hi, I don’t see anyone talking about Car Mode. I tired this but didn’t work playing in car stereo. Can someone help with this?
Someone may help, but it certainly won't be Gizaudio. He's got sexy camera angles to worry about.
Hi need your advice ASAP please.
Out of this IBasso DX180, and then the HiBY R6 mkiii, and the Fiio M11s (ess version). Which would you choose (and why)?? These are my options. Also what IEMs would you suggest to match your choice. (Budget up to $200). And finally, what do you recommend us the best way to transfer my modest (250) CD collection? I have a laptop PC - also lots of my stuff is backed up to iTunes. How can I get best quality music possible in terms of settings? What apps or programs are best? Thanks in advance.
It's just not happening Chris.
@@Frip36 I don't understand your reply what do you mean it's not happening
@ The guy doesn't respond to people. Much less guys like you bombarding them with questions. LOL
@@Frip36 nobody's bombarding anyone, muppet . 😂😂
No MSEB?
That’s a Hiby only feature and pretty gimmicky
I always enjoy your intro. You have a beautiful home. God bless. I have the Hiby R4. I am tempted to get this, but wondering if you could assign a percentage of sound quality increase to the difference? 5%... 10? Just wondering. Thank you.
Got it, sound signature is too bright and sparkling, way too bright. Not for rock music 😢
Ibasso
=phone + d'ongle jack 3.5
Does it sound better then an iPhone with the iBasso DC Elite? I keep wondering if it is worth upgrading to a DAP over the world class dongle
Yes absolutely 💯
Nope, dc elite still better
DC elite is good for a dongle, but still a dongle
DC-Elite is better if your only concern is just SQ.
World class or not, it's still just a dongle. Don't be a dongle-dork.
Every time the same thing positive reviews is this a sponsored video? I'm done unsubscribe.
Look at other reviews and head-fi reviews. This thing is a beast
do what you like with your life, but we are not interested in knowing - when I'm subscribing certain channel or quitting I'm not announcing that to entire world, grow up
No one will miss you
A good MP3 player shouldn't cost more than $200.
More than half of the device is screen and non removable battery.
There is no space left for any good amplifier components. They usually lack dynamic range.
In couple of years this junk battery will be flat and become an expensive paper weight.
You didn't show how responsive is UI and how fast device starts up when turned off.
I prefer good old sony mini disc walkman from the 90s that can play the disc immediately and runs on a single AA battery.
It's super easy to make an ultimate playlist on a mini disc as it can digitally record and combine songs from any source PC, CD, DVD concerts, spotify, game console or youtube, TV etc.
It has a removable battery. U can unscrew the back screws and with a soldering iron replace the battery.
@feardrake9 it's not that easy to do as changing AA battery and in 5 years replacement batteries probably won't be even available for this device.
@@sapphiro lol edited and moved the goalposts. enjoy ur walkman
This is not a mp3 player, this is a high-resolution player with 4 converter and amplifier especially optimized on balanced out. Despite their size, it’s 2x more powerful than my old portable DAC/amp. Good luck to find a $200 device with the same specs.
The battery and screen here are the less expensive components. You can easily replace the battery by yourself.
It’s ok if you’re happy with a minidisc or a simple mp3 player but both have poor output power and inferior audio performance.
Perhaps they fixed this issue, at least I hope so.. but in case they have not.. beware the SanDisk Micro SD extreme cards have a tendency to get stuck in the slot...so pick up the ultra instead ... again this may be a non issue now.. not sure.
Will it break the micro sd card if it gets stuck ?
mine DX180 works perfectly, sound as what Dave described on the reviews
@@WillA-wf4uu aren't you special
@@ANOLE_VX mine is stuck , but it did not break the micro sd card, my understaning is that I will need to open the back and use a flat type of tool and gently pry the micro sd card out. As I have a 512gb card in there , I most likely will not bother, as it will take me quite some time to fill that card to capacity.
Fixed on mine. Non issue ⚡