amazon iBasso DX90 reviews
Appearance relative
That was the comment of many people when placed next to the DX90 with a AK100 player. Of course, at a price of over $700, users can expect a fine art masterpiece from the Japanese with the AK100. While the eyes do not matter the delicate lines, the DX90 still receives praise for inheriting the design of the iBasso DX50 predecessor.
Unsurprisingly, the DX90 was still a small box of brown leatherette tapestries, and was sealed with a different cover with the name of the device printed on it.
Inside, in addition to the machine, users have an additional bag of silicone (or silicone case available on the market), mobility needs, a micro USB cable to connect to other devices or charge the battery. A burn-in cable, two screen stickers, and a cable that converts from a 3.5mm jack to a coaxial input for use with audio.
Appearance of the machine itself is a true example of the compactness of a compact player when placed next to expensive amplifiers or luxury speakers. The surface of aluminum is black with scratches and plastic buttons, but it is not ungrounded, while the edge details are handled relatively well, not finding fault during cutting or assembly.
Unlike the DX50, the DX90 is still a nifty gadget, unlike phones or headsets. Only a few careless operations, the back (battery cover) of the device or the ribs can completely leave the scratches or dents distortion that no one desired.
Although there is a keypad play / pause and transfer the word “project” in front of the machine, DX90 still owns touch screen 2.4 inch IPS resolution 320 x 240 pixels. This touch screen is quite handy when used to browse playlists as well as create playlists.
Hardware changes, sound changes
Instead of a Wolfson WM4870 DAC chip that resonates in the audiophile community, the DX90 is equipped with two Saber DACs, which support 32-bit audio, though 32 bits are superfluous at the moment. All players will enjoy high-quality 24-bit quality music, including DSD (Direct Stream Digital), high quality DX90 audio support.
However, this “redundancy” makes the sound of DX90 is completely different from DX50. Experiment with low-end to high-end monitors such as the TTPOD T1, RHA MA750i, Dunu DN2000, Shure SE535 and Sennheiser IE8, though sound quality is highly dependent on the performance of ear models. Heard on, but after testing, the sound of the DX90 has become slightly light, slightly glazed thanks to DAC Saber duo with very long code name: ES9018K2M.
The DX90’s audio experience is clearly evident with the Dunu DN2000 and TTPOD T1. With a hybrid model that is slightly dark, mid and high is still full of details, and a light-weight, deep bass, the DX90 performs extensive sound effects in ballads. Feelings or jazz tracks with high improvisation.
However, some people will feel the DX90’s high glare compared to the need. In fact, many people pointed out that the DAC Saber chip of this model is something that creates a sound but very airy but slightly dry if compared. Compared with the DX50 is a bit dark. For that reason, iBasso’s built-in burn-in cord is included to serve those who want to “play the ultimate” music player before enjoying it.
This does not mean that the DX50’s midrange and midrange submerses behind the high-pitched sound. As mentioned, despite its brightness, the DX90 is capable of delivering the full bass, the force and depth needed to hear it with Sennheiser’s IE8, as well as the vocal of the singer.
If you only test with the in-ear headset, it will be extremely unfair to the DX90. However, it is true that many Vietnamese consumers buy high-end music players to serve the need of enjoying music anytime, anywhere with compact earbuds. But to complete our review, the DX90 will still be paired with a few full size models in many price range such as Sony MDR V6, Sennheiser HD 545, Audio Technica ATH M50 and especially HD 650. , One of the best full size headphones that Sennheiser produces.
The purpose of this test is to test the ability to “pull” headphones with low to high impedance, simply because in my case, the DX90 seems to spoil a variety of headphones with Of course, the quality of the music is high, as well as the headphone quality.
In tests with the V6 and M50, listeners only need to run gain low, meaning that the amp does not need to operate at full power, but the sound is still described in detail and quality. Meanwhile, with two higher-impedance models, HD 545 (150 Ohm) and HD 650 (300 Ohm), listeners set their highs and lows near the 250 threshold (the highest of DX90), two The new DX90 chip amplifier has the potential to showcase their capabilities.
What made me feel the most unexpected in the DX90 was the HD650. No need for any model attached, DX90 is still capable of pulling the HD 650. Although not easy and the HD 650 does not seem to expose the potential of an audiophile headset when the high is not high enough and bass There is a clunker, unlike the HD 650 with the Schmidt Modi / Magni DAC amp I’ve ever experienced, but that’s enough to describe the greatness of this player.
where can you get a iBasso DX90 online
iBasso DX90 High Resolution Dual Sabre ES9018K2M DACs with Extreme Audio USB Charger & Coaxial Connection Kit [Full USA One Year Warranty from Authorized iBasso Distributor]: Buy it now
iBasso DX90 High Resolution Audio Player with Dual Sabre ES9018K2M DACs + 64GB Memory + ProStudio USB Charger & Coaxial Connection Kit [One Year USA Warranty Included]: Buy it now
Sound satisfied, so the experience of use?
According to iBasso, the DX90’s battery is capable of playing music for eight hours in a row. However, with the test, with music quality varying from 16 bits to 24 bits in many tracks, the 8-hour interval is only correct when the user uses the iBasso DX90 with earphone models or impedances. Lower than 50 Ohm.
While continuing to test the Sennheiser HD 545, the machine barely survived for less than six hours with its high gain and peak volume of 250.
In addition, because DX90’s dual-core CPUs have to do everything from controlling the DAC to running the user interface, it can take up to 2 seconds for the DX90 to recognize the player, pausing the track. This makes some unfamiliar people think that the machine does not work as expected.
However, in the new version, the user interface does not change much but the touch keys such as back or select items have become much more sensitive than the DX50, thereby creating a more satisfying user experience.
The hardware of the DX90 is integrated with 8GB of memory, but after losing more than 2GB of software, users will only have about 6GB to copy the music to the machine. So the advice is that beside the DX90, users should also have a Micro SD memory card with at least 16GB of memory available to store their high-quality music library.
The DX90 connector jack clearly demonstrates the iBasso’s carefulness during assembly. After receiving a lot of negative feedback about the quality of the DX50 connector, the DX90’s line-in or headphone jack has been consistently and much better quality, no longer tightly packed, too wide to annoy users.
The dream player
For users who want to find a player that focuses on performance and sound quality rather than appearance, the DX90 is a good choice. Despite its large size and design, the DX90’s looks and looks are a bit off the backside of high-end hi-end players such as the AK120 or 240.
Meanwhile, back to sound quality, with very strong hardware upgrades, the DX90 fulfills the expectations of many audio players in the world as well as in Vietnam. Compared with sound quality, sometimes more than the AK100 when going with some models, but at a price of only two thirds, those who are not very shabby purse will be able to peace of mind. The DX90 models the player for the needs of a high-end, audiophile-quality audio experience.