Perhaps we can say that iBasso DX200 became the leader of the medium price segment for lovers of neutral, skillful filing. The company managed to make an interesting device and to produce to him a number of interchangeable amplifiers AMP2 I have already discussed, it’s time AMP3.
Another repeat, but I can not recall that enhancers — the strong side iBasso, this is the area in which they have a wealth of experience in creating effective mobile solutions, so it is not surprising that in AMP3 they put all their talent. After AMP2, offers only a 3.5 mm “normal” output, AMP3 decided to make a fully balanced, including regular output, and linear and wish to use the amplifier should take care of recabling their headphones.
The price tag on the amplifier module standard for iBasso, AMP3 is sold for the sum about $ 200.
Specifications
- Frequency range: 10 Hz – 45 kHz (-0.5 dB)
- Output voltage: 6 Vrms
- The ratio signal/noise: 124 dB
- Total harmonic distortion+noise: 0,00025%/-112 dB (32Ω, 4 Vrms)
- Dynamic range: 124 dB
- Channel separation: 123 dB
Packaging and installation process
No box, no package, nothing unexpected in itself does not carry. The usual black cardboard with a grey bar that says the name of the model. Inside the amplifier with twisted lock screws, user manual/warranty card and a spare screwdriver for the replacement.
The installation process is simple and does not cause the slightest problem. You just have to loosen the side screws (completely remove them is not necessary) and carefully remove the amplifier from the rails by pulling it down. Installation is exactly the same, but in reverse order. In General, the replacement is very simple, and deal with it can anyone who is able to turn on the player.
The module design is also devoid of any surprises, he looks the same as the other two modules, the only noticeable difference is in the output connectors (2.5 mm) and the inscription on the reverse side.
Power a new module roughly corresponds to the previous one, so the work has not changed much, with the latest firmware from Lurker-and MEEAudio P1 in the role of load player played “Red Book” FLAC comfortable for me with volume 7 hours and 15 minutes. The figure is not a record, but this iron is very good.
Sound
In General, I don’t want to pull the affair, iBasso DX200 with this amplifier and the alternative firmware is really the best audio player in its price range and a good opponent most of the tops (from the series “not winning but fighting well”).
With DX200 down slightly paradoxical situation, iBasso asking for modules at $ 200, which is more expensive than many entry-level players, but the stock AMP1 is in itself good, so buying a replacement unit can often be excessive, especially given the move to balanced headphone connection. The increase in quality with the AMP3 also can not be called global, but nonetheless, first, clearly visible, and second, is the “straw that broke the camel’s back” in terms of the transition to the next stage of the sound.
This time, I depart from traditional descriptions of the “overall sound” for individual frequencies, and will focus on the difference between AMP1 and AMP3, to repeat in detail again everything said about the stock amplifier, meaning little, the link to the original review is given in the beginning of this text. If briefly — with the AMP3 sound DX200 still very technical, detailed, neutral, “but there are some differences”.
The main difference consists in the elaboration of HF, and for me this range is the main “detector” of what is often called “level”. Vernacularly range at AMP3 has become more extended (though not all headphones are able to demonstrate) that added a complex well recorded music is a fraction of naturalness: damping, complex overtones — everything that distinguishes the device of the top segment. This is the main difference between the “Troika” not only from the stock amp, but from “two”.
Mid-range became less uncompromising, AMP3 slightly reduces the level of detail, but it’s enough to turn megacity to the quality of the record player in a much more “gentle” device. Thing of the past, almost all problems with low — quality tracks- an unnatural construction of the scene, lingering emotions, hollow vocals. Of course, you still will hear these problems, but they do not prevent to enjoy the recording as it happened with AMP1. This is somewhat similar to AMP3 AMP2, but “two” easing a little more, with all the ensuing consequences.
Low frequency range remains without apparent change, sometimes I think he was slightly better, but the difference for me personally is somewhere on the border of audibility.
Insights
Well what can I say, iBasso once again proved that they know how to make amplifiers. AMP3, of course, not a cheap upgrade, but for owners of top-end headphones willing to add a bit of quality in the sound of his ring, this investment is more than adequate, especially if we add to this translation of headphones on the balance sheet. Following the amplifier AMP4, the company is equipped with a connector 4.4 mm, used mostly Sony, so I will likely miss it and will wait for the next “mega” model of AMP5.
Overview of the amplifier AMP3 for iBasso DX200 — way up
Pavel Dmitriev