iBasso AMP8 MK2 Review

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Sound performances

For this review, I chose to pair the iBasso DX240 + AMP8 MK2 with the FiiO FD7 and Shanling ME800, great IEMS from top brands.

For the source, I mainly used my own files and Qobuz / Apple Music, as I ended up using the setup almost exclusively on the go, or on the train. 

Overall signature

So, is this new version better than the previous one? Honestly, not by much… and that’s a good thing.

Out of the box, the AMP8 MK2 immediately surprised me with its sheer power. On paper, the difference is allegedly significant, but once connected to my FiiO FD7, the improvement is immediately palpable. This was especially true with massive, orchestral, tracks like Interstellar OST, where some effects seemed to popup right into my face, as opposed to the AMP1 MK2 which appeared toned down by comparison. 

I tried Mountains from the same album, a track with organ pipes, a massive chorus, and I almost felt overwhelmed by the iBasso + FiiO combo. So much that I’d be curious to watch some movies with this combo, on the train it might be very funny, paired with my computer.

Head to head against the previous model, the new amp didn’t display a strong tonal difference. I expected a granular sound, with warmer mids but, on the contrary, the AMP8 MKII appeared to be even more linear than the classic AMP1. The voices are sharper, as are the highs, and compared to the stock module, you get a better dynamic range, but at the same time a tamer presentation.

Once again, the soundstage is downright amazing thanks to the superb dynamic. Obviously, you shall use the 4.4mm output, and with the right headphone, you really feel surrounded by the sound. Paired with the Shanling ME900 and Sennheiser HD800S, the voices were natural, poised, well-controlled, and I could easily pinpoint each voice or instrument.

My usual pan-test-track, Money from Pink Floyd, gave me the expected level of dizziness I only encounter when listening to very precise gear. More importantly, the AMP8 outputs better low with more body, authority, and overall realism.

Out of curiosity, I plugged my Audeze LCD-X and the new module was able to push the drivers far beyond what I expected. That was especially palpable on techno tracks, where the high voltage swing really kicked in, with no caveat otherwise. And, the cherry on the top, the DX240, paired with the AMP8 MK2, remains dead silent – looks like noisy iBasso is finally an old story.

All in all, a very good dongle module!

Tonality

Highs: razor-sharp. Linear tonal balance doesn’t mean you boring highs, and the iBasso DX240 is a good example. Even at low volume, the player was able to output a lot of information, and all sounded perfectly sharp. And if the new AMP8 MK2 makes the player even more linear than before, this is not to our displeasure, on the contrary.

Good Track test: Between a smile and a tear

Mids: clean work, awesome dynamic range. If the DX300 remains king here, the DX240 is very – very – close in this regard. Paired with a good headphone, like the Sennheiser HD800S, the DX240 displays a massive soundstage and exceptional layering. Orchestral tracks like Interestellar OST, was outstanding, and I was directly engulfed in the movie once again. With the AMP8, It’s still a bit too analytical for me, but the increased dynamic range and better decay put this player in the top range, with FiiO’s M11 Plus.

Good Track test:  Corvid Phase – Hedfllux

Bass: deep, liquid, slow. Once again, this is where the Sabre ES9038Pro literally outshines its competition: the bass is exceptional. It’s tight, deep, always on point and comparatively, I even prefer this type of sound to my Astell&Kern Kann Alpha. The new module pushes things even deeper, and I was blown away by how low the DX240 could go with the AMP8 MK2. Very, very impressive.

Good Track test: Poème sur a 7ème – Johnny Hallyday

Conclusion

The DX240 was already exceptional, giving you 90% of the DX300 performances, at a lower price. But, paired with the new iBasso AMP8 MK2, things are even better! With a wider dynamic range, powerful lows, and analog/flatter tonality, the combo is one of the best outputs you can get at the moment.

Sure, for the same price you can get the DX300, with a better screen and sleeker design, but now that production halted for the brand flagship, this combo seems a lot more interesting if you ask me. A very nice setup for whoever wants flagship performances, for a lesser price. I liked it!