Specifications
For the nit-pickers and nerdy ones here, I’m giving the specs and technical sheets. For all the others, you can just go to the next page to see how the DAP performs.
Sabre DAC + FPGA
The iBasso DX240 enjoys a Sabre ES9038PRO DAC, a step up from the DX220 which embedded the still very good but lesser ES9028PRO. A flagship DAC sporting 8-channel, HyperStream II technology, and 32-bit native decoding for maximum performances.
That said, compared to the previous model, the main difference comes from the dynamic range, as the 9038Pro is able to reach 140dB (in mono mode), while the 9028Pro remained stuck at 133dB (still more than you’ll ever need). Add to that a full support of every (ultra) high-resolution file: PCM up to 32bit-768kHz, DSD up to 512, and MQA 16x.
Numbers?
- 132dBA dynamic range (8ch),
- THD+N rating of -122dB
- PCM supports up to 32bit/768kHz, DSD512, and MQA16x
The brand also developed a new in-house FPGA-Master chip, working as the audio system controller. Working as the brain of the audio circuit, it receives the data from the CPU, synchronizes and generates all audio clocks at the same time using two Accusilicon femtosecond oscillators, then sends it to the DAC in I²S, or DSD.
In the real-world, this means that the player is able to offer bit-perfect playback, with any kind of file, in every situation.
Replaceable Amp
As I said before, the iBasso DX240 enjoys the same swappable amp system shown on the previous DX200 and DX220. All you have to do is unscrew the base, take another module, and pull it back into the player.
By default, the player comes with the AMP1 MK3, which is based on the previous AMP1 MK2, with a few optimizations. The output voltage is rated at 6.2Vrms (balanced) with a maximum output power of 878mW@32ohms / 128mW@300ohms, thanks to the +/-8V power supply.
The THD in real-world situations, with a 300ohms Load, reaches -114dB while crosstalk remains close to -119dB. Very impressive numbers!
Everyday carry
On a day-to-day basis, the iBasso DX240 is very pleasant to use, but due to its sheer size, won’t be easy to fit in every pocket. It’s a bit thick and almost as long as the new iPhone 13 Pro, so you better be ready to carry that player with its own pouch.
The iBasso DX240 weighs 240g(!) for 126mm x 70.5mm x 18.7mm and the case adds up roughly 0.5cm overall. So yeah, it’s a big baby, but with everything the brand packed inside, that’s no surprise.
If the DX160 only had 2Gb of ram and the DX300 no less than 6Gb of LPDD4X memory, the iBasso DX240 ends in the middle with 4Gb of ram. That’s as much as many mid-high-end smartphones and on daily use, it makes a real difference: everything feels butter smooth and I never had to wait between two songs, or apps.
Full specs
- Type: Digital Audio Player
- OS: Android 9.0
- CPU: Qualcomm 660
- RAM: 4Gb
- Storage: 64Gb + micro-SD
- DAC: 1x ES9038PRO
- Sample rate: PCM : 8Hz – 768kHz (8/16/24/32bits) native – DSD64/128/256/512
- System clock: Full synchronization technology with TXCO PPL + FPGA Master
- Outputs: 3.5mm headphone out/line-out / 2.5mm TRRS balanced headphone output
- Input: USB Type-C
- Screen: 5.0″ 1920×1080 IPS Screen
- Micro SD: SDHC / SDXC (single slot)
- USB DAC: yes
- WiFi: 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz support
- DNLA + APK support
- Bluetooth support: SBC, aptX, LDAC, AAC – BT5.0
- Duplex Bluetooth: the player can emit and receive music
- Battery: 4400mAh Li-Polymer
- Quick Charge: yes (QC 3.0 / PD2.0 / MTK)
- Battery life: 13h in single-ended, 12h in balanced
- Charging time: around 1h30
- Size: 126mm x 70.5mm x 18.7mm
- Weight: 240g (270g with the silicone case
- Price : $999
2.5mm Headphone out
- Output level: 6.2Vrms (max)
- Output Power: 878mW@32ohms, 128mW@300ohm
- SNR/Dynamic Range: 125 dB / 125dB
- Crosstalk : – 119dB
- Output impedance: 0.57 ohms
- THD+N: -119dB
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 40kHz
3.5mm Headphone out
- Output level: 3.1Vrms (max)
- Output Power: 281mW@32ohms, 32mW@300ohm
- SNR/Dynamic Range: 123 dB / 122dB
- Crosstalk : – 117dB
- Output impedance: 0.38 ohms
- THD+N: -110dB
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 40kHz
The review continues on Page Five, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.
Page 1: iBasso, iBasso DAP series
Page 2: Design, bundle
Page 3: UI, Usage
Page 4: Technical specifications
Page 5: Sound performances
adam
I have the Shanling m6 pro (21) . is this a step up in sound quality ? .
Ben
At this moment I can not find any dealer to purchase additional dx240 face plates for amp8, it is a big shame that these are not included in general dx240 package. So what is the point of changing amps if you don’t have face plates to adapt them? Nonsense…
Price is very similar to dx300 so I hope it sounds near the same level….
Rodrigo
Can you tell me your opinion comparing with an sp1000 or a n8? Is it in the same level?
Matias Rubilar
Is it worth the update from the fiio m11 pro? Specially considering that I want something more sharp and musical specially for rock metal and symphonic music.
Gustavo
Great reviews. A lot of players. What do you recommend on this range? M6 pro 21, M11 plus ltd., Kann Alpha or this?
Hiko Olarte
Which is better overall ibasso dx240 or fiio m11 plus ltd? Thank you
scott m
Awaiting your impending review of what looks looks to be the awesome Fiio M17 before i decide-a steal of a price for everything it offers as it’s near desktop performance (and heft). i’m guessing you will have that for review soon….
Lieven
soon-ish 😉