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Audio Circuitry & FPGA-Master 2.0
Similar to what we’ve seen on the DX180, the DX260 features the original design of the FPGA Master 2.0, while the DX180 uses a trickled-down version of this setup. The DX260 features an advanced audio architecture that differentiates it from other digital audio players. The Octa-DAC setup is at the heart of the DX260’s implementation, using eight Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips, aiming to surpass the DAC chipset’s theoretical performance limits.
The brain of the DX260 is the FPGA Master 2.0 system controller. This controller is key to orchestrating audio processing with precision. FPGA (aka. Field Programmable Gate Array) technology allows complex digital signal processing algorithms to be implemented directly in hardware. This setup enables more effective and immediate execution of tasks such as jitter reduction and digital filtering, exceeding the capabilities of standard software-based systems. FPGA Master 2.0 takes this to the next level by synchronizing the DAC clocks with two NDK-branded femtosecond oscillators. These oscillators play a critical role in minimizing timing errors that could otherwise affect sound quality, ensuring a clean and stable output.
The system is designed to maximize the capabilities of the Octa-DAC array. This precise management helps significantly reduce digital artifacts such as jitter and discrete distortion, which are common in less advanced systems. Another keyfunction managed by the FPGA is the use of Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters. These filters are essential for fine-tuning the audio signal, selectively attenuating unwanted frequencies, and enhancing desired ones without introducing phase distortion. The technology also showcases the innovative use of synchronous parallel output and FIR x4 modes, where multiple DAC outputs are cleverly aligned and delayed relative to each other to form a hardware-based analog FIR filter. The DX180 offers x2 FIR, whereas the DX260 tops off at x4, which I find audibly more transparent compared to the rest of the FIR filters.
The DX260 operates on a NON-SRC Android platform, which means that the system does not resample or upscale and keeps the original sample rate and bit depth of audio files during playback. All the processes above would be in vain, and it would be pointless to work on such complex audio circuitry if Android kept resampling everything to 48kHz. For those who do not know, typically, Android systems default to resampling all audio to 48kHz. This resampling process can significantly degrade audio quality by altering the original sample rate and bit depth of the files, affecting the fidelity and naturality of the sound. So yes, in a nutshell, the NON-SRC platform prevents quality degradation.
You also have the option to go full-vanilla using the Mango OS partition. Essentially, the DX260 has a dual-boot system where you can switch between operating systems within seconds. Just hold the power button and tap on Mango OS. Mango OS is a Linux-based OS that works quite nicely. The navigation and the theme system are pleasant, and it’s not very difficult to learn your way around it. The Mango OS, in theory, offers better performance compared to the Android OS, but I was not able to discern a major difference, to be honest. I find the DX260’s Android system quite snappy and easy to use. Streaming is pretty convenient. All in all, this is what a successful implementation looks like. iBasso is one of the first companies in the DAP sphere; they have been doing it for over a decade. It’s good to see an OG innovate.
Software & User Experience
The iBasso DX260 runs on Android 11, providing a modern and user-friendly interface. If you’re accustomed to Apple’s operating systems, you’ll find the transition smooth, as the interfaces are quite similar. The device includes full support for the Google Play Store, which significantly simplifies the installation of third-party apps. Additionally, a couple of third-party application markets come pre-installed. iBasso’s Android environment is bloat-free; everything can be uninstalled without issue. If you prefer a vanilla experience, you can even disable system apps. However, exercise caution and do your due diligence beforehand, as altering system apps can be a double-edged sword. Typically, I disable Google services and sideload my streaming apps via APKMirror or Aptoide to reduce CPU/RAM idle load. I used to do this with all my DAPs, especially Sonys, but I didn’t feel the need for the DX260. It’s pretty snappy; the UI is responsive, apps load quickly, it reboots fast, and overall, it is a satisfactory experience.
The UI on the DX260 is clean and intuitive, designed to enhance user interaction without overwhelming them with unnecessary complexity. Despite the DX260 having Android 11 instead of DX180’s newer Android 13, the experience is more or less the same. There’s no app drawer; everything you install appears on the homepage and can be organized into folders, Android 11 style. The default control center is well-organized, providing quick access to various functions and settings, including output modes, digital filters, FIR modes, and gain modes, all of which can be customized, so nearly everything you need audio-wise is just two taps away. Navigation is smooth, thanks to the Snapdragon 660 processor, which ensures quick response times and a lag-free experience, even when multitasking or running high-demand apps. Swiping left brings you to the Mango hub, where iBasso has placed a Mango Player widget and another widget row for toggling gapless playback, setting gain levels, changing filters, adjusting the play mode, and turning on the USB-DAC feature.
Mango Player
The Android side of the DX260 includes iBasso’s proprietary Mango Player app. Although Mango Player offers a dedicated interface with advanced audio settings, it was not as user-friendly as I had hoped. For those who share the same thoughts, I suggest exploring alternative players like UAPP, Neutron, Poweramp, and GoneMAD. Another option is to use the Mango OS directly, which offers a superior UI and faster operation, in my experience.
Battery Life
The DX260 has a good battery life. According to the specs, its 4400mAh 3.8V Li-Po battery can deliver up to 14 hours of playback time, depending on usage patterns and output settings. I struggled to achieve 12-14 hours using the 4.4mm output with FIR 4X and volume set at 55 (on low gain). There was a noticeable battery drain, but updating the device to the latest version, v2.03, fixed this issue for me. I get about 10 hours of Qobuz playback with the settings mentioned above.
The device supports PD 3.0 and Quick Charge 3.0 protocols, facilitating fast charging from zero to full in just about 90 minutes, with 0 to 80% taking only 1 hour and 15 minutes. Additionally, iBasso impressed me once more by implementing an 80 percent battery limiter \ stop charging option. It’s called Battery Saver and is designed to reduce battery aging, as charging from 80% to 100% or leaving it on charge for extended periods can severely damage battery cells compared to lower-range fills. This feature is excellent, and I turned it on as soon as I saw it. I have an iPhone 15 Pro Max that is at 244 cycles and still shows 100% battery health, so trust me when I tell you this feature is fantastic as long as you are not traveling.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Performance
The iBasso DX260 is equipped with a Bluetooth 5.0 chipset and supports high-resolution audio codecs such as LDAC. During my testing, the Noble Triumph TWS delivered exceptional sound quality when connected to the DX260. This superior audio performance is likely due to the player’s ability to utilize LDAC’s higher bandwidth or good audio PCB isolation, which I presume provides a notable improvement over phones with LDAC. The Bluetooth connection is stable, maintaining a consistent and reliable connection without frequent dropouts or interruptions.
The DX260’s Wi-Fi performance is about the same as the DX180, which I found to be okay but not as good as some competitors. Its Wi-Fi range is slightly worse than Sony’s WM1AM2 but similar to the Shanling M3U and FiiO M11 Plus. The DX260 supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. The Wi-Fi range is limited, but I achieved about 80% of my network’s speed, which is more than sufficient for my primary use case: streaming.
The review continues on Page Three, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.
Page 1: iBasso, DX260 DAP, Packaging & Accessories, Design & Build Quality, iBasso Cares
Page 2: Audio Circuitry & FPGA-Master 2.0, Software & User Experience, Mango OS, Battery Life, Bluetooth and WiFi Performance
Page 3: iBasso DX260 Sound Impressions, Technical Capability, Comparison, Last Words
