In this review we take a close look at the iBasso DX320, selling for $1,599 USD / €1.599 Euro.
Disclaimer: The iBasso DX320 was sent to us free of charge by the brand in exchange of an honest opinion. As usual, if you want to get one, reach out to your local retailer or check the brand’s website!
About iBasso
Founded in Shenzhen, China, more than ten years ago, iBasso has been producing DAP, DACs, and IEMs for audiophiles. And over time, the brand has continued to grow, becoming one of the most popular brands for those looking for inexpensive but high-performance equipment.
Recent successes include the superb DX300, which was my top choice in the 2021 recommendation list, followed by the dx – an excellent player a tad more affordable – and the DC06 – a great USB-DAC with lots and lots of power. A small release list, compared to your usual chi-fi brands, but, quality over quantity!
And, today, we review the successor of the DX300: the iBasso DX320. An evolution, more than a revolution but, as you know, every little bit counts!
The iBasso Series
As usual, we’ll begin with a quick presentation of iBasso’s DAP catalog.
iBasso DX240
The iBasso dx240 replaced the DX220 as the brand premium player. It’s a great device, sharing most of the DX300 circuitry, with a few cut-offs only (4Gb or Ram instead of 6Gb, half the storage). But, you got two wondrous features: an ES9038Pro DAC, capable of reaching new heights, paired with iBasso FPGA-Masters Audio System controller; and full compatibility with the previous AMP1 – AMP8 series of replaceable AMP Card.
A lovely player, that I reviewed a few months ago, so here is an excerpt of the full review:
“ The iBasso DX240 does exactly what it intended to: fill the gap between the DX160 and DX300. It’s powerful, dynamic, and still a bit too uptight compared to the DX300, but as a whole package, this might be my favorite one in the actual catalog.
Sure at $999, the DX240 is definitely not cheap and leans more toward DX300 than the DX160, but size-wise, the new one is definitely more useable as a daily driver. My main complaint? The lack of a 4.4mm Pentaconn by default and the slightly thick case. But, apart from that, it’s a genuinely good player that should suit every genre and almost every headphone. Keep it up iBasso!
Full review available here
iBasso DX300
The iBasso DX300 is the brand’s latest player. It introduces a whole new generation of portable players with improved performances, a bigger screen, and a dual battery for a cleaner sound. In fact, the Quad Cirrus-Logic CS43198 DAC combined with a modern flush design and the usual replaceable AMP card system was so impressive that I gave my full recommendation.
Here is an excerpt of the full review:
“Let’s make it short: the iBasso DX300 is my new go-to for any high-end player. The brand did the same as they do for the DX160 and polished every aspect of his player, from top to bottom. It’s insanely fast, magic to use, and fantastic to listen to, even with big cans like my old Sennheiser HD800S.“
iBasso DX300 review available here
iBasso DX320
If the brand doesn’t mention it anywhere, chances are the new iBasso DX320 solely exists because the Cirrus-Logic suffered from a global shortage. Is that an issue for me? No the least bit! Why? Because, if visually identical, this new player introduces a whole new set of Digital to Analog chips, the ROHM MUS-IC which I was totally oblivious to before the DX320 announcement.
The review continues on Page Two, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.
Page 2: Design, bundle
Page 3: UI, Usage
Page 4: Technical specifications
Page 5: Sound performances
ginandbacon
I couldn’t agree more with your review. The DX320 is only my second DAP (I returned my first) but there is some magic to the stock 11.2(?) amp and ROHM DAC’s that is very neutral yet fun and sometimes surprising at how good it can make low bitrate Spotify songs sound. My previous DAP was returned due to it not being a huge upgrade over a dongle IMO. I won’t name the brand but it was half the price as the DX320. I see you mentioned receiving the AMP13 card in the review but no mention of it outside it being in the bundle. Or it may be a separate review for later. Personally I prefer the stock card that comes with the DX320 but different ears have different opinions and options are never a bad thing.
Alessandro Sabatino
Io posseggo un Ibasso DX220 amp8 e mi trovo molto bene, a parte che si surriscalda troppo, un po’ lento come sistema operativo e la batteria dura poco, per il resto come qualità sonora, in bilanciato, con powerAmp, suona che é una meraviglia. La domanda é questa, la mia mente da appassionato di audio di qualità mi sta portando o spingendo nellacquistare l’Ibasso DX320. Secondo qualcuno che li ha provato entrambi, ne vale veramente la pena spendere 1450€ per fare questo salto? Parlo solo di qualità audio, che é la cosa che m’interessa maggiormente. Potete rispondermi il più presto possibile, perché le mie mani mi prudono a tal punto che devo prendere gli antistaminici… 🤣
Alessandro Sabatino
I own an Ibasso DX220 amp8 and I feel very good, apart from that it overheats too much, a bit slow as an operating system and the battery lasts little, for the rest as sound quality, in balanced, with powerAmp, it sounds that is a wonder. The question is this, my mind as a quality audio enthusiast is leading me or pushing me to buy the Ibasso DX320. According to someone who has tried both, is it really worth spending € 1450 to make this jump? I’m only talking about audio quality, which is the thing that interests me the most. You can answer me as soon as possible, because my hands itch so much that I have to take antihistamines…