iBasso PB5 Review

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iBasso PB5 – Sound Impressions

Since the PB5 is a dedicated amplifier, it doesn’t operate as a standalone device and must be paired with a source like a DAC, DAP, or DAC/AMP. For this review, I tested it with the iBasso D16 Taipan, iBasso DX260, and Chord Hugo 2. I also took the ultimate iBasso high-rise stack for a spin, pairing the DX260, D16, and PB5. Let me just say that it was quite an experience. But before diving into specific pairings, Let’s talk briefly about the relatively consistent effects of PB5 on sources.

The PB5 consistently enhances the low end of every source/iem/hp I paired it with. There’s a subtle elevation in the bass that adds punch and body without overdoing it. Alongside this, the PB5 improves soundstage width and depth, sharpens the stereo separation, and enhances the overall headstage. Imaging felt more precise and realistic, giving instruments and vocals a clearer sense of placement in space. I also noticed a significant improvement in midrange textures, especially with strings and vocals, which felt richer, more natural, and more realistic.

Treble is where I expected some compromise, given my prior experience with tube amps, which often roll-off or muddy the upper frequencies. Surprisingly, the PB5 retains excellent treble extension and clarity. It preserved the airiness and top-end sparkle of my daily IEMs, which have peaks in the 13–16kHz range. For those who like to know, I use Volür, Crimson, U4s & IE600 the most. The PB5 does not affect the treble dispersion and keeps the top end intact while adding an organic character to the sound. To me, the PB5 is like a magical middleman, injecting musicality and realism without sacrificing technical precision. Now, let’s dive into the pairings.

iBasso D16 Taipan + iBasso PB5 Osprey (USB + iBasso 4.4mm to 4.4mm IC)

This pairing is nothing short of phenomenal. Using my MacBook and Qobuz Studio, the D16+PB5 stack sounds both organic and resolving at the same time. The D16 alone is a fantastic DAC/AMP, but introducing the PB5 into the chain elevates it to another level. The PB5 enhances the low end, adding more punch and a bigger body without compromising the D16’s finely tuned mid-bass quantity.

The most significant change is in the midrange. While the D16 feels competitively musical on its own, compared to many DAC/AMPs, such as Hugo 2, adding the PB5 brings a more organic timbre to the presentation without hindering any detail retrieval. The soundstage increases in both width and depth, becoming more holographic with improved imaging.

Instrument separation remains unaffected, but the overall imaging feels more relaxed as instruments and vocals feel farther from you, so you feel like you’re in a more spacious headspace. The texture of the midrange feels lifelike and natural, with instruments and vocals gaining a more authentic overall body/weight.

iBasso DX260 + iBasso D16 Taipan + iBasso PB5 Osprey (SPDIF + iBasso 4.4mm to 4.4mm)

This stack is what I like to call the “iBasso high-rise,” and it’s a powerhouse. Using the D16’s coaxial mode and the included SPDIF cable with the DX260 results in an even cleaner background. To my ears, the D16’s coaxial input slightly outperforms the USB input in terms of resolution and transparency, and adding the PB5 further improves the upper midrange and high treble detail retrieval. Take what I said above and add this paragraph at the top. The description I’d use is utterly impressive.

With IEMs like the 64 Audio Volür and Soundz Avant and headphones like the Ananda Nano, this setup just delivers. The soundstage feels wide, the timbre is musical, the detail retrieval is impressive, and the PB5’s organic touch is the icing on the cake. That said, carrying this stack around is another story. It’s a transportable setup at best, so unless you want curious stares at airport security, I’d recommend leaving it at home for stationary listening or getting a t-shirt that says, “No, this is not a bomb; it’s just my music player.”

iBasso DX260 + iBasso PB5 Osprey (iBasso 4.4mm to 4.4mm)

The DX260 is a clean-sounding DAP that feels neutral and linear. I like it a lot because of its ability to extract detail from the tracks. Introducing the PB5 into the mix transforms the DX260, adding a layer of organic warmth, especially in the midrange and upper midrange. The PB5 positively affects the overall timbre, making it more relaxed and natural without messing with the excellent treble transparency of the DX260. The soundstage feels wider and deeper with better layering.

Bass impact is also noticeably enhanced, with better texture in the low-mids, adding a sense of weight and realism to instruments like drums and bass guitars. I like how the female vocals get a nice realism boost because DX260 can be too transparent at times, especially with suboptimal recordings. For those who are satisfied with their DX260 and want to be even more satisfied, I highly recommend at least trying this pairing.

Chord Hugo 2 + iBasso PB5 Osprey (PWAudio 4.4mm + iBasso 4.4mm to 4.4mm)

The Hugo 2 is one of my go-to sources, so naturally, I was curious to see how it would pair with the PB5. Since the Hugo 2’s line-out mode outputs 3V, which exceeds the PB5’s input limit of 2.5V, I used PWAudio’s Hugo 2 4.4mm adapter and the default 4.4mm IC cable for this test.

The PB5 brought a rounded, impactful low-end to the Hugo 2’s neutral sound signature, especially in the subs. Vocals too, gained a slight warmth and organic quality, making them slightly more engaging and musical.

However, the soundstage didn’t see much improvement compared to the standalone Hugo 2. While the pairing didn’t blow me away as much as the D16+PB5 combo, it still showcased the PB5’s ability to add warmth and body without sacrificing what I love about the Hugo 2.

Last Words

The iBasso PB5 Osprey is a remarkable portable amplifier that brings a unique blend of organic timbre and technical enhancement to any setup. Its standout feature is its ability to enhance your source’s sound without compromising detail retrieval or technical capabilities. The PB5 improves the background, adds bass impact, enriches the midrange with a touch of organic character, and expands the soundstage, all while retaining what you already love about your sources, IEMs, and headphones. It’s not like any traditional tube amplifier I’ve tried before, and thus has earned a permanent spot in my audio setup. I definitely recommend giving it a try. The iBasso PB5 Osprey is a new Recommended Buy!

Summary

Pros:

+ Excellent SQ

+ Excellent soundstage

+ Top-quality build

+ Premium package & accessories

Cons:

–  Expensive

Page 1: iBasso, PB5 Osprey, Packaging & Accessories, Design & Build Quality

Page 2: The iBasso Way, Nutube Technology, Internal Details

Page 3: Sound Impressions, Match-Ups, Last Words