Review: iBasso DX150 – The Comeback

Bundle

Inside the box

Nothing fancy inside the box, you have :

  • 1x iBasso DX150
  • 1x AMP6 amplifier module
  • 1x thick mono jack to Cinch for coaxial output
  • 1x infamous burn-in cable, in 2.5mm TRRS this time
  • 2x screen protection
  • 1x leatherette case

Modules collections

Like the FiiO Q5, iBasso has a full range of amplifiers modules. Each one offers a different type of sound, power consumption and layout, the DX150 being bundled directly with AMP6.

AMP1

The AMP1 was the default amp provided with the DX200, it offers a classic layout of : 1x 3.5mm headphone output, 1x 2.5mm balanced headphone output, 1x 3.5mm line output.
It sounds good, although you can clearly get more performance from the new range of amp.

3.5mm output :

  • Output voltage 3 Vrms
  • SNR : 122 dB
  • Frequency Response : 20Hz – 20kHz
  • Crosstalk : 118 dB
  • THD : < 0.00032%

2.5mm output :

  • Output voltage : 6 Vrms
  • SNR : 125 dB
  • Frequency Response : 20Hz – 20kHz
  • Crosstalk : 122 dB
  • THD : < 0.0002%

AMP2

The AMP2 completely ditched the balanced output to offer only 3.5mm outputs. It’s a bit more powerful than the AMP1 with lower background noise and wider soundstage. The four channel architecture with current feedback buffer amplifier card, as stated on the box.

3.5mm output :

  • Output voltage : 3.2 Vrms
  • SNR : 117 dB
  • Frequency Response : 20Hz – 20 kHz
  • Crosstalk : 109 dB
  • THD : 0.00056%

AMP3

The AMP3 completely ditched the unbalanced output and offers only 2.5mm outputs. This module aims to offer maximum power with a +/-8V swing but expect lower battery life, around 5-6h in real life usage. This module should be used with hungry headphones and earphones. High voltage swing balanced amplifier card, as stated on the box.

2.5mm output :

  • Output voltage : 6 Vrms
  • SNR : 124 dB
  • Frequency response : 10Hz – 45kHz
  • Crosstalk ; 114dB
  • THD : 0.00025%

AMP4(S)

The AMP4 uses the all new 4.4mm Pentaconn output, as if 2.5mm and 3.5mm were not enough… It’s a balanced amplifier module and it intends to offer higher dynamics than ever before. It’s basically an AMP3, with optimized low end and better transients. High voltage swing balanced amplifier card, as stated on the box.

4.4mm output :

  • Output voltage : 6.2 Vrms
  • SNR : 124 dB
  • Frequency Response : 15Hz – 45kHz
  • Crosstalk : 120 dB
  • THD : 0.00032%

AMP5

The AMP5 uses the same circuit as the AMP3, with a 3.5mm headphone output. If you don’t have any balanced headphones or earphones it’s a good alternative. You won’t have as much power as with a balanced headphone but you will get the powerful, tight bass. 3.5mm High voltage swing amplifier card, as stated on the box.

3.5mm output :

  • Output voltage : 3.2 Vrms
  • SNR : 120 dB
  • Crosstalk : 107 dB
  • Frequency Response : 15Hz – 45kHz
  • THD : 0.00025%

AMP6

The AM6 is the default amplifier module bundled with the DX150, it’s an AMP1++ offering both 3.5mm output and 2.5mm output. About 90% of my listening was made with this module, thanks to its versatility. The output power is lower than the AMP3/4/5 but I didn’t have any issues with my IEMs.

2.5mm output :

  • Output voltage : 4.8 Vrms
  • SNR : 118 dB
  • Crosstalk : 119 dB
  • Frequency Response : 10Hz – 40kHz
  • THD : 0.00028%

3.5mm output :

  • Output voltage : 2.4 Vrms
  • SNR : 117 dB
  • Crosstalk : 115dB
  • Frequency Response : 10Hz – 40kHz
  • THD : 0.0004%

AMP7

The AMP7 takes the DX150 (or DX200) to a whole new level, the discrete level. Like the Hifiman HM-901 back in the days, iBasso now has a fully discrete single ended amp, with all the good and bad. This module has the lowest SNR of the whole range but at the same time you get the lowest battery life.

3.5 mm output :

  • Output voltage : 3.2 Vrms
  • SNR : 122 dB
  • Crosstalk : 106 dB
  • Frequency Response : 10Hz – 40kHz
  • THD : 0.00023%

AMP8

The TOTL amp module iBasso has to offer. Compared to the AMP7, it’s twice as powerful, less noisy and still discrete, the best of both world. It has the all new 4.4mm Pentaconn output so you’ll have to change your gear, but it’s worth a try.

4.4mm output :

  • Output voltage : 6.2 Vrms
  • SNR: 125 dB
  • Crosstalk : 120 dB
  • Frequency Response : 15Hz – 45kHz
  • THD : 0.00023%

The review continues on Page Three, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.

4.4/5 - (34 votes)
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A nerdy guy with a passion for audio and gadgets, he likes to combine his DAC and his swiss knife. Even after more than 10 years of experience, Nanotechnos still collects all gear he gets, even his first MPMAN MP3 player. He likes spreadsheets, technical specs and all this amazing(ly boring) numbers. But most of all, he loves music: electro, classical, dubstep, Debussy : the daily playlist.

9 Comments

  • Reply August 7, 2018

    Li-An

    Thanks for the review. But, happy owner of a DX90, I wait for the DX120. Curious to see what old hero name you’ll find for it.

  • Reply August 19, 2018

    Sulabh

    Any comparisons with LG V30?

  • Reply August 19, 2018

    Andy

    Amazing review, thank you. One question, is the AMP6 comparable in power to the Fiio X5 3rd gen, or is less powerful? I’m thinking of upgrading my fiio with the DX150 (match with Bayerdynamic DT 1770).

  • Reply August 20, 2018

    Michael

    Great review! What Bluetooth codec is the iBasso DX150 using? AptX is coming soon, I know. But what is with AAC? Is it supported?

  • Reply August 21, 2018

    Mark Reed

    Hi
    Great review.
    I have a Cayin I5, but I have an itch to change, is this a noticeable step up or hard pressed to tell the difference?

    thanks

    • Reply January 19, 2020

      roland lickert

      I do have the same player and I’m happy with it and in regards of sound the difference is minimal in my opinion and I like two sd card slots if you want to change player and get better sound you have to pay more

  • Reply January 19, 2020

    roland lickert

    I do have the same player and I’m happy with it and in regards of sound the difference is minimal in my opinion and I like two sd card slots if you want to change player and get better sound you have to pay more

  • Reply January 19, 2020

    Chitsapesanravi RAVI

    PLEASE sent my bank account 9733843.B.O c Sri Lanka iwillhopeyou youmusthelpme Address.no91thatakaroadkegalle NICNO751434715V

  • Reply March 15, 2022

    Miguel

    Hello! I have measured with an oscilloscope and a tone of 1 Khz 0 db the 3.5 mm output of Amp 7 and 4.4 mm of amp 8 in the DX150 and they do not deliver their maximum voltage, in the case of amp 7, which should deliver 3.2 Vrms, it delivers 2.4 Vrms; I suspect that it is limited by the hardware of the sx150. regards!

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