Perhaps, we can already say that iBasso DX200 became the leader of the middle price segment for connoisseurs of neutral, technical filing. The company managed to make an interesting device and release a number of interchangeable amplifiers to it, AMP2 I was already considering, it's time for AMP3.
I repeat once again, but I can not help but recall that amplifiers are iBasso's strengths, this is an area in which they have rich experience in creating effective mobile solutions, so it's no surprise that they invested all their talent in AMP3. After AMP2, which offered only 3.5-mm "normal" output, AMP3 decided to make it completely balanced, including the usual output, and linear, so those wishing to use this amplifier should take care of recapping their headphones.
The price tag for the amplification module is standard for iBasso, AMP3 is sold for about $ 200.
Specifications
- Frequency range: 10 Hz - 45 kHz (-0.5 dB)
- Output voltage: 6 Vrms
- Signal to noise ratio: 124 dB
- Total harmonic distortion + noise: 0.00025% / - 112 dB (32Ω, 4 Vrms)
- Dynamic range: 124 dB
- Split Channels: 123dB
Packaging and installation process
Neither the box nor the delivery package contain anything unexpected in itself. The usual black cardboard with a gray strip on which the name of the model is written. Inside is the amplifier itself with screwed in fixation screws, instruction / warranty card and spare screwdriver for module replacement.
The installation process is simple and does not cause the slightest problems. You just need to loosen the side screws (do not completely unscrew them) and carefully remove the amplifier from the guides, pulling down. Installation is the same, but in the reverse order. In general, the replacement is very simple, and anyone who can turn on the player can cope with it.
The design of the module is also devoid of any surprises, it looks the same as the other two modules, the only noticeable difference is in the output connectors (2.5 mm) and the inscription on the reverse side.
In terms of power, the new module roughly corresponds to the previous one, so the operating time did not change much, with the last firmware from Lurker with MEEAudio P1 in the role of load, the player played the "Red Book" FLAC with a comfortable volume for me of 7 hours 15 minutes. The indicator is not a record, but for such a iron is very good.
Sound
In general, I will not particularly draw the intrigue, iBasso DX200 with this amplifier and alternative firmware - this is actually the best player in its price range and in general a good opponent to most tops (from the series "does not win, but fights worthily").
With the DX200, a slightly paradoxical situation develops, iBasso is asking for modules for $ 200, which is more expensive than many entry-level players, but the AMP1 stock is already good in itself, so buying a replacement module can often be superfluous, especially with the need for headphones on a balanced connection. The gain in quality with AMP3 also can not be called global, but nevertheless it, firstly, is clearly visible, and secondly, it is a "straw breaking the back of a camel" in terms of transition to the next stage of sound.
This time I will depart from the traditional description of the "general sound" for individual frequencies, but I will concentrate on the difference between AMP3 and AMP1, repeat in detail again everything that was said about the drain amplifier, there is little sense, the link to the original review is given at the beginning of this text. In short, with AMP3, the sound of the DX200 is still very technical, detailed, neutral, "but there are some differences."
The main difference is in the study of high frequency, and for me it is this range that is the main "detector" of what is often called the "level". The AMP3's upper frequency range became longer (although not all headphones are able to demonstrate this), which added a complex to high-quality recorded music a bit of naturalness: attenuation, complex overtone - all that distinguishes the devices of the upper segment. This is the main difference of the "troika" not only from the drain amplifier, but also from the "two".
The midrange has become less uncompromising, AMP3 reduces the level of detail the most, but this is enough to turn a mega-critical quality recording player into a much more "good-natured" device. Almost all problems with poor-quality tracks are disappearing into the past - unnatural construction of the stage, languid emotions, hollow vocals. Of course, you will still hear these problems, but they do not interfere with enjoying the recording the way it was with AMP1. In this AMP3 is somewhat similar to AMP2, but the "two" softening is slightly more, with all the ensuing consequences.
The low-frequency range remains without noticeable changes, sometimes it seems to me that it has become a little more collected, but this difference is for me personally somewhere on the border of audibility.
conclusions
Well, what can I say, iBasso once again proved that they know how to make amplifiers. AMP3, of course, is not a cheap upgrade, but for owners of top-end headphones, who want to add a bit more quality to the sound of their bundle, this investment is more than adequate, especially if you add to this the transfer of headphones to the balance. The next AMP4 amplifier is equipped with a 4.4 mm connector, used primarily by Sony, so I will probably miss it and wait for the next "mega-power" AMP5 model.
The article is based on materials .
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