DAP Review

iBasso DX160

GUI.

Unlike its bigger brother DX220, DX160 comes with a single boot design going straight into full Android OS, including new Mango audio v2 app.  With access to full Android you have support of wifi and Bluetooth, can load other apps, stream audio, etc, though you have to be aware that stock DX160 doesn’t have Google Play.  Instead, it comes pre-loaded with APKPure and CoolApk apps where you can search and download most of the apps to install on your DAP.  Just remember that updates won’t be installed automatically, and you can’t bypass apps that require Google play authorization.  The solution to this problem is simple since you can download and install Lurker’s free ROM which brings Google Play along with a few other goodies.  He has been supporting all the latest iBasso releases with his ROMs, and usually makes a new version available within a day of official iBasso fw releases.

For those familiar with DX220, you quick recognize the new interface of Mango v2 audio app which is a default playback app.  When starting this app, with a bigger display, you also have a better view of the embedded song/album artwork, if one is available.  If not, a default image is displayed.  As I mentioned in DX220 review, the biggest change in Mango v2 is that you no longer have to swipe left/right to get to the file/song management and settings.  The main playback screen has a more logical interface where you swipe the artwork display left/right to skip between the songs, and access song search and file management from a shortcut in the upper left corner and settings from a shortcut in the upper right corner.

Below the artwork, you have track info and a seek bar to advance through the song where you can tap anywhere to skip.  To me it’s a BIG deal since previously (in Mango v1) you had to tap and drag the current song position to a new one.  Now, you can fast forward/back by simply tapping on a timeline like you would on your smartphone.  Below it, you have a shortcut on the left to provide a more detailed info about the song, and another shortcut on the right to switch between playback modes (play in order, repeat list, shuffle, repeat current song).  Play/Pause and Skip next/prev buttons are big enough and located at the bottom.  Also, all the way at the top in the middle you can swipe down to access the list of your current songs playback or songs located in your current playback directory.  From that list, you can swipe each song to the left which gives you an option to delete it.

ibasso_dx160-28

In Music search and track management, you can search through your songs (where it’s indexed) or by browsing the internal storage directory.  Under indexed list, you can view All Music, or sort by Album, Artist, Genre, Now Playing, and Playlist.  Any song you long press will give you an option to Play, Add to playlist, or Delete.  You also have a setting (3 vertical bars all the way on the right) to specify exactly what you want to see in navigation bar or how you want music to be sorted and viewed.  The level of customization details here is quite impressive.  Plus, all the way at the bottom you have a small area to see the currently playing song and to control its playback with play/pause button.  Tapping on it takes you back to the main Playback screen.

In Settings Menu, you have access to Gapless (on/off), Gain (low and high), Play mode (order, loop, shuffle, repeat, folder play), EQ (on/off, brings you to Graphic/Parametric EQ screen), L/R Balance, 4 Digital filters, and Advanced Setting.  In Advanced you can select USB DAC, Sleep Timer, Scanning (songs on a card or internal), and System info.

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EQ.

DX160 offers a traditional Graphic EQ (EQ) where frequency bands are fixed, and you only adjust the gain with a slider.  Mango v2 app also has Parametric EQ (PEQ) where you have a lot more control over which frequency is being adjusted, bandwidth of the frequency being adjusted, the type of the filter used to adjust the frequency, and of course the gain of the adjustment.  Here are my observations while testing DX160 EQ and PEQ.

Graphic EQ (EQ)

  • When enabled, drops the volume to create extra headroom for band adjustment (to avoid clipping).
  • Relatively clean 10-band EQ adjustment (33, 63, 100, 330, 630, 1k, 3.3k, 6.3k, 10k, 16k frequency bands).
  • Whenever you adjust a band, you can see it being shown graphically above the EQ sliders; great visual feedback.
  • 5 genre specific presets are included where each one could be adjusted further and reset to its original state.

Parametric EQ (PEQ)

  • Includes 6 custom preset settings.
  • When enabled, volume doesn’t drop.
  • While adjusting, I didn’t hear any distortion.
  • Each preset setting has 6 assignable filters/frequencies to shape the sound where each one is represented by a different color on the screen.
  • Filter types: low pass filter, high pass filter, band pass filter, notch filter, all pass filter, peaking filter, low shelf filter, high shelf filter – peaking filter will be probably the most useful.
  • Each filter has: Fc (center frequency, from 33 to 16k), Gain (-20 to 20 dB), Q factor (0.3 to 20) where smaller Q makes the bandwidth wider and bigger Q makes the bandwidth narrower.
  • Fc and Gain could also be adjusted on the touch screen by dragging the pointer left/right and up/down.
  • The sound is adjusted/updated in real time as you move the filter peak and frequency.

Page 4 – Sound Analysis, and Digital filters.
Page 5 – Pair up with IEMs and Headphones.
Page 6 – Comparison with different DAPs.
Page 7 – Wired/Wireless Connections, and Conclusion.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7

37 thoughts on “iBasso DX160”

    1. imho, it will not get better. In case of DX150, the DAC is behind its technical performance which is just OK. AMP7 can color the sound a little, maybe improve some dynamics, but technically DX150 with any amp (even amp8) will still be inferior to DX160.

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      1. Hi. I use the X5iii(line out) via a Magni 3 amp+hd598 headphone. Following the above configuHiration(line out+amp) does the X5iii then have a sound quality as good as Ibasso DX160?

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      2. I still think LO of DX160 will be better due to a different DAC (LO is a direct DAC output). But again, “better” is very subjective. X5iii DAC is warmer/smoother than DX160 DAC, so you might hear a combo with 160 to be more revealing, more layered.

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  2. Hey, I am about to buy a new DAP and stuck between DX160 and M11. To give you some context, I still use the original Fiio X5 (Gen 1) and still love its sound signature. Which one would you recommend? DX160 or M11?

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  3. Thanks for your review. I also read your DX120 review and found that you quite enjoyed that too, and now I am looking for a comparison between these two DAPs. What do you think of them in term of sound quality?

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    1. I need to charge up the battery again of dx120 to compare, but in general with dx160 out, I wouldn’t consider 120 unless you want something even smaller and lighter and need two micro SD cards. 120 was noisier with sensitive iems, and just not the same level of resolution, layering, and soundstage expansion. 160 sound quality is aiming closer to 220 with its default amp1mk2. But keep in mind, 160 Bluetooth performance is not that good if you are relying on it.

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  4. Been trying to look for an spdif cable for this unit. Not sure what kind of termination I should be looking for. A typical spdif RCA won’t fit the player. What connections should I be looking for for spdif output through the player? Thanks 👍🏻

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  5. This is a fantastically helpful review, particularly given the wide choice of mid-range DAPs nowadays. Thank you. I see you’ve reviewed the HiBy R6Pro too – which, thanks to your review, is now the only other DAP left on my shortlist (unless I buckle and go for a DX220 plus Amp 8 or a A&K SA700, but the extra cost seems barely worth it). I’d be grateful for your thoughts on Dx160 vs HiBy R6Pro, particularly on overall sound quality and robustness. The main pairing for me will be B&W P9s.

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    1. If we are talking about wired P9, either one should work fine based on sound quality of pair up, they both sound great. It’s the other features/use that will set them apart. For example, R6Pro Bluetooth wireless performance will be noticeably better or if you are running lots of apps, R6Pro will handle it more efficiently. But as a portable dap, Dx160 is lighter, slicker, and more enjoyable to use at a fraction of the price.

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      1. Hi Thx for such an in depth review I was wondering how would you compare this to the old Hiby R6? And If I would be able to get the old R6 and the R5 for the same price which one should I get?

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      2. I wouldn’t recommend old R6, it has high output impedance which messes the sound of many IEMs. So, scratch R6 off your list. R5 is nice, definitely cheap at $299, but its sound quality is not the same as DX160, though R5 has a faster processor and better wifi/BT performance.

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  6. Good stuff. I think I’ll go for it. For those still looking for a leather case for the Dx160, there seem to be three options. First, a company called EASECASE sometimes puts one they make that looks pretty good on eBay or AliExpress (they do similar models for other iBasso players too). The nice thing about this is that it is real leather and evidently comes in a wide range of colours that can be ordered along with initials, if you’re into that sort of thing. Korean company Miter have a similar case, but in ‘PU leather’, on their Korean website, which I’ve not found elsewhere. Last, there’s a guy called Valentin Valentinum who advertises on Etsy hand makes leather cases and has done a Dx160 one to order. They’re a bit chunkier than the other two.

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  7. I’m currently still using the DX90 as my DAP but I’m hoping to upgrade for the ability to stream and the balanced output. I also have an OG micro iDSD. I was just wondering how the DX160 sounds with IEMs on balanced compred to your iDSD. Is the iDSD noticeably better even if you do not need the extra power? What are the major differences in sound signature and technicalities?

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    1. don’t think there going to be a huge difference in sound between micro iDSD and DX160. Basically, it all comes down to choosing between transportable setup with high power output and using your smartphone or another source to drive micro iDSD or using a totally portable solution, all in one with DX160. Personally, I would go with DX160, especially since you are planning to use IEMs.

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      1. I am in the same dilemma, i had the DX90 and loved it now i use the X7II and i am not a fan, its boring thats what i can say. Loved the DX90 and would be looking forward to something similar/

        Is the DX160 more like the DX90 or the X7 II tonally ?

        thanks

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      2. Have no idea how dx90 sounds, sorry. X7ii, aside from tonality that varied between amps, the biggest problem with older fiio daps was lack of dynamics with everything sounding flat, boxed, and boring. Dx160 is definitely not that.

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  8. Thanks for this!

    I was actually thinking of getting a BTR5 to pair with my phone since I’ve started streaming and since carrying a phone and a DAP might get a bit too bulky. I’ve also considered just waiting for the third generation of iDSDs but that seems to still be a year or two away. What draws me to the DX160 is the all-in-one solution but if I’m spending that much, I might as well just pick up an xDSD or shell out another $200 for the iDSD BL, especially if the sound quality is still significantly better on the iDSD, BL or not.

    Would you happen to have directly compared the DX160 as a USB DAC/Amp for IEMs? If no, it’s alright! Just wondering if that would bring the gap, if any, closer. I actually do not find the amp section of the iDSD to be the best being a bit thin and dry especially as you go up the power modes. The DAC on it though just brings so much body to the equation.

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    1. Yes, micro iDSD as amp is not that great, but as dac/amp it’s fantastic. But it’s transportable, not portable. Don’t have experience with xDSD. I have mentioned using dx160 as USB dac in my review, it makes the sound a little thicker when compared to playing the same track directly from the dap.

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  9. Pingback: In-a-Snapshot: iBasso DX160 2020 model – Twister6 Reviews

  10. For Just pure SQ wise could you rec 3-5 daps the best for under $500? They dont have to be feature packed or android, just SQ and power
    Thank u

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    1. there are not too many DAPs I have tested under $500. Based on pure SQ, DX160 is definitely among the best. R3 Pro is pretty good too and so does AP80 Pro (and probably its copper version).

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  12. Hello there, thanks for the in depth review.

    I currently own the dx80 and have been looking for an android dap upgrade for a while now. In your opinion, soundwise, is the dx160 an upgrade to the dx80?

    Thank you!

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  14. First want to tell you how much I love your website the reviews are very informative and easy to read. My question is about the future. I have the DX 160 I love it. However you’re absolutely right about the Bluetooth it’s almost nonexistent if I get more than a few feet away it drops out. Same with the Wi-Fi you have to be right on top of the signal for it to work. So I see for yes a much higher price 2 new digital audio players hitting the market. One I think is out now the I Basso 220 Max the other is about to come out soon Hiby R8. What I know so far about the new I Basso is that it’s a much bigger unit. I think they’re saying it’s more transportable than portable. However I hear the sound is amazing. So you may not have any answers now but in the future could you do a comparison between the 220 Max and the new R8. Specifically I want to know about the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on both of them. I hear the new R8 is going to have a Sim card slot. Like to know how well that works. Also a size comparison is the R8 going to be more portable than the DX 220 Max. Finally on the upgrade I only had to pay $400 for the 160. I’m not rich so this will be a considerable investment. Do you think it will be worth it to bump up to the R8 in terms of sound compared to the 160 same with the 220 Max I know they’re going to sound better but is it marginally better or noticeably better. I know I threw a lot at you for units you probably don’t have yet ha ha. But during this pandemic time I’m feeling a little antsy and rather than go burning down a building or or fighting with the police I think I’ll just spent a lot of money on a portable music player. Thanks in advance for your answer.

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    1. I do have MAX and R8 is incoming, but I don’t know how R8 will sound/perform. But I can tell you with certainty that R8 most likely will have a much better BT/Wifi performance. Listen, I love ibasso products and truly respect them as a brand, but their focus is more on sound performance, not BT/wifi. Even DX220 MAX which sounds amazing, still uses old rockchip processor and all the same digital guts as dx200 and dx220. And yes, MAX is not portable at 750g in weight and a big size, but it is transportable, you can carry it in a pocket of cargo pants, and the analog design is high end desktop quality. Hopefully, their next flagship release (maybe next year?) will step up using different CPU/GPU and better performance BT/Wifi. On the other hand, Hiby is the company who used to write sw/fw for everybody from fiio to cayin, shanling, hidizs, and many others until they decided to release their own hardware product line. They really know the “digital” side of android design, how to optimize it with their own mods and drivers, and always go for the fastest hardware. I don’t know how R8 will sound, but at flagship level they all sound good… But, everything at that level will be in over $1k range, way over $1k range. DX160, just purely on its audio performance is on a VERY high level which can match daps twice its price. If you are really feeling antsy, why don’t you look into upgrading your IEMs/headphones to the next level. You will get a LOT more noticeable improvement in sound quality by upgrading your IEMs rather than upgrading your DAP. Just saying 😉

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      1. Thank you so much for your quick reply. So I have the two TOTL drop IEM’s the Noble Kaiser 10 and their Empire Ears Zeus. I also have the Final Audio Heaven VIII (the best sounding headphone I think I have but just very heavy). the Sony Z5 and the Shure 846’s. An example of older headphone I really like is the Fostex TE05. So here’s the thing when I was working pre-virus I was listening to a lot more IEM’s at work. But with the virus I’m working mostly from home so I tend to be listening to my speakers a lot more. So I run my DX 160 through a Sony amplifier to JBL speakers. However even when I do finally get back to the office whenever that will be I work in a secure location where Wi-Fi is all encrypted. There is no public Wi-Fi. So the R8 looked very interesting because of the Sim card possibilities. However even in my home I cannot use the DX 160 with my Sony because it’s not near where the Wi-Fi router is. So there’s always problems. There’s a lot of dropout it will just stop after a track won’t go to the next track because the connection is not secure. Now if I use my phone I have no problem because both the Wi-Fi and the Bluetooth are way better. So I was really looking for something that had way better Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Again the R8 looked intriguing because of the Sim card possibilities. So based on what you told me and also based on my own research it looks like the R8 is the way to go. Yes I know it’s going to be very expensive probably over $2000. So based on the IEM’s I have and I prefer IEM’s vs over the ear headphones. If I was going to spend my 2000 on an IEM versus the R8 which one would you recommend that would give me my best bang for the buck. Also I should throw in the mix I listen to mostly jazz and classical especially with my top-of-the-line IEM’s. I find that popular styles like Pop, R&B, Rock, EDM etc. sound good to me with pretty much any headphone because the music is created to be heard on cheap headphones. So thanks again appreciate the quick reply and I always love the reviews.

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    1. You are not going to damage it, especially since you can still adjust the output using volume wheel. LO output supposed to bypass internal amplifier so you only hear the output of internal DAC.

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  17. Thanks for the great review! I would like to ask which earphones would you choose with this player for classical music – Andromeda or Solaris, if you had to choose between these two?
    Thanks!

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  18. I have 192 kHz (fully unfolded track) in Tidal app on my Ibasso dx160, can I get the same 192kHz when connected to an external DAC over spdif?

    Tested the same over USB and only got 96kHz out of 192kHz on an external DAC.

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