To the Max and Beyond!

PROS: reference quality audio performance (quad ROHM DACs) with a very clean, transparent, natural tuning and a big soundstage expansion, independent batteries and charging system for analog and digital sections, analog stepped attenuator volume control, hi-res 5” display, Ti chassis, Snapdragon 660 w/optimized Android 11, 6GB RAM/128GB Storage, 4.4mm/3.5mm LO and PO, dual Android & Mango (Unix) OS, fast charging.

CONS: price, 2 separate chargers, more transportable than portable, coarse volume adjustment due to stepped attenuator.

The product was provided to me free of charge for the review purpose in exchange for my honest opinion.

Manufacturer website: iBasso.  Available for sale directly or authorized retailers like Bloom Audio.

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Intro.

Following the footsteps of DX220 vs DX220Max and DX300 vs DX300Max, it was probably inevitable that we are going to see DX320Max after DX320.  Max is iBasso’s “money is no object” special edition platform where the focus is purely on the best sound quality without any compromises, so you never know what they are going to surprise you with.  Max is not about their typical modular design philosophy with lightweight slimmer chassis, combined charging, or bigger display (in flagship model).  If that’s what you need, look into DX320 and DX240.  As I mentioned before, the idea behind Max series is to maximize the performance by utilizing dual independently charged batteries to fully isolate analog and digital sections, implementing optimized discrete amp circuit with the best available components, using analog volume control, dressing up in a bulletproof solid chassis, and… adding more audiophile grade surprises.

And DX320Max Ti did just that, with more surprises such as custom analog stepped attenuator, physical gain control switch, doubling ROHM DACs (up to a quad), Titanium chassis, and other optimizations.  One consistent thing about iBasso which I have seen throughout years of reviewing their products, they don’t just try to make their spec look good on paper.  They integrate and optimize every component, piece by piece, to have the maximum impact on the final sound quality.  There is a lot to cover about this new DAP, so expect my typical long review/guide, but it will be partitioned in easy to read and to follow sections.  Now, let’s take a closer look at this latest iBasso DX320Max Ti release.

Unboxing and Accessories.

The unboxing experience of 320Max is identical to 300Max and 220Max.  The unit arrived in a large size all black carboard box with another giftbox inside of it, stamped with iBasso logo on top.  Under the cover with a foam to protect the screen, 320Max was sitting securely in a foam cutout of the top tray with a velour lining.

With the top tray out of the way, you will find a number of useful accessories split and organized inside of velour drawstring bags.  There was a short coax cable for digital SPDIF output, 4.4mm balanced burn-in cable, AC adapter (12V/1.5A), high quality usb-c cable, extra screen protectors, warranty card, and a quick start guide.  iBasso recommends at least 200hrs of burn in time, and using its burn-in load cable is a lot more convenient and quieter since you don’t need to use the actual headphones.

A custom brown leather case was included as well.  It’s a nice quality premium looking leather case to enhance the grip of 320Max and to protect its Ti finish from scratches.  And this time they added a metal venting panel on the back.  It has fully open front for DAP to slide in, open back to provide access to the ports and microSD card, and covered transport and power buttons on the right side.

Page 2 – Design and Under the hood.
Page 3 – GUI, Mango app vs Mango OS, Graphic and Parametric EQs.
Page 4 – Sound Analysis and Pair up.
Page 5 – Comparison, Wired/wireless connection, and Conclusion.