Introduction:
 
          At first I didn’t expect myself to buy another phone after 9-month-old Letv Max which is still in solid condition and still use as one of in-house source from time to time which really makes full experience of watching movie. Thanks to its big screen and wide soundstage sound.
          But then I just think that maybe…maybe… I should try again. I need to choose between onkyo granbeat and vivo xplay6. I think for days. Granbeat has balanced mode which is really nice but it comes with higher price tag with micro sd slot and japan quality. While vivo on the other hand, is also spec-wise, TOTL Chinese smartphone, Good camera, high quality of sound and also cheaper. At last, I choose vivo xplay6 this time just because I now wonder how they will implement newly-launched ESS9038 chip to see if it worth keeping in my phone collection.
 
 
Tested condition: 
 
-  FW Version Tested: PD1610_D_1.20.5
-  Music Player: Stock Player (iMusic)
-  Set Airplane Mode ON
 
1. Writer Introduction:
 
Prior to jumping into sound section, I just want to provide all of information I know about my tested cans and my sound preference. In case I have different opinion on cans’ matching differently from others’ opinion or review, you can understand that various factors might make review different. 
 
This part will also include unboxing and accessories and some essential picture of the unit and the UI for reader to visualize easier.
 
Lastly, there is a sound comparison section with some phones for pointing out the character and quality of this phone as well.
 
1.1  List of owned cans and stuffs
 
 
 
Adapter used to convert from Balanced plug to Single End
- 2.5 mm female to 3.5 mm male Viablue plug DIY (since my cans are all 2.5 mm balanced but the line out and used external amp itself are 3.5 mm Single End)
http://www.brabbithifi.com/product/106-adapter-ak-2-5-trrs.html
 
1.2  My Sound Preference:
I love fun sound signature but not basshead type, prefer balanced sound. Crazy on big 3D soundstage and black background (low noise floor)
 
1.3  My Song Preference:
JPOP, Anisong, Movie OST
 
1.4  List of Song used for testing purpose
 
 
1.5 Unboxing and Accessories

 
Figure 1 shows the size comparison among 4.7” DX200, 5.2” xplay 6 and 6.3” Letv max

 
Figure 2 shows the box package of xplay6 which comes in 13” square white box with silver screen of xplay6 logo at center and vivo at side view.

 
Figure 3 shows the gold-color front screen film, transparent TPU case, and Black rubber case with “vivo” screened at back coming as accessories

 
Figure 4 shows other essential stuffs like fast charge power adapter, micro usb cable, sim card needle, and iphone-look-alike earphone called vivo xe680 (I didn’t test it. Don’t ask me to.)

 
 
 
Figure 5 and 6 show front UI and back cover which comes with 12 MP f1.7 Dual Cameras.  Yes, bokeh mode is nice. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Figure 7 shows iMusic UI. Please see Pros and Cons below
 
Pros: Support CUE playlist, Local song separated in Artist/Albums/All songs/Folders and one click music scan button., Native DSD. Lyric Support. Beautiful and clean interface.
Cons: a little clicking noise when changing songs with different sampling rate “44.1kHz to 48/96kHz”and vice versa and when playing DSD list, Hard to find online album covers if missing,
 

 
 
 
 
Special Note: HQ (High Quality) = DSD format while SQ = FLAC (either CD quality or Hi-Res) 
 

 
 
Figure 8 shows DSD mode meaning and Hi-Fi compatability.
 
2. Sound Quality and Character
 
2.1 Speaker comparison with Letv Max
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMRVz_BvZZs
 
2.2 from 3.5 mm headphone out
 
Let me introduce my cans’ sound signature first.

1. 64 audio U12

Can signature: balanced sound, fun, warm mid, deep bass, good separation and 3D stage, subbass extension.

1. 64 audio V6S

Can signature: smooth treble, 3D stage, neutral, vocal stood out. Might not best at separation.

1. Rose Mojito

Can signature: wide soundstage, analytical, bright treble. It’s strange that that its spec has low impedance and normal sensitivity, it does need volume more than the other two.
Please see 1.1  List of owned cans and stuffs for detailed info.
 
 
 
From trying 3 of my iems and earbud, I summarize xplay6 as

1. Euphonic/Syrupy vocal: You are feeling sitting near with vocalist. Sweet Natural. Outstanding Vocal image is so beautifully shaped without any interference with other frequency.
2. Depth soundstage is mind blown. Never see the drum impact transmission from the backside at specific position this much before. Layering is also top-notch. There is no feeling of congestion of each instrument and vocal. Well, I would like to say soundstage should be wider in order to give more airy presentation which will be beneficial for big band music.
3. Extended treble. Really feel the treble coming out so clear and crystal without any suffer or fatigue (at least for me).
4. Bass is tight enough to enjoy rock music with fun with adequate quantity. Not muddy or leave too much decay or feel bass shaking.
5. Deep Bass does nicely extend to the enjoyable extent but not their strength compared to DAP which really does fullest deepest experience which warps you to another world.
6. Impact is so powerful. Well it might not such an overwhelm imaging / full compared to DAP experience. But yup there it is. Can lighten up rock music alive.
7. Micro Details really comes out above my expectation for stand-alone smartphone without much concentration. People who love smooth sound might find it fatiguing. But as I have stated at first about how I am thrilled with noticing more micro-details from small quiet instrument like shaker or tambolin.

 
3. Phone comparison 
 
Disclaimer: I owned Letv Max and LG V20 is my friend's. I tested it with 64audio U12 + G1 module only. Anyway please take this comparison with grain of salt.
 

Figure above is only representing warm/cold tonal comparison.
 

1. Letv Max (FW 20S)
   1. Treble: Letv max has more thunderous treble extension than Xplay6. In my playlist, I love Letv Max's treble more.
   2. Vocal: Letv max vocal become dead silent when comparing to Xplay6's epic vocal imaging.
   3. Bass: Xplay6 and Letv Max share similar bass quantity and tightness. while Letv max has a little more subbass.
   4. Worth-mentioning Note: Letv Max sound stage is like one dimensional wider and airier sound stage while Xplay6 is 3D stage having two dimensional atmosphere with better layering and field of depth.
2. LG V20 (low gain because my IEM is low impedance and sensitive enough) (forget to check FW version sorry guys!)
   1. Treble: Xplay6 and V20 share similar controlled treble feeling that it is crystal clear and stand out. Xplay 6 just has a little sparkle of treble.
   2. Vocal: Both share similar natural sweet and euphonic vocal with Xplay6 vocal is closer to listener than LG V20's. 
   3. Bass: Both shares similar warm midbass sounding.
   4. Worth-mentioning Note #1: LG V20 shares quite similar tonal with Xplay6 in my opinion. while I think Xplay 6 is more lively sounding with micro details and strings can be observed much easier.
   5. Worth-mentioning Note #2 If activate V20's external mode to my IEM, sound will become thicker for vocal and boomy mid bass with more powerful impact which I think low gain is better matching in my case. This is why my review can be different with others' thought.

 
Loudness/volume matching
A little bit add up from review: I forget to talk about power output (loudness/volume matching). 
 
using 64audio U12 
50% volume of vivo xplay 6 HIFI mode equals ~65% volume V20 normal mode 
50% volume of vivo xplay 6 HIFI mode equals ~50% volume V20 external mode 
 
using HD800
85% volume of vivo xplay 6 HIFI mode equals 100% volume Letv max HiFi mode 
 
 
Summary
 
I really would like to say that vivo xplay6 has done everything right with this flagship device being the first company that implements ESS9038 in their device and done a good sound tuning. Even though there are few constraints. For example, Hi-Fi mode should be applying for all apps like Letv did and clicking noise when changing songs with different sampling rate, it does have DSD mode which works perfectly with iMusic App which pushes listening experience standard up beyond among other audiophile phones. The sound character is a little warmish, good resolution, lively, depth staging with top-notch layering for smartphone. 
 
Lastly, I just have only one wish that it could be wider and comes with 2.5 balanced option for next generation’s flagship line ))

Tested condition: 
 
-  AMP Module: AMP1          
-  FW Version Tested: 2.0.78 (WindowsX Free Version) which automatically includes google playstore and support all of google services!
Remind that in stock FW, Google services are removed and unsupported which makes app installation more difficult.
 
 
1. Introduction:
 
Prior to jumping into sound section, I just want to provide all of information I know about my tested cans and my sound preference. In case I have different opinion on cans’ matching differently from others’ opinion or review, you can understand that various factors might make review different. 
 
This part will also include unboxing and accessories and some essential picture of the unit and the OS for reader to visualize easier.
 
1.1  List of owned cans and stuffs
 
 
 
Other stuffs (used to test line out):
- 2.5 mm female to 3.5 mm male Viablue plug DIY (since my cans are all 2.5 mm balanced but the line out and used external amp itself are 3.5 mm Single End)
http://www.brabbithifi.com/product/106-adapter-ak-2-5-trrs.html
 
- Lisa L3 Amp
http://www.head-fi.org/products/triad-audio-l3
 
- Silver Eagle Mini to mini
http://www.avbestbuy.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=31&products_id=989&language=en
 
1.2  My Sound Preference:
I love fun sound signature but not basshead type, prefer balanced sound. Crazy on big 3D soundstage and black background (low noise floor)
 
1.3  My Song Preference:
JPOP, Anisong, Movie OST
 
1.4  List of Song used for testing purpose
 
 
1.5 Unboxing and Accessories
 
     
 
Very beautiful grey-black marble-like box of DX200 with logo and "DX200 ibasso Audio" in white at side of box which gives a professional and formal welcome to us. On the front. it has a skin stamp of ibasso logo and "DX200" at the top.
 
     
 
Disclaimer: I didn't use any cutter or samurai sword or anything! It is being like this out of box
 

 
You might notice that I have already peeled off the sticker sheet which is written "DX200 - Reference DAP - Dual ES9028 PRO" in gold color which is their unique selling point.
 
                 
 
Inside, there are 3 separated box. In the left top box, there is warranty card, Start guide card and sturdy nice brown case for DX200!
Even the case is very beautiful and solid. I didn't use it much because it makes Perfect design, curves and convex of fully-CNC DX200 device less stand-out!
 
In the top right box, it is cables box including coax cable, balanced plug burn-in cable (I really love this!) and most picturesque USB-C cable for data transfer and charging.
 

 
Testing the sound with some of my favorite song out of box on my bed with 2.5 balanced 64 audio U12 is bliss!
 

 
ibasso! How dare come with just one micro SD slot! This is why I need to use OTG to cover all of my music. In short, the device is supporting USB OTG to access to second card. Even External HDD is also working which is good thing.
 
Note: it doesn't need to have the gadget in middle called "ifi isilencer" - I am just kind of making it more complicating and test if sd card still can be read. (it also worked)
 
 
1.6 Build Quality and Interface Picture Sample
 
What favors me most from this DAP is very nice screen resolution (720p) on 4.2” which makes us easily enjoy watching music video, cartoon from either web browser or Youtube thanks to its Android functionality too. DAP's touchscreen is also top-notch responsive compared to among DAP either in higher or lower price range.
 
 
         
 
Left Picture: The right hand of DAP contains volume wheel control, Forward, Play-Pause, Rewind. The bottommost is the AMP module which tighten with 2 tiny screws
Middle: The Left hand of DAP contains the micro SD card slot. At the bottom output shows 3.5 line out, 3.5 mm simgle end and 2.5 mm balanced from left to right.
Right Picture: show the top side of DAP containing Power on/off, usb type C port and coax out
 
 
 

 
 
The back of DX200 is in black background having smooth edges and corrugated plastic at top making hand grip more tightly.
 
  
 
Android Mango Player: The song list in album is in alphabetic order instead of Tag ID number which should be fixed in future FW.
 

 
Size comparison with my Letv Max and also showing how bright and colorful DX200's screen is.
Also, all third party music apps are working perfectly despite the fact that it is all downsampling to 44.1kHz only for now. But Paul has promised for fixing.
 
      
Left: Mango OS: Album is nicely separated and show cover image. One screen can contain 7 different albums. The space of each album is nicely distributed compared to 
Right: Android Mango Player: One screen can only contain 4 different albums without showing the artist name. Instead it shows the number of song in each album.
 
 
           
 
Here is the Mango OS interface. It contains only offline playback only. 
 
 
   
 
Left: Android Lock screen with Date and Time
Right: Swipe down to see the drop down function controls including: wifi, bluetooth, airplane mode and screen rotating etc.


 
DX200 Android UI is nicely arranged and so pure and clean. coming with default apps including calculator, clock, web browser, calendar, downloads, file explorer and gallery
 

 
Android's Mango music app UI is picturesque and smoothly responsive than Mango OS's Pure music mode.
 
2. DAP sound quality from out-of-box to fully Burning-in  (Tested with U12 with G1 module)
                                
 
 
3 Cans Matching’s Opinion (all are tested with 2.5 mm Balanced, Slow Filter #5 Mango OS)
 
 
From testing with various cans above, I can confirm that DX200+ AMP1 = neutrality and balanced. It is not towards basshead or vocal-centric or treble-head. It has equally distributed of frequency response which I consider as a good decision from ibasso where leaves every IEM, earbud and Full-size show their own signature with no dressing up the sound a lot. If you are going to review the can’s sound signature, using this DAP will be very beneficial. DX200 + AMP1 is considered as truly "REFERENCE" as stated in the loading screen.
 
4. Line Out Testing
 
 
My Set up: HD800 2.5 balanced > DIY Viablue Adapter to 3.5 mm > Lisa L3 Amp > 1.2 m Silver Eagle Mini to Mini > DX200 Line out (with Low gain setting at Full volume)
 
Result: The sound is very impressively clean. low noise floor. No grain of treble sound cracking as adjusting volume of the amp. Give very good separation and pull all micro detail. The strings voice is very clear and euphonic vocal. Strings movement is clearer to listen to. However, the impacts is still a little shy with this set up though it is as much as possible this little portable amp can provide.  But in no doubt, EDM is more pleasant and enjoyable to listen to by using DX200 line out as source.
 
5. OS difference in various aspects
The Interface of Android is very user-friendly and so pure. Almost all functions we can utilize from this DAP are no different than android smartphone nowadays at all except calls and recording.
On the other hand, Pure music mode create some slow response to our touches, slides and tapping which is room for improvement for ibasso to make it more smooth operation.
Below are the comparison Table shows the different/Pros & Cons from variety aspects.
 
 
6  Gain Difference
 
There are two gains to choose out: is low gain and High gain. Low gain is designed for most IEM while High Gain is used for High impedance Full-size.
 
While using Low gain will give a balanced tonal while High gain will make crispy treble and high bass and impact quantity. That is why I set U12 + G1 module and Rose Mojito in Low gain while HD800 is in High gain. Nonetheless, in Line out mode, I normally set it at low gain and let external amp does the job.
 
Since it has adjustable line out, it means you can adjust digital volume control to your line out. Of course, if you are using it for external amp, you can just keep it at max volume (150). It can also be used to High Impedance full-size directly as well by adjusting the volume down and you can enjoy the sound which has been buffer-bypassed which makes the sound cleaner and fuller atmosphere compared to conventional 3.5 mm single end port.
 
7 Filter Difference
 
As we have already known that DX200 comes with various choices of DAC filter in 7 formats.
 
[1] Fast Roll Off (Linear)            [2] Slow Roll off (Linear)                [3] Apodizing (linear)
[4] Fast Roll off (minimum)          [5] Slow Roll off (Minimun)          [6] Fast Roll Off (hybrid)
[7] Brick Wall
 
I am quite unsure if my thought is 100% correct in this section. The difference among one another is slight but some are noticeable. I will start by pairing case by case.
By the way, in this section, I use Album “Leo Ieiri – Little Blue”, 24 bit Lossless track from mora.jp, as Tested Album.
 
 
8 DAP Comparison
 
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these DAPs myself. I ask the local headphone shop for generosity to compare with demo units. I come test around 3 times to make sure the comparison is accurate enough and I don’t mess up. Anyway, please take it with grain of salt. All units are tested with U12 + G1 Module
 
My DX200 set-up: Low gain, filter 5, balanced output. volume ~70 - 80 
 
AK380 Volume ~90
 
AK's mid is more forward and bass has more body.
Both seems to be very close in terms of staging, separation, depth and speed.
In term of treble, details and airy presentation, I would give DX200 an upper hand. AK380 give more relaxing and smooth treble.
 
QP1R (low gain ~35)
 
QP1R does give more V shape sound. Treble is more extended. Impact is so powerful than DX200.
Soundstage width is a little wider but less depth. While DX200 is 3D staging.
Bass is tighter but same quantity. Listening to rock music is satisfying with QP1R.
However,I can feel that it does give shy vocal presentation. While DX200 vocal is more forwarded and smoothly-pleasing to listen.
Separation is equally good for both
 
HM901 (low gain ~ 2.5, balance card)
 
HM901 gives very smooth listening. Not even fatigue thanks to its dark / warm presentation.
Speed is slower than DX200. I do enjoy slow BPM vocal-centre song.
The treble is not extended as DX200, it is very smooth when compared to DX200.
Impact is lesser. But in the same time, I do feel that female vocal becomes too warm and soften.
Resulting in, I do prefer DX200' s treble and female vocal more. DX200 bass is tighter feel lesser in quantity.
 
Opus#2 (middle gain volume ~105)
 
Opus 2's vocal does share similar sound signature which is transparent and natural. While DX200 vocal is a little more forward.
Both also share the balanced and neutrality signature very well.
However, I do believe Strings and purcussion 's detail is more noticeable in opus 2. 
The quantity of impact are same for both. Bass has similar in quantity and tightness.
While DX200 has more deep bass in particular. Listening to instrumental in Opus 2 is opening more detail and more analytical.
Separation in Opus 2 is better while managing all detail including jingle sound more pleasant, crispier and fascinating.
I feel that soundstage of Opus 2 is slightly bigger 3D presentation than DX200.
 
Fiio X7 AM2 (low gain ~65-70)
 
Fiio's vocal is dryer for x7. Bass is less tight than dx200 and it gives an echo of bass and make me feel like bass is trying to overwhelming the music presentation which creates muddy and foggy atmosphere. Fiio x7 has smoother and less crystal clear treble. Smaller 3D soundstage. Listen EDM with fiio x7 is cramped. DX200 gives a better details and stage and separation.
 
Disclaimer for comparing with SONY DAPs: I am not having 2.5 to 4.4 adapter. Thus it is not quite fair since balanced mode is believe to be far better claimed by many users. so take this review with some buffer.
 
WM1A (single end, normal gain ~67.)
 
Bass is more in 1A. And give the warmer atmosphere while Separation and stage for dx200 is better both width and depth.
Sony has thick vocal - darker and fuller. slightly laid-back compared to DX200.
Treble seems to be harsher while dx200 treble is extended but also controlled.
 
WM1Z (single end normal gain ~67)
 
The signature is keeping 'fun' into music. Vocal is smoother and so euphonic.
Bass is a bit less tight and gives a little echo but it doesn't overwhelm the music.
Instead it gives a nicely warm while keeping airy and space. so this DAP is warmer and has fuller vocal than DX200.
It is towards basshead people and listener who love lush rhythm.
Treble is extended and controlled as same as DX200.
Separation and stage is better. I can feel the instrument more "colored", "fun", "lush" and less neutral than DX200.
 
 
Fiio x5 iii (70 low gain slow roll off) FW 1.0.9

Fiio give so smooth treble tonal while DX200 is detail monster.
Bass and impact is less than DX200.
Fiio has lesser quantity of bass but tight bass as same as DX200. 
Fiio has clearer vocal but a bit laid back compared to DX200's juicy vocal.
X5iii seems to lack engaging into music which I can noticeably feel in DX200.
Separation and resolution is good but not in the same level as dx200. I also feel less depth soundstage in Fiio X5 iii
 
 
9. Conclusion
 
Considering DX200 is TOTL DAP under $1000 which is able to compete with many DAPs with higher price tag. I consider it as a valuable DAP and make a noticeably huge improvement from my Letv Max, my current audiophile smartphone which also impressed me so much before. As a previous owner of DX100 and AK240, I truly accept it is quite a big improvement in terms of both sound quality and UI & functionality. Despite all the fact mentioned, it still has a lot of room for improvement to get rid of the bugs. Although there are still other TOTL DAPs such as OPUS 2 or SONY 1Z which are widely considered as sound-wise Giants compared to DX200. However, considering the DX200's price, uniquely impressive sound quality, various functionalities and Smooth UI from DX200, as of now, I truly believe I do not need to upgrade to any other TOTL DAP or feel itchy anymore.