iBasso D2+ review - with HD800!

Hello all,

This is my first serious mini amp. Previously I had my pimped out CMOY with OPA627s. So, at $170 the iBasso D2+, a delightful RSA Predator lookalike, seemed like a good call as the CMOY was a bit ghetto sounding in its old age.

So what is the D2+ packing exactly?
Well, with the updated specs, it has a true line out for its DAC, so it can be a standalone DAC, standalone amp, or combo. As usual it has the Wolfson 8740 DAC chip (same as in the Headamp Pico, Dacmagic, etc) and the PCM2706 USB chip which are parts comparable to full size. It's also packing better capacitors and a better volume pot (nichicon and alps) this time around. It charges and connects for data via USB, and has a gain switch and a volume knob that turns the unit on. It is freaking tiny, 3" x 2", I did not think it would be this small but it is much tinier than the palm of my hand. I went with silver, although they have a green option.







So, how does it sound?
Very, very good. I'm just going to base this review on how it does with HD800s this time around and will gladly expand this review and answer questions later. This thing definitely restores my faith in mini amps. Keep in mind I am AB/ing it with my DAC8/REF1 and my Phoenix. It's running my OCC copper recabled, balanced HD800s through a small 4pin to miniplug adapter. And it is doing a damn good job. All the details are there, the sound is a little bit smaller than the Phoenix but it has lots of headroom and refuses to distort. I don't feel like I'm maxing it out. I've heard the HD800s badly amplified a few times. I realize the good sound is mostly the cans and nice source material. But this is an extremely competent dac/amp. I have nothing bad to say and given how picky the HD800s are, the fact that I am this satisfied by it is impressive to me and should be to you.

What are you waiting for...go get one.

Interesting and useful review, im looking for a small portable amp/dac.
This one gets on my short list.
Interesting how it compares with PICO or even Audio-Gd Compass?
Have you tryed it with IEM?

I had the normal D2 Boa, and now have the pico and I would say that the D2 is a worse version of the Pico. Meaning they sound sonically similar, but the Pico does everything better. Also note that it is way more expensive so it should.

None the less, the D2 Boa is a great little amp

Sounds less impressive with IEM but still very good. I can only assume the Pico is built a little tighter and the upsampling it can do is great. Still, can't beat the pricetag, and it doesn't sound like poop with HD800 which is surprising.

Is it worth getting this for 42 Ohm headphones?

wrong forum?

Yes I'm a noob. So is it?

Oh come on, is it worth getting this for 42 Ohm headphones or not?????

Prevtzer, you heard the man - what are we waiting for : go get one !

Well thank you, finally something.

Now I'm just waiting for them to give me quote on shipping and than, no matter how stupidly high it will be, I am ordering.

I like a man whose words match his actions - congratulations on making a decision. Some on Head-Fi take months to do just that.

Nice review!
Someone should move it to the Portable Headphone Amps forum though..

any update on this d2+ boa?

How about the output power for the HD 800? especially for the modern music? Thanks

due to limited budget i think im going for this d2+