[kkcc]

I owned or still own these (except for x5 that I loaned for 2 weeks, and zx1 that I sold within 10 days) and my preference strictly on SQ with (C)IEM in tiers:

5. AK100, iPhone 4, Note 3, clip zip rb
4. X3, DX50, AK120
3. DX100, ZX1
2. X5
1. AK240, HM901

Within a tier the SQ are more about synergy with specific pair of IEM (e.g. tg334 pair better with iPhone than ak100, but 1plus2 was better with ak100) and the SQ is close enough it didn't make me wish I had another DAP from the same tier (e.g. sold my ak120 after getting dx50).

Can't wait to see where dx90 rank! Won't mind it being so good I repeat my ibasso for iriver trade again and keep the change

 

[musicheaven]

IBasso please advertise your product before the thread starts looking like a race track.

Just one more week left, really anxious to see it go.

@Jamato8, any further impressions with the different phones you've used?

 

[musicheaven]

I owned or still own these (except for x5 that I loaned for 2 weeks, and zx1 that I sold within 10 days) and my preference strictly on SQ with (C)IEM in tiers:

5. AK100, iPhone 4, Note 3, clip zip rb
4. X3, DX50, AK120
3. DX100, ZX1
2. X5
1. AK240, HM901

Within a tier the SQ are more about synergy with specific pair of IEM (e.g. tg334 pair better with iPhone than ak100, but 1plus2 was better with ak100) and the SQ is close enough it didn't make me wish I had another DAP from the same tier (e.g. sold my ak120 after getting dx50).

Can't wait to see where dx90 rank! Won't mind it being so good I repeat my ibasso for iriver trade again and keep the change

Interesting observation, it sounds your scale to be more in line with what the majority of observers and primarily owners have experienced. I know that the earphones and headphones can make a difference in ranking the players, so because of that how can you be sure your scale still stands?

 

[CosmicHolyGhost]

I owned or still own these (except for x5 that I loaned for 2 weeks, and zx1 that I sold within 10 days) and my preference strictly on SQ with (C)IEM in tiers:

5. AK100, iPhone 4, Note 3, clip zip rb
4. X3, DX50, AK120
3. DX100, ZX1
2. X5
1. AK240, HM901

 
I agree with this observation except I would merge tier 2 and 3 together:
 
4. AK100, iPhone 4, Note 3, clip zip rb
3. X3, DX50, AK120
2. ZX1, X5, DX100
1. AK240, HM901
 
It is only personal preference. take it easy, guys..

 

[jamato8]

I am glad I own the AK100 modified and the DX50. That I, to my ear, find the DX50 better than the AK100 modified is no question. 
 
I have tried the DX90 with the koss porta pro, the TH900 and the HE560. With all of them, due to the amp section, they sound fine. Good extension and well layered. 

 

[musicheaven]

I am glad I own the AK100 modified and the DX50. That I, to my ear, find the DX50 better than the AK100 modified is no question. 

I have tried the DX90 with the koss porta pro, the TH900 and the HE560. With all of them, due to the amp section, they sound fine. Good extension and well layered. 

Thanks John, I also own the DX50 which I also compared to the X5 and found both to excel in qualities for different reasons, not one being better than the other but a sound signature that is different with one emphasizing the lower bass while the other the mids. It's rather tough picking one over the other as they make different music genres more enjoyable depending which one you use. As you know my two main criteria for the DX90 is a decent Sabre implementation with its low noise floor using a decent amp section for portability. It sounds like both can be found with the player.

I might be getting a pair of ASG-2 to try in a month, can't wait to hear what the DX90 can do with those.

 

[turokrocks]

  I am glad I own the AK100 modified and the DX50. That I, to my ear, find the DX50 better than the AK100 modified is no question. 
 
I have tried the DX90 with the koss porta pro, the TH900 and the HE560. With all of them, due to the amp section, they sound fine. Good extension and well layered. 

My dear faithful HF friend,
 
How do you compare the ZX1 to the DX90?
 
Many thanks and regards
 

 

[Vartan]

  I am glad I own the AK100 modified and the DX50. That I, to my ear, find the DX50 better than the AK100 modified is no question. 
 
I have tried the DX90 with the koss porta pro, the TH900 and the HE560. With all of them, due to the amp section, they sound fine. Good extension and well layered. 

 
Jamato you using HE-560 without amp? How its sounds?

 

[nakedtoes]

  I am glad I own the AK100 modified and the DX50. That I, to my ear, find the DX50 better than the AK100 modified is no question. 
 
I have tried the DX90 with the koss porta pro, the TH900 and the HE560. With all of them, due to the amp section, they sound fine. Good extension and well layered. 

 Agreed i have done some AB listening... the DX50 is way ahead better then the Mod AK100 and way way way better then X3

 

[kkcc]

Interesting observation, it sounds your scale to be more in line with what the majority of observers and primarily owners have experienced. I know that the earphones and headphones can make a difference in ranking the players, so because of that how can you be sure your scale still stands?

These are my combined preference across my IEMs I currently use most often (asg2, 1plus2, tg334, jh13fp, re600, er4s) and covers quite a range of different design topology and tuning... As I mentioned, for DAP in the same tier I do find the iem pairing will determine which pair is better, but across different tiers, it is pretty universal to me there is a material different on transparency, and ability to let that specific IEM perform closest to it's potential.

I agree with this observation except I would merge tier 2 and 3 together:

4. AK100, iPhone 4, Note 3, clip zip rb

3. X3, DX50, AK120

2. ZX1, X5, DX100

1. AK240, HM901

It is only personal preference. take it easy, guys..

Maybe you are right as I own have the x5 for two weeks.... Tho it did impressed me and pairs well with all my better IEMs.

Super excited about the dx90 with jamato's early impression! I probably will get both x5 and dx90 to pick the one I like more for using on trips. Spent a long weekend getaway in Onna Okinawa past couple days with my ak240 and was already one scary moment too many for fear of dropping or leaving it behind...... or re-buy zx1... or p1?! lol choices are good...

 

[Vartan]

ZX1<DX50
 
Sony uses its own chip S-Master HX, which is both the DAC and amplifier.
According to rumors, it's also used in low-end models.

 

[musicheaven]

These are my combined preference across my IEMs I currently use most often (asg2, 1plus2, tg334, jh13fp, re600, er4s) and covers quite a range of different design topology and tuning... As I mentioned, for DAP in the same tier I do find the iem pairing will determine which pair is better, but across different tiers, it is pretty universal to me there is a material different on transparency, and ability to let that specific IEM perform closest to it's potential.
Maybe you are right as I own have the x5 for two weeks.... Tho it did impressed me and pairs well with all my better IEMs.

Super excited about the dx90 with jamato's early impression! I probably will get both x5 and dx90 to pick the one I like more for using on trips. Spent a long weekend getaway in Onna Okinawa past couple days with my ak240 and was already one scary moment too many for fear of dropping or leaving it behind...... or re-buy zx1... or p1?! lol choices are good...

Thanks for the clarification and quite an impressive collection of earphones.

What do you think of the asg-2 iems?

 

[Vartan]

http://www.esstech.com
 
http://www.wolfsonmicro.com
 
http://www.ti.com
 
http://www.analog.com/en/index.html
 
http://www.akm.com
 
http://www.cirrus.com
 
is there other DAC manufacturers? is sabre the best?

 

[goodvibes]

  I am glad I own the AK100 modified and the DX50. That I, to my ear, find the DX50 better than the AK100 modified is no question. 
 
I have tried the DX90 with the koss porta pro, the TH900 and the HE560. With all of them, due to the amp section, they sound fine. Good extension and well layered. 

I also didn't find the X5 as enjoyable as some.

 

[H20Fidelity]

Hmm, jamato8,

Is the soundstage of DX90 wider than DX50?