Will do later my friend. I have to find my personal impressions I wrote 3 months ago.
I'll check!
In brief: USB DAC works in 2.5.1L0 under Windows 7 64-bit!
I have Windows 7 64-bit in the office. Note, that it was my very first time with DX90 as USB DAC for Windows!
First I installed the latest drivers from iBasso site, then connected the player. The device manager showed two devices: DX90 (as "can't start") and "iBasso Mango HiFi Audio Device". foobar2000 didn't show anything new to choose from. Then I flashed the stock 2.5.1 and found out the same set of devices. Then - yes! - I've read the manual (Instruction.pdf)It didn't help but gave me a hint: I've installed the driver for "DX90" device by manually selecting "Mango USB Interface" from "iBasso, Inc.". Then it switched to the picture from the manual, and I found "WASAPI (event): Speakers (iBasso Mango HiFi Audio Device)" in foobar2000, and it played back some tracks flawlessly.
Then I flashed 2.5.1L0 back, connected it, and it continued working without a glitch. Then, just in case, while I'm here, I re-attached DX90, but to a USB 3.0 port which is implemented as a separate chip on the motherboard. Again, it started working immediatelly without any additional efforts.
So, the only problem was how to install the drivers right way.
No problem, at least finally I've tried this feature myself and could test it next time
Congrats, I've never tried usb dac feature :rolleyes:
My personal opinion after modding:
- sound is more airy, less congested, soundstage is wider.
- sound is more refined, notes have more weight, bass is deeper, detailed, not boomy, male and female vocals are slightly better, treble is more detailed with good extensions
- impression of more power on HO and LO
- gain doesn't change sound signature anymore (mid-gain V shape, high-gain warm), more precisely it's almost not noticeable. Before that I could'nt use mid gain, now it's always on.
Some updated impressions with 2.5.1 L0, on some tracks, female vocals can still sound harsh on S words but less than on 2.4.0 L1.
I retried quickly other firmwares with ultimate cleanup on my modded DX90:
- 2.1.5 L4: analytical, bright sound, very good highs
- 2.4.0 L1: balanced sound but slightly warm on bass and lower midrange
- 2.5.1 L0: most balanced sound, according to Ibasso, they updated WAV, FLAC, DSD decoding engine. Sound is more neutral and seems to have more resolution and transparency, soundstage has more height/depth now, which is very good.
Depending on personal preference and synergy with gear, one of these firmwares would suit your taste. That's why it is preferable to try it yourself. I just can say what I hear.
I prefer using 2.5.0 L0 pairing with slighty warm headphones
Btw, I didn't like stock 2.5.1.. rather flat, veiled and not very good extensions. :blink: Maybe it's just me.
