Astell Kern Kann Max vs iBasso DX260

[Ciusiek]

Hello guys,

I am looking for recommendation in between Astell Kern Kann Max vs iBasso DX260.
I am looking for transparent, clear, resolving DAP over smooth, laidback, warm sounding one.
I will be using only for streaming qobuz and downloading music from the service for offline listening
Output power has secondary importance.

If you have any experience with those two, can you let me know in few words what are they like, and which one would be more suitable for my preferences.

Thank you
Maciej

 

[zkmd]

I don't have much experience with these two but just want to point out that the afaik the AK Kann Max uses runs on a older closed android operating system while the iBasso DX260 runs open android 11.0. I personally have found the closed OS of A&K to be slower and more cumbersome in my ACRO CA1000T compared to the open android one in my R4, especially if you plan to use streaming apps like Apple Music or TIDAL.

 

[Ciusiek]

Thank you.
I am aware of this. iBasso dx260 now comes with android 13.0, however I was referring to mk1 with android 11.0 version.
I own Kann max, and there are no issues with streaming, and offline listening music from Tidal or Qobuz, everything works fine, just little inconvenience such as there are no direct access on main starting front page. Each time you must go to Services, then click on the streaming service you want to use. It takes bit longer, that's all.
My question is purely on sound signature difference in between those 2 daps.

 

[firelinkcausality]

I think the iBasso is what you'4e looking for. I own the DX260, and I would say the sound is quite transparent and resolving, without being overly clinical. As a bonus, the newer (and open) OS, as well as the user replaceable battery, are huge plusses when it comes to longevity.

 

[Ciusiek]

Thanks.
Which versio of dx260 do you have?
Android 11 or 13?
Are you able to stream music from services such as qobuz or tidal, as well as listening music offline that was downloaded from those services?
I heard reports that some people have issues with offline listening. There is, or was a thread on headfi where the owner mentioned this.
Regards

 

[OlivierBriard]

Hello guys,

I am looking for recommendation in between Astell Kern Kann Max vs iBasso DX260.
I am looking for transparent, clear, resolving DAP over smooth, laidback, warm sounding one.
I will be using only for streaming qobuz and downloading music from the service for offline listening
Output power has secondary importance.

If you have any experience with those two, can you let me know in few words what are they like, and which one would be more suitable for my preferences.

Thank you
Maciej

Hey man, go with the DX260. It’s more transparent and detailed than the Kann Max. Great for Qobuz, super clean sound. Kann leans a bit warmer. Sounds like DX260 fits your taste better.

 

[Ciusiek]

Cheers for your feedback.