[deniall83]

This is my first review on Head-Fi and the first amp I have ever owned so take it how you choose.

The iBasso D4 Mamba was tested using a 30GB 5.5G iPod running Apple Lossless files and Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10 IEM's.

Get it here iBasso

I purchased this amp after reading Skylabs great review. I had been considering an amp for quite a while but just couldn't make a decision (that and the fact that my wallet wasn't too keen to part with several hundred dollars).

Build Quality 8/10.

Looks great, has a nice metal case, comes with spare case in black, runs very quiet. Battery sticks out quite far so when you tighten the back plate it doesn't fit totally flush. No big deal but if you're a perfectionist this might bother you.

Treble 8/10.

Nice and clean. Not a whole lot different to unamped imo, maybe slightly clearer. Symbols seem to sound a lot better while lead guitar sounds about the same.

Bass 10/10.

Amazing bass. Very realistic sounding but probably twice as clear and punchy as unamped. The bass was the first thing I noticed and I still can't believe how good it sounds. Drums sound especially good in rock music and the fat bass beats in hip hop and dance are magical.

Neutrality 9/10.

Sounds pretty good to me. I don't want to elaborate much on it as I have nothing to compare to so I will leave it at that.

Transparency 10/10.

Fantastic. Nothing more to say on this.

Overall 9/10.

I'm very very happy with the performance of this amp. Considering the price I think it's fantastic value and should definitely be considered by those who want the most bang for their buck.

I hope you enjoyed the review. I appreciate any feedback given as I plan to write some more reviews in the future.

 

[kunalraiker]

Its very nice that you have shared your views on your experience with the D4, not many take the pains to write a review,I would have to say that I do not agree to all the aspects of your review but then again its how you perceive it, also depending on the rest of your gear.
Nice job mate,have fun with your new toy,try using the DAC it will be interesting to know of your experience there.

 

[deniall83]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kunalraiker /img/forum/go_quote.gif Its very nice that you have shared your views on your experience with the D4, not many take the pains to write a review,I would have to say that I do not agree to all the aspects of your review but then again its how you perceive it, also depending on the rest of your gear. Nice job mate,have fun with your new toy,try using the DAC it will be interesting to know of your experience there.

Thanks for reading. I know a few people will disagree with certain aspects of the review and that's fine but since I have nothing to compare this amp to it made it difficult to write a detailed and honest review. Bottom line is that i'm happy with the amp for the price and hopefully in the future when I have tested more amps I can revisit and add some comments.

 

[qusp]

yeah maybe try the DAC, the amp section is quite a good design, but it is the combination that make this dac/amp a winning solution IMO. there are better ways to spend you money if all you need is an amp. the P3+ for example

 

[paulybatz]

Curious what you are comparing it to? What is your baseline for comparison?

...also is it fully burned in, you will not get a good feel for the amp without burning it in.

 

[iamthecheese]

How would you say the amp affected your TF10s vs the normal Ipod output?

 

[deniall83]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulybatz /img/forum/go_quote.gif Curious what you are comparing it to? What is your baseline for comparison? ...also is it fully burned in, you will not get a good feel for the amp without burning it in.

I'm only comparing it to using my headphones unamped. Unfortunately I have nothing else to compare it to. This is why I said in my first post to take the review as you wish.

After reading a fair bit about amp burn-in I don't really know if i'm a believer. I will certainly update this thread after a few weeks if any improvement is noticed but for now the review is of a brand new amp.

 

[deniall83]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamthecheese /img/forum/go_quote.gif How would you say the amp affected your TF10s vs the normal Ipod output?

Volume was the biggest difference. I only turned the amp up just over 1/3 and it was as loud as I would like to go. Using just my iPod I used to have the volume at about 7/8. As far as quality goes the review basically explains it all. Much better bass, slightly better treble with the exception of symbols and more clarity in the voice. A few sounds came through which were previously unheard as well.

 

[Gotwake]

Quick question how long did it take yours to arrive after you placed the order? Also I haven't gotten any emails from iBasso, only the one from paypal saying my payment went through.

Thanks

 

[t0wer]

they shipped mine on monday and I got it wednesday.

when did you order yours?

 

[Gotwake]

After I posted that I found it at my front door, they forgot to ring the doorbell. Sounds amazing with-out burn in!

 

[chrisjsmith11]

Quote:

Originally Posted by qusp /img/forum/go_quote.gif yeah maybe try the DAC, the amp section is quite a good design, but it is the combination that make this dac/amp a winning solution IMO. there are better ways to spend you money if all you need is an amp. the P3+ for example

Hi qusp, hows things? (happy N/y by the way!)

I'm considering a headphone amp (see other thread "missing link") , and noticed the big headphone amp review. I know this is by somebody else - but they mention that this particular amp is the best sounding ibasso one by far, without the dac being used.

Would you disagree, saying that the p3+ is a better amp, or as good for less money?

I have no need of a DAC with my stuff, so am interested in collecting some thoughts (demo's being practically impossible)

 

[Mochan]

What exactly did it do to the sound signature of your Triple.Fi 10?

 

[estreeter]

Hmmm - tough one. I love my D4, but I think you are adding to some of the unrealistic expectations that have already been generated for this little amp here on Head-Fi. I definitely wouldnt rate the bass as highly as you have, for example, although I concede that Larry and others have been equally taken with this tiny terror. I listened to a Govibe amp before I auditioned the D4 and it had really deep, driving bass that took me totally by surprise - the D4 is better balanced, and less fatiguing, so I guess its all about personal preferences. I would still like to see a D4 with more grunt for my Grados, but thats just the headbanger way

 

[shigzeo]

I also tend to agree with Qusp here. I own both products (ouch) and while the D4 is a great amp and a great DAC, I use the heavier P3+ more often. It has a lot more customisation options possible, can run from the mains, gets even silkier and can be run for a pretty long time off of batteries. Of course, I prefer the FiQuest to it, but that doesn't fit in my trousers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisjsmith11 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi qusp, hows things? (happy N/y by the way!) I'm considering a headphone amp (see other thread "missing link") , and noticed the big headphone amp review. I know this is by somebody else - but they mention that this particular amp is the best sounding ibasso one by far, without the dac being used. Would you disagree, saying that the p3+ is a better amp, or as good for less money? I have no need of a DAC with my stuff, so am interested in collecting some thoughts (demo's being practically impossible)