[Whitigir]

Hello,

Coming from a dx150, would the 220 be a noticable upgrade ? Or should I just go for an amp8 ?
It's mainly for tidal with hd700 and lcd2.2

Thanks

Even Dx150 stepping up to Dx200 is already an upgrade , let alone dx220 as @Paul - iBasso already mentioned that it is not a side grade to dx200. So, it is your call

 

[newtophones07]

The DX220 has a number of changes/improvements. It isn't really a side-grade.

Can you give some background as to why the same processor family was chosen, or is that an insider thing?

 

[Whitigir]

Can you give some background as to why the same processor family was chosen, or is that an insider thing?

Es9028Pro is still Top tier Chip. It has even higher specs than AK4497EQ (found in Cayin N8 and AK SP1000...etc...). The only thing that is higher on the market now would only be ES9038pro. AK is barely playing the catch up games as they just recently announced AK4499EQ. The 28Pro inside the Dx200 and Dx220 is very hard to implement (for a portable), and there are only 2 of the kinds on the market at the moment using Dual Chips, and both is Ibasso. They are Dx200 and Dx220.

My observation is that, while Ibasso is on top of the game, and there is no competitions, why change up ? Newer DAC will means the whole completely design and architecture from the ground up, which will inflate the price quickly. Ibasso goal for Dx220 is more likely an upgrade to an already excellent platform without competition on the market, from Dx200, upgrade into 220. The Dx200 is 2 years old and still has no competitions, and so the 220 is an upgrade to that.

For what you are asking, it have to be Dx300 as another line, higher tier...etc...

Once again, DAC-IC Chips is only a marketing point, so don’t let it fool you. There are still Devices with ES9018S that is going with MSRP of $6,000, for example, the Yamaha CD-S3000. Please, do not fall into the simple category where a simple DAC-IC marketing would make or break the purchase decisions. The DAC-IC alone can not do anything by itself, period.

Would you ask Sony DMP-Z1, at $8,000 MSRP the same question...why using cheap AK4497EQ X2 as the same as Cayin N8 ?

 

[newtophones07]

Es9028Pro is still Top tier Chip. It has even higher specs than AK4497EQ. The only thing that is higher on the market now would only be ES9038pro. AK is barely playing the catch up games as they just recently announced AK4499EQ. The 28Pro inside the Dx200 and Dx220 is very hard to implement (for a portable), and there are only 2 of the kinds on the market at the moment, and both is Ibasso. They are Dx200 and Dx220.

My observation is that, while Ibasso is on top of the game, and there is no competitions, why change up ? Newer DAC will means the whole completely design and architecture from the ground up, which will inflate the price quickly. Ibasso goal for Dx220 is more likely an upgrade to an already excellent platform without competition on the market, from Dx200, upgrade into 220. The Dx200 is 2 years old and still has no competitions, and so the 220 is an upgrade to that.

For what you are asking, it have to be Dx300 as another line, higher tier...etc...

Once again, DAC-IC Chips is only a marketing point, so don’t let it fool you. There are still Devices with ES9018S that is going with MSRP of $6,000, for example

I meant the actual motherboard processor (rockchip), not the DAC chip (that you are referencing). I appreciate the detail that you typed, but I already understand the power requirements between the two different pro chips and associated limitations. I agree the 9028 pro chip is the prefferable chip.

The DX220, seems like it's basically a DX200TI, without the expensive frame material of the limited edition. That's awesome at $899!!!!

For some users like myself, the mechanics of the device internals, user interface (more ram is great, but sorry all the videos posted still look slow), and software are as important as new caps, wiring and clock upgrades.

Guess I'll see when my device arrives. Ibasso always fixes most issues over time, so I am not too worried, but I really wanted a snappier DX200, with improved faster large music management. My two different 512 cards are slow on the DX200). It also bugs me to read from the early adopters that TIDAL issues remain.

I also hate the marketing ploy to ship without the option for the tube amp, or an upgraded 4.4mm based amp output. All companies gotta make money, so I guess I understand.

 

[GrigoryV]

Es9028Pro is still Top tier Chip. It has even higher specs than AK4497EQ (found in Cayin N8 and AK SP1000...etc...). The only thing that is higher on the market now would only be ES9038pro. AK is barely playing the catch up games as they just recently announced AK4499EQ. The 28Pro inside the Dx200 and Dx220 is very hard to implement (for a portable), and there are only 2 of the kinds on the market at the moment using Dual Chips, and both is Ibasso. They are Dx200 and Dx220.

My observation is that, while Ibasso is on top of the game, and there is no competitions, why change up ? Newer DAC will means the whole completely design and architecture from the ground up, which will inflate the price quickly. Ibasso goal for Dx220 is more likely an upgrade to an already excellent platform without competition on the market, from Dx200, upgrade into 220. The Dx200 is 2 years old and still has no competitions, and so the 220 is an upgrade to that.

For what you are asking, it have to be Dx300 as another line, higher tier...etc...

Once again, DAC-IC Chips is only a marketing point, so don’t let it fool you. There are still Devices with ES9018S that is going with MSRP of $6,000, for example, the Yamaha CD-S3000. Please, do not fall into the simple category where a simple DAC-IC marketing would make or break the purchase decisions. The DAC-IC alone can not do anything by itself, period.

Would you ask Sony DMP-Z1, at $8,000 MSRP the same question...why using cheap AK4497EQ X2 as the same as Cayin N8 ?

Your opinion is very logical)

 

[Whitigir]

One of the major change on dx220 is the Quick charge. It can have 70% juices, which translate into 5+hours of listening by 60 minutes. Not even Titanium unit have this.

 

[crabdog]

Es9028Pro is still Top tier Chip. It has even higher specs than AK4497EQ (found in Cayin N8 and AK SP1000...etc...). The only thing that is higher on the market now would only be ES9038pro. AK is barely playing the catch up games as they just recently announced AK4499EQ. The 28Pro inside the Dx200 and Dx220 is very hard to implement (for a portable), and there are only 2 of the kinds on the market at the moment using Dual Chips, and both is Ibasso. They are Dx200 and Dx220.

My observation is that, while Ibasso is on top of the game, and there is no competitions, why change up ? Newer DAC will means the whole completely design and architecture from the ground up, which will inflate the price quickly. Ibasso goal for Dx220 is more likely an upgrade to an already excellent platform without competition on the market, from Dx200, upgrade into 220. The Dx200 is 2 years old and still has no competitions, and so the 220 is an upgrade to that.

For what you are asking, it have to be Dx300 as another line, higher tier...etc...

Once again, DAC-IC Chips is only a marketing point, so don’t let it fool you. There are still Devices with ES9018S that is going with MSRP of $6,000, for example, the Yamaha CD-S3000. Please, do not fall into the simple category where a simple DAC-IC marketing would make or break the purchase decisions. The DAC-IC alone can not do anything by itself, period.

Would you ask Sony DMP-Z1, at $8,000 MSRP the same question...why using cheap AK4497EQ X2 as the same as Cayin N8 ?

Yeah, I agree with this. People put too much stock in which DAC chip is used but there is so much more to it than that in the big picture. Hope I can hear the DX220 soon but there's no way I'm heading into the middle of BKK until this brutal heatwave subsides!

 

[GrigoryV]

I think 8 channels per chip is mind-blowing conversion accuracy. fold the 8+8=16 Yes Yes you are not dreaming, this is 16 stones on L R channels. The dynamic range of 140 db! And in this I trust IBasso. But I want to hear from the creators of the dx220... "Oh, Man we made a product with an updated Board and chip binding, we improved the clocks and in addition 220 is practically twin brother 200ti" And I would like to confirm this from users. Which will say Yes it is a really good quality gain in sound.

 

[rutter]

I also hate the marketing ploy to ship without the option for the tube amp, or an upgraded 4.4mm based amp output. All companies gotta make money, so I guess I understand.

Wait, the DX220 doesn't have a 4.4 balanced output?

 

[Whitigir]

Wait, the DX220 doesn't have a 4.4 balanced output?

It does, if you have Amp8 Module

 

[jamato8]

Wait, the DX220 doesn't have a 4.4 balanced output?

Sure it does, just get the discrete 4.4 AMP8. A lot of versatility!

 

[alan_g]

cant wait to try amp7 on my one when it arrives

 

[rutter]

...How much does the amp8 module go for? Do you have the option to choose the amp module when buying? I'm trying to decide whether I should be bothering with this or just picking up a Sony WM1A for the ier-z1r.

 

[Whitigir]

...How much does the amp8 module go for? Do you have the option to choose the amp module when buying? I'm trying to decide whether I should be bothering with this or just picking up a Sony WM1A for the ier-z1r.

No option to choose Amp module, the dx220 comes with Amp1 MKII which doesn’t have 4.4mm. $199 is the price of Amp8 module plus shipping.

Too much differences between WM1A and Dx220. One major point is Amp module. With removable amp modules, you can have new amp design, new sockets types...etc....WM1A is an all in one unit.

 

[rutter]

What do you think about sound quality between wm1a and dx220 with amp8? Frankly I might just give iBasso the middle finger for making you buy an extra amp.