For people who is curious about Dx300 VS DX228 that I have here, and whom arguments that the Dx240 also has similar specs to DX300….well, the Dx220 also has similar specs to DX240.
Hence this is the comparison and as why I am not moving to DX240.
You can pretty much see it so obviously that the Dx300 is like an elephant VS Dx228EX right there.
The gears I used to compare is my HD800s/820/Z1R. Needless to say that I am not a fan of Z1R with Dx311, and it is somewhat better with DX312, and I still am not a fan of it. However, bring in the more neutral gears and things are a little different here. So please keep in minds, most of the comparison impressions in here is based on 800s/820
UI and speed, the Dx300 is a lot faster than Dx228. Both suffer the similar problems that sometimes hold and drag to browse is a little unpredictable and annoying, with the Dx300 flying through files and folders where as Dx228 can be stuck and lag a little. I would say the big is more annoying to me than the speed itself.
Both device boots up about similarly with the Dx300 a little faster, and Wifi connections, Bluetooth … etc, the Dx300 is faster.
Both can run Neutron upsampling to 384Khz. However, the Dx228 is firmware locked at 384Khz where as the Dx300 is hardware locked. So the Dx228 plays no sound when neutron upsampled toward 768Khz where as the Dx300 simply stay natively at 384 given the same factor, for example 8X.
Portability and physicality. The Dx228 is so easily fit right into the pocket, just because it is about 28-30% shorter than Dx300. Surprisingly, both is about as thick.
Sound signatures: it depends, but the Dx228 is faster in transients and decay, and Of course the signatures can change up a bit due to different module and so on. I will compare Dx228Ex VS my Dx311 MKI. The Dx228 is more neutral than Dx311. But that is where the most significant differences end.
Soundstage: the Dx311 is able to project a better depth, not by much, but about 10%, and also wider by 10%. However, the DX300winner here is the imagings, the cues of positioning. One could argue that is the benefit of being more powerful and a dedicated power supply. It is so obvious that I would say the improvements are easily 20%. In comparison, the Dx228Ex seems almost muffled, veiled, cramped, and that is the best way that I can say it.
Separations: DX311 is a clear winner also, possibly due to the reasons above. The additional aspects that edges the Dx311 over Dx228 is the textures fidelity. At the very edges of the textures, the Dx311 is cleaner, more defined, and better yet, it is running in NOS filters
Density Dx228Ex density is respectable, it decays is faster, but not as dense and as authoritative as Dx311. One can say that the Dx311 is more powerful and with better inner resolutions, but not by much, possibly about 6-7%
Treble Dx228Ex is vivid, sharp, but roll off earlier than Dx311
Well, at this point, I am realizing that I am using MicronSD inside Dx311….and that gives an edges of advantages to Dx311.
Bass Dx311 has a lower sub bass with a more defined textures but emphasized , mid bass is similar to Dx228Ex, and then upper bass is a little emphasized on Dx311. It is nothing bad, but if you prefer a more neutral signatures, at this point you will probably be dropping the comparison and tell yourself that Dx311 is warmer, slower, more bass, and not as neutral as Dx228Ex. Well, keep in mind that people who prefer a little warmer, tube like, but with the SS details, textures, and separations, will prefer Dx311 here.
Mid the Dx311 is more recessed than Dx228, and obviously by about 10%. So more little nuances and it related details are better on Dx228Ex, again, if you have preferred Neutral signature, it is another wall in your comparison here. However, keeps in mind that the DX311 still benefits in larger soundstage, better separations
Overall, when it comes to form and portability. The winner is Dx228Ex easily. But when it comes to a little more dedication to music, despite the longer form and harder to drop in a pocket or purse. Then we need to consider the sound signatures differences. However, needless to say that, the Dx311 is a clear winner in the overall performances.
So, it is fair for me to say that the Dx300 is actually a flagship from Ibasso in portable segment, and only behind Dx300Max.
If I compare from performances alone, I would rate it this way
DX300Max Titanium >>> DX311 >>> Dx228EX
Yet again, with differences in sound signatures, and I have to say that the Dx300Max stay closer to the neutral signature and excellent detail retrievals, which is similar to Dx228Ex rather than Dx311 which is aimed toward a more musical, and fluidity, with some warmth….and dare I say that it has a little more V shaped signatures. In some instances where the Dx300Max and DX228EX can portrait excellent details and extensions, the Dx311 may have it over emphasized and possibly a little more sibilant. However, keeps in mind, Dx312 with Amp12, or even MKII, would address these little V-shaped and sibilants as mentioned, which clearly put the Dx312 to be superior to Dx228Ex.
So, this concludes why I am not going for Dx240. I may in the future, but at this moment, I don’t see any need for it yet. Especially, whatever modules for Dx240 will also be compatible to Dx220…logically so right ?
The best things about Dx311 is that it can last upto 16 hours, which is Twice as much of the Dx228Ex….so…instead of carrying Dx228Ex and an additional battery pack, you better carry Dx311/312 anyways
. The heat generated by Dx228Ex may be a nice hand warmer during winter though.
Finally, if you want Dx300, you better act fast
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