DX260MK2 New firmware for the MK2 1.01

[hjf3Gd]

The CPU does not allow for Android 13 to be used.

The DX260MK2 will be Android 13.

Hi Paul, could you please explain why the CPU won't run Android 13? Many thanks.

 

[mattclarke18]

Ibasso is not going to upgrade DX260 to any newer Android version. Long before the time Android 11 stops being supported DX280 will be out. The only FW updates we will see are bug fixes. DX260 Mk1 was stable and bug free when I owned it. Personally I do not think DX260 is $500 better than DX180.

Android 13 vs 11 there are many different modules. It is possible to run 13 with 660 SOC but Ibasso would have to do more work on FW to make it happen. I really think its a smart choice to streamline entire current product line on same SOC and Android. This should allow them to spend more time testing etc. They are not a huge company so resources are limited. The DX260 mk1 is not as hot selling as DX180 so why spend many hours providing an upgrade to fewer owners especially since 11 is still supported.

 

[AboveNBeyond]

One big advantage of DX260 mk1 is not having to deal with terrible Android 13 quick settings/notifications panel with it's massive buttons and overdone animations and additional menu when trying to enable wifi.

 

[lantian]

Hi Paul, could you please explain why the CPU won't run Android 13? Many thanks.

Imagine same reason as to why i7 2600k wont run windows 11. At least not without hacking it and lossing a lot of functionality. The chips simply does not support the new security features and sdk's needed for android 13.

 

[wakazuki]

Guys, I am glad to report that I have finally acquired my setup. I went to e-earphone (you guys probably know this shop in Tokyo) and first tried the DX260 with several IEM. The staff who was very kind first showed me the Dunu Davinci, which was compared to my TWS + phone setup already like a good nice slap. I couldn't believe music could be so intense and lively.
Then I asked his best recommendation no matter of price (I specified from the start that I listen mainly to HipHop, Pop and other bass oriented genres) and he brought a mysterious black IEM, very stunning in looks: the Madoo Typ512. I don't know how to express with words but I literally couldn't stop smiling while listening, as if I had a concert in my ears.
It was the second-hand floor so the Madoo were quite cheaper than the original price in a mint condition (gotta love Japan).
The pairing with DX260 was wonderful, instrument separation, bass etc . I am no expert but for me this was a good investment although over the budget I had set.

I finally understood why you guys are addicted to this (expensive) hobby!

 

[rlw6534]

Ibasso is not going to upgrade DX260 to any newer Android version. Long before the time Android 11 stops being supported DX280 will be out. The only FW updates we will see are bug fixes. DX260 Mk1 was stable and bug free when I owned it. Personally I do not think DX260 is $500 better than DX180.

Android 13 vs 11 there are many different modules. It is possible to run 13 with 660 SOC but Ibasso would have to do more work on FW to make it happen. I really think its a smart choice to streamline entire current product line on same SOC and Android. This should allow them to spend more time testing etc. They are not a huge company so resources are limited. The DX260 mk1 is not as hot selling as DX180 so why spend many hours providing an upgrade to fewer owners especially since 11 is still supported.

I can understand that many here buy the latest and greatest and never run into Android version issues. For those of us that want to hold on to a DAP for a few years it is much more significant. I have DAPs from the SR15 and X7II (Android 5), all the way to DX180 (Android 13). Anything lower than Android 9 is already having issues with current versions of streaming apps. In two years it may be Android 11 that's a problem. Amazon Music already requires Android 10, so most of my DAPs can't run the current version today.

My point being that it matters, at least to some of us.

 

[mattclarke18]

Guys, I am glad to report that I have finally acquired my setup. I went to e-earphone (you guys probably know this shop in Tokyo) and first tried the DX260 with several IEM. The staff who was very kind first showed me the Dunu Davinci, which was compared to my TWS + phone setup already like a good nice slap. I couldn't believe music could be so intense and lively.
Then I asked his best recommendation no matter of price (I specified from the start that I listen mainly to HipHop, Pop and other bass oriented genres) and he brought a mysterious black IEM, very stunning in looks: the Madoo Typ512. I don't know how to express with words but I literally couldn't stop smiling while listening, as if I had a concert in my ears.
It was the second-hand floor so the Madoo were quite cheaper than the original price in a mint condition (gotta love Japan).
The pairing with DX260 was wonderful, instrument separation, bass etc . I am no expert but for me this was a good investment although over the budget I had set.

I finally understood why you guys are addicted to this (expensive) hobby!

Do yourself a favor and NEVER listen to a DX340. It will make the DX260 sound like an average DAP. DX340 has ruined everything else for me. It is on another level good. A friend sent me Noble Onyx to try and I hate him right now because I am going to have to buy a set and I did not plan on buying any more IEMs. They are NOT cheap.

 

[wakazuki]

Do yourself a favor and NEVER listen to a DX340. It will make the DX260 sound like an average DAP. DX340 has ruined everything else for me. It is on another level good. A friend sent me Noble Onyx to try and I hate him right now because I am going to have to buy a set and I did not plan on buying any more IEMs. They are NOT cheap.

The addiction is very real eh lol.
I will take your advice very seriously and not try anything else and enjoy for at least a year this new setup.
Thinking if I should get a Micron i400 card for my new DX260 after I read an exchange on these cards on your DX optimisation thread....

 

[mattclarke18]

The addiction is very real eh lol.
I will take your advice very seriously and not try anything else and enjoy for at least a year this new setup.
Thinking if I should get a Micron i400 card for my new DX260 after I read an exchange on these cards on your DX optimisation thread....

I did not notice much of a difference when I used Swissbit in DX260. In DX340 it makes a real difference. When I get DX260Mk2 next week I can try again with Swissbit so hold off until then. You should do my optimization. Just takes time and is free. I am getting good feedback from people saying it does improve sound quality.

 

[Bigdawg23]

I did not notice much of a difference when I used Swissbit in DX260. In DX340 it makes a real difference. When I get DX260Mk2 next week I can try again with Swissbit so hold off until then. You should do my optimization. Just takes time and is free. I am getting good feedback from people saying it does improve sound quality.

So I recently bought a DX180 and the Noble Fokus Apollo that I use in wired mode. First entry back into the DAP game. Had an old Fiio about 10 years ago that I quickly sold because I originally bought it for in car use. So my question is, I am thinking about trading the DX180 in and paying the difference to upgrade to the DX260MK2. I saw you posted earlier, it's not worth it. I just feel as good as this sounds, I'm thinking there can be better without going over my $1k DAP limit. Mainly hip-hop and R/B listening. Your thoughts?

 

[mattclarke18]

So I recently bought a DX180 and the Noble Fokus Apollo that I use in wired mode. First entry back into the DAP game. Had an old Fiio about 10 years ago that I quickly sold because I originally bought it for in car use. So my question is, I am thinking about trading the DX180 in and paying the difference to upgrade to the DX260MK2. I saw you posted earlier, it's not worth it. I just feel as good as this sounds, I'm thinking there can be better without going over my $1k DAP limit. Mainly hip-hop and R/B listening. Your thoughts?

I would wait until you can buy 340 in classifieds. Lowest I have seen in past is 1200. Can you get 100% refund for Dx180? Used they are $325 to $350. I saw a Dx260. I do not see an advantage of getting a Mk2. Battery bypass is only new feature. Refund for Dx180 and you can buy used Dx260 from classifieds for about same money. I like ibasso because you can replace battery yourself. I won't buy dap that I can't do this on. 340 is dap you buy and keep for many years.

I am demoing a Noble Onyx right now. Perfect pairing with 340. Stage is not as big on 260 so that would not be perfect pairing.

 

[Bigdawg23]

I would wait until you can buy 340 in classifieds. Lowest I have seen in past is 1200. Can you get 100% refund for Dx180? Used they are $325 to $350. I saw a Dx260. I do not see an advantage of getting a Mk2. Battery bypass is only new feature. Refund for Dx180 and you can buy used Dx260 from classifieds for about same money. I like ibasso because you can replace battery yourself. I won't buy dap that I can't do this on. 340 is dap you buy and keep for many years.

I am demoing a Noble Onyx right now. Perfect pairing with 340. Stage is not as big on 260 so that would not be perfect pairing.

Thanks for the response. Yes, the dealer I purchased from offers full store credit with no restocking fee so was thinking of the upgrade. I feel the Nobles may benefit from the extra output as I have them at 65-70 volume now. That's using the 4.4mm HG. DX340 seems a little too chunky for me my taste and needs but I understand your logic.

Just noticed you're in Melbourne, hey neighbor.

 

[mattclarke18]

Thanks for the response. Yes, the dealer I purchased from offers full store credit with no restocking fee so was thinking of the upgrade. I feel the Nobles may benefit from the extra output as I have them at 65-70 volume now. That's using the 4.4mm HG.

Just noticed you're in Melbourne, hey neighbor.

Wow!!! If you want to hear Onyx and Dx340 let me know. Actually live beachside. Did you buy from Bloom? You can get money back minus a restock fee. You should hear 340 before you do anything. New Dx340 is now too expensive. Super gain will cut volume to 40/100. Dx260 Amp not that much more power than 260.

 

[Bigdawg23]

Wow!!! If you want to hear Onyx and Dx340 let me know. Actually live beachside. Did you buy from Bloom? You can get money back minus a restock fee. You should hear 340 before you do anything. New Dx340 is now too expensive. Super gain will cut volume to 40/100. Dx260 Amp not that much more power than 260.

I may be at Bizzaros tomorrow. Would be cool to get some ideas.

 

[mattclarke18]

I should have Dx260 Mk2 next week.