DX320 ROHM dac chips, Android 11, AMP11MK2s. *******NEW FW: 2.07*******

Feb 4, 2025 at 5:57 PM Post #10,546 of 10,576
Thank you for giving me too much credits, but for this we will have to tag @Paul - iBasso .

However, There are 2 ways that a DAC can gain. It is either by Digital scaling as you mentioned previously during the digital conversion within the DSP itself. Normally, everyone tries to keep it under fullscale where distortions and clipping can happen and preventing it. An example is when flicking on EQ features, Mango Player will attenuate the volume down to give headroom for scalling by EQ adjustments.

The next gain topology is where the gain would happen after the conversions of the digital phase. Once these signals became a 1 bit pulses, the voltage summing can run on either a lower rail voltage or a higher rail voltage. This in turn will affect the overall signals a bit further. It depends on the engineering implementations. It could gain in loudness or just amplitudes. The attached pictures showing loudness of a typical nominal values of +5db Max or +1dB with different voltage rails and resistors divider.

If the 340 is done with the analog stage then theoretically, it wouldnt affect digital fullscales hence prevent clipping. It would though, be having higher amplitude on a certain frequencies that dont neccessarily result in loudness either.

My guess is that it is there as a feature because Ibasso want it to be. When speaking of amplitude under this circumstances, it may also be hand in hand with the digital filter that Ibasso innovated, the Advanced Harmonic Adjustments. Perhaps, High gain may works better and sound better on some filter and low gain may on the others and so is the floor noises. I have not investigated and analyzing by listening comparison yet. But if one can not hear the differences, just dont let it annoys you and bothers you

***Updated: Actually, I believe that DAC gain is on the 1 bit stage. Because I do hear the filter H5 having warmer and thicker bass as the most obvious (listening with 12VDC). But we need Paul to confirm lol

Also, and unrelated, regarding the text for the "Advanced Harmonic Adjustment"; do you think that this means that where they say "which makes odd and even harmonics adjustment possible", they are referring to independently, or together (at the same time)???

I was just curious, because my desktop rig has two positions (circuits) for tube mode; one is for even harmonics, and the other is for odd AND even harmonics (even though it is automatic, and not user adjustable). So, the notion of adjusting odd or even harmonics is nothing new for tube amps, but iBasso has bottled this innovation in the digital realm (it seems).

This reminds me of Neutron's DOP and/or Oversampling algorithms. While not innovative in and of itself, the implementation is very much so.

You must try the DX340! It is on an entire new level. You will likely fall in love like the rest of us who own it.
I can believe it. I have not listened to one single piece of iBasso tech that didn't sound better (to my ears) than any of the competitors; which is not to say that they are bad, I just think that iBasso manages to stay ahead of the curve where portable devices and sound quality go together.

Having said that, you are tempting me, which isn't bad, but my wallet really hates you right now.... ;)
 
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Feb 4, 2025 at 6:13 PM Post #10,547 of 10,576
Also, and unrelated, regarding the text for the "Advanced Harmonic Adjustment"; do you think that this means that where they say "which makes odd and even harmonics adjustment possible", they are referring to independently, or together (at the same time)???

I was just curious, because my desktop rig has two positions (circuits) for tube mode; one is for even harmonics, and the other is for odd AND even harmonics (even though it is automatic, and not user adjustable). So, the notion of adjusting odd or even harmonics is nothing new for tube amps, but iBasso has bottled this innovation in the digital realm (it seems).

This reminds me of Neutron's DOP and/or Oversampling algorithms. While not innovative in and of itself, the implementation is very much so.


I can believe it. I have not listened to one single piece of iBasso tech that didn't sound better (to my ears) than any of the competitors; which is not to say that they are bad, I just think that iBasso manages to stay ahead of the curve where portable devices and sound quality go together.

Having said that, you are tempting me, which isn't bad, but my wallet really hates you right now.... ;)
It would be as a whole of the perceivable spectrums
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 6:19 PM Post #10,548 of 10,576
Also, and unrelated, regarding the text for the "Advanced Harmonic Adjustment"; do you think that this means that where they say "which makes odd and even harmonics adjustment possible", they are referring to independently, or together (at the same time)???

I was just curious, because my desktop rig has two positions (circuits) for tube mode; one is for even harmonics, and the other is for odd AND even harmonics (even though it is automatic, and not user adjustable). So, the notion of adjusting odd or even harmonics is nothing new for tube amps, but iBasso has bottled this innovation in the digital realm (it seems).

This reminds me of Neutron's DOP and/or Oversampling algorithms. While not innovative in and of itself, the implementation is very much so.


I can believe it. I have not listened to one single piece of iBasso tech that didn't sound better (to my ears) than any of the competitors; which is not to say that they are bad, I just think that iBasso manages to stay ahead of the curve where portable devices and sound quality go together.

Having said that, you are tempting me, which isn't bad, but my wallet really hates you right now.... ;)
Treat yourself and ignore your wallet :) You can always return it to Bloom for 10% restocking fee but like me you will keep it. I own 2 DX340s :) Its a large upgrade to the DX320. If you love a vast holographic stage with lots of micro details you have found your ideal DAP especially with 12V DC IN and super gain. The Harmonics do make a difference, H2 being my current favorite as bass is a bit harder. Let me tell you its like crack once you hear it you are forever addicted.
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 6:23 PM Post #10,549 of 10,576
Treat yourself and ignore your wallet :) You can always return it to Bloom for 10% restocking fee but like me you will keep it. I own 2 DX340s :) Its a large upgrade to the DX320. If you love a vast holographic stage with lots of micro details you have found your ideal DAP especially with 12V DC IN and super gain. The Harmonics do make a difference, H2 being my current favorite as bass is a bit harder. Let me tell you its like crack once you hear it you are forever addicted.
As the saying go, leave your wallet at the doors , sir! 🤣🤣
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 6:40 PM Post #10,550 of 10,576
Treat yourself and ignore your wallet :) You can always return it to Bloom for 10% restocking fee but like me you will keep it. I own 2 DX340s :) Its a large upgrade to the DX320. If you love a vast holographic stage with lots of micro details you have found your ideal DAP especially with 12V DC IN and super gain. The Harmonics do make a difference, H2 being my current favorite as bass is a bit harder. Let me tell you its like crack once you hear it you are forever addicted.
What head gear do you listen to the DX340 with?

As the saying go, leave your wallet at the doors , sir! 🤣🤣
LOL Nice!
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 8:21 PM Post #10,551 of 10,576
What head gear do you listen to the DX340 with?


LOL Nice!
I have tried CA Supermoon, UM MKIII and UM Maven II. I sold MKIII based on how it sounded on DX340 and Maven II wins (have 2 sets). Supermoon did not sound great on it so best left for BT use. I have found the 340 will allow you to hear anything that is lacking in your IEMs. A friend of mine who has a much larger collection will be getting to demo my 2nd 340. I hope you join the 340 thread where questions like this can be answered by people that have more gear. I am one that once I like something I don't need anything else. Variety is from the music I listen to, not headgear. Its really all about the music. Maven II + DX340 is my goto and I can't get enough. Have not watched Netflix since I got my 340. You can ask @Whitigir what headgear he has. He has expressed his liking for the 340 even though he still has 320s and the Max. He knows his stuff. I am sure it won't be long and Steve will have mod AMP15s available.
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 8:52 PM Post #10,552 of 10,576
I have tried CA Supermoon, UM MKIII and UM Maven II. I sold MKIII based on how it sounded on DX340 and Maven II wins (have 2 sets). Supermoon did not sound great on it so best left for BT use. I have found the 340 will allow you to hear anything that is lacking in your IEMs. A friend of mine who has a much larger collection will be getting to demo my 2nd 340.
Ahhh, fantastic! Sounds like you have found your end game then?! :)
I am one that once I like something I don't need anything else.
I am that way as well, that is why I still have (and use almost daily) my DX300 with amp card 11.1, 12, and 13. I skipped out on the amp 14 card though. :). I can't say that I have a BEST pairing though, because I am also one of those people that seek out different sound signatures in my head gear, so any one of them will sound good to me on different days. Someone once told me "My favorite one is the one that I am currently listening to".

Having said that, I am still VERY VERY fond of my iBasso IT07. I would swear that iBasso tuned them JUST for my ears. haha
You can ask @Whitigir what headgear he has. He has expressed his liking for the 340 even though he still has 320s and the Max. He knows his stuff. I am sure it won't be long and Steve will have mod AMP15s available.
Oh yeah, I am pretty familiar with Whitigir, if not what he currently has, what he normally likes (or at least the type of sound that he is fond of). I have spoken to him lots on this thread, as well as the DX300 thread. And you are right, he does indeed know his stuff.

I like to think that maybe I have taught him a thing or two over the years (though I know the truth is that I have probably not at all).... LOL
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 9:09 PM Post #10,553 of 10,576
Ahhh, fantastic! Sounds like you have found your end game then?! :)

I am that way as well, that is why I still have (and use almost daily) my DX300 with amp card 11.1, 12, and 13. I skipped out on the amp 14 card though. :). I can't say that I have a BEST pairing though, because I am also one of those people that seek out different sound signatures in my head gear, so any one of them will sound good to me on different days. Someone once told me "My favorite one is the one that I am currently listening to".

Having said that, I am still VERY VERY fond of my iBasso IT07. I would swear that iBasso tuned them JUST for my ears. haha

Oh yeah, I am pretty familiar with Whitigir, if not what he currently has, what he normally likes (or at least the type of sound that he is fond of). I have spoken to him lots on this thread, as well as the DX300 thread. And you are right, he does indeed know his stuff.

I like to think that maybe I have taught him a thing or two over the years (though I know the truth is that I have probably not at all).... LOL
Yes I have found my end-game gear. What was missing was the right DAP. I have owned 180,260,320 and now 340s. The Maven IIs take full advantage of the vast stage and details the 340 delivers. I am still listening to my collection and hearing small details that I never heard before. This is a very special DAP unlike any other I have heard. You love your DX300, just like I loved the DX260 but the DX340 changed all that right away. I went into this thinking the 340 is going to be lacking in bass and not to my preferences which is why I bought a new one so I could return and loose just a little money. I was never a fan of the DX320. It was not engaging enough for me. That is great you have a variety of headgear. From what those in the 340 thread have said it works well with just about anything. I skipped AMP14 too. Didn't see the need for it. Hated MKII but MKI was ok. Even bought a NPAudio AMP11EXN card. I sold all of it once I knew the 340 was about to be available.

I have read this entire thread from start to finish. Took ages but I did it as I wanted to know all about the 320 so I remember many posts you made. I hope that you come to the 340 thread. You are always polite and informative. Order a 340 from Bloom before they sell out with CanJam coming up. That DX300 will get lonely :) I just sold my DX260 yesterday so only have the 340s.
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 9:34 PM Post #10,554 of 10,576
Yes I have found my end-game gear. What was missing was the right DAP. I have owned 180,260,320 and now 340s. The Maven IIs take full advantage of the vast stage and details the 340 delivers. I am still listening to my collection and hearing small details that I never heard before. This is a very special DAP unlike any other I have heard. You love your DX300, just like I loved the DX260 but the DX340 changed all that right away. I went into this thinking the 340 is going to be lacking in bass and not to my preferences which is why I bought a new one so I could return and loose just a little money. I was never a fan of the DX320. It was not engaging enough for me. That is great you have a variety of headgear. From what those in the 340 thread have said it works well with just about anything. I skipped AMP14 too. Didn't see the need for it. Hated MKII but MKI was ok. Even bought a NPAudio AMP11EXN card. I sold all of it once I knew the 340 was about to be available.

I have read this entire thread from start to finish. Took ages but I did it as I wanted to know all about the 320 so I remember many posts you made. I hope that you come to the 340 thread. You are always polite and informative. Order a 340 from Bloom before they sell out with CanJam coming up. That DX300 will get lonely :) I just sold my DX260 yesterday so only have the 340s.
Thanks for the great descriptions. I have not ruled it out to get one, but I will not be getting it soon. My "large purchase" hobby fund is still depleted from purchasing this setup recently (including the HD800S as well):
Sorry it is so messy looking. ;)
20240425_190500.jpg
Maybe if/when I get another profit sharing check this year (I say if, because last year I got the check in the mail, and I was never told that I would be getting one, nor was anything ever said about it afterwards or since), I might have to pick one up. In the meantime I am VERY happy (still) with my 2019 DX160, DX300, and DC07 that I just purchased; I gotta' say that I am completely shocked at how good something so tiny can sound. It has the same DNA as the DX300 (being as they are not only using the same Cirrus chips, but also 4 of them like the DX300), but actually surpasses even the DX300 in some areas to my ears.

Thank you for your kind words. And yes, that is a LOT of reading. You have quite a bit of patience to do that.
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 9:59 PM Post #10,555 of 10,576
Thanks for the great descriptions. I have not ruled it out to get one, but I will not be getting it soon. My "large purchase" hobby fund is still depleted from purchasing this setup recently (including the HD800S as well):
Sorry it is so messy looking. ;)
20240425_190500.jpg
Maybe if/when I get another profit sharing check this year (I say if, because last year I got the check in the mail, and I was never told that I would be getting one, nor was anything ever said about it afterwards or since), I might have to pick one up. In the meantime I am VERY happy (still) with my 2019 DX160, DX300, and DC07 that I just purchased; I gotta' say that I am completely shocked at how good something so tiny can sound. It has the same DNA as the DX300 (being as they are not only using the same Cirrus chips, but also 4 of them like the DX300), but actually surpasses even the DX300 in some areas to my ears.

Thank you for your kind words. And yes, that is a LOT of reading. You have quite a bit of patience to do that.
Very impressive!! I hope you can find a way to get your hands on a 340 to at least demo. I have spent too much myself. I bought 2 DX340's in a week but recently sold some gear + my 320 sale proceeds cover the cost (both paid off). I had unexpected car repairs so that has sucked so trying to juggle things so I can keep the 2nd 340. Having 2 is a luxury but not absolutely necessary. You could sell the 300 and 160 and cover some of the cost :) Send to me and I will root and optimize for you for free. The lowest I have seen a 340 for used was $1300 on here so it may not be out of your reach as it would be brand new. As long as you get the sales invoice and its from an authorized dealer you can send to Bloom if needed for repair under warranty. I only bought new in case I wanted to return it as even my Maven IIs are used. Maybe @Whitigir will send you his 340 so you can demo it. I would send you my 2nd one but a good friend of mine already been promised I would let him demo it after I flash the newest FW on it the correct way.

It was a long read but learned a lot so worth it. Enjoy your new gear :)
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 10:34 PM Post #10,556 of 10,576
Very impressive!! I hope you can find a way to get your hands on a 340 to at least demo. I have spent too much myself. I bought 2 DX340's in a week but recently sold some gear + my 320 sale proceeds cover the cost (both paid off). I had unexpected car repairs so that has sucked so trying to juggle things so I can keep the 2nd 340. Having 2 is a luxury but not absolutely necessary. You could sell the 300 and 160 and cover some of the cost :) Send to me and I will root and optimize for you for free. The lowest I have seen a 340 for used was $1300 on here so it may not be out of your reach as it would be brand new. As long as you get the sales invoice and its from an authorized dealer you can send to Bloom if needed for repair under warranty. I only bought new in case I wanted to return it as even my Maven IIs are used. Maybe @Whitigir will send you his 340 so you can demo it. I would send you my 2nd one but a good friend of mine already been promised I would let him demo it after I flash the newest FW on it the correct way.

It was a long read but learned a lot so worth it. Enjoy your new gear :)
Thank you. It DOES sound heavenly for sure. :)

I Do love how the styling has changed. The DC07 Pro has the same styling on it (almost looks like a dwarf DX340 ;)). Dang you came off a bunch all at once. That is a good feeling though, when you can do that without worry. :) For me, it isn't really a lack of funds, it is really the lack of me not really wanting a DIVORCE.... rofl

That is a very kind offer, and it is ok that your buddy is promised a demo. I will get to hear it one of these days, and I am sure you are right; I will HAVE to have one. So maybe it is a GOOD thing that I cannot demo it at this point.. haha

I already am tempted by it JUST for the easily changeable battery so there is that as well.... Though I am certainly still impressed (almost daily) by the battery life I get (still) from the DX300... I can still listen to it continuously (not with amp13 though) for about 12(ish) hours, or somewhere around there. I haven't really tried to time it after all this time. I just accept that it will get me through an entire workday whether I turn it off or leave it playing.

I have never really even considered rooting my DX300 (I can certainly see why one might feel the need to with he DX320); though Whitigir has a root guide for it. I HAVE rooted my DX160 though (well it is from the Lurker mod whereby when you install the mod it also roots it) so that I can have Mango OS on it as well as making a lot of common android apps more battery efficient. Believe it or not, the DX160 is going on 6 years now, and still holds a decent charge. I can still get about 5-8 hours on it. :)

I actually never really considered getting a desktop setup until I got the notion to buy the HD800S, and a set of flathead earbuds that I have that are super inefficient, and very high impedance (600Ω @87dB/mW). The DX could drive them (the earbuds) to a decent volume, but they weren't being damped properly, and you could tell from the sound if you got above very low volume. Otherwise, I would probably (still) be completely happy with portable only.
 
Feb 4, 2025 at 11:17 PM Post #10,557 of 10,576
Happy wife happy life as they say! iBasso is really changing things up. I can see a lot of time has been spent. There will be more improvements I am sure. I hope this direction of Ibasso tuning continues. You are handy so you can probably change your DX300's if you needed. The only drawback to DX340 is its weight. It almost 500 grams and its solid. I guess not only do you have a great DAP but also a self defense weapon, lol. I took one of mine apart already. ITs very well built. I know the battery life is not going to match the DX300 so you got that one. I have not fully optimized mine yet as I am waiting on something from Paul. My guess with high gain would be max 9 hours. I have gotten over 8 already.

My Root and optimization guides build on what @Whitigir did. There is tons of bloat on the 320 and fair amount even on 340. Two people including @Whitigir have posted that getting rid of the bloats has improved the SQ. I am biased so won't comment. I have never heard a 340 that was not debloated as that was the 1st thing I did. Ibasso stuff lasts a long time. The 340 will last my lifetime I am sure. Just change out the battery when its time. They have switched from EMMC to UFS which are faster memory chips and sure made other upgrades. I have a Dell laptop from early 2016 that I still use - 9 years old exactly come to think of it. Like you I prefer to hold onto stuff that still works well.

I never will need a desktop setup. The super gain mode should drive anything. Its over 2 watts and 8.3 Vrms with 12 V DC. Max is 9 Vrms if I recall. I am sure Steve will mod the cards too. DX340 has battery bypass mode that allows you to use plugged in without destroying your batteries. No other Ibasso DAP has that. Sorry if I sound like a sales person. I would love become a beta tester for iBasso and have some voice and catch the bugs before new product releases. Their next will be D17.

If you want a DAP with changeable battery a DX180 can be had for $300. Its a great DAP for its price, same processor and Android as 340 but has half the RAM. DX260 will give you a better amp and more detail - 8 cirrus DAC chips vs 4 in DX180. 340 blows them away though as I compared them all.
 
Feb 5, 2025 at 5:30 AM Post #10,558 of 10,576
Thank you for giving me too much credits, but for this we will have to tag @Paul - iBasso .

However, There are 2 ways that a DAC can gain. It is either by Digital scaling as you mentioned previously during the digital conversion within the DSP itself. Normally, everyone tries to keep it under fullscale where distortions and clipping can happen and preventing it. An example is when flicking on EQ features, Mango Player will attenuate the volume down to give headroom for scalling by EQ adjustments.

The next gain topology is where the gain would happen after the conversions of the digital phase. Once these signals became a 1 bit pulses, the voltage summing can run on either a lower rail voltage or a higher rail voltage. This in turn will affect the overall signals a bit further. It depends on the engineering implementations. It could gain in loudness or just amplitudes. The attached pictures showing loudness of a typical nominal values of +5db Max or +1dB with different voltage rails and resistors divider.

If the 340 is done with the analog stage then theoretically, it wouldnt affect digital fullscales hence prevent clipping. It would though, be having higher amplitude on a certain frequencies that dont neccessarily result in loudness either.

My guess is that it is there as a feature because Ibasso want it to be. When speaking of amplitude under this circumstances, it may also be hand in hand with the digital filter that Ibasso innovated, the Advanced Harmonic Adjustments. Perhaps, High gain may works better and sound better on some filter and low gain may on the others and so is the floor noises. I have not investigated and analyzing by listening comparison yet. But if one can not hear the differences, just dont let it annoys you and bothers you

***Updated: Actually, I believe that DAC gain is on the 1 bit stage. Because I do hear the filter H5 having warmer and thicker bass as the most obvious (listening with 12VDC). But we need Paul to confirm lol

I asked Paul@ibasso.com about the DAC gain. He gave the following answer:

1738751134441.png

Best Tom
 
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Feb 5, 2025 at 10:31 AM Post #10,559 of 10,576
I asked Paul@ibasso.com about the DAC gain. He gave the following answer:

1738751134441.png
Best Tom
Thanks for asking about this. It makes sense now. My Topping E70 Velvet DAC has this function (where you can increase the voltage), though it isn't called "Gain". And, like Paul - iBasso alluded to, you MIGHT have to have golden ears to hear a difference (I sure don't); though it might make a difference with weak source media. This also might be a viable way to potentially carve out an extra hour of battery life (or so) if you leave it at the "low" setting. :)

It's really cool to find this in a portable (and integrated) DAC though.
 
Feb 5, 2025 at 10:39 AM Post #10,560 of 10,576
Thanks for asking about this. It makes sense now. My Topping E70 Velvet DAC has this function (where you can increase the voltage), though it isn't called "Gain". And, like Paul - iBasso alluded to, you MIGHT have to have golden ears to hear a difference (I sure don't); though it might make a difference with weak source media. This also might be a viable way to potentially carve out an extra hour of battery life (or so) if you leave it at the "low" setting. :)

It's really cool to find this in a portable (and integrated) DAC though.
I can easily hear the difference between the two. Yes that is a very good point. I will have to put mine to low and see if that gets me better battery life. High sounds better to me, for example the stage is more holographic and slightly larger vs low setting.
 

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