DX340 iBasso developed Discret DAC, Easily replaceable batteries, Amp Modules! ***New firmware on 1st page. v1.04 local update. ***

Apr 19, 2025 at 2:43 PM Post #5,581 of 6,401
I ran into this as well. Some PD delivery devices are finicky. Also you are correct there is no line out with the 16.
Yep, maybe I should read the specs before buying next time LOL. Tube mode only goes max 1500 mW in SG mode while AB goes to 2000 mW. That explains the low current draw in tube mode. There is no mention of LO mode but for any others that are considering the Amp 16, there are only 2 output options - Tube and AB. The options are in the Audio menu in system settings and replace the Amp 15 output options which have LO and PO. That's unfortunate for me as I like the DX340 pairing with Cayin C9.

Geek note - the new amp module design is great! The criticisms of the DX300/320 design have all been addressed:
  • Difficulty in removing the amp module which needed one to insert a headphone plug to pull out - the new design faceplate extends to the bottom edge of the chassis so just need to pull the lower edge and the module comes out very easily.
  • Putting screws back in was not easy and prone to dropping on the floor and losing (iBasso provided plenty of extra screws though). The new design has longer screws that are easy to drop into the holes and due to the depth, the screws don't fall out.
I was planning on including Amp 14 when I put up my DX320 on classified, but now not so sure. Guess I'll get the faceplate and let my ears make that decision.
 
Apr 19, 2025 at 7:11 PM Post #5,582 of 6,401
Yep, maybe I should read the specs before buying next time LOL. Tube mode only goes max 1500 mW in SG mode while AB goes to 2000 mW. That explains the low current draw in tube mode. There is no mention of LO mode but for any others that are considering the Amp 16, there are only 2 output options - Tube and AB. The options are in the Audio menu in system settings and replace the Amp 15 output options which have LO and PO. That's unfortunate for me as I like the DX340 pairing with Cayin C9.

Geek note - the new amp module design is great! The criticisms of the DX300/320 design have all been addressed:
  • Difficulty in removing the amp module which needed one to insert a headphone plug to pull out - the new design faceplate extends to the bottom edge of the chassis so just need to pull the lower edge and the module comes out very easily.
  • Putting screws back in was not easy and prone to dropping on the floor and losing (iBasso provided plenty of extra screws though). The new design has longer screws that are easy to drop into the holes and due to the depth, the screws don't fall out.
I was planning on including Amp 14 when I put up my DX320 on classified, but now not so sure. Guess I'll get the faceplate and let my ears make that decision.
Yea I went ahead and got the face plates for the amp 13 and 14. Its kinda like Pokemon. Got to catch them all lol
 
Apr 19, 2025 at 8:13 PM Post #5,583 of 6,401
So getting ready for review I stared real world usage tests High Gain On AMP , Low gain on DAC volume at 40 and the first result was:

Testing #1 how long can I get with AMP14 Answer was
Screenshot_20250419_170504_Nova Launcher.jpg

over 9.3 hours is better than I expected, I don't think I was getting that with AMP15 or 16 or will know soon enough going to try again with 15 and 16 from 100% to ZERO
Screenshot_20250420_164339_Nova Launcher.jpg

Less power output of the AMP16 on battery no 12v also means a bit longer play time interesting.
Screenshot_20250421_081034_Chrome.jpg
 
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Apr 19, 2025 at 10:56 PM Post #5,585 of 6,401
You are correct. President Tarrif I mean Trump keeps changing things so hard to keep it all straight. This is really bad for Ibasso who needs revenue from sales to continue development of new products like D17. Will all of this slow release of new Ibasso products? I do not know US sales vs rest of world. This is a luxury hobby. I think many will hold off on buying until all of this is resolved. This makes tweaks from me or Stouthart even more valuable as they are free and allow you to get more out of what you already have. I will be testing my tweaks on Dx180 and Dx320 in the near future and willing to test on other IBassos and make changes as needed. Add in Dexoit and card like Swissbit and things improve more. Also consider trade stock Amp card for mod card from @Whitigir vs buying new Amp card.
Mind me asking what is Dexoit? Couldn't find anything matching on Google
 
Apr 19, 2025 at 11:55 PM Post #5,588 of 6,401
Highly recommend an LPS. I'm using a 25W LHY Audio unit and it's been great so far. www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004386978606.html

You do need a 5.5mm x 2.1mm to 3.5mm x 1.35mm adapter though. Angled ones work best IMHO. www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005335550118.html
May I ask you or anyone reading this post, wouldn't power bank provide a cleaner DC electricity and thus better sound VS plug in units? I remember someone I think @mattclarke18 mentioned using Hypsos to power DX340, or am I missing something in regards of understanding DC power?

I guess plug in units would give more wattage and thus maybe juicier sound, right?
 
Apr 20, 2025 at 2:35 AM Post #5,592 of 6,401
Would say the sound of this power bank is any cleaner or better than the plug in unit you have from AliExpress?
To my ears, the LHY Audio linear power supply provides a bit darker background. But soundwise, I'd say they're equal.

If you don't mind having to charge it regularly, I'll have to admit a good power bank is all you need really. One of those 100W or 140W 20,000+mAh power banks will provide enough power for both 12V Super Gain and battery bypass. I have a Baseus Adaman 140W 24,000mAh power bank that does the trick. 😊
 
Apr 20, 2025 at 11:05 PM Post #5,593 of 6,401
The combination of these three items is truly remarkable. The resulting vocals, strings, piano, drums. Mind melting. The dac of the 340 is something to behold, the amp is the limit.IMG_5385.jpeg
I would love to listen to this combo one day...the EA4 although is soo expensive, wouldn't you say at this price point it makes sense to just buy table top amp? Cause I doubt anyone would want to walk around much with those 2 bricks, maybe 3 if you'd add a power bank... I fell in love with Gemini by Sparkos lab this year at Axpona... It's not the most expensive amp, only $800 discounted... But everything sounded sooo luxurious and juicy, and very emotional. I was previously a fan of Wandala by Ferrum, $3.5k for just the amp, but Gemini sounded better to me, way more musical, every note on strings would instantly pluk soul strings in response.
What do more experienced than me guys think of EA4 VS stationary amps considering the price? @F700 @Whitigir
 

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Apr 21, 2025 at 12:28 AM Post #5,595 of 6,401
Confirming Amp14 > Amp16?
For me no contest LO and PO and smoother Analoge sound and when you want a more resolving Source throw the AMP15 back in.
 

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