[headwhacker]

   
Given the delay, we will only receive the item together with the retail outlets here. Given that the retail prices here is close to iBasso online prices, it makes more sense to order from them than from iBasso.
 
My DHL shipment status is still showing 'Shipment Information Received'. Its been two days so most likely DHL has yet to pickup the DX90 from iBasso. 

 
Yeah for some reason their warehouse seems to be sending all orders going to Singapore as a batch including the retail orders. It might be the reason why the initial shipment from Fardar was held in Customs. The bulk shipment of "20USD soundcard" must sound suspect.

 

[BAJACRACKER]

I really do appreciate you looking out for my well being.I just don't know how I got along without you all these years thanks so much enjoy!

Anytime man, That's why I'm here, That's why I'm here. 

 

[irrational]

 
 
Oh damn this is good. 24/192 playback is certainly not an issue and this little player has brought new life into my HD595 that were just gathering dust. I wonder how it's going to sound with an amp, say, perhaps a PB2 with topkit? 

 
This DAP is just phenomenal, will post more impressions as I get more listening time!

 
Yes, the DX90 is a worthy upgrade from the DX50.  Everything seems to be a notch up from the DX50, especially the depth of the sound stage, which some people might have referred to as "layering".  A complex piece of music (say, Mahler's Third) is resolved admirably by the DX90, with various instruments well defined and placed.  By the way, I am listening to it with the PB2 (stock opams) and the DT880 (600 ohms).

 

[raisedbywolves]

any word on how soon the drivers will be out for the dac functionality? also how does the dx90 compare soundwise to any desktop/portable dacs you guys have? in particular the stick style dacs like the dragonfly, microstreamer, audioengine d3, meridian explorer, etc.

 

[headwhacker]

This thread is really moving so fast. I see a few reporting issues with file scanning. Then a few trolling replies about rushed product release from iBasso.
 
Just for the record, other than the USB DAC function not yet working on PC, there is no new bugs or issues being reported. (Unless I missed anything) If you have a DX50 or followed the DX50 thread you should know by now that DX90 has been derived from DX50. So the UI look and feel should be the same. So is the quirkiness.
 
For the new guys who are not familiar with DX50 and just got DX90, please read through the DX50 FAQ. It will help you sort things out.

 

[wickson]

For those who are having scanning issues, read post 6840.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/679473/the-ibasso-dx50-thread-latest-firmware-1-2-8/6825

 

[waynes world]

I agree with this. As I posted earlier I feel the X5 and DX90 SQ are indeed on the same level but with different priorities in tuning. They are both a great step yo from their last models and provide SQ that should satisfy most audiophile.

People who love transparency and resolution with musicality will likely rate DX90 higher (like myself). People who prefer smoothness and a more relaxed and intimate delivery of sound may prefer X5. Ultimately the appearance (I prefer dx90), UI (prefer dx90), controls (dx90), built (X5), single vs dual card slots (X5), touch-screen vs wheel (dx90), size (dx90), usb dac (x5 for now) would all plays into which one is "better" subjectively. For me it is clearly dx90.

Informative post - thanks! Helps me get caught up on the merits of both of these great daps. Gotta say, I'm starting to get excited about the d90. I wish it had dual slots, but by the time I end up buying, the 128G cards will hopefully be down in price a bit..

 

[pprice42]

  any word on how soon the drivers will be out for the dac functionality? also how does the dx90 compare soundwise to any desktop/portable dacs you guys have? in particular the stick style dacs like the dragonfly, microstreamer, audioengine d3, meridian explorer, etc.

I didn't have a really long time to compare, but I have the V1.** dragonfly and I found the X5 to be much better than that. Noticeably better sound stage and better detail. If the DX90 is compatible like others have said here, then I imagine it is better too. Will update when I get mine.

 

[headwhacker]

Has anyone tried the USB DAC function on a MacOS X yet?

 

[jamato8]

  Has anyone tried the USB DAC function on a MacOS X yet?

It doesn't work on the Mac and may not as it is a special USB program written for a PC and is not the same as the regular USB standard that will work on mac without drivers. This per an email from iBasso. 

 

[nmatheis]

It doesn't work on the Mac and may not as it is a special USB program written for a PC and is not the same as the regular USB standard that will work on mac without drivers. This per an email from iBasso. 

Serious bummer for all of us Mac users who ordered the DX90.

 

[lin0003]

I'm not sure I get why everyone wants a USB DAC option with a DAP? 

 

[Francisk]

So that they can utilise it as a USB DAC/Pre with their computers and that means they can take advantage of the already good sound quality of the DX90 DAC/Pre and save money on getting another stand alone DAC/Pre. If you have a stand alone DAC/Pre then you might not need that feature but then again if the DX90 DAC/Pre sounds better than your current stand alone DAC/Pre then you might want to sell your current DAC/Pre to recover some money from your DX90 purchase. If DX90 DAC/Pre really sound as good or better than my Audio GD NFB11.32 with a single Sabre ES9018 chipset then I'm sure going to purchase the DX90 and sell my Audio GD 

 

 

[raisedbywolves]

  I'm not sure I get why everyone wants a USB DAC option with a DAP? 

for those of us who use usb dacs, it kind of makes it doubly attractive. something you can use as a dap and a usb dac while you're at home or on the go on your laptop.

 

[pprice42]

  I'm not sure I get why everyone wants a USB DAC option with a DAP? 

I want that capability because I keep much of my FLAC collection on my laptop/external hard drive. Having a DAP/DAC combo covers all the bases since there is limited storage on the DAP itself.