seanwee
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2015
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Ibasso DX160 (2020) vs Sony NW-ZX507 (V1)
Comparisons were done with mango mode on the DX160 and direct source mode on the ZX507. Both using 4.4mm output and normalised to the same loudness.
Starting off, tonality wise they are both neutral with a hint of warmth. Both have excellent detail retrieval I've come to expect from midrange or better daps.
Dynamics and tonality go to the DX160 with It presenting notes with more authority and power while fleshing out instruments in a more natural way. Almost like the ZX507 has a more forward presentation.
The largest difference between the two is the soundstage presentation. The soundstage of the DX160 in mango mode has a holographic quality that is present only in some upper midrange or better daps like the LPG, SP1000, SP1000M, M11 Pro and N6ii with E01 Module. The ZX507 doesn't come close to the DX160 in this aspect and sounds just mediocre in comparison.
Instrument separation and overall transparency of the soundscape compare similarly with the DX160 taking the win easily.
The ZX507 wins in bass control sounding a bit tighter and more controlled in the rumble.
In conclusion, I'd say its not worth the hype. Perhaps the people who were singing praises about the ZX507 have not heard newer daps in the midrange to upper midrange like the M11 Pro, Hiby R6 Pro or DX160 before.
Comparisons were done with mango mode on the DX160 and direct source mode on the ZX507. Both using 4.4mm output and normalised to the same loudness.
Starting off, tonality wise they are both neutral with a hint of warmth. Both have excellent detail retrieval I've come to expect from midrange or better daps.
Dynamics and tonality go to the DX160 with It presenting notes with more authority and power while fleshing out instruments in a more natural way. Almost like the ZX507 has a more forward presentation.
The largest difference between the two is the soundstage presentation. The soundstage of the DX160 in mango mode has a holographic quality that is present only in some upper midrange or better daps like the LPG, SP1000, SP1000M, M11 Pro and N6ii with E01 Module. The ZX507 doesn't come close to the DX160 in this aspect and sounds just mediocre in comparison.
Instrument separation and overall transparency of the soundscape compare similarly with the DX160 taking the win easily.
The ZX507 wins in bass control sounding a bit tighter and more controlled in the rumble.
In conclusion, I'd say its not worth the hype. Perhaps the people who were singing praises about the ZX507 have not heard newer daps in the midrange to upper midrange like the M11 Pro, Hiby R6 Pro or DX160 before.