Close to 10 hours in, here you get my ramblings
(all the result of volume matched listening to the same uncompressed straigh audio files no streaming)
Anchor device
Hugo 2 optical from dx220 (so basically a 3 way listen). The H2, is still in my opinion the benchmark for clinical precision, particularly in bass control/layering, imaging and vanta black backgrounds.
Abstract/summary
I'm very excited for the dx300. Let me give you all my useless // super interesting thoughts.
the obvious
Dx300 is a waaaaaay better user experience than dx220. Not even close.
its a lovely device. Build quality, screen++, even the controls, speed++. All very high quality. A joy to use.
the disappointing
its not better than the best version of the previous top ibasso... THIS A BIG POINT
by this I mean,
stock dx300 is not ”technically” better than the dx228. And by some bigger distance, not as technically gifted as my Hugo 2.
Separation, black background, tight bass, transients. All are behind, dx300 vs dx228 vs H2.
(
Side note: dx228 is the closest thing to H2 I've heard in a dap in my super duper humble opinion.)
the light in the distance
I think I used my dx220 with stock amp for only as long as it took for the amp8 to arrive.
Dx228 >> dx221. Very few people disagree with that.
That's universally agreed.
Long story short, dx300 standard amp is not as good as dx228 (hyper focused design on balanced high power output)
the light in the distance (for real now)
Guess whats better than the dx228...
The dx300 in LO mode with my precious, my Vorzuge Pure II+ amp. Night...and...day. lifts it up to a whole other level.
If only I could connect my amp8 to my dx300 to try that but I can't.
Conclusion
In true ibasso fashion, I feel the best is yet to come.
As someone who strongly believes amp stages are vastly more important than DAC/FPGA when it comes to sonic impact, I'm hoping/expecting ibassos best amp module for this player is yet to come. And if it's anything like what I'm hearing with my Vorzuge Pure II+ its gonna be a HIT.
This conclusion requires a response...
@Paul - iBasso
Please sir, lift the veil on what type of amp modules are coming. The dx300 shines bright with better end stage amplification