Well , my X80 finally arrived - Apparently when [the only UK stockist I could find] says 'in stock' - they mean it is in stock at the manufactures?!? So after 2 weeks they have arrived
Immediate first impressions V1.1.4: (with Oppo PM3)
(compared to my DX90)
Good:
They are a more mature DAP than the DX90
More creamy, less attack, more relaxed
They certainly suite my new Planer Oppo P3 better
The vocals are more present and lifted out of the mix
The balance of bass/mids/treble is quite nice. At least nothing is exaggerated
They are more'audiophile' sounding (in some ways)
They can be quite spacious and 3D
Classical sounds a lot better
UI is snappy and fast - I Like it
Finally battery life is more than 4-5 hours!!
Volume much lower for the same level
Ni Hiss detected here so it looks like hiss is a technical fault and not a characteristic of the player
Not so Good: (although, see below)
They are Not reference quality...I thought they would be :/
The Space and 3D can sometimes sound a little un-natural
Incomplete first time scan (2x FAT32 128GB card)
When playing an album that scans before it plays I get a loud crack (like when you unplug a headphone / turn off amp)
and some distortion at the begining, almost as if the player has got ahead of it self in its excitment!!
Its only in certain light that the PLAY/FF/RR signs on the buttons can be seen
because of the bump were the screws are on the sides of the player I often miss hitting the power/volume buttons!
I think the volume are in the wrong position - Intuitively I go to an area where they 'should' be to adjust and always get it wrong!!
Anyway, over all I think this is a fun sounding DAP. I can see why when asked if it is better than DX90 people tend to say...it sounds different. As is often the case I think it depends on music / cans / preference as to whether it is better.
basically, Im happy with it
>>>> EDIT: All the above is in reference to the Oppo PM3 planer closed back cans.
<<<<
Listening now through Fidue A83 triple hybrid driver and . .
>> Holy Mother of the Music Gods<< Does this player sound PHENOMENAL. Better than the DX90? With the A83 - Hell YES - Its a whole 'nother level. *swoons*
I better put it away now - Not supposed to be listening to it until Christmas!! But hey, I had to make sure it was charged, ready with new update & cards installed, Right??
So as far the A83's pairing - I would give the DX80 95/100. I can't fault the sound... *swoons again*
Once again iBasso has taken me to a new level in my listening pleasure
