iBasso P4, D6 or D12?

[CJG888]

I am looking for a portable amplifier to replace a Meier XXS (between an iPod Classic 160GB and GR07s), and am considering the P4. I was just wondering, however, whether the amplifier section of the more expensive models (D6 and D12) sounds better, is more powerful, or whether the amp is the same in all three cases, and the difference is in the DAC section (no DAC, USB DAC and full-function SPDIF and USB DAC respectively)....
 
Ultimately, I don't really need a portable DAC, and would only consider the more expensive models if the amp section is significantly better.
 
Does anybody know the answer to this?
 
Also, would a P4 be a significant upgrade over and above the XXS (better soundstage and dynamics, higher resolution)? I presume there is no point in using a balanced amp (e.g. PB2) with a single-ended source!
 
Thank you.

 

[HiFlight]

Quote:

I am looking for a portable amplifier to replace a Meier XXS (between an iPod Classic 160GB and GR07s), and am considering the P4. I was just wondering, however, whether the amplifier section of the more expensive models (D6 and D12) sounds better, is more powerful, or whether the amp is the same in all three cases, and the difference is in the DAC section (no DAC, USB DAC and full-function SPDIF and USB DAC respectively)....
 
Ultimately, I don't really need a portable DAC, and would only consider the more expensive models if the amp section is significantly better.
 
Does anybody know the answer to this?
 
Also, would a P4 be a significant upgrade over and above the XXS (better soundstage and dynamics, higher resolution)? I presume there is no point in using a balanced amp (e.g. PB2) with a single-ended source!
 
Thank you.

Of the three iBasso amplifiers that you mentioned, the P4 has a significantly more sophisticated amplifier section than the D6 or D12.   The ground system is also configured with removable opamps and can also be modified with different opamps as well as the L/R and buffer sections.  The P4 also has the highest voltage swing of any of the three.   If you have no need for a DAC, the P4 is an excellent choice with performance comparable to many desktop amps.   
 
As I have never heard the XXS, I cannot make any comparisons between it and the P4 although I hold Dr Meier's products in high regard.   
 
The P4 is, in all respects, a superb instrument and scales well with any improvements that you may, in the future, make in the signal chain.   
 
 
 

 

[estreeter]

+1 on the P4, even having accidentally trashed mine after a month of ownership. Its a superb little amp, and often overlooked on HF.  As Ron has already pointed out, iBasso outdid themselves with this little marvel.

 

[Randius]

Does it make sense or any benefit if I am to connect the D12 to P4?

 

[estreeter]

Yes, yes - DO IT. I asked Ron if this would be a good pairing some time back, and he agreed - you arent talking to people who are still in the grip of newtoy joy and have never owned any other combination. D12 received rave reviews for its DAC - you can find those scattered about the place here.
 
The counter argument is that you will be adding an interconnect between DAC and amp, lengthening the signal path, but thats a debate for sound science.

 

[Randius]

Quote:

Yes, yes - DO IT. I asked Ron if this would be a good pairing some time back, and he agreed - you arent talking to people who are still in the grip of newtoy joy and have never owned any other combination. D12 received rave reviews for its DAC - you can find those scattered about the place here.
 
The counter argument is that you will be adding an interconnect between DAC and amp, lengthening the signal path, but thats a debate for sound science.

Ignoring the part on lengthening signal path, how will the D12 -> P4 fare against DB2 -> PB2 (balanced)? I know that it may not be a fair comparison but I wish to have an idea of whether it is worthwhile forking out for the latter combo?
 

 

[estreeter]

If you have balanced cans, I would suggest the balanced setup. I havent seen a single review of a balanced amp where the reviewer has claimed the amp is better single-ended than a comparable single-ended-only amp - see Skylab's final wrapup of his top-tier portable amps and Mike at Headfonia has some very strong ideas on this too. 

 

[CJG888]

P4 is on order.

Thanks!

 

[estreeter]

You wont be sorry. Or at least not Judas-with-a-noose sorry.