Comparison of the iBasso D4 Mamba (w/ TopKit w/ buffers bypassed), D-Zero, T5 versus Leckerton Audio UHA4 (AD8610).
What an interesting afternoon, it has been a while since I set aside time to compare portable amps and so I found myself enjoying myself quite a bit with 4 examples from iBasso and Leckerton Audio. Since three of the units are amp/dac combos I decided to use the line out of the D4 Mamba to feed the T5, D-Zero, and the UHA4. The D4 Mamba sports the TopKit from HiFlight except the buffers are bypassed since IMO the unit sounds better that way.
The D4 Mamba was fed from an iMac 3.06 using iTunes 10.5.1 and BitPerfect version 0.32. The files were from Joe Pass Unforgettable album in Apple Lossless. The cans used were an Audio Technical ATH-ESW9 and all the components were fully burnt in with the T5 having the least amount at 192 hours.
Since age has a lot to do with the listening experience I am 53 YO and I listen at low levels ... 65-68 dB on average with peaks into the low 70 dB’s.
First I compared the iBasso T5 with the D-Zero. I found the T5 go be more open, clear, and with better detail. I also find the T5 to have better treble extension. So overall IMO the amp section of the T5 is the better sounding of these two units.
Next I compared the iBasso T5 with the Leckerton UHA4. I found the T5 to have better bass and overall a punchier and gutsier presentation. On the other hand I found the UHA4 to be more open, extended and clearer. The UHA4 has a wider soundstage. Not a night/day difference but enough to notice. Perhaps the difference is due to the abundance of bass in the T5. IMO for the cost difference I would go with the UHA4 over the T5.
Next I compared the iBasso T5 with the D4 Mamba, of course the dac in the D4 fed itself while I used the same IC to connect the D4 to the T5. Although you can hear the iBasso similarities between these two units the D4 is to my ears the clear winner by its musicality and ability to draw me into the music. It has a better top end with great clarity and definition, the bass in the T5 continues to be the best among the 4 units compared but not enough to make it to the top.
Lastly I compared the iBasso D4 Mamba with the Leckerton Audio UHA4. The D4 has a wider soundstage, and more air between the notes. The D4 is the more engaging and musical of the units and gets the top spot.
So in closing I prefer the D4 Mamba with the HiFlight TopKit w/ buffers bypassed. This is followed by the UHA4 which has the best volume pot of all the portable units I have used under $275- $300 regardless of manufacturer. The T5 follows not too far behind and the D-Zero rounds up the pack.
The differences between the first three are not huge but to my ears noticeable. If you need to save some money and size is of importance then the iBasso T5 is for you. If you can spare the funds and do not mind opening the unit up to replace the op-amps then the iBasso D4 Mamba would be the way to go. If space is important and you need a dac then go for the UHA4 by Leckerton Audio.
I realize my findings are quite different from others who have compared these units but, we all hear differently. Cheers and thanks for reading.
