An overview of the modules amplify AMP4 and AMP5 for player iBasso DX200

Apparently, iBasso has fulfilled its original plan to amplifiers for DX200, all five modules already available for order. In contrast to the FiiO X7, selection of amplifiers to the DX200 is a difficult task, because their differences are not so drastic (except AMP1, of course), so let's deal with the news at number 4 and 5.

First, most obvious difference — it outputs. AMP4 uses «anevski» standard balanced connector with 4.4 mm 5-pin plug. On the one hand, the standard is good: more contact area, less fragile connectors on the other — the usual 2.5 mm TRRS is much more common, so this module will need to use either headphones themselves Sony, or purchase a separate cable or even the adapter (for example, ). Even iBasso understood the difficulties and released the adapter from 4.4 to 2.5. For stuffing AMP4 is a slightly optimized version of the AMP3, but in fact the difference in sound noticeable, although I don't know whose it is a merit — optimized topology circuit Board or another connector.

AMP5 is a variation on the theme of a less powerful amplifier with a conventional 3.5 mm output for those who want a more relaxed flow. Actually, it's funny that in addition to AMP1 iBasso have no amplifier, and offers a balanced and regular outputs, so buying a plug-in module, you just have to decide for themselves the issues with the wires and know which party you will move in the future.

The Price for both modules is the same and is about $ 200.

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specifications

AMP4

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• Output voltage: 6.2 Vrms
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• frequency Range: 15 Hz – 45 kHz (-0,3 dB)
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• the Ratio signal/noise: 124 dB
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• Total harmonic distortion+noise: 0,00032% (@ 32Ω, 2Vrms)
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• Dynamic range: 124 dB
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• Division: 120 dB
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• Estimated time of player: 7.5 hours

AMP5 (headphone output)

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• Output voltage: 3.2 Vrms
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• frequency Range: 15 Hz – 45 kHz (-0,3 dB)
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• the Ratio signal/noise: 121 dB
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• Total harmonic distortion+noise: 0,00025% (@ 32Ω, 2Vrms)
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• Dynamic range: 120 dB
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• Division: 107 dB
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• Estimated time of player: 9 ~ 10 hours

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Installation

Both modules are sold in black boxes with white paper tape as their predecessors. Inside is the module itself gain quick replacement instruction manual, warranty card and a small screwdriver to replace the module (I think iBasso did some Chinese workshop for the production of screwdrivers plan sales).

The installation Process is very simple. You need to slightly loosen the side screws (just a couple of turns to completely remove them is not necessary), remove the module by pulling it along the rails, then install the new one and gently tighten the locking screws. Despite the fact that the AMP2 and AMP3 can be set without turning off the player, iBasso do not recommend and on the Internet there were complaints of freezes while the player «hot swap». In General, if you are adventurous — you can tickle your nerves, but I'm more than safe fun.

In General the installation process is very simple and is very fast.

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Sound

I don't even know whether it makes sense to describe these amps «» because of the difference in the sound modules from iBasso is not as great, they all offer a wonderful resolution, quality control on all frequencies, good micro and macrodynamics. Therefore, I will confine their differences from the AMP1, the more that buying the plug-in in any case «unit» received together with the player, and imagine its sound.

The funny thing about the iBasso amps that only the «base» AMP1 offers both balanced and regular outputs, while all the «better» patterns are exclusively or balanced, or not balanced, it seems that such «specialization» is one of the conditions of improving the quality of the sound. In General, the stock amp is very good except it is extremely picky about the quality of the records. AMP2 and AMP3 offer a little warmer sound and flow that allows the player to be «kinder» not the best quality tracks.

Speaking «theoretically», AMP4 would have to be the same as the AMP3, but the fact it came out a little different situation. Feature «Quartet» is a very «the dark background» — the almost complete silence on «back burner», which allows this amplifier is incredibly impressive to play individual notes, clearly outlining each of them. This is something resembling the sound of the players Astell&Kern, but the latter sounds more naturally into each other. Thanks to the lovely delineated in the sound, AMP4 more «pre» parts tools in both directions and builds a broader imaginary scene (not always, however, appropriate.) He also delivers the land-based NCH (I repeat again that the difference is small) and plays a more extensive attenuation at the RF. In General, despite the neutrality, he is still a bit less critical material than AMP1 (although more than 2 and 3).

AMP5, in turn, is distinguished by two peculiarities. The former is a more fused and slightly relaxed flow throughout the range, giving the sound more warmth. A little less aggression in the treble, a little more smooth middle, slightly more bass (also slightly reduced hlestkost), more intimate building of an imaginary scene — these are the sound of AMP5. The second feature module, despite its smaller output voltage swing, it is slightly better to cope with the load requiring a larger current magnitude (the same AKG K702, for example).

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About the choice of the iBasso amps

It is Clear that the choice of five very similar amps — the task is not trivial, so I decided to describe my subjective opinions about amplifiers and their application.

AMP1. Good «workhorse», effective, neutral and very technical module, offering flexibility in the set of inputs / outputs. If you listen to well recorded music (or at least not listening very very poor quality), then you may stay on the base module and save money.

AMP2. Option for those who want, without much changing the flow of the player, to reduce the criticality to the quality of the records. The sound is a bit darker, a bit Slaney, an imaginary scene drop less, although HF is almost the same as the «unit». Perhaps the best way for brutal styles of heavy electronic music and different pop's.

AMP3. My favorite module offers the best of all models the study of HF, especially in terms of length. Midrange slightly softened relative to AMP1 (but less than AMP2), bass almost at the level of the stock module. Amplifier for lovers of quality prescribed SC/HF, ready to go on the balance sheet. Stylistically versatile, although more spectacular it sounds in «audiophile» records, complex not brutal metal, large orchestras.

AMP4. If you are the owner of the cable with the appropriate connector, this module is for you obvious, but sometimes you can «rot» and adapter. Make it worthwhile if you're listening to a complex non-orchestral classical music, instrumental recording or emotional singers.

AMP5. Module is for lovers «warm-tube» and moderate RF fobov. More intimate scene and slightly flattened flow will be good for jazz vocalists, some instrumental, classic rock.

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Insights

While iBasso all forces prepare DX120 (and we by all means hope for non-repetition DX80), you can take a breath and look back. Obviously, DX200 iBasso has proved that can still create high-quality players, and a large selection of interchangeable amplifiers simplifies the task of finding «sound». Or, on the contrary, complicates it, depending on how you look at it.

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw_QM0JyeJk

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