iBasso has once again thrown down the gauntlet in the world of portable Hi-Fi with their brand-new flagship, the DX340. Promising to "cross mountains and seas" to deliver unparalleled audio quality, this player inherits the acclaimed dual-control, dual-battery technology from the DX300 series and introduces proprietary innovations like the PWM-DAC and FPGA-Master 3.0 technology. Let's dive into the unboxing and take a first look at this highly anticipated device.
The Packaging
The iBasso DX340 arrives in a sleek, premium-looking black box. The front features a minimalist design with the product name and brand logo subtly embossed. Opening the box reveals a well-organized interior with the DX340 nestled securely in a custom-cut foam insert. The presentation immediately conveys a sense of quality and attention to detail that befits a flagship product.
What's Inside
Beneath the player, we find a comprehensive set of accessories, ensuring you have everything you need to get started and protect your investment. The included contents are:
- iBasso DX340 Player (1 unit): The star of the show, beautifully crafted and substantial in hand.
- AMP15 Amplifier Card (1 card): Pre-installed, this new AMP card boasts impressive power output and external 12V DC support.
- 12V External Power Adapter (1 unit): Allowing you to unlock the full potential of the AMP15 and drive even demanding headphones.
- Type-C Data Cable (1 unit): For charging and data transfer.
- Coaxial Cable (1 unit): For digital audio output to external DACs or receivers.
- Burn-in Cable (1 unit): A thoughtful inclusion for conditioning the audio components.
- Genuine Leather Case (1 unit): Providing premium protection and a comfortable grip.
- Screen Protector (1 unit): To keep that stunning AMOLED display scratch-free.
- Warranty Card (1 unit): For peace of mind.
- Quick Start Guide (1 unit): Getting you up and running quickly.
First Impressions of the Device
Holding the iBasso DX340 for the first time, you immediately notice its premium build quality. The 316 stainless steel chassis feels incredibly solid and substantial, lending a reassuring weight of approximately 486g. The CNC-machined construction and the combination of polished and brushed finishes create a luxurious aesthetic that truly stands out.
The front of the device is dominated by the vibrant 6.0-inch 1080P AMOLED display. The colors are rich and the contrast is excellent, making navigating the interface and viewing album art a pleasure. The touch screen is responsive and feels high-quality.
On the sides, you'll find well-placed physical buttons for power, volume control, and playback, offering tactile feedback. The bottom houses the 4.4mm balanced headphone/line out, 3.5mm single-ended headphone/line out, 3.5mm coaxial output, and the USB Type-C port. The interchangeable AMP card slot is located on the rear, with the pre-installed AMP15 card seamlessly integrated.
Key Features at a Glance
Even before listening, the impressive specifications and features are hard to ignore:
- 128 Independent PWM-DACs: The sheer number of DACs, coupled with the FPGA-Master 3.0 technology, promises exceptional decoding accuracy and ultra-low distortion. The claimed THD+N as low as -119dB is truly remarkable for a portable device.
- Dual Battery Architecture: The separation of power for digital and analog circuits is a hallmark of high-end audio, aiming to minimize interference and ensure stable audio performance.
- 12V External Power Supply Support: This feature for the headphone amplifier, especially with the included AMP15, hints at the potential for driving even the most power-hungry headphones with authority.
- Interchangeable AMP Card Design: The flexibility to swap AMP cards allows users to tailor the DX340's sound signature and output characteristics to their specific needs and preferences.
- Dual Operating Systems: The inclusion of both the open Android 13 and the closed, audio-optimized Mango OS provides the best of both worlds – app compatibility and pure audio playback.
Initial Thoughts
The iBasso DX340 makes a strong first impression with its premium design, robust build quality, and a comprehensive set of accessories. The focus on innovative audio technologies like the PWM-DAC and FPGA-Master 3.0, combined with the practicality of the dual battery system and interchangeable AMP cards, suggests a serious contender for the title of flagship portable player.
The inclusion of both Android 13 for streaming and app usage, and the dedicated Mango OS for pure audio enjoyment, is a significant advantage. The support for a 12V external power supply for the AMP15 card further underscores iBasso's commitment to delivering uncompromising power and audio fidelity.
Of course, the true test of any audio player lies in its sonic performance. Stay tuned for a full review where we delve into the sound quality of the iBasso DX340 across various genres and headphone pairings. But based on this unboxing and initial impressions, the DX340 appears to be a meticulously engineered and feature-rich device that holds immense promise for discerning audiophiles.
DX340 vs. DX260: A Sound Comparison
The iBasso DX260 is a well-regarded portable player known for its neutral and transparent sound profile, boasting exceptional resolution and near-reference-grade audio quality. It excels in its price range with outstanding detail retrieval, accuracy, and a balanced, natural sound. The mid-to-low frequencies carry a slight warmth, adding a touch of musicality, but the DX260 remains highly neutral overall, leaning toward a sound that prioritizes resolution while remaining engaging.
In contrast, the DX340 takes a different approach, with its unique 1-bit PWM-DAC architecture, similar to the D16. Compared to the DX260, the DX340 sounds more natural, with a greater sense of space and less digital harshness. In terms of tonality, the DX340 leans toward a warm-neutral sound rather than a reference-grade one, and its harmonic filters allow users to fine-tune the sound at the hardware level.
Tuning Modes
The DX340 offers three distinct tuning modes:
- H1 Mode: The most neutral and smooth, providing a balanced listening experience.
- H2 Mode: Enhances low-frequency and high-frequency extension, adding more vibrancy to the music.
- H5 Mode: A hybrid of the previous two, blending neutrality with added musicality.
Soundstage and Imaging
In A/B testing, the DX340 exhibits a more expansive, wide, and three-dimensional soundstage compared to the DX260. Its soundstage is grander, with better depth and layering, making the DX340 sound more natural. While both players excel in resolution, the DX340 offers a more analog-like sound, with a wider soundstage and more lifelike reproduction, giving it an edge.
Tonality and Overall Experience
In terms of tonality, the DX340 presents a completely different experience. The DX260, as a portable player, delivers excellent technical performance. However, the DX340 doesn’t sound like a typical digital audio player. It offers more detail, a more natural and lively tonality, and a significantly wider soundstage. Compared to other delta-sigma-based digital audio players, its sound and feel are distinctly unique.
