5.00  ·  1 review

Short summary

An audio player with four CS43131 DAC chips for dynamic range and low distortion. FPGA-Master 2.0 provides precise control and clocking, while a Snapdragon processor runs Android 13 and supports up to 2TB of storage.

Key info

  • Digital audio player w/ four CS43131 DAC chips
  • Superior dynamic range w/ low distortion
  • FPGA-Master 2.0 for precise clocking
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor
  • Supports up to 2TB of storage
  • Extremely low noise floor
  • Runs Android 13
  • Fast charging w/ long battery life

Specifications

Physical characteristics
Weight 206 g
Dimensions (HxWxD) 123 x 75 x 16 mm
Specifications
DAC Chip 4x Cirrus Logic CS43131
Operating system Android 13 OS
Built-in Memory 3GB(RAM)+32GB / 4GB(RAM)+128GB
Operating system Android 13 OS
Display Sharp 5.0-inch 1080P
Inputs/Outputs
Digital inputs 1x USB Type-C
Analog outputs 1x 3.5mm Single-Ended Output, 1x 4.4mm Balanced Output
Connectivity
Bluetooth Bluetooth v5.0 and 802.11b/g/n/ac dual-band WiFi support

Description

CS43131 Flagship DAC Array

The CS43131, a top-tier DAC chip from Cirrus Logic, features an outstanding dynamic range of 130dB and an exceptionally low THD+N of -115dB. The DX180 uses the same DAC array technology as DX260, with four CS43131 chips working together to exceed the theoretical performance limit of the CS43131. The AP measured THD+N reaches an extraordinary -121dB, showcasing the advanced technology and design principles utilized by the DX180, outclassing its competitors.

FPGA-Master 2.0

After years of algorithm refinement, Shanling’s FPGA-Master has reached version 2.0. As the audio system controller, it directly retrieves audio data from the SoC and plays a crucial role in signal reproduction and maintaining signal integrity. It synchronizes and generates all audio clocks using two NDK femtosecond oscillators to achieve a fully synchronized single clock source. The FPGA-Master 2.0 also has picosecond-level precise control and adjusts the DAC clock, data, and builds the FIR filter.

Leading Algorithm to Achieve FIR 2x Output

The FPGA-Master 2.0 algorithm fully harnesses the capabilities of the four CS43131 DAC chipsets. This combination greatly enhances the typical performance of the CS43131, allowing the chipset to become a super performer.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 SoC Smooth Operator

The DX180 employs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 SoC, featuring an 8-core structure and an advanced 11nm process. This results in reduced heat production and improved stability for seamless operation. With the Micro SD card expansion, the DX180 can offer an impressive 2TB of extra storage space. No matter how much music you love, the DX180 can effortlessly accommodate it all.

Astonishingly True AP Measurements

The actual measurements of DX170 are close to the theoretical limits of the CS43131 chipset. However, the DX180 has gone further, completely surpassing the obstacles and becoming an insurmountable peak in this price range.

The DX180 THD+N measurement ranks second among portable audio players, with only the DX260 having a better THD+N measurement.

Blackest Background Possible

The DX180 boasts an impressively low noise floor of just 0.79uV. Even at the highest volume with high gain, the balanced port noise floor is only 1.1μV. The noise floor is significantly lower than other players in this price range and due to this, the DX180 has a distinct quietness. The black background provides an exceptionally vibrant music playback experience.

Android 13

DX180 is equipped with Android 13 system, which allows you to freely install streaming apps and enjoy the convenience of Android. The DX180 bypasses SRC at the system level whether it is Mango Player or third-party streaming apps, you can enjoy the system-level “Non-SRC” feature, and enjoy Hi-res music.

84 Minutes of Charging, 15.5 Hours Playback

The DX180 is compatible with PD3.0 and QC3.0 fast charge. The battery reaches 83% charge in just 60 minutes, and a full 100% charge is achieved in a mere 84 minutes. Additionally, the improved power management system allows for an impressive battery life of up to 15.5 hours for the balanced phone out usage and an astonishing 30 hours for Line Out playtime.

With a Noise Floor as Low as 0.79V The Background is as Black as Possible

The DX180 boasts an impressively low noise floor of just 0.79uV. Even at the highest volume with high gain, the balanced port noise floor is only 1.1 V. The noise floor is significantly lower than other players in this price range and due to this, the DX180 has a distinct quietness. The black background provides an exceptionally vibrant music playback experience.

Downloads

User reviews

1 review
Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 1 customer rating
  1. 1.
    5/5

    Arif (verified owner) –

    I’m an Extremely Happy customer with using for the first time PREMIUM SOUND for my purchase of my first Dap the iBasso DX180 it has Amazing Sound quality also simply beautiful to look at & easy to use.
    At a unbeatable price & really fast delivery.
    I will be definitely be shopping with you again from a delighted new customer
    Thank You

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iBasso is a portable audio specialist best known for digital audio players, portable DACs, headphone amplifiers and in-ear monitors. The brand has built a strong following among listeners who want serious hi-fi…