iBasso recently announced a 2020 variant of the DX160. While retaining the familiar slick appearance, the update comes with a few minor improvements.
The DX160 is a mid-range Android DAP player that features two CS43198 DAC chips and has a 1080p display. There are two audio output sockets, 4.4mm Pentaconn, and standard 3.5mm. It features MQA decoding and if you have MQA files or if you are using Hifi Tidal streaming it will stream at full MQA quality. In addition, DAP supports Bluetooth 5.0. The body is made of front and rear glass panels along with a sturdy CNC machined aluminum frame.
Lastly, the DX160 uses an unspecified Octa-core Rockchip SOC (We presume it is the same as the DX220’s RK3368). The performance of this chip should be enough for a dedicated audio player purposes.
Improved features:
- Changes to the buffer include a higher slew rate, wider bandwidth, and a higher current output, resulting in higher power output.
- The 3.5mm output has been changed to a CTIA standard 3.5mm output meaning that headphone cables with microphones built-in are now supported.
- Display panel manufacturer change from the 5-Inch 1080p LCD by Sharp to a 5-Inch 1080p LCD by JDI (Japan Display Inc). Brightness and contrast have not been specified.
The price remains the same as the 2019 launch price. Pre-orders for the 2020 variant begin on March 20th and will last until April 10th. The first batch will be available only in black. The other colors will be available on April 10th.
If you pre-order through Hifi-Go and share your impressions online on the 2020 DX160 you will receive a free iBasso CA02 adapter (2.5mm Balanced Female to 4.4mm Pentaconn Balanced Male).
