The build of the device itself demonstrates a high level of attention to detail in the implementation of the knobs and buttons, as well as excellent craftsmanship in its angular metal body. It utilizes dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 chips for its DAC, but provides a more smooth, musical tuning. First it demonstrates Astell&Kern’s larger focus on the function of the device as a music player rather than a more generalized multimedia device, and prioritizes the management of a local music collection over app support and OS performance. Astell&Kern SR25 MKII - $749Īstell&Kern’s most wallet friendly DAP takes the opposite philosophical approach as DX170 in many ways. Overall, DX170 is great for simplicity and usability with excellent sound quality for the price. The overall performance is good, but not nearly as fast as the other devices in iBasso’s lineup.
AMAZING AUDIO PLAYER MORE THAN ONE UPGRADE
The build is a small upgrade over previous lower-priced iBasso DAPs, and is more of a simple, functional unit, than one that wows with excellent design and craftsmanship. Its 6.4Vrms balanced power output also means you can drive a wide array of headphones as long as you have a 4.4mm cable for them. DX170 uses dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips and offers a neutral, reference sound signature.
AMAZING AUDIO PLAYER MORE THAN ONE ANDROID
For its OS, it uses a mostly stock Android 11, allowing installation of virtually any app and providing a largely intuitive UI for most smartphone users. The iBasso DX170 looks like the most bare bones of the DAPs on this list, but it has surprising performance and versatility. From Astell&Kern, the SR25 MKII gives you a taste of A&K’s top-end tuning and luxury in a smaller package. Likewise, the DX170 offers ludicrous levels of value for your dollar.
iBasso’s DX2xx series has long delivered flagship sound at a fraction of the price, and the DX240 continues that tradition.
In the under $1000 range, you’ll typically end up with a smaller screen, and lower overall DAC quality, but still highly impressive sound. While the core features of DAPs ranging from the iBasso DX170 to the Astell&Kern SP3000 are essentially the same, there’s an array of differences in the specific features, performance, and even tuning of the DAP that come into play when you’re trying to find the best option.
The latest crop of digital audio players from iBasso and Astell&Kern feature top tier DACs and enough power output to drive most headphones, along with both internal storage for your music collection and app support for streaming services. If you’re looking for a combination of portability and simplicity in your audio setup, few things can accomplish that as well as a digital audio player (DAP).
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