iBasso

iBasso makes a strong comeback to the high-end DAP scene with the DX340, a strikingly innovative digital audio player priced at $1699 USD. At its core lies the powerful FPGA-Master 3 platform, driving an all-to-DSD DAC/amp architecture that promises exceptional audio fidelity. We previously encountered the FPGA-Master 2 when reviewing the iBasso D16 and were thoroughly impressed by its outstanding performance as both a DAC and amplifier. The DX340 feels like a continuation—if not an evolution—of that same audiophile spirit.

One of the standout features is its custom 16-cascade 8E PWM DAC configuration, amounting to a staggering 128 discrete PWM DACs. This advanced setup, likely derived from the acclaimed D16, is supported by iBasso’s patented dual-battery power supply architecture, ensuring clean power delivery and sonic precision. The DX340 also caters to both audiophile purists and everyday streamers with its dual operating system approach: Android 13 for full app support and streaming, and the streamlined Mango OS for a focused, no-frills music experience.

Under the hood, it’s powered by the Snapdragon 665 processor, backed by 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD), delivering a smooth and capable user experience on Android. There’s a lot to unpack with this release—and I’m here to explore every detail for fellow Headfonians who appreciate great design, technical innovation, and serious sound quality in their DAPs.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

📱 Display

• Type: 6.0-inch AMOLED
• Resolution: 1080 × 2160

🎧 Digital-to-Analog Conversion

• Total DACs: 16 sets of 8E PWM-DACs (128 DACs in total)
• PCM Support: Up to 32-bit / 768kHz
• DSD Support: Native DSD64 / DSD128 / DSD256 / DSD512
• Supported Audio Formats:
  APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, ACC, ALAC, AIFF, OGG, MP3, DFF, DSF, DXD, DST

🔌 Connectivity & I/O

• USB: Type-C (USB 3.0)
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz / 5GHz)
• Bluetooth: Version 5.0
  • Transmit Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX HD, LDAC
  • Receive Codecs (DAC Mode): SBC, AAC

🎚️ Audio Outputs

• Balanced Output: 4.4mm headphone out
• Single-Ended Output: 3.5mm headphone out
• Line Outputs:
  • 4.4mm balanced line out
  • 3.5mm single-ended line out
• Digital Outputs:
  • 3.5mm coaxial
  • USB OTG output

🧱 Build & Materials

• Chassis: Precision-machined 316 stainless steel

💾 Memory & Storage

• RAM: 8GB
• Internal Storage: 256GB
• Expandable: Supports microSD cards up to 2TB

🔋 Battery

• Digital Section: 3.8V 4000mAh
• Amplifier Section: 3.8V 2100mAh
• Battery Type: Dual-cell Li-Polymer
• Charging Time: Approx. 2.5 hours
• Average Playback Time: Up to 10 hours
  (Varies based on resolution, volume, and headphone load)

📏 Dimensions & Weight

• Size: 150 × 77.5 × 19 mm
• Weight: 486g

🛡️ Warranty

• Coverage: 1-Year iBasso Limited Warranty

DAC ARCHITECTURE

The DX340 builds on the innovative 1-bit discrete DAC architecture seen in the D16, now driven by the enhanced FPGA-Master 3.0—a significant evolution in iBasso's engineering lineage. In its original iteration within the DX320, the FPGA-Master served as a dedicated audio system controller, streamlining performance by directly managing audio data requests from the SoC while synchronizing and generating all audio clocks to minimize jitter. With the D16, FPGA-Master 2.0 took this foundation further, introducing the capability to generate PWM signals that directly drive discrete PWM-DACs, enabling precise decoding of audio signals.

In the DX340, iBasso has refined this concept even more. The player features a meticulously designed 1-bit discrete DAC setup, incorporating 16 cascaded sets of 8-element PWM-DACs, totaling an impressive 128 discrete PWM-DAC elements operating in FIR (Finite Impulse Response) mode. This intricate design ensures exceptional accuracy and clarity in audio reproduction.

The latest FPGA-Master 3.0 optimizes these processes and introduces a groundbreaking feature: an exclusive Harmonic Setting adjustment. This new functionality allows users to fine-tune the harmonic characteristics of the sound, offering a customizable listening experience that caters to personal preferences. It’s a bold step forward in iBasso’s pursuit of sonic excellence, blending cutting-edge technology with user-focused flexibility.

DESIGN

The DX340 retains the versatile dual-boot system, giving users the flexibility to choose between two distinct operating modes. On one hand, you have the full Android OS, complete with WiFi, Bluetooth, and access to the Google Play Store for apps, offering a familiar and feature-rich experience. On the other hand, there’s Mango OS, a streamlined, Unix-based playback-only environment that prioritizes pure audio performance by dedicating all system resources exclusively to music reproduction, free from the distractions of unnecessary background processes. You can seamlessly boot the DX340 into either mode, depending on your needs.

Compared to its predecessor, the DX320, the DX340 makes meaningful hardware upgrades. While the DX320 featured Android 11, a Snapdragon 660 processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, the DX340 steps up its game with an optimized Android 13, a more efficient Snapdragon 665 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and double the internal storage at 256 GB. These enhancements ensure smoother multitasking, faster app performance, and ample space for high-resolution audio libraries.

Another notable change is the shift in display technology. The DX320’s 6.5” LED screen has been replaced by a stunning 6” AMOLED display on the DX340. This new OLED panel not only delivers richer colors, deeper blacks, and improved contrast but also aligns with the premium standards of modern smartphones. Despite the slightly smaller size, the DX340’s display feels like a significant upgrade, striking a perfect balance between usability and visual quality while maintaining a sleek, pocket-friendly form factor.

BUILD QUALITY

The DX340 shares the same bold design language as the DX260, characterized by aggressive angular lines, sharp geometric edges, and a rugged yet sophisticated metal chassis. That said, the DX340’s build quality is undeniably premium. Unlike the DX260’s matte aluminum shell, it upgrades to a solid stainless steel chassis with a sleek, brushed finish, machined from a single block for a hefty, luxurious feel.

While visually striking, its design prioritizes form over practicality - daily use without a protective case feels risky, as the sharp edges and angular profile seem prone to scuffs or dings. Personally, I find the DX320’s rounded, modern contours far more ergonomic and visually cohesive. The DX340’s edgy aesthetic leans uncomfortably "unfinished" for my taste, a gentle roast from me. LOL.

PACKAGING & ACCESSORIES

• DX340 DAP

• USB-C Cable

• 12V External Power Adapter

• Coaxial Cable

• Burn-In Cable

• Leather Case

• Screen Protectors

• Warranty Card

Ensuring comprehensive connectivity right out of the box, the package incorporates a USB-C to full-size USB Type-A adapter, providing versatility for various devices. Alongside this connectivity solution, the box encompasses a quick guide for swift setup and an after-sales booklet, which impressively caters to a multitude of languages. This inclusive approach not only enhances the user experience but also reflects a commitment to clear communication and support for a diverse user base.

BATTERY

The DX340 retains the dual-battery design that has become a hallmark of iBasso’s engineering. It features a 2100mAh analog battery and a 4000mAh digital battery. It offers 8-9 hours of playback over the 4.4mm Balanced output and 9-10 hours over the 3.5mm Single-Ended output, both at medium gain with the volume set to 40 out of 100 steps. This makes it a reliable companion for extended listening sessions. When connected to a USB charger, the device intelligently switches to external power, allowing you to conserve battery life while using it on the go—a thoughtful feature for portable audio enthusiasts.

Recharging is equally efficient, with the batteries reaching full capacity in approximately 2.5 hours. This ensures minimal downtime and keeps the DX340 ready for action whenever you need it. Whether you're commuting or traveling, the combination of long battery life and fast charging enhances the overall user experience, striking a perfect balance between convenience and performance.

A notable evolution in the DX340’s design is the inclusion of a dedicated DC-in (12V) input on the stock AMP15 module. This allows for independent power delivery to the internal amplifier section via the included external AC/DC 12V wall adapter. In this configuration, the digital battery still needs to be charged, but the analog battery is bypassed entirely, as the amp section draws power directly from the external supply.

This bypass mode not only simplifies power management but also enhances performance. When powered by the internal analog battery, the maximum balanced (BAL) output is rated at 1.2W. However, switching to the DC-in bypass mode boosts the output to an impressive 2.15W. This increase is accompanied by a rise in amplifier voltage from 6.23Vrms to 8.3Vrms, resulting in improved audio performance with greater headroom and dynamic range. It’s a clever design choice that caters to audiophiles seeking both convenience and uncompromising sound quality.

SOUND

Delving into the sound performance of the iBasso DX340 has been both a rewarding and eye-opening journey, and I’m excited to share my thoughts. The player delivers music with remarkable clarity, intricate detail, and a refined sense of musicality that breathes life into every track. What sets it apart isn’t just its technical prowess, it’s how it unveils hidden layers and textures within recordings, revealing nuances that might otherwise remain unnoticed.

This review is rooted in my personal listening experience, aiming to provide an honest and insightful perspective on what makes the DX340 a standout device for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. It’s not merely about numbers or specifications; it’s about how this player connects you to your music in a deeper, more meaningful way.

BASS

The DX340 presents a sound profile that straddles neutrality and warmth, offering a pristine, uncolored reproduction that honors the original recording. Its bass response is a standout, deep-reaching, and articulate, with rapid transient resolution and remarkable texture. The sub-bass delivers a visceral, layered rumble, while the mid-bass strikes with precision and agility. Decay is impeccably managed, maintaining clarity and avoiding bloat, even during complex passages. Though the bass is both prominent and authoritative, it remains disciplined, never overshadowing the midrange or highs, fostering a cohesive and dynamic listen.

A defining feature of the DX340 is its suite of five harmonic filters. Among these, the H2 filter is recommended for its ability to refine tonality, adding a touch of organic warmth and smoothness. This setting also subtly narrows the imaging toward the center stage, introducing delicate midrange coloration that enriches vocal and instrumental timbre, granting the sound a more lifelike presence and balanced character. For listeners seeking authenticity with a nuanced twist, the H2 configuration elevates the DX340’s performance to a truly captivating level.

MID

The DX340’s midrange, particularly in H2 mode, is a masterclass in natural reproduction. It delivers a seamless, linear transition from lower to upper mids, free from harshness or artificial coloration, resulting in an organic, lifelike presentation. Clarity is impeccable, with micro-details effortlessly retrieved to unveil the subtlest nuances in vocals and instrumentation. Upper midrange resolution shines brilliantly, hi-hats shimmer with crystalline airiness, cymbal crashes brim with tactile texture, and vocals (both male and female) radiate with vibrant emotion and radiant clarity. Despite the DX340’s robust bass, the mids retain their prominence, ensuring vocals and instruments remain vividly centered in the mix.

In the upper midrange and lower treble, the DX340 excels with pinpoint precision, offering pristine separation of elements and a sparkling clarity that never veers into sibilance. Here, the H1 filter introduces a crisper, more incisive edge compared to the H2’s smoother tonality, catering to listeners who prefer a slightly brighter, more energetic top end. The H2, however, strikes a sublime balance; its detailed yet velvety treble ensures fatigue-free listening while preserving the music’s inherent dynamics and spatial realism.

HIGH

The DX340’s treble performance is a study in precision and refinement. In H1 mode, the presentation is crisp and sparkling, with airy extension and razor-sharp detail retrieval, while the H2 filter smooths the top end into a seamlessly open soundscape, free from harshness or fatigue. Both settings deliver exceptional resolution, transparency, and a sense of boundless headroom, expanding the soundstage vertically to create an immersive, three-dimensional space. Acoustic instruments thrive here, guitars exhibit tactile crispness without ever crossing into sibilance, and high-frequency textures feel both vivid and natural.

Recent testing with the 7Hz Timeless 2 and Simgot ET142 IEMs reveals even greater treble sophistication when paired with the DX340. The synergy unlocks a newfound airiness and brilliance, elevating high-frequency detail retrieval to transcendent levels. Cymbals, strings, and spatial cues are rendered with microscopic clarity, yet the treble never loses its organic warmth or balance. Whether in H1’s energetic shimmer or H2’s velvety smoothness, the DX340’s treble remains a benchmark, effortlessly detailed, naturally timbre, and utterly captivating. This is a tuning that honors the source material while adding a touch of audiophile magic.

SOUNDSTAGE & IMAGING

The DX340’s imaging and soundstage redefine expectations for a portable DAP, delivering a spatial experience that rivals and often surpasses devices at significantly higher price points. The soundstage is breathtakingly expansive: wide, holographic, and layered with palpable depth and height, creating a three-dimensional canvas that envelops the listener. Instrument separation is nothing short of extraordinary, with every vocal and instrumental element meticulously placed in its own distinct space, fostering an immersive, "beyond-the-head" auditory panorama.

When paired with the Moondrop Variations, this synergy reaches new heights. The soundstage blossoms into a vivid, holographic expanse, stretching wide and deep while projecting sound outward with striking realism. Unlike other sources, the DX340 balances the Variations’ signature with finesse, the bass remains deeply impactful yet subtly forward-leaning, anchoring the mix without overwhelming it. The midrange unfolds as an intricate tapestry of detail, richly layered and effortlessly transparent, avoiding the pitfalls of over-analytical dryness. The treble is crisp yet organic, blending seamlessly with the lower frequencies to enhance the holographic presentation. The result is a transcendent listening experience where music feels unshackled from physical confines, drawing you into its spatial depths with captivating realism. This pairing isn’t just a match, it’s a revelation.

DX340 VS DX260

While the DX260 earned acclaim as the least "digital-sounding" DAP under $1000, the DX340 transcends its predecessor entirely, delivering a more organic and immersive auditory experience. Tonally, the DX340 leans into a warm-neutral character rather than strict reference accuracy, with its harmonic filters allowing hardware-level customization. H1 emphasizes neutrality and linearity, while H2 injects musicality through enriched sub-bass depth and treble extension, catering to diverse listener preferences.

The DX340’s soundstage emerges as truly transformative, expanding into a more open, expansive, and holographic space compared to the DX260’s already impressive capabilities. Its spatial imaging dazzles with rich depth and intricate layering, crafting an immersive, "live concert" atmosphere that feels unrestrained and authentically natural. While both devices deliver stellar resolution, the DX340’s analog-like warmth and vast, enveloping staging elevate its realism to another level. The DX260 shines with surgical precision, but the DX340 mesmerizes by blurring the line between recorded audio and real-world immersion, cementing its role as a pioneering leap in portable audio design.

DX340 VS D16

Comparing the DX340 and D16 reveals some intriguing nuances in tonality and technical performance. Both setups share a similar sonic foundation: smooth, textured, and articulate, but there are subtle differences worth noting. The DX340 leans slightly warmer in the midrange compared to the D16, which offers a touch more transparency. However, these variations are relatively minor and far from drastic.

The more noticeable contrasts emerge in their technical execution. The D16 exhibits a faster, more impactful mid-bass punch and a slightly more expansive soundstage, creating a more holographic and three-dimensional presentation of instruments and vocals. In contrast, the DX340 delivers a more relaxed mid-bass response while maintaining rich sub-bass texture. Its soundstage is impressively wide but retains a natural, organic feel without pushing boundaries too far.

CONCLUSION

The DX340 sets a new benchmark for portable high-fidelity audio under $2000, eclipsing even its acclaimed predecessors in iBasso’s lineup, the DX260, D16, and DC-ELITE. This device isn’t just an evolution; it’s a leap forward. iBasso has once again proven its knack for innovation, blending audacious engineering with meticulous craftsmanship.

Encased in a stunning, all-new solid stainless-steel chassis, the DX340 exudes premium build quality, while its vibrant OLED display and intuitive interface elevate user experience. At its core, the FPGA-Master 3.0 architecture ensures flawless signal processing, marrying technical precision with musicality.

For audiophiles craving uncompromising fidelity in a pocket-sized powerhouse, the DX340 delivers. It combines jaw-dropping soundstage depth, holographic imaging, and a masterfully balanced signature that honors every detail of the source material. Whether paired with flagship IEMs or driving demanding headphones, it offers authority, nuance, and an uncanny ability to disappear into the music.

In a crowded market, the DX340 doesn’t just compete, it redefines what’s possible at this price point. For those seeking a portable DAP that marries cutting-edge technology with timeless audio excellence, the DX340 isn’t just a contender - IT’S THE NEW STANDARD.