Regular visitors to HiFi Headphones may have noticed we’ve listed the iBasso D2 in our headphone amplifier section. Last week we received a couple of samples of each iBasso model to test. The results were so positive we went ahead and listed them immediately and put our first order in (we’re expecting stock from in approx 3 weeks).
There are other models in the range, including an ultra portable headphone amp called the iBasso T4 (it is VERY small and weighs just 29 grams) and a high end model that comes with various types of Op-Amp to swap over to alter the sound signature (one for the perfectionists).
The iBasso D2 works especially well with higher impedance earphones such as the Sleek Audio SA6 and Klipsch Image X10, where there is good improvement in depth of bass, as well as high frequency detail and soundstage. I’ve yet to test with lower impedance earphones (Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10’s, etc), but I would guess the effect is similar, but maybe not so pronounced.
Below is a photo of the iBasso D2 with my Sleek Audio SA6’s and an old iPod Nano:
In my opinion the most interesting application for the iBasso D2 is using the DAC with a laptop. With my IBM ThinkPad T62 laptop feeding the D2’s DAC and a pair of Sennheiser HD650’s the difference in overall sound quality is significant compared with the laptop’s standard headphone output. I would say this is the application where the biggest improvement in sound quality is seen.
More Information
For the range of iBasso headphone amps, including the iBasso D2 and iBasso T4, please visit the HiFi Headphones shop.
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February 6th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
I just spotted that What HiFi? Sound & Vision have picked up on the fact that we are listing the iBasso D2. See the article iBasso combines headphone amplifier and USB DAC in a single portable unit.
The D2 is a great little unit. The fact it combines a DAC with the headphone amp makes it great device for road warriors with their laptops (I should know as I used to be travelling for work the whole time).
April 27th, 2009 at 9:40 am
The first UK review of the iBasso D2 DAC & headphone amp has just gone online at TrustedReviews.com.
They liked it so much they awarded the D2 the TrustedReviews Recommended seal. Praise indeed!
May 19th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Another iBasso D2 review has just been posted on CNET UK’s Crave blog.
Nate spent a long time with the D2 before writing the review and I know he has a good selection of headphones to test with, so this is well worth a read.