iBasso D10

iBasso D10, $245, iBasso, Returned, Refunded

Good amp, but not as good as the D4.  Don't need optical in, thought it was important, but not needed.   The soundstage is not in the same league as the D4. 

Build Quality - 6.5, potentiometer a little funky, not as well made as uDAC

Bass - 7

Mid Range - 6, mids a little recessed

Treble - 6, a little bright

Rating 1-10, 10 being the best

Portable Amps

Portable Amps

1. iBasso D10 - Smaller than imagined, Chinese BBQ smell, a little unnerving, also the potentiometer makes a click when turning on that sounds like something is loose.  Not as well made as I imagined, potentiometer does not track well, from 6 to 9 seems out of proportion to 9 to 1.  Makes me appreciate the uDAC craftsmanship. More detailed than 222, but not as spacious or detailed as NFB-12, makes me want to try Nuforce HDP.  Curios about USB vs. optical.  Black background.
2. uDAC-1 - Not as detailed as D10, not as powerful, not as detailed.  But for half the price pretty damn close.
3. Behringer UCA 222 - For $30 great deal!  HD201 and UCA 222 may be the perfect $50 setup.  Not very loud and not as musical as the uDAC, but detailed and fun.  Not a powerful as D10, not as detailed, not as spacious, but a 10th the cost, pretty good.