iBasso DX270: R2R DAC DAP Officially Launched

The iBasso DX270 was officially released today (26) in China. The new Digital Audio Player (DAP) from iBasso features an 8-channel R2R DAC with 344 high-precision resistors and a fully balanced design. In addition, the DAP comes with two operating systems: Android 13 and Mango OS, a Linux-based audio-focused platform.

The “R2R Ultra” technology used in the iBasso DX270

The iBasso DX270 uses a hybrid combination of a 20-bit R2R DAC + 4-bit string DAC, which allows the creation of a fully balanced 8-channel R2R DAC architecture, according to the manufacturer. The company also explains the advantages of this implementation, stating:

“Compared to traditional single-ended R2R DACs, the DX270 adopts an 8-channel balanced scheme, in which two independent R2R arrays operate in balanced mode for each channel. Through the natural advantages of a balanced design — excellent common-mode noise rejection, better signal-to-noise ratio, and higher soundstage density — it is possible to reduce noise and interference from the source of the signal.
The DX270 adopts a hybrid architecture composed of a 20-bit R2R DAC + 4-bit string DAC. In the most sensitive upper bit range (MSB), the string DAC is used, offering excellent linearity and low distortion, ensuring accurate level transitions and smooth sonic detail. Meanwhile, the R2R DAC provides natural advantages in density and tonal texture.”

iBasso states that the entire circuit remains fully balanced:

“From the pre-amplification stage to the headphone amplifier output, the entire circuit maintains a fully balanced configuration. Even very small-amplitude signals can be accurately restored, delivering excellent micro-dynamic resolution and rich detail.”

FPGA-based algorithm improves R2R DAC performance

According to iBasso, the DX270 includes an FPGA chip that uses a proprietary algorithm working together with a hardware compensation network that employs 76 matched precision resistors to correct variations between components, further reducing errors caused by resistor mismatch in the R2R ladder.

Android 13 with SRC bypass

Android 13 on the DX270 has been modified by iBasso to bypass the operating system mixer, preventing SRC from resampling audio to 48 kHz. Both the Mango Player app and third-party audio applications installed on Android retain the original sample rate end-to-end, without alteration.

iBasso DX270 — Specifications

General Parameters

Body material: Aluminum alloy

Display: 5.5 inches, 1080×2160 resolution, In-cell capacitive touchscreen

Supported audio formats: APE, FLAC, WAV, WMA, ACC, ALAC, AIFF, OGG, MP3, DFF, DSF, DXD, DST (via CUE), ISO, M3U, M3U8

USB interface: TYPE-C USB 3.1 (supports USB-DAC function)

Audio outputs:

• 4.4 mm balanced headphone out
• 4.4 mm balanced line-out
• 3.5 mm single-ended headphone out
• 3.5 mm single-ended line-out
• Digital USB output / USB-DAC function

Bluetooth: V5.0

Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)

Memory: 4 GB RAM, 128 GB ROM, expandable via MicroSD (TF) card

Battery: 4,400 mAh, nominal voltage 3.8 V (supports fast charging)

Dimensions: approx. 136 mm × 73.5 mm × 19 mm

Weight: approx. 265 g

Box contents

DX270, 12 V DC power supply, TYPE-C data cable, coaxial cable, clear protective case,
screen protector, user manual, quick-release tool

Audio Specifications

4.4 mm Balanced Headphone Output

Output voltage:

• 7.37 Vrms (with 12 V DC power)
• 6 Vrms (battery)

Output power:

• 1575 mW + 1575 mW @ 32 Ω — THD < 0.1% (12 V DC)
• 1050 mW + 1050 mW @ 32 Ω — THD < 0.1% (battery)

Frequency response: 10 Hz ~ 40 kHz (−1 dB)

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 128 dB

Dynamic range: 128 dB

THD+N: −95 dB (A-weighted, 600 Ω load)

Channel separation: 130 dB

Output impedance: 0.7 Ω

3.5 mm Single-Ended Headphone Output

Output voltage:

• 3.73 Vrms (with 12 V DC power)
• 3 Vrms (battery)

Output power:

• 416 mW + 416 mW @ 32 Ω — THD < 0.1% (12 V DC)
• 287 mW + 287 mW @ 32 Ω — THD < 0.1% (battery)

Frequency response: 10 Hz ~ 40 kHz (−1 dB)

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 122 dB

Dynamic range: 122 dB

THD+N: −95 dB (A-weighted, 600 Ω load)

Channel separation: 118 dB

Output impedance: 0.5 Ω

4.4 mm Balanced Line-Out

Output voltage:

• 4 Vrms (DAC High Gain)
• 3 Vrms (DAC Low Gain)

Frequency response: 10 Hz ~ 40 kHz (−1 dB)

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 130 dB

Dynamic range: 130 dB

THD+N: −97 dB (A-weighted, 200 kΩ load)

Channel separation: 135 dB

Launch, Price, and Availability

The iBasso DX270 was released on December 26, 2025, priced at 7,899 yuan (about US$ 1,124), and according to iBasso representative Paul, its suggested international retail price is US$ 1,149.