The Dx260mk2 is just not a beatable product at it’s price structure and possibly even greater. I typically start to look for a upgrade path in tech once I get something I truly like. However, once I got the Dx260mk2 I noticed that there isn’t a true upgrade path for me personally due to my none negotiables.
- I refuse to carry bricks size DAPS
- Must have Android 665 chipset and Android O/s 13 or higher is required
- Must have Zero noise floor
- Must have 1080p 5 inch screen no less or more
- Must have 600-1015mW per channel or greater at 32 ohms impedance through its balanced 4.4mm headphone output. It also must offer at least single-ended 3.5mm output with a lower power output of 280mW at 32 ohms
- Must have access to a replaceable battery for longevity and life long use, especial at the $599-$1100 or higher price range.
- Must have a Battery range of at least 12 or more hours.
- Lastly… must not get super warm just to use it’s best settings.
As you can tell above….my list pretty much eliminates every single device in the world of DAP but the Ibasso Family and specifically the dx180 and dx260. It was like they were meant for me. Your list may be different from mine, I understand this. But I do encourage you to do the same thing for yourself. Find out your non-negotiables and you will find that you have only a few options on the market that align with them possibly. This will help you avoid disappointments and returns. The Dx260mk2 is a direct upgrade to the dx180 but once you do this …there is no equal on the market for the Dx260mk2 if my non-negotiables are required. You can try the Fiio, Shanlings, Cayin, and others and none of them check the boxes of my non-negotiables like the Ibasso Dx Brothers. Maybe in the future there will be one but right now…this is the best there is for my needs.
Tech-N-Things 