MAGICAL SYNERGY — IBASSO DX220/AMP1 Mk II & VISION EARS EVE2020

WHAT

The experience with the iBASSO DX220 ($979) was both unexpected and profound. It was difficult from our research to gauge its “sound profile”—reference, bright, neutral, warm—given the divergence of reviewer opinions. Then upon use with our stable of reference gear (analog-like, organic, rich with sublime transparency) its modus operandi became clear to us—it is that rarest of creatures—a “sound chameleon.” There was not the slightest inkling, whatsoever, of the iBASSO DX220 being “analytical” via our review process at all (even when allied to other “analytical” equipment, that we subsequently sent back, for being analytical)!  That’s our subjective explanation, of course.

The iBASSO DX220 with AMP1 Mk II fits nicely in the hand, is easy to pocket for OTG listening, is of a beautiful industrial design, is modular, and priced very competitively, as it will best players far above its price point. Finally, this player will have you listening to a universe of genres and music. That said, we highly recommended the iBASSO DX220 with AMP1 Mk II. And we give it our GOLD KEYNOTE award.

The VISION EARS EVE ($1,300) is an exceptional IEM that beautifully covers all the bases—sweet, extended treble, thunderous bass, striking musicality, and a marvelous transparency. And as mentioned above, I have turned away ultra expensive IEMs, for that matter, unreviewed, and unmentioned, thereafter, that did not match up. 

Prior to this, I thought the Fiio FH5 ($259) an outstanding IEM relative to price/performance ratio, in that it could easily compete with far more expensive IEMs. The VISION EARS EVE now takes over that designation.

WHY

The iBASSO DX220 and the VISION EARS EVE are both exceptional products that individually and collectively challenge Top-of-the-Line (TOTL) products across both DAP and IEM categories! And together, they are a music lover’s dream—volumes of detail and analog-like musicality, that at their collective price point, we believe, are without peer.

We welcome the iBASSO DX220 and the VISION EARS EVE as another Magical Synergy in our category of Magical Synergies.