Another DX270 vs M33 post…
Well… As per the title, I was fortunate enough to test the iBasso DX270 and FiiO M33 side-by-side for quite some time.
I am relatively new to this hobby. After deciding I was tired of not owning my own music, I jumped into MP3 players and subsequently fell into the world of Hi-Res gear about 6 months ago.
Man, this rabbit hole is deep!!
FWIW, I’d like to share my impressions after some extensive A/B listening to help others decide which one is right for them.
iBasso DX270 advantages over M33
Sound Quality: Overall better sounding; the soundstage feels larger, the bass is punchier, and it is more detailed without sounding too bright or clinical. It feels like a traditional but refined R2R sound. However M33 sounds really great.
Software: iBasso is known for being open to software modifications. Being able to install optimizations like Anantar or Matt’s optimization (from head-fi) is definitely an advantage.
Display: The screen is brighter, and even though both devices use the same screen technology, the DX270 is calibrated differently with better contrast and saturation.
Line-Out: As an owner of the PB6, having a dedicated line-out is a huge plus.
Output Power: The DX270 can output 1050mW on battery and 1500mW with the 12v power supply, while the M33 gets up to 1100mW only at desktop mode. The DX270 almost matches the power output of the M33 without the need for external power, making it suitable for driving more demanding headphones.
Longevity: The replaceable battery is a great feature for long-term ownership.
Support: After-sales support (especially when purchasing through Bloom Audio) is excellent.
FiiO M33 advantages over DX270
Battery Bypass / Desktop mode: FiiO’s implementation of Desktop mode and battery bypass is way better than ibasso’s (which makes sense as FiiO patented it).
Volume Wheel vs buttons: While volume wheel looks cool, it can lead to unwanted clicks when using the device portably (e.g., sliding it in and out of a pocket), even when the wheel is set to "screen on only.” On the other hand, M33 feels better for pocket use.
Touch Sensitivity and Responsiveness: The touch response of DX270 seems reduced when using a glass screen protector; it occasionally fails to register touches, which makes the device feel less responsive. I solved this by switching to a TPU protector, but it feels like it could be a hardware limitation. Which of course on M33 the issue is non existent.
Additionally, even though DX270 is smooth enough for daily use, it is using a slower CPU and less RAM, which makes M33 to feel faster when using streaming apps and overall navigation through the OS.
Ergonomics: while they have similar dimensions, DX270 feels noticeably bigger and wider in the hand.
Price: $699 vs $1229 almost a 2x difference, this is where the law of diminishing returns makes the most sense at all, the DX270 sound noticeable better, but not 2x times better, people who get the DX270 values the sound quality, output power, dedicated Line Out, ibasso’s software and battery replacements.
TLDR; iBasso DX270 sounds noticeably better, but not 2 times better, while DX270 have some clear advantages, for most people M33 is enough and potentially endgame.
Edit: forgot to add my decision on them, I’ll keep both, M33 for listening on the go and DX270 for listening at home plugged in on PB6.