At the time this review was written the iBasso D14 Bushmaster DAC/Amplifier was for sale on Penon Audio’s website. Here is a link to iBasso’s product page display, and also a listing on Penon Audio:
http://www.ibasso.com/cp_xq_dy.php?id=288
http://penonaudio.com/iBasso-D14
Introduction
The only other iBasso product I’ve reviewed to this point has been the DX-80 DAP. It was a positive experience that left me curious to experience more of their products. When I heard that iBasso was looking for someone to review the D14 Bushmaster, I jumped on the opportunity. Reading the specs and versatile range of applications, there wasn’t any reason to not give it a try.
The iBasso D14 has been around for a while now. The product came along as the Sabre ES9018 series DAC chip was gaining popularity. The folks at iBasso has implemented the Sabre32 ES9018K2M chip into the Bushmaster, and added features that makes it a fun a versatile unit. Let’s go over it with a comprehensive review.
Disclaimer
I was given a free sample of the D14 to sample and write an honest and unbiased review. I am in no way affiliated with iBAsso. I would like to personally thank Extreme Audio for the opportunity to cover this product, and share my experience with the Head-Fi community.
Review
The D14 comes in a black and white box with blue accents. The front of the box features a picture of the Bushmaster along with brand and product name.
The back of the box lists some key features. The sides of the box doesn’t have anything notable to mention. Inside of the package are two more black boxes. One contains the product accessories, the other contains the D14 resting in a foam cutout.
Specifications and Accessories
Specification
Power Source: Built-in 4.2V Li-polymer Battery or external power
Frequency Response: 17Hz-20KHz +/-1dB (DAC)
17Hz-100KHz+/-0.2dB (AMP).
Signal to Noise Ratio: 115dB, 116dB (Amp)
Crosstalk: 106dB (DAC).
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.0018%@1kHz/-10dBF (DAC)
0.0012%@1kHz/max volume (AMP)
Output power: Up to 400mW+400mW into 32ohm
Gain: +3dB and +9dB (AMP).
Battery Life: 13 hours AMP+DAC or 25 hours if amp only.
Battery Charge Time: 5 hours.
External Power supply: 5V DC
Recommended Headphone Impedance: 8-300
Output impedance: 0.1ohm.
Case dimension: 2.4W x 4.1Lx 0.8H (inch)
60W x 104Lx 20H (mm)
Weight: 149g or 5.26oz
Accessories
iBasso Mini Audio D14
Pouch
USB cable,
3.5mm to 3.5mm interconnect
OTG cable
3.5mm coaxial cable
Silicone strap
The Accessories package is very decent. The OTG cable is a weird configuration by today’s standards, using a Micro USB to Mini USB mode of transmission. More on this in a bit. The accessories package covers most inputs (but not all applications). If you have a DAP or smartPhone, you won’t need anything beyond the accessories package to use your D14.
Design
The Bushmaster (love that name) is housed in a brushed aluminum exterior. The options come in two different finishes (black or silver). The device weighs in at 149 grams and is about the size of a deck of cards. The amplifier feels very solid and premium in terms of build.
One end of the unit operates all output functionality. There is a heavy duty analog volume pot, line in/out (preamp) and headphone output jack for use with headphones. A High/Low gain switch is also located on this end of the device.
The opposite end has a SPDIF input that works for both Optical and Coaxial modes of music transmission. A mini USB plug is available and used for both USB DAC functionality and charging the device. A switch next to the input allows owners to decide whether or not the mini USB should receive a charge from whatever device it is connected to. Another switch is placed on this side to allow owners to choose the correct input for their application. Choices are AUX (line in), SPDIF (coaxial or optical), and USB (digital connection via the mini USB port).
Functionality
The D14 Bushmaster offers a lot of features for a portable amplifier. There are a lot of possibilities as to how this device can be used. There’s several input options to choose from, which allow the device to be used as a stand alone DAC, Amplifier, or combination DAP/Amplifier.
Bushmaster’s amplifier pumps out 400+400mW into 32 ohms and has high and low gain settings. I was able to drive everything from very sensitive in-ear monitors to High Impedance full size headphones upwards of 300 Ohms. Although output settings were not as customizable as something like the micro iDSD, it was formidable and works really well for a portable amplifier.
There are no bass boost or EQ options. More times than not bass boosts on a portable amplifier makes a mess of the low end. Because of this, bass boost is not something I look for in a portable DAC/Amplifier these days. Your mileage may vary however. Any sound tweaks you make will need to come from the source you use the D14 with.
SPDIF Inputs
Digital Coaxial
I was also able to connect to D14 to any source with a digital coaxial output with no problems. Anything with a SPDIF out could be utilized with the provided stock digital coax interconnect. A digital coaxial to RCA style digital adapter is needed to use the D14 with a source with a RCA style digital output.
Optical Input
The first thing I thought of when I realized the D14 had a Toslink optical input was utilizing it with my DX-80 optical output. It’s a bummer that the D14 doesn’t come with an optical transmission cable. Fortunately, I was able to find a really nice (and very reasonably priced) Toslink cable on Amazon. Here is a link:
https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Audio-Premium-Quality-Connectors/dp/B01AFIMKH2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1469511981&sr=8-5&keywords=ibasso+d14
USB Input
A mini USB port is used to receive digital audio signals from a computer’s USB output, and also from smartphones.
When connecting the D14 to my laptop, I was able to use the provided USB charging/data transfer cable to replace my computer’s sound card and amplifier. On my windows computer drivers needed to be downloaded from iBasso’s website, unzipped and installed. It isn’t the most complex process in the world, but can be difficult for someone with limited computer skills or knowledge.
When connecting the D14 to my LG V10, I was able to do this by using the supplied micro USB to mini USB cable. This is not a common cable and I would have preferred to see a micro to micro USB mode of transmission for sake of convenience, and because it seems to be a more mainstream application.
When linking the Bushmaster an Iphone 6, I was able to do so by using a IOS lightning to USB camera connection kit (not included) along with the supplied USB charging/data cable. Functionality was fine, but there was a lot of cable involved in this application, making this connection not ideal in terms of portability.
Line In/Out
Line out connection from the DX-80 to the D14. An aftermarket JDS Labs interconnect was used in this picture.
Line In
This is pretty standard. Run the line out on a DAP to the D14 via a 3.5 mm interconnect cable (included in the accessories package) and access the amplifier section of the Bushmaster.
Line Out
Just the opposite of line in and utilizing the amplifier, you can run a digital source into the D14, and run the line out into another amplifier, utilizing the Bushmaster’s DAC.
All in all, the Bushmaster gives you a bunch of options in terms of its use. This is one of the devices biggest strengths, and a reason I consider this to be a good value for it’s price. It’s not too often you get this much versatility, functionality and options at this low of a price. Optical Toslink input usually comes at a much higher asking price.
Battery
The rechargeable battery is rated at thirteen hours when used as a combination of DAC and amplifier. When used solely as an amplifier (line input) the battery life nearly doubles to twenty five hours. I found the functionality and performance was superior when used as a DAC/amplifier (via optical toslink with my DX-80). I got one or two days (three at the most) of regular use (a few hours each day) before needing to recharge the device. The D14 needs about four to five hours to charge, depending on how depleted the battery is and what charger you’re using.
One thing to note, there is no automatic shut off on the Bushmaster. Forget to turn the unit off (by turning the volume pot counterclockwise until there’s a click and the device shuts off) and you will be dealing with a drained or dead device that needs recharging. Also, make sure to switch the device to charge when plugging it into a charger. Not doing so will make the time spent plugged in useless. On top of this, make sure to switch the device from charge to no charge when using it with a portable device like a cell phone via USB connection. Not doing so will result in a application error due to the D14 attempting to draw juice from your DAP or smartphone. Long story short, the bushmaster isn’t dummy-proof. The D14 versatility requires owners to make sure the device settings are inline with the corresponding mode of operation.
Sound
The D14’s ES9018K2M chip is linear, detailed and crisp. The internal amplifier follows suit. All in all when using the device with most sources, the overall impression I got from listening to it is that it follows suit with other devices I’ve listened to with the ES9018 chip. Examples would be the Shanling H3, Hifimediy Sabre 9018 DAC/Amplifier, and also my LG-V10 in HiFi mode. The overall impression I get is linear and detailed, packing a lot of micro-details and transparency.
The Bushmaster runs at a max output of 32bit/384kHz (32bit/192kHz on my Windows laptop). There is no problems in terms of file handling. It played all my music files including FLAC and DSD.
I’m not going to say that the Bushmaster sound is overly bright, but is on the more linear side of things. It “cools down” the warmer and more musical sound of my DX-80 when paired together. Same thing applies when pairing it with my Luxury and Precision L5. I think anyone who’s heard the ES9018 chip will understand what I’m trying to explain here.
The Bushmaster pairs with every headphone I have, thanks to the gain settings and out somewhat versatile output power. The D14 manages to avoid audible background hiss from most of my more sensitive in-ear monitors. In high gain the Bushmaster packs enough power to get high impedance full size cans bumping.
While just about any earphone will sound good, I preferred to use the D14 with warmer and bassier earphones. The detail and transparency combined with a bassier earphone created a “best of both worlds” type of scenario for me. Your mileage may vary.
NOTE: The Bushmaster sounds considerably better through a digital input than through the 3.5 mm line input. There is noticeable increases in clarity, detail and separation, especially when used via the optical input.
I would definitely recommend the D14 to someone who wants natural and crisp sound. I wouldn’t recommend the D14 to bassheads, or those looking to add warmth and musicality to their setup. The D14 isn’t geared for this.
Comparisons
Shanling H3 ($275-$300 USD on many sites)
The Shanling H3 was a personal favorite for some time. The H3 packs the same ES9018K2M DAC chip and has line in, USB, and bluetooth options, making it a superb cell phone companion for audio enthusiasts. I really enjoy being able to enjoy top of the line sound via bluetooth, all while not having to stack my phone into a rig or needing to take the portable amplifier out of my pocket in order to control music playback.
Comparing the two, they are almost identical sound signatures. The D14 has almost twice as much output power. This makes the H3 slightly more ideal for in ear monitors, and the D14 better suited for full size headphones (although still very formidable for IEMs).
The D14 offers more inputs and output options. The optical and digital coaxial input of the D14 are something the H3 doesn’t have. The Bluetooth option of the H3 is something iBasso doesn’t offer with their device. Battery life is slightly better on the D14.
If I’m going to a Head-Fi meet I’m bringing my DX-80 and stacking it with my D14 Bushmaster. If I’m commuting or going to work with a pair of in-ear monitors I’m bringing my H3. They are both solid devices that have a lot to offer. If you still aren’t decided which one you’d prefer, the current asking price of the D14 is about fifty dollars cheaper.
Cayin C5 ($150-$200 UDS on many sites)
I still love the C5 several years after its release. No, it’s not a DAC, but I am a firm believer that you don’t have to have a DAC in order for a portable to sound good as long as it has premium components and is connected to a good source. The C5 has something special under the hood that makes it really fun to listen to. It presents a powerful and entertaining sound.
Comparing the two, the C5 is larger and not as solidly built as the D14. The plastic components of the C5 seem frail and cheap as compared to the more solid build of the Bushmaster. Soundwise, the C5 brings a very powerful and more musical and dynamic sound to the table. The C5 pumps out 800+800 mW at 32 Ohms, twice as powerful as the D14. High gain on the C5 is insanely powerful, making it ideal for even the most demanding full size headphones. With all that power there’s drawbacks. They aren’t what I would consider ideal for in-ear monitors (advantage D14) and the C5 gets pretty warm with extended use (especially when used in a pocket). Another negative is the C5 battery life. It is rated at twelve hours but I don’t get that much use before it’s dead. Also, there is slow battery dissipation with the C5. Charge it completely and leave it in a drawer for a month and you’ll most likely have to give it another charge before using it again.
D14 gets a huge advantage for its DAC functionality, more universal drivability factor, multiple input options, and line out functionality. Long story short, the C5 is more powerful and musical, while the D14 is way more versatile and universally capable of making all of your earphones and headphones sound good.
Conclusion
I think the D14 is a nice little DAC/Amplifier for its price. I think they really nailed it in terms of inputs and outputs. The versatile of this thing will make it a great pickup for someone getting more serious about sound quality. The fact that it will work with just about any source under the sun is a big plus.
I don’t think the D14 sound is going to blow people’s minds, due to the fact that it is geared more for neutrality rather than emphasized bass and warm dynamic midrange. For my preference it could use a touch more dynamics, warmth and texture. The D14 is a fantastic companion to the DX-80. They compliment each other really well. The optical connection is sweet, and the various inputs and outputs makes them fun to use together.
When rating this product I have to take all criterias into account (including price to performance). I give the D14 four and a half stars for design, five stars for build quality, five stars for versatility, three and a half stars for accessories (no optical toslink, digital coax to digital RCA adapter, or connection for apple), and four to four and a half stars for sound quality. Average them out, the D14 gets four and a half stars. For the price they’ve done an excellent job, and packed a ton of features into this device.
Thanks for reading and happy listening!