iBasso Audio SR1 Review

SR1

$499

8.7

Sound Signature

8.2/10

Build Quality/Design/Accessories

8.8/10

Value

9.0/10

Pros

• Great Value, Removable Cables, Quality Leather Headband
• Excellent design style and build quality, light weight
• Powerful warm open natural sound signature

Cons

• Limited availability might make these hard to get
• Cable screw jack for 3.5 will protrude from source and cannot be flush
• Source dependent, Stock earpads congest signature but easy fix with perforate pads

Digital Audio Player Pairings

We noticed that the sound signature changed quite a lot depending on the source pairing and mastering level of recording.

Pairing with the iBasso DX200 with AMP 8

This pairing worked very well. The signatures treble presence was more striking and feels very well balanced. Signature weight is strong with a good sense of texture. This was our preferred pairing.

Pairing with the Astell and Kern AK380 Copper player and Amplifier

The SP1000 had a natural sound style, weighted body with excellent balance and slightly brighter signature.  Good synergy.

Pairing with the Astell and Kern AK380 Copper player and Amplifier

Energetic, powerful and with strong attack weight. A more dynamic style when pairing with the beautiful Astell and Kern AK380CU flagship  player.

Pairing with Cowon Plenue P1

This did not pair well with the SR1 and made the signature overly thick, mushy and too coloured for us.

Our recommendation would be to pick a more transparent Dap to compliment the general warm signature of the SR1, but it all depends on your personal preference.

These Headphones are relatively easy to drive but we suggest a more powerful source to get the full experience.

We felt the DX200 with AMP8 provided our preferred signature synergy.