USB DAC/amp (dongles)

One thing to note is that the M15C has more power and a wider voltage swing than the M15i. Can't compare the two sonically since I don't have an M15i either, but folks on that other forum generally said the M15C was warmer, slammier, and less detailed, and the M15i was closer to a true neutral with more detail. I don't get along with ESS DACs in general, so "detailed" there sounds like "fatiguing" to me. YMMV.

 

Going to say this just once since this is the wrong thread: A Cheaper DAP with T00Bs but using a closed in Android 8.1 OS (doesn't allow any external apps) in 2025 is insane. I still believe having T00Bs in a DAP is retarded on so many different levels. Other manufactures are messing around with T00Bs in their DAPs like Shanling (@Bina, why Shanling is getting into the act with their new flagship unit), which is an ewwww.

 

@Merrick Could you tell me if the cb19 is worth getting for the dc07pro? if the difference is minimal, I will just pass it for a nicer usb c cable.

 

I'll test it when It arrives, looking like Thursday.

 

you could have stopped whining about a bunch of obtuse garbage and just left it at this, sizzle chest.

 

Nope, because there's others who need to know the functionality of a dongle (they are people who are very picky on dongles). Great when you have a screen on the DC07 Pro to adjust settings if you are on iOS, but still need Windows if you need to do a Firmware update (not only with iBasso, but on other devices that happen to be from China as well). There are people here who don't touch Windows and only on MacOS for their desktop environment (trust me, there are some users here who only use MacOS for their Desktop environment), not having It is like "we hear you iOS users, but also f**k you too for LOL Mac."

Sound is on point, but it isn't a hall pass on calling out the flaws on the functionality of the dongle.

 

I have to say it never even occurred to me that any company making a dongle would release firmware updates unless something was broken.

 

Hey guys, y’all have gotten me super curious about the DC Elite, I’m considering picking one up, but it’s not cheap here in India. Is the volume wheel on the DCE easy to use?

 

Because of the two guards on either side, it can be tricky to grasp and turn, especially given the fact that there's a bit of resistance due to the stepped attenuator. Also, since it is a stepped attenuator, there are audible clicks when adjusting the volume and you have to make sure to stop in the right place, or you'll have a little channel imbalance. I got used to it pretty quickly, however, and it's well worth it, IMHO.

 

Wanted to put in a good word for the Fiio KA11 dongle. It's small (good!) and cheap (very good!) which means no interchangeable cable (not awesome) so you have to choose USBC or Lightnin when you buy it. It's got that detailed, high-resolution Cirrus sound but they stuck an opamp on the output of the DAC so the bass is a bit meatier than the iBasso DC03Pro (at least when listening via the Zero:2 IEMs) and -- to use a film camera metaphor -- it sounds more like medium format film than large format film (the DC03Pro sounds more like large format film, relative to what dongles are capable of). It has no UI aside from an LED so volume is controlled by the device, not the dongle. Pure essence of dongle! Mine had the "jumps to max volume" problem once ever (sucked, but would have sucked way more if plugged into BA IEMs haha).

 

Too bad my KA5 Fiio dongle bricked in a day.

 

DC04pro arrived a few days ago and so far it’s not getting along with the EX1000 using 4.4mm cable. Just doesn’t sound right, kind of too much mid range sucked out. Does fine with 3.5mm cables and 7hz timeless, but doesn’t sound all that different than the DC03pro. So no use case there, cuz 03 is smaller and uses less battery.

Maybe I’ll get some 4.4mm cables for my full size cans, but then again probably not. For $40 shipped it was a deal, but it will be another drawer dongle alongside my Centrance HD (which is decent for an AKM 4490 velveeta sound).

 

Anyone know if iBasso has any plans on making a battery powered DAC/amp like the hip doc or gryphon? They've got like 6 dongles or something and a bunch of DAP's, it seems a couple battery powered DAC/amps are missing in their lineup. One smaller with no Bluetooth and one a bit bigger with bluetooth.

I broke down and got a DC-07. I don't use my Cayin RU-6 that much but I don't think it sounds good anymore. I used to like it. I mostly just use it for music discovery like Bandcamp because I can't use airplay to the RED in performance mode. and I want performance!

 

They have the D16 Taipan, a battery powered DAC/amp with their in house discrete 1-bit PWM DAC, and the PB5 Osprey which is a dual nutube portable amp. They’re also going to release the D17 this year, which will have an in house built R2R DAC and NOS tubes. They’re going kind of nuts right now trying different things.

 

Finally got to test this. I do think the CB19 makes a difference but it's 5-10% tops. I'm hearing some better layering and maybe a bit better control on the drivers. I wouldn't bother frankly, especially given the trouble of having to stack an external battery or other power source to get this slight improvement.

 

@Merrick i got one already and I agree it’s a small difference. Wonder if the battery pack is the weakness. While I get less hash and refinement from the battery, I feel USB from my PC hits harder and the swings in dynamics are greater. Maybe I’ll use a powered USB hub when I get home for the power and see if it can combine the best of both worlds.

 

I have a powered USB hub, I'll try as well and we'll compare notes.

 

Powered hub sounding a lot better to my ears than the battery. More impactful, more dynamic.

 

@Merrick Lol ridiculous, but might just try the ifi power2 to see if it makes a difference. Fingers crossed.

 

I got myself a 'moondrop dawn pro', seeing as it was recommended in a few reviews as a good budget option, since my new phone no longer has a headphone out.
Their app isn't supported in my region (why? it's just for gain and filter settings anyway!), but i managed to get it working with a VPN - thankfully, after configuring it once the app isn't needed anymore, as the settings are saved on the dac itself.
I don't really have much to compare it to other than my old xperia 5 iv (with a half dead screen that isn't worth repairing).

The only thing bothering me, which is the same with most of these dongles, is the input and output being on opposite sides of the thing, and putting it in my pocket together with the phone is kind of uncomfortable & bulgy, but then again, having it just hanging outside the pocket is also annoying.
Has anyone tried the 'kiwi ears allegro mini' ? - the form factor is very interesting to me, though i'm not sure the connector is long enough to use with a case.
Anyone know of other device with a similar form factor? or something with input & output on the same side?

On a somewhat different note, has anyone heard the 'violectric chronos' ? - it's discounted in every place that still has it for sale, though the page on violectric's own website is gone (can see it on the internet archive)