USB DAC/amp (dongles)

Doesn't the Fulla already have a second input for additional power? I don't think you need the CB19 for it.

 

What powerbank do you have?

 

It's one of those random Chinese brands that I only ever see churn out power adapters and charging cables, Bavin. It's got a 22.5W limit though so is a lot slower than using a wall brick, but then again it cost me like $27 back in 2021 I think.

 

After 2 days with 4 compares (2 casual, 2 critical listening), I am a bit baffled at what the dc07pro does with an Edition XS. Soundstage is comparable to Gungnir 1 + Gustard H10 (both no slouch in that department). I had some serious trouble processing and accepting this, so I grabbed my Xduoo XD05+ for another compare. I know from past listening that the XD05's soundstage is less wide than the desktop stack, so the Ibasso should come out ahead here, and it did.

The Ibasso resolves more detail than the desktop stack too, maybe due to the H10 being on the warmer side, or maybe the dongle is a little excited on treble.

I'm using the 3.5mm output, so there's a massive reduction in power compared to the desktop stack. That can be heard (desktop stack has some more slam and hits a bit deeper), but the (160 - 200?)mw on the 18ohm XS sounds more controlled that it has any right to. I don't have a balanced cable for the XS yet, but will be interesting to see what the 4.4mm output does in this area.

The desktop stack does timbre a bit better and the more relaxed top end means I can keep cranking the volume up to insane levels without feeling the need to stop (not necessarily a good thing). But it's a bit crazy going through my notes, realizing that this 23g dongle can make me question whether I want to keep the stack. The thought of selling the stack gives me instant nervosa, as I'm afraid I'll start doubting my findings after its gone. At the same time, the price difference is rather substantial and my small desk will like the Ibasso a lot more. Will have to get to the bottom of this before making any decisions...

 

So uhh... What's up with the iBasso dongles this year? Can anyone recommend a place to actually order them? They seem to be out of stock everywhere, and I've had two eBay sellers already cancel orders because they don't have them on hand either. At first I was just KISS and going for the DC03 Pro, but even the 04 & 07 seem hard to find and backordered at stores like Bloom. What gives? Anyone wanna sell one that's gathering dust?

Alternatively, has anyone here heard the Shanling Onix Alpha XI1? I thought the size of the iBasso models was appealing, and I like the sound impressions I've read here, they currently seem like unobtanium though. Heh, what a rabbit hole, at first I was just gonna get a second Qudelix 5K for convenience, then I started looking at transportable amps but I figured I'd look a little deeper at straight dongles since I needed some cheapo ones to stash everywhere with beater IEM... And here we are.

 

I may have asked this one before. Looking for:
- cheap usb-c dongle dac (compatible with Apple/Android/PC)
- output: 3.5mm TRS
- not for critical listening at all, for partying multi-purpose where someone wants to plug into a PA system
- one step up from amazon alphabetsoup stuff is fine, though my audiophile monkey brain would like more
- bonus: output boost beyond typical headphone jack
- bonus: external volume knob/buttons (extra extra bonus: mute button)

 

Meets all your asks except for button controls. Possible bonus depending on what you're running (planar IEMs?) is that its output power is highest with lower impedance loads (see specs here).

Getting a bit hard to find in Canada; but still some left where I got mine.

Edits: replaced the specs link with the actual product page (specs near the bottom) rather than the news release; and the buy link with a link to the specific variant still in stock (silver, not black).

 

What about the good old HELM Bolt? It has none of the bonuses, but it features agreeable sound: Not the most detailed, but with body and punch. (At least that’s my memory of it, haven’t used mine since I have the Bathys.)

Just looked at https://helmaudio.com/products/boltdac — today’s list price of $120 is a bit much for what it delivers, IMHO, but currently, there’s a $50 discount.

 

Do you have a preference between the 03 or the 04 Pro? I'll send you one gratis

 

So I just came running back to the thread to share that A) half a day later Bloom Audio seems to have gotten both the DC04 Pro & DC07 Pro back in stock (even got an email notification a couple hours ago) and B) iBasso seems to have marked both the DC03Pro & DC04Pro as discontinued on their site...

Ruh roh. Could've sworn that wasn't there before cause I opened the product pages several times while reading the thread and other reviews last night and I don't recall seeing it... But anyway.

I was more interested in the DC03Pro all along because of the smaller size/weight and lower power use than the rest, in fact after reading your description from late last year and a couple reviews I was ready to buy it and look no further tbh. Kept looking around at options cause I couldn't find one anywhere...

If I get one of the models with balanced out curiosity is gonna get the best of me and I'll end up tracking down an adapter (got balanced cables here but nothing terminated to 4.4mm), etc. I was looking to keep this simple... If you're really willing to part with it I'd gladly buy it off you!

 

DM me your address, I need to ship out some other audio gear tomorrow anyway so I'll send that out too!

 

Get the Dew4X. It has all of that (except no mute). Even does legacy usb for PS5. Sounds damn good to boot and for 80$.
Some thoughts here.