The iBasso DC07PRO (iBasso DC07 PRO) was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the iBasso DC07PRO is $199 and you can buy it from here.
iBasso DC07PRO / Technical highlights
The DC07PRO represents iBasso’s latest innovation in USB DAC/amp dongles, featuring an OLED display and a rotary volume control for the first time.
This device employs four flagship CS43131 DAC chips from Cirrus Logic in a sophisticated array configuration, enhanced by iBasso’s proprietary FPGA technology and expert circuit design. This model builds upon the advancements of the CS43131x4 DAC array initially launched with the DX180 DAP. The audio performance is significantly improved, with an impressive THD+N measurement of -120.2dB and a dynamic range of 134dB.
The device employs iBasso’s proprietary FPGA technology, which combines audio algorithms and serves as the system controller. Functioning as the heart of the DC07 PRO, the FPGA is responsible for signal regeneration and clock synchronization. It also produces ultra-low jitter clocks for both the DAC and USB receivers, effectively minimizing clock jitter originating from the USB bus.
The DC07PRO is capable of handling sampling rates of up to 32bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512. Additionally, it can function as a USB to SPDIF bridge, supporting sampling rates up to 32bit/768kHz PCM.
For its power supply, the DC07 PRO incorporates a synchronous DC-DC converter that achieves a power conversion efficiency of up to 94%. Its power consumption is as low as 80mA, representing a 40% reduction compared to the DC04PRO, while simultaneously increasing output power by 82%. The DAC power supply features an ultra-low noise LDO specifically dedicated to the analog circuits, with a power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) of up to 100dB to maintain the purity of the power supply.
Design and build quality
The iBasso DC07PRO is a lightweight and ultra portable device, drawing design inspiration from the DX180 digital audio player. Constructed from CNC machined aluminum alloy and featuring tempered glass panels, it exudes a premium and luxurious feel. Its design harmoniously blends traditional elegance with a hint of contemporary flair. The DC07 PRO is crafted with exceptional quality and is offered in both silver and black color options.
Operation and user interface
The DC07PRO features an ALPS encoder and a 0.96” OLED display that shows the current status and allows users to make all necessary adjustments through the menu without needing to connect to the iBasso UAC application.
Users can rotate or press the rotary multifunction knob for precise volume control in 100 increments and access the main menu, which includes options such as low pass filter selection, gain adjustment, high pass filter, volume control management, screen timeout and orientation settings, channel balance, and the ability to enable or disable the SPDIF shared with the 3.5mm jack.
A unique feature of the DC07 PRO is its high pass filter, which is not commonly found in other DAC dongles. This feature helps to minimize very low frequencies, catering to users who may find excessive rumble in the bass.
Additionally, the DC07PRO is compatible with the iBasso UAC Android application, allowing to perform the adjustments via an Android device.
Accessories
The package contains two premium cables: one USB Type-C to Type-C and another USB Type-C to Lightning, along with a full-size USB adapter. Including a protective case would have been a valuable enhancement.
Power output and efficiency
The iBasso DC07PRO stands out as a highly capable USB DAC dongle, delivering an impressive power output of 430mW at 32Ω and 510mW at 16Ω through its balanced output. The single-ended output is also capable of offering 210mW at 16Ω and 118mW at 32Ω.
The DC07PRO is one of the rare dongles capable of delivering sufficient current to power 16Ω demanding loads without clipping. It features three gain settings (Low, Medium, and High) to optimize compatibility with different loads. Furthermore, the DC07PRO can effortlessly drive a variety of full-sized headphones, such as the iBasso SR3, and has been tested to operate without any noticeable background noise, making it an excellent choice for sensitive earphones.
The unit’s power consumption was measured at 100mA at high gain, which is near the 80mA specified by iBasso. This finding demonstrates that the DC07PRO exhibits excellent efficiency, showcasing an impressive power consumption to power output ratio. In comparison, the Cayin RU7 delivers 400mW at 32Ω while drawing 180mA or more, whereas the iFi GO bar Kensei provides 475mW at 32Ω with a power consumption of 180mA.
Important note about iPhone users
The iPhone has a known output current limit for connected external devices. If the power demand of a connected device is excessive, it may activate the iPhone’s power protection mechanism, leading to an automatic shutdown. The iBasso DC07 PRO stands out as one of the few USB DAC dongles that can function optimally without activating this protection, as it operates with a power consumption as low as 80-100mA. Additionally, the OLED screen allows users to manage all settings directly, eliminating the need for a separate application.
Listening impressions
The DC07 PRO not only bears a striking visual resemblance to the iBasso DX180, renowned for its exceptional audio quality, but it also delivers a surprisingly comparable sound experience. The sound profile of the DC07 PRO is a somewhat less resolving and technical than that of the iBasso DX180, which is a commendable feat in its own right. One could reasonably argue that the DC07PRO is the DX180 without the battery and the DAP features.
The sound is exceptionally clear and transparent, showing class leading neutrality and fidelity, complemented by a hint of warmth and a rich palette of harmonics. The DC07PRO delivers remarkable tonal accuracy and a timbre that feels authentic and lifelike, free from any noticeable artificiality or digital glare. While it may not possess the same organic character as the Cayin RU-7, it remains one of the most natural-sounding USB DAC dongles available, all while ensuring outstanding technical performance.
The bass is visceral and weighty, featuring deep resonance and a significant physical presence. It is quick, precise, and well controlled, showcasing remarkable layering and clarity without appearing dry or thin. The low-end exhibits a balanced frequency response, remaining unexaggerated yet capable of capturing attention, resulting in an enjoyable and immersive listening experience that will appeal to casual listeners across various music genres. Simultaneously, its outstanding technical capabilities will satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles who appreciate accuracy and tonal fidelity.
More listening impressions
The mid-range offers a balanced and clear sound, characterized by exceptional definition and resolution, while still embracing vibrant harmonies and a natural timbre. Both instruments and vocals are rendered with striking clarity, intricate layering, and a remarkable sense of authenticity. The audio experience is neither artificial nor lifeless, with textures marked by their rich depth and lush quality. The DC07PRO is an unexpectedly expressive and captivating DAC that effectively bridges the listener to the music.
The innovative four-chip DAC array significantly enhances treble resolution and refinement, allowing the DC07PRO to distinguish itself and outperform its competitors. Higher frequencies are rendered with vibrancy and energy, exceptional definition and clarity without being overly bright or harsh. While the DC07 PRO reveals intricate details, it maintains a smooth character, avoiding any stridency or a clinical presentation. The timbre remains natural, free from metallic artifacts or digital glare.
The iBasso team has successfully developed a mature and sophisticated tuning that eliminates the timbre and texture quality problems commonly found in many other USB DAC dongles in this category, positioning the DC07PRO as one of the most advanced and refined options available.
The soundstage is exceptionally well-structured, seamlessly blending horizontal expansion with significant depth layering and an impressive sense of space. This is achieved while preserving precise imaging and a gratifying level of immersion, even in the most intricate musical sections.
Vs the FiiO KA17
The FiiO KA17, priced at $149, serves as the company’s flagship USB DAC dongle. Although it features a smaller 0.91” OLED display, it is somewhat larger and heavier compared to the iBasso DC07 PRO. A key distinction between the two devices is the FiiO KA17’s exclusive desktop mode, along with its capability for user-customizable parametric equalization (PEQ).
The KA17 features a dedicated USB port that links to an external power adapter, delivering an output of 650mW at 32Ω without drawing power. In contrast, when connected to a USB host, the DC07PRO offers greater power (430mW at 32Ω) while consuming less energy (100mA) compared to the KA17, which outputs 300mW at 32Ω and consumes 200mA. This makes the DC07PRO a superior choice for portable applications. If you opt to activate the desktop mode of the KA17 without an external power source, the power consumption increases to 280mA, rendering it less suitable for mobile use.
The FiiO KA17 exhibits the well known traits of the ESS DAC chip paired with a THX amplifier in its sound signature. It offers a more technical and dynamic sound profile, featuring brighter treble with leaner textures and a more expansive soundstage. In contrast to the iBasso DC07PRO, the KA17 presents a slightly less natural timbre, while the iBasso model is the more resolving and refined one with enhanced immersion and holographic soundstage.
In the end
The iBasso DC07PRO stands out as the best USB DAC dongle from the brand thus far, skillfully merging top-tier technical performance with a remarkably musical sound profile—an achievement that is rare among its competitors. It has impressive power capabilities while consuming minimal energy, features an OLED display, and includes an elegant rotary volume control knob, all housed in a compact and lightweight body.
The iBasso DC07PRO encapsulates the essential qualities and advantages expected from an exemplary USB DAC dongle, all while remaining very affordable. As a result, it is a straightforward recommendation and it easily ranks among the best and most attractive choices in a crowded market.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Exceptional audio performance
+ Class leading resolution and refinement
+ Excellent technicalities and transparency
+ Natural timbre without artificiality
+ Musical and engaging
+ 0.96” OLED display
+ Onboard configuration menu
+ Plenty of customization options
+ Compatible with the iBasso UAC application
+ Powerful and very efficient
+ Silent background
+ Rotary volume control knob
+ Independent volume control with 100 steps
+ The package includes two high quality cables
+ iPhone friendly
+ Compact sized and lightweight
+ Excellent build quality
+ Outstanding price to performance ratio
- The bundle doesn't include a protective case
- No playback control buttons
- Doesn't support PEQ
- Slightly sharp corners
Leave a comment