iKKO Milestone ITM07

I've been familiar with iKKO for quite some time now. I've tried a few of their entry-level IEMs, like the OH10 and the iKKO Heimdallr ITB03, a Bluetooth DAC/Amp that delivers excellent sound and solid performance, though it remains somewhat underrated. However, the ITM07 marks a notable departure from iKKO’s usual offerings. It’s not uncommon for IEM brands to release dongle DAC/Amps. Companies like Moondrop, Tanchjim, Truthear, and Kiwi Ears seem to launch new ones every other month. However, the truly high-end models are typically left to legacy audio brands like iFi, Questyle, iBasso, L&P, and Cayin. Most IEM manufacturers tend to focus on the more affordable side of the market.



The ITM07 flips that script entirely. It’s not just expensive, it’s very expensive. With a $599 price tag, it competes directly with heavyweights like the Chord Mojo 2 and Questyle CMA18, battery-powered portable DAC/Amps generally seen as a tier above dongles. For perspective, it's also $150 more expensive than the iFi Go Bar Kensei. Being a limited edition release may factor into the cost, but the ITM07 has a lot to prove at this price point.

So, does it justify its place among the very best in mid-high end portable audio? Let’s find out.

Specifications:

Output interface:

- 3.5mm single-ended output

- 4.4mm balanced output

- 3.5mm optical fiber output (192k)

DAC chip: ES9039Q2M

Headphone amp configuration:

- OPA1622 × 2

- SGM8262 × 2

Architecture: CQAM (CrystalSync Quad Amp Module)

Output power:

- 3.5mm: ≥175mW + 175mW (32Ω, THD+N<1%)

- 4.4mm: ≥520mW + 520mW (32Ω, THD+N<1%)

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 123dB

Disclaimer: I am an audiophile and a reviewer who works with Mr. @Sajid Amit of Amplify Audio Reviews. Amplify generally covers high-end IEMs, Accessories, DAC Amps, and Headphones, with occasional reviews of some budget products. Check out our video reviews at https://www.youtube.com/@amplifyaudioreviews. A massive shout-out to iKKO for sending this amazing sounding device for review despite being a limited production offering.

Unboxing, Build Quality, Features:

The unboxing experience is surprisingly minimal, almost reminiscent of Oriolus IEMs in that regard. Lifting the top cover reveals the ITM07, securely nestled in a foam cutout. The USB-C to USB-C cable rests in another foam cutout just beneath it. And that wraps up the unboxing experience right there. The entire experience is straightforward and somewhat anticlimactic.





That being said, the USB-C cable is the perfect length, not too long or short, making it equally ideal for iPads, Android tablets, laptops, and smartphones. However, iKKO doesn’t include a carrying case or additional adapters with the ITM07. Visually, the ITM07 is striking. Its outer shell is crafted from titanium alloy with 24K gold plating, but instead of a glossy mirror finish, iKKO has opted for a matte texture. This choice effectively eliminates the risk of micro-scratches, blemishes, and fingerprints. The unit has no indicator LEDs, but the ornate volume control buttons, designed to resemble emerald stones, add a refined aesthetic touch.



The ITM07 features iKKO’s proprietary CrystalSync Quad Amp Module (CQAM), which features a dual active crystal oscillator design. iKKO also mentions high-quality electronics like radar architecture level PCB and dual-stage amplification in their marketing materials. The 3.5 mm jack also doubles as an optical out. I found negligible audio quality difference between the 3.5mm and 4.4mm, which is quite rare among dongles nowadays, as most tend to gimp the 3.5mm single ended in favor of the 4.4mm balanced.

Sound:

The iKKO ITB07 Century isn’t just another portable DAC; it’s a serious contender that pushes the boundaries of what a dongle-sized device can achieve. It’s rare for a portable DAC to compete with mid-fi desktop-class equipment, but the ITM07 Milestone does precisely that and gleefully so.



From the moment I plugged it into my laptop, it became clear that iKKO has put a lot of thought into its tuning. The sound strikes a fine balance between neutrality and musicality, delivering a clean, transparent presentation without the sharp, brittle edge that often plagues sub-$1000 ESS-based sources. Instead, I was presented with a well-balanced output with satisfying note weight and a smooth, refined character that makes even long listening sessions effortless and enjoyable.

One of the first things I noticed about the ITM07 was its astonishing soundstage. This is a dongle DAC after all, yet somehow, it manages to create a vast, open soundscape that feels more in line with full-fledged desktop setups like the Hifiman EF500. The way it stretches out the stereo image is impressive, allowing me to pinpoint instruments and vocals accurately. The central imaging is also very precise, which makes positional cues easy to detect while gaming.



When it comes to bass performance, the ITM07 is an absolute beast, putting most dongles to shame. The low end is punchy, visceral, and packed with nuance and texture. It is powerful yet controlled; there’s a satisfying guttural kick when the track calls for it, but the bass never oversteps its boundaries or muddies up the mix. Whether I’m diving into kick drums and double bass-fueled heavy metal or enjoying some nice moody jazz with a very deep, rumbly subbass, the ITM07 handles it all with remarkable ease. One of my favorite IEMs for bass is the Campfire Audio Astrolith, which is also probably the best sub-$ 3000 allrounder IEM currently available, and the ITM07 does a swell job driving the Astro in its full glory. I also massively enjoyed my friend's Eminent Ears Ruby, another bass monster, with the ITM07.



The midrange is where many DACs stumble, but not this one. The ITM07 Milestone has a linear and uncolored midrange that is faithful to the original. Vocals have a natural, almost euphonic presence, and midrange instruments are rendered with lifelike accuracy. There is no added warmth in the lower mids or artificial upper midrange rise, and vocals sound as they should while maintaining exceptional clarity in the mix. Yet, the midrange never feels clinical. There is a subtle richness to it, but in a less obvious manner.

Treble can often be a make-or-break factor, especially in dongles. I was highly impressed with the Questyle M15, for example. But the artificial treble sheen made me sell it after a while. I sold off the Cayin RU7 for the exact opposite reason. The treble was simply too smooth and dull for my taste. But the ITM07 nails the balance in the top end. The high frequencies are airy and open, offering just the right amount of sparkle and energy without ever becoming harsh or overbearing. What stands out for me the most is its exceptional sibilance control. It does not bother me with that piercing sharpness that can otherwise make some tracks unbearable, headache-inducing even. Instead, I am presented with a refined, detailed top end that contributes the sense of space and adds an extra layer of clarity to every instrument and vocal. It’s the kind of treble performance that makes long listening sessions effortless and fatigue-free. DITA Project M is an IEM that is often associated with a rather fatiguing and shrill top end. It was surprisingly quite enjoyable with the ITM07, a phenomenon I only experienced with the Questyle CMA18P among the portables I paired the Project M with. The same is applicable for the incredible Craft Ears Omnium, which is also notoriously source-picky.






When it comes to detail retrieval and dynamic range, the ITM07 absolutely rocks, more so given its small form factor. Every little reverb trail, every pluck of a string, every breath between vocal pauses: nothing gets glossed over in the mix. The dynamics are just as fun and lively. This level of resolution and responsiveness is something I usually expect from pricier mid-fi desktop solutions around the $700-$800 mark, making the ITM07 a true standout in its category.

Of course, no device is perfect. The ITM07 Century does get a bit toasty during extended use, especially when pushing more demanding IEMs or headphones at higher volumes through the balanced 4.4mm jack. It is nothing alarming, but it will drain your smartphone’s battery faster than less powerful dongle DAC Amps. The ITM07 is a powerhouse in terms of output power; it can drive most headphones and IEMs under the sun, but do not expect it to drive the likes of Modhouse Tungsten or Hifiman Susvara.

Conclusion​