VE DEVASTATOR

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Disclaimer:

• - Venture Electronics sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
• -I have not tested this with MQA files or MQA streaming since I don’t use MQA at all.
• -The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
• -No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
• - I have only tested this with earbuds and IEMs only.
• -Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

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Burn-in time: 5-10 hours per day, 10 days.

IEMs/Earbuds/Source used:

• -Etymotic ER3SE
• -Dunu Kima 2
• -Dunu DK3001BD
• -Kotori Audio Zephyr
• -Kiwi Ears KE4
• -Kefine Klean
• -Rose Technics QT-X
• -Rose Technics QT9 MK3
• -Rose Technics Star City 5 Pro
• -Roseselsa Aurora Ultra
• -Sony Xperia X Compact
• -Tanchjim Space
• -Tanchjim Bunny
• -Rose Technics RZ-550
• -Venture Electronics Odo
• -Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
• -Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96)
• -Desktop PC, Laptop.
• -Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

Setup configuration: Venture Electronics Devastator and Odyssey Retro paired with phones/laptop/pc.

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Sound signature:

• On surface, both USB DACs may look similar to each other since one might say that they are produced by the same company. This is however not the case with these two dongles. The VE Devastator exhibits the most uncolored and neutral character among the two dongles. On its own, it is still a neutral, nearly transparent set, with a little bit of added bit of warmth that is unnoticeable unless compared to other sources or USB DACs. It also mildly adds a bit of thickness to the overall sound to my ears, which makes it actually a good pairing with flathead earbuds in general, particularly with their own flathead earbuds, the Monk SL as well, hence their existing Monk SL + Devastator Bundle. Due to its neutral, nearly uncolored sound character, any IEM, earbuds, or headphones you paired with the Devastator will perform their very best, even on their technical performance.

• As for the Odyssey Retro, its overall experience is a nod to their classic VE Odyssey USB DAC, one of their first USB DACs existed years ago. While the classic Odyssey leaned to a more neutral, bright manner from what I remember, the Odyssey Retro aimed for a more palatable character when paired with most IEMs and flathead earbuds, even those old, vintage flathead earbuds existing. The Odyssey Retro, unlike the Devastator, sports an additional boost in bass and vocals, which made my neutral sets quite fun and engaging to listen to. The soundstage here in the Odyssey Retro is a bit smaller in width as well when compared to the Devastator, which isn’t obvious at first until when compared to the Devastator itself, or other more expensive USB DACs. In practice and reality, this isn’t really a deal breaker because this USB DAC still delivers a fairly noise-free listening experience almost as clean as the Devastator, and it is still classified as a hyperbudget USB DAC, hence currently being sold only as a part of the company’s earbuds bundle.

Build Quality:

• In my humble opinion the VE Devastator is a step-up in build quality when compared to the Odo, mainly on the cable used with this USB DAC. It is noticeably thicker, shorter, while still incorporating strain reliefs on both ends. Both male and female connectors are still encased in metal housings adding to the durability and “premium feel on a budget” if that makes sense.

• The VE Odyssey Retro however, is a bit more simpler and quite fragile in my humble opinion, when compared to the Devastator. The cable it uses is thinner than the Devastator, and even thinner than the Odo. Its enclosure on both ends is fully made of rubber. You may need to take extra care using this USB DAC if you are planning to use daily, and probably wait for its visual and hardware upgrade sometime soon, since the showed hardware upgrade teased by Mr. Wild Lee himself now sports thicker cable and metal finish, just like the first VE Odyssey existed years ago. Personally, I had no problems using the Odyssey Retro with my devices laid flat on a surface, or when plugged in a static setup such as my laptop or my phone laid flat on a table.

Device Compatibility:

• I had no problems pairing both dongles across on all of my devices, given that they all sport a USB type C port. It is plug and play, straightforward, without any additional drivers or apps needed for it to work properly. Surprisingly, the Devastator supports DSD files! This isn’t really something that is important to me in all honesty, but I do see those purists on a budget that may love that feature. The Devastator also works with exclusive mode, which is a nice plus. The Odyssey Retro however, does not support DSD and exclusive mode, which isn’t a deal breaker for its ideal price in my humble opinion.

Battery Consumption:

• The Devastator is a powerful dongle in its class, so it is understandable that it will chug off more battery juice compared to a dongle dac existing in its price range. During my tests, My phone with a 5000MaH battery paired with the Devastator lasted around 5-7 hours of continuous usage, with the consideration that the phone paired with it is already 3 years old. The VE Odyssey Retro is not as powerful as the Devastator, which gave around 7-9 hours of usage during my tests, as I expected as well.

Power and volume:

• Aside from a certain movie reference, the Devastator is named itself for a reason. It exhibits a powerful, consistent power delivery in its output under 20 USD, while keeping it clean and almost noise floor-free. Most IEMs I have here are already loud enough at 12-15 out of 100 volume steps on my ears, while 20-25 volume steps when paired with headphones. The VE Odyssey Retro on the other hand, somewhat shares the same amount of power like what the VE Odo has, so it is around 15-30 volume steps on IEMs and 30-60 volume steps on headphones during my tests.

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Devastator compared to other USB DACS! (that I have here, at least)

For this comparison, I will be comparing the VE Devastator to all of my “powerful” USB DACs I have with me, as the VE Odyssey Retro’s only logical comparison is when it is compared to the Apple dongle, which the Odyssey Retro already wins in practicality given that we are using non-apple devices, in my humble opinion.

VS Tanchjim Space

• The Tanchjim Space shares the same neutral-transparent sound character when compared to the Devastator. It also shares the same amount of power as well, in a practical sense. Their differences are honestly too minimal in my opinion, and their differences are mostly different depending on the amount of refinement that the Tanchjim Space has to the overall listening experience, when compared to the Devastator. The Tanchjim Space is a bit more refined, transparent, leaner, and more open when compared, while the Devastator is slightly thicker in sound and slightly warm as well. Again, in a practical sense, the Devastator is around 80% similar on how the Tanchjim Space performs, making the Devastator a more “practical purchase” for most people. We have to take note however, that the Tanchjim Space has a bit more “specs” on paper, better in build quality due to its removable cable, and has a more expensive retail price, so this comparison is only valid if we’re only talking on the amount of power and performance these both sets can deliver.

VS Roseselsa RZ-550

• The Roseselsa RZ-550 is an underrated gem in my opinion because it is one of those USB DACs that is quite packed in terms of hardware while delivering an unusual warm, smooth sound character, while keeping the technicalities untouched. When compared to the VE Devastator, the Devastator leans to a more neutral,near transparent sound character, while the RZ-550 presents itself in a warm manner, with an evident bass boost, and a slightly higher soundstage height and depth. In terms of power output and delivery, the Devastator is honestly up to par with the RZ-550 in that regard, as both pairs well with my hard to drive IEMs, flathead earbuds, and headphones. In a nutshell, my findings here are similar to the comparison I did with the Tanchjim Space earlier - The Venture Electronics Devastator is 80% similar to these two powerful USB DACs in terms of the overall performance and consistency they can deliver, and you are only paying extra for these two more expensive sets for its premium level of refinement and experience.

VS Fosi Audio SK02

• At first, comparing the Venture Electronics Devastator to the Fosi Audio SK02 might seem unfair because the SK02 is a desktop DAC, while the Devastator is a USB Dongle. In practice however, both devices deliver on their promise on paper, in terms of overall power delivery. The Devastator sounded mildly thicker and wider than the SK02 , while the SK02 is noticeably leaner and crispier on the upper end. Both sets never had any problems pairing with all of my IEMs, earbuds, and headphones I have here, which means that their only differences in practice are their form factor and specs on paper. The Devastator definitely wins in terms of setup versatility and portability, while the SK02 is more favorable in static, desktop setups.

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Pros:

• One of the most capable and powerful USB DAC I have reviewed for under 20 USD! (as of today)
• Relatively neutral, uncolored sound character! (Devastator)
• Slightly warm, with a vocal forward sound character! (Odyssey Retro)
• Consistent, power delivery across on all devices! (that supports type-c)
• Pairs well with most recent IEMs, earbuds and headphones I have tested!
• Nearly zero floor noise, even on IEMs!
• Has in-line controls and mic support!
• Decent battery consumption in terms of power delivery!
• Lightweight yet durable for USB DAC under 20 USD! (Devastator)
• Straightforward, plug and play!
• Has DSD support! (Devastator)
• Quite impressive heat dissipation!

Cons:

• Cable is relatively thin (I believe that a build quality refresh will exist with this USB DAC soon) (Odyssey Retro) (Not really a con for this price point)
• Does not support exclusive mode (Odyssey Retro) (Not really a con for this price point)
• No DSD support (Odyssey Retro) (Not really a con and a need for this price point)
• A pouch would be a nice treat.

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Venture Electronics is on a streak this year when it comes to delivering the quality they are known for: bringing capable and powerful products with a very aggressive price-to-performance ratio. These qualities show here in the Devastator and Odyssey Retro really well. There aren’t any brand new USB DACs that are as powerful and as refined as what the Devastator delivers that I know, by the time I write and publish its review. The Devastator solved the problem that most hobbyists, including myself, faced wherein there aren’t any “powerful” USB DACs existing under and within 20 USD that can power flathead earbuds and planar IEMs with ease. The Odyssey Retro also proved that you can get a good pairing even if you are on a very tight budget. I definitely recommend the VE Devastator if you are looking for a budget yet capable USB DAC that can power pretty much any IEMs, earbuds, and easy to drive headphones you pair with it. This definitely stands out, Venture Electronics!


Who is the Venture Electronics Devastator for?

• For those people who want a neutral, near-transparent sounding USB DAC under 20 USD.
• For those people who need in-line controls and mic support.
• For those people who want a consistent power delivery on their audio setup pairings.
• For those people who want a powerful, fairly noise-free USB DAC under 20 USD.
• For those people who want a plug and play, app-free listening experience.
• For those people who want a powerful yet portable USB DAC.

Why should you not buy the Venture Electronics Devastator?

• If you prefer a USB DAC with a removable cable (you may want to save up a bit more for this one)
• If you prefer a USB DAC with a cable-less design (again, save up a bit more for this one)

Thank you for reading!

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Non-affiliated links here!:

• https://shopee.ph/Venture-Electroni...4?sp_atk=ba371267-276a-489c-ab38-3b4e921060cf
• https://shopee.ph/Venture-Electroni...8?sp_atk=2deab05a-0ac4-48db-9cf2-a5135bc93043

Additional Photos Here:

REAMBLE:

Venture Electronics (VE) has a knack for producing products that are reasonably priced but perform at a higher level. The Devastator is their latest dongle DAC/Amp release coming in at just $15usd.
The Devastator is an unassuming looking device but even here VE has added some flair with the nicely appointed Premium Vlta cable used. The version I had featured a USB-C connection and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Internally a CX31998 DAC is used which is noted for its clarity.
I paired the Devastator with a number of different iems, some of which cost over 100x the asking price of the dongle and more often than not came away pleasantly surprised. It has sufficient driving power for the majority of iems.

SOUND:

The VE Devastator offers a clean dynamic sound with a touch of warmth. This is a sonically versatile device as all types of music I played through it sounded quite good without any glaring faults. Sound is full and detailed without being overbearing.

Bass is fully and detailed with great slam and impact. Directly compared to the Hiby R4 DAP, a much more expensive device, the R4 was heard to go deeper in the low end with added tightness but this is really an apples to oranges comparison, the R4 retailing for $250usd over 16x the price of the VE product. When compared to a more similar product, the VE Abigale which is also a great dongle, the Devastator ekes out a win with a more coherent and pleasing lush sound.

The Midrange has a touch or warmth and offers an expressive and open presentation with good detail retrieval. Here both instruments and vocals are presented in a natural way with pleasing texture and clarity. Instrument separation was also notable which in no small part aided the openness of the sonics. Transients were relayed well and the evenness of the midrange did well when focusing on timbral accuracy.

The Treble is also well done. There is no undue emphasis in the upper range and as with the rest of the frequency spectrum, a good balance was noted here. Treble was crisp and detailed without harshness.






Stage:

The VE Devastator is not a holographic projection beast but offers a stage that leans towards a more natural and musical presentation. A pleasing balance is reached here being more musical than panoramic while never sounding boxed in.

CONCLUSION:

I have written this review of the Venture Electronics Devastator recognizing and from the perspective that it is a sub-$20 usd product. VE’s offering is unpretentious but it hides a secret. That secret is sound quality that belies its paltry asking price. This is a $15usd dongle dac/amp that sounds surprisingly good and is a prefect gateway product for those who are interested in making the jump to better sound on a budget or just entering the rabbit hole of portable audio.

I have now owned 3 different VE dongles and the Devastator is the best so far. One great use I have found for this formfactor of device is not just for portable audio, but also for vastly improving the sound quality of both desktop and portable computers. That’s an added versatility of this device that should not be overlooked.

Let’s be real for a minute. Tested against products that cost significantly higher, as I have done with, the Devastator may not always be victorious, but it did still do well. When compared to other dongles in its price range though, the Venture Electronics Devastator deserves serious attention. Through this lens it is difficult to find any glaring fault. Venture Electronics has done it again.

Venture Electronics (VE) Devastator Dongle Review

Introduction

Venture Electronics (VE) has earned a strong reputation for providing top-notch audio gear that delivers impressive performance without breaking the bank. The VE Devastator Dongle is no exception, continuing this legacy by offering a compact yet powerful DAC/Amp combo that exceeds expectations. Whether you're a casual listener or an audiophile, the Devastator provides outstanding sound quality that rivals much more expensive options.
What makes the Devastator truly special is its ability to handle various music genres with ease. From classical to electronic, its balanced sound signature offers a touch of warmth paired with excellent clarity, creating an immersive and engaging listening experience. The tuning strikes a perfect harmony between warmth and detail, ensuring a well-rounded sound profile that doesn’t fatigue the ears.

Beyond its performance, the Devastator's design caters to convenience. Its compact size and powerful output allow for seamless integration with different audio setups, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking to elevate their audio experience. Whether you're using it with high-end IEMs or budget-friendly earbuds, the Devastator consistently delivers exceptional sound quality.

Specs and Packaging

Type C DAC design 4.4 / 3.5 option
Premium VIta cable



Sound Signature

The VE Devastator offers a warm, detailed, and engaging sound signature. It strikes a perfect balance between warmth and clarity, creating a listening experience that feels both immersive and natural. With its analog-like presentation, the Devastator excels in offering a rich, full-bodied sound with excellent separation and precision. This makes it a versatile choice for various genres, from classical and jazz to electronic and rock, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable audio experience. The sound signature is reminiscent of the Ovidius B1 but with a warmer approach, providing lush and smooth textures that enhance the overall richness of the sound without losing detail or clarity.


BASS

The bass performance of the VE Devastator is warm, full, and well-controlled, delivering a satisfying and natural sound that feels analog in character. Listening to tracks with heavy kick drums, you can really feel the punch and impact of the bass—it’s tight and without ever becoming overwhelming. The Devastator manages to strike a great balance, providing enough weight and texture to make the low-end engaging while keeping it clean and free of muddiness.

Sub-bass presence is noticeable, but it doesn’t dig incredibly deep—just enough to add a sense of depth and fullness without overpowering the overall sound. This makes it versatile for a wide range of genres, from bass-heavy electronic tracks to more balanced acoustic performances. Whether you’re into booming beats or more subtle bass lines, the Devastator delivers a performance that feels both dynamic and refined, hitting that sweet spot between energy and control.

Mids
The mids on the VE Devastator are where it truly shines, striking a beautiful balance between organic warmth and airy openness. Vocals are rendered with a natural, textured quality, offering both emotional depth and exceptional clarity. Whether it’s the rich resonance of male voices or the smooth, soaring notes of female vocals, the mids are engaging and immersive, drawing you into the heart of the music.

Instruments are equally well-represented, with excellent separation and detail that bring out the nuances in every performance. The mids possess a character that feels effortless yet refined, capturing the essence of each note with precision and warmth.

This is why I love the Devastator—it reminds me of the Ovidius B1, a dongle renowned for having some of the best mids in its class. The Devastator carries that same magic, making it a standout choice for those who prioritize a lush and captivating midrange in their listening experience.

Highs
The treble on the VE Devastator is surprisingly well-balanced, especially considering the nature of the CX31998 DAC, which tends to be bright and airy. However, VE has tuned it beautifully, adding a touch of magic to create a smoother and more controlled sound.

The result is a treble that offers good extension and crisp details, but without the harshness or fatigue often associated with bright DACs. It strikes a perfect balance, delivering just the right amount of sparkle to keep things lively, while ensuring that the highs seamlessly blend with the mids and bass. The end result is a refined, airy treble that enhances the overall listening experience without overshadowing the other frequencies.

Stage and Presentation
The VE Devastator’s stage and presentation are reminiscent of AKM-based DACs, providing a warm and organic sound with a focus on naturalness. It’s not designed to create layers upon layers, but rather offers a refined balance where clarity and warmth coexist harmoniously.

Unlike some DACs that emphasize intricate layering, the Devastator chooses a more cohesive approach—delivering a soundscape that leans towards simplicity with just the right touch of depth. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value a smooth, engaging listening experience without overcomplicating the presentation.

TESTING WITH DIFFERENT GEARS

I paired the Devastator with VE’s SMT earbuds, and the synergy was spot-on. The warm, analog sound complemented the balanced tuning of the SMT perfectly, making vocals and basslines sound cohesive and engaging. I also tested it with the VE Monk Plus SPC, my personal favorite from VE’s lineup, and the results were equally impressive. The dynamics were fantastic, with smooth mids and airy treble, creating a seamless and enjoyable listening experience.

For those using IEMs, the Devastator performed exceptionally well. Pairing it with the iBasso IT01 resulted in a full, warm sound with rich mids and natural vocals, whether for male or female singers. Additionally, testing it with the hybrid Aful Explorer (dual BA and single DD) yielded crystal-clear sound with no noise at all. The warm tuning of the Devastator helped tame the aggressive kick drums of the Explorer, providing a balanced yet impactful experience.

Interestingly, I even tried the Devastator with high-end TOTL earbuds like the Fidue Thunder, and the results were astonishing. Even with such premium gear, the synergy was flawless—leaving me speechless. This budget-friendly dongle manages to deliver remarkable performance with high-end gear, which is truly impressive.

Comparisons

Comparing the Devastator to something like the Onix Alpha may seem a bit extreme since the Alpha is in a completely different price league. However, in terms of sound quality, the Devastator holds its ground impressively well. If I were to rate the Alpha, it would easily score a 10, but for the Devastator, I’d give it an 9.

While the Onix Alpha offers slightly more refinement, with a crisper and more refined analog sound and more advanced features like a screen and adjustable settings, the Devastator isn’t too far behind. On how it sounds, its value for money is outstanding, delivering a sound signature that closely rivals the Alpha without the hefty price tag. It’s a testament to how far budget-friendly solutions can go in terms of performance.

Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Venture Electronics (VE) Devastator Dongle stands out as an exceptional choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts looking for high-quality sound on a budget. With its warm, detailed, and analog-like presentation, the Devastator delivers a listening experience that rivals much pricier options. Its compact design, powerful performance, and thoughtful tuning make it a versatile and highly competitive option in the sub-$100 market. Whether paired with IEMs or earbuds, the Devastator consistently provides a balanced and enjoyable sound signature that holds its own even against more expensive competitors. For those seeking value without compromising on audio quality, the VE Devastator is an outstanding choice.