Dongle Dac Recommendations (Kensei vs. DC-Elite)

[h1a8]

I'm coming from the Hidiz S9 pro Plus (Martha). It sounds fantastic and worth every penny.
I had it for awhile (since it was first released).
I wanted an upgrade (I'm ready). Was thinking of the ibasso dc07 but decided that I want something that is significantly better in SQ than the s9 pro plus. I already have a mojo 2 but it isn't as portable as a dongle dac.

I only listen to iems. My iem collection is the Mest mk2, Jay Estrella, Hype 4, ie600, and many others.


I have my eye on the ifi go bar Kensei and the ibasso DC Elite. They cost exactly the same.
1. How does these two compare with each other (soundstage, imaging, resolution, etc)? Which do you recommend?
2. How do they compare with the s9 pro plus (if you heard it)?
3. And how do they compare to any other top dongle dac I might not be considering (i.e. the Luxury and Precision W4 series)?

 

[musingclouds]

DC Elite is very reference sounding; if you prefer warmer signatures maybe you would like the Kensei.

Also volume knob on DC Elite can be hit or miss

 

[Tex Irie]

I'd definitely like to know which one would be the best option. I'm surprised I haven't found a direct comparison between the iBasso DC Elite and the iFi Go Bar Kensei.

 

[AnamCeoil]

Not quite the Kensie, but Dongle Madness has a pretty comprehensive comparison chart in this video FWIW.

 

[h1a8]

DC Elite is very reference sounding; if you prefer warmer signatures maybe you would like the Kensei.

Also volume knob on DC Elite can be hit or miss

I don't care about tonality. I'm more into great imaging (3d holographic), large soundstage, resolution and details.

 

[h1a8]

bump. should i get the kensei or the dc elite? Or save and get the Onix alpha xi1, dc07 pro, etc.

 

[musingclouds]

DC Elite; it’s better than the DC07 Pro

 

[h1a8]

DC Elite; it’s better than the DC07 Pro

Is it better than the ifi go bar kensei with k2hd enabled (i.e. bit-perfect)?

 

[musingclouds]

Is it better than the ifi go bar kensei with k2hd enabled (i.e. bit-perfect)?

Comparable, to say better you’d have to try yourself, Aldo certain IEMs synergize better with some vs others

 

[gstar3301]

Pls reply

 

[h1a8]

I have a question regarding the XBass feature:


How much is the bass boosted in terms of dB, and at what frequency does the increase peak (e.g., 60Hz)? Any graphs available to look at?

 

[JackofAllSpades]

I have a question regarding the XBass feature:


How much is the bass boosted in terms of dB, and at what frequency does the increase peak (e.g., 60Hz)? Any graphs available to look at?

You can look up the fr on google images

 

[AudioSep]

I'm coming from the Hidiz S9 pro Plus (Martha). It sounds fantastic and worth every penny.
I had it for awhile (since it was first released).
I wanted an upgrade (I'm ready). Was thinking of the ibasso dc07 but decided that I want something that is significantly better in SQ than the s9 pro plus. I already have a mojo 2 but it isn't as portable as a dongle dac.

I only listen to iems. My iem collection is the Mest mk2, Jay Estrella, Hype 4, ie600, and many others.


I have my eye on the ifi go bar Kensei and the ibasso DC Elite. They cost exactly the same.
1. How does these two compare with each other (soundstage, imaging, resolution, etc)? Which do you recommend?
2. How do they compare with the s9 pro plus (if you heard it)?
3. And how do they compare to any other top dongle dac I might not be considering (i.e. the Luxury and Precision W4 series)?

Vote for DC-elite, this dongle is the GOAT.