[twister6]

Alex, pls also test DX180 into D16 at some point.
Lurking for that new iteration for some time now. With updated CPU and memory it should finally make a convenient small footprint source for dongles and DACs

Yep, caught me by surprise as well since DX180 was just announced, so of course I was very curious to hear it. Only got it a day ago, on burn-in now (doing it together with Pilgrim Noir to kill two birds ) while I'm also doing a battery test. This thing (DX180) has a 14+ hr battery and the battery itself could be replaced based on the online spec I read. The exterior design reminds me of dx260. As soon as I unpacked it, right away noticed there was no separate Coax port, yet the notification menu had SPDIF option. Apparently, the 3.5mm port has PO/LO/Coax switchable functionality. So, I'm definitely going to test that one with D16. In my D16/PB5 review, I enjoyed Coax over usb-c going into D16 from DX260, and hope the same will be true with DX180. Plus, if you get 14 hours of playback time from its PO, I'm sure driving DC Elite from usb-c will be even longer. And yes, was thinking the same, will be a nice pocket-friendly Android 13 OS powerhouse for a dongle and DACs or tws w/streaming, or just direct playback.

 

[cobrabucket]

HOLY SMOKES!!!
After receiving it yesterday I am ready to confidently say that this is by far the best dongle I have heard.
Phenomenal job @Paul - iBasso and the iBasso crew...
The naturalness and organic nature really surprised me.
I used to own an SMSL D300 that uses the same ROHM BD34301EKV chip that the DC-Elite uses.
Keeping in mind that I sold my D300 last year and can't compare them head-to-head, I feel that the DC-Elite sounds better than the D300 ever did.
It "grabs" me more and has a greater effect of feeling immersive and emotional.
I will give it more time before commenting on it versus the Hiby R6 Pro II, but I am really over the moon about this little gem..
Bravissimo!
Special thanks to @theintention for bringing it to my attention.

 

[theintention]

HOLY SMOKES!!!
After receiving it yesterday I am ready to confidently say that this is by far the best dongle I have heard.
Phenomenal job @Paul - iBasso and the iBasso crew...
The naturalness and organic nature really surprised me.
I used to own an SMSL D300 that uses the same ROHM BD34301EKV chip that the DC-Elite uses.
Keeping in mind that I sold my D300 last year and can't compare them head-to-head, I feel that the DC-Elite sounds better than the D300 ever did.
It "grabs" me more and has a greater effect of feeling immersive and emotional.
I will give it more time before commenting on it versus the Hiby R6 Pro II, but I am really over the moon about this little gem..
Bravissimo!
Special thanks to @theintention for bringing it to my attention.

yooo i am glad you enjoy it! Super sick device, I am all in on iBasso sound now lol. Want to try their new DAP so bad

 

[mekap]

I absolutely agree with you, DC Elite the best dongle!

 

[rocketron]

 

[captblaze]

Over saturation is starting to ramp up

 

[rocketron]

I don’t care what Ibasso comes out with next.
I’m completely happy with the DC Elite.
Still amazed every time I hear it.
Excellent dongle that has no right sounding so good.

 

[cn11]

You guys should try it with the Shanling MG800 single DD IEM! Talk about a match made in (Ti) heaven!

 

[mekap]

You guys should try it with the Shanling MG800 single DD IEM! Talk about a match made in (Ti) heaven!

Are these open back IEMs?

 

[HiFlight]

You guys should try it with the Shanling MG800 single DD IEM! Talk about a match made in (Ti) heaven!

I am also listening to this combo and is truly an outstanding combination. Dare I say endgame quality!!

 

[cn11]

They're

Are these open back IEMs?

MG800 is semi-open back. They still isolate quite well though, and don't let sound leak out. I was quite surprised there is no real penalty for the semi-open construction. Only pros... as in the soundstage is pretty gigantic because of it.

I am also listening to this combo and is truly an outstanding combination. Dare I say endgame quality!!

I totally concur!

 

[theintention]

synergy with the Szalayi is off the charts. It balances out the warmth and bass, adds more weight and dynamics to the top end, vocals even more in your face… I have a review to do, and new IEMs coming this week but I cannot remove this combo from my ears when I find music time.

 

[cn11]

Great IEM! It's one that I sort of regret parting with a while back. I'm sure it's a great pairing w/ the Elite.

 

[Chessblitzer2017]

Hi will the Elite work ok with a pixel 4 just powering an Xelento with 3.5? I like the dc03pros warmth and engagement more then the questyle m15i (returning) which I find a tad sterile not enough warmth. With what that 70 buck dc03pro can do only imagine what this Elite will do dear lord

 

[quaddac]

Hi will the Elite work ok with a pixel 4 just powering an Xelento with 3.5? I like the dc03pros warmth and engagement more then the questyle m15i (returning) which I find a tad sterile not enough warmth. With what that 70 buck dc03pro can do only imagine what this Elite will do dear lord

Elite is definitely on the neutral side with significant analytical potential. But it catches well with warmer headphones/iems (transport should also be a bit warmer if you want a warmer signature). 3.5 - no problem.