IBasso DC-Elite . . . The no compromise DAC/AMP with a true Stepped Attenuator

Jan 3, 2025 at 9:58 PM Post #1,186 of 1,228
My logic tells me that if you want to use the Elite as a DAC and Xduo as an amp, then 4,4 to 4,4 in the Xduo Line in via interconnect.
But then you will get double amping as the Elite doesnt have a true Line out
Yeh that's right. But I'm trying it right now and to my ears it resolves better than the DAC onboard the XD05T. The DCE DAC stage is incredibly impressive.
 
Jan 3, 2025 at 10:00 PM Post #1,187 of 1,228
My logic tells me that if you want to use the Elite as a DAC and Xduo as an amp, then 4,4 to 4,4 in the Xduo Line in via interconnect.
But then you will get double amping as the Elite doesnt have a true Line out
Yeh that's right. But I'm trying it right now and to my ears it resolves better than the DAC onboard the XD05T. The DCE DAC stage is incredibly impressive.
It’s double amping, true, but the DC-E is so clean that it may not matter that much. I’ve run mine into my PB5 and have gotten great results, so I’m not surprised to hear that it sounds good with the XD05T.
 
Jan 3, 2025 at 10:01 PM Post #1,188 of 1,228
It’s double amping, true, but the DC-E is so clean that it may not matter that much. I’ve run mine into my PB5 and have gotten great results, so I’m not surprised to hear that it sounds good with the XD05T.
Yep. DC-E is something else really. Sounds great.
 
Jan 3, 2025 at 10:39 PM Post #1,189 of 1,228
I got fantastic results with the Elite paired with the AK pa10. A definite step up from the Elite when used alone. Even slightly more impressive stage but the main difference was in the note weight and smoothness. Everything was bolder and massive.
Its true, the Elite's DAC is so clean and resolving that double amping doesnt affect the sound.
 
Jan 4, 2025 at 9:39 AM Post #1,190 of 1,228
Ahhhh. I see! Very helpful. I thought I was doing: DC-Elite (DAC) > XDO5T (AMP) but that's not the case at all. That's really what I'm trying to do.

As @gylyf mentioned, I guess the only reason to use coax out is b/c the signal is cleaner than USB? Is the difference worth the effort?
It depends, if the source is a noisy PC running off the walls or battery operated devices like a DAP.
For your use case, Just use the TRRS cable you have. 3.5mm of DC-Elite -> 3.5mm AUX In of XD05T.
I wouldn't worry about double amping. Max output on the 3.5mm out is 2.28 Vrms, I would just turn couple clicks down from max for a good LO.
 
Jan 4, 2025 at 10:06 AM Post #1,191 of 1,228
It depends, if the source is a noisy PC running off the walls or battery operated devices like a DAP.
For your use case, Just use the TRRS cable you have. 3.5mm of DC-Elite -> 3.5mm AUX In of XD05T.
I wouldn't worry about double amping. Max output on the 3.5mm out is 2.28 Vrms, I would just turn couple clicks down from max for a good LO.
Interesting. So 3.5mm aux in is better somehow than 4.4mm balanced in?
 
Jan 4, 2025 at 11:26 AM Post #1,193 of 1,228
Jan 4, 2025 at 11:29 AM Post #1,194 of 1,228
Jan 5, 2025 at 11:47 AM Post #1,195 of 1,228
Hey. I have had iBasso DC elite for few days now and updated all firmware and drivers (althought firmware was uptodate already by previous user who returned it to shop within 16 days). When I listen on my PC, the dac disconnects sometimes or atleast doesn't give sound. It seems to happen rarely and it's always when I change volume when songs are about to change on spotify or if I pause and resume youtube video (keep in mind not everytime, just in those scenarious very rarely like 3-4 times in 10 hours when I'm actively using it). Why I say it "doesn't give sound" I mean it doesn't until I change a song again (on Spotify) and I hear the song for split second cutting in and out few dozen times and then silence until I change song again and same thing happens. I disconnect and reconnect and everthings fine again.

I try installing driver again, maybe it got screwed up. Could other dongle drivers on my PC make this behavior? should I remove them and test? I think Cayin RU7 and Onix Alpha XL1 have pc drivers if i remember correctly. Anyone have had similar behavior with PC use? I have my warranty if it comes to that, but don't know if I wanna bother as I think this happens on every unit occasionally. All thoughts are welcome but if you have proof about what you suggest I would like to know about it :D. Thanks everyone!
 
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Jan 7, 2025 at 5:02 AM Post #1,196 of 1,228
Quick question for those who've updated the firmware - the process doesn't include installing the older V89 first and then the newer V98 file? I know usually the newest file is all that's needed, but unfortunately not everyone follows this common sense update methodology, so I have to ask. Also, since iBasso has left the old firmware file posted, it makes it confusing.
 
Jan 7, 2025 at 5:10 AM Post #1,197 of 1,228
mine had a strange behavior on pc usb out, on both main and office pc.

with the ibasso driver installed, playing music on foobar using dc elite output (exclusive mode). there would be wierd popping sound when playing music. if i change the output to normal/non exclusive mode, it plays normally, nothing wrong.

i uninstalled the driver, and it turns out it plays normally without any popping sound on exclusive mode, on foobar.
 
Jan 12, 2025 at 9:05 AM Post #1,199 of 1,228
Great q! And what does it do?
 
Jan 12, 2025 at 9:49 AM Post #1,200 of 1,228
A search either here or on Google will lead you to the download page. The Readme in the installation will tell you what it does (at least, principally).

Since no one had answered my question between the two available update files, I just installed the latest and it worked fine. It is an oversight that iBasso doesn't have a note addressing it on the download page, but not the biggest deal I guess.
 

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