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

[joshnor713]

Good afternoon to everyone . I watched some reviews of Ibasso DC Elite which is very praised and even compared in quality with DAPs for 2000 dollars. How strange, considering that 4.4mm output power is 280mW and for comparison Ibasso dx 180 4.4mm output power is 690mw and it costs only 500 euros. Please give me advice as for beginner, which of these two devices gives the best sound quality and has more potential to play such headphones as Focal Radiance, Fostex TH-900 MK2 and ZMF Atrium?

Because more power = better sound quality ?

 

[cagix]

Fiio m11 have 660 mw but in reality is other way dc elite is stronger. It is because i used another way to amp in program i use hiby aplication digital volume up to 100 plus dc elite amping. Anyway for headphones is better used stronger amping both these players like fiio and ibasso dont get that power.

 

[worten777]

Because more power = better sound quality ?

It wasn't a statement, it was a question)) Which of these two devices is better in terms of sound quality and also power for the headphones I listed

 

[RIGATIO]

Because more power = better sound quality ?

For over ears YES

 

[KamilElos]

Fiio M15 vs Dc Elite Soundwise Quality which one is better and why?

 

[Daniel59]

Last year, I bought a couple dongles, thinking I just wanted a higher fidelity option when streaming music from my phone while listening with my various IEM’s. The DC-Elite is a top performer DAC dongle for easy to drive headphones/IEM’s. Many months later, I picked up a couple dedicated headphone amps, and a desktop DAC. After these purchases, my usage of the DC Elite decreased quite a bit (never used when I was at home). I had no idea how good a DC elite was as a line out DAC fed into my portable/transportable high end amps. I only use a balanced signal into my amps (with 4.4 mm hp outs), and didn’t think that the DC Elite would sound so good at its max 4.6 Vrms balanced output. It easily rivals desktop DAC’s hundreds above the DC’s price. At max balanced output, the Elite has zero high gain noise/clipping, black background, and fantastic dynamic range. Best of all, I can take this setup anywhere in my house without the need of a wall wart or outlet. I do use the CB19 cable (with a power bank) to prevent the Elite from excessive battery drain on my phone. I have continued to use this dongle as a portable solution for a balanced line out DAC to my portable amps.

 

[Waddiewadkins]

Ordered.

 

[KamilElos]

Last year, I bought a couple dongles, thinking I just wanted a higher fidelity option when streaming music from my phone while listening with my various IEM’s. The DC-Elite is a top performer DAC dongle for easy to drive headphones/IEM’s. Many months later, I picked up a couple dedicated headphone amps, and a desktop DAC. After these purchases, my usage of the DC Elite decreased quite a bit (never used when I was at home). I had no idea how good a DC elite was as a line out DAC fed into my portable/transportable high end amps. I only use a balanced signal into my amps (with 4.4 mm hp outs), and didn’t think that the DC Elite would sound so good at its max 4.6 Vrms balanced output. It easily rivals desktop DAC’s hundreds above the DC’s price. At max balanced output, the Elite has zero high gain noise/clipping, black background, and fantastic dynamic range. Best of all, I can take this setup anywhere in my house without the need of a wall wart or outlet. I do use the CB19 cable (with a power bank) to prevent the Elite from excessive battery drain on my phone. I have continued to use this dongle as a portable solution for a balanced line out DAC to my portable amps.

So according to you the sound quality of dc elite is better than everything else?

 

[Daniel59]

So according to you the sound quality of dc elite is better than everything else?

I don’t think anyone can prove that statement, with the plethora of dongles and desktop dacs on the market. I think the DC-elite is a simplistic and highly effective alternative to mid-range desktop DAC’s, if you still want the portability while retaining all the fidelity at home or on the go. Aside from a high end set of cans/iem’s, the next biggest jump in fidelity and dynamic range will happen at the amplification stage. A high end DAP will change the equations a bit. I was only speaking to the enthusiasts who are playing music from a phone/computer.

 

[Waddiewadkins]

I don’t think anyone can prove that statement, with the plethora of dongles and desktop dacs on the market. I think the DC-elite is a simplistic and highly effective alternative to mid-range desktop DAC’s, if you still want the portability while retaining all the fidelity at home or on the go. Aside from a high end set of cans/iem’s, the next biggest jump in fidelity and dynamic range will happen at the amplification stage.

I've just ordered DCE. my current otg is Qudelix 5K and IE600. I'm looking forward to scaling up my IE600. And I also have FT1 closed back that are said to scale. I went DC Elite because I could and as far as I'm concerned if I was going to spend 300 on a thing like this I might as well get the cream for 460. I'm hoping this thing will give me that next jump in ffidelity. Next idea would be a bigger soundstaging iem but that won't be for a while let the IE600 have 8 months.

 

[Daniel59]

my current otg is Qudelix 5K and IE600. I'm looking forward to scaling up my IE600.

You’re not going to miss the PEQ on your Qudelix 5K?

 

[meomap]

Out of curiosity after getting Nunchaku last and now Elite yesterday, all.I can say is WOW and OMG....How can a small dongle can be this good....
I thought Nunchaku already on top of my list; however, DCE excels the Nunchaku by a margin subtracts the Tube sounding signature.....

Will use both from time to time....
Just bought CB19 and a power bank yesterday......

 

[Waddiewadkins]

You’re not going to miss the PEQ on your Qudelix 5K?

Am I not going to be amazed how much better the step up in everything the DCE is !?! :/

 

[Daniel59]

Am I not going to be amazed how much better the step up in everything the DCE is !?! :/

Nothing can change/replace equalization, if you apply eq to your head gears. It all depends on how much eq that you applied on your Qudelix. I only use eq when I’m listening to a recording that I feel could be improved by eq’ing some of the frequency bands….for instance, a jazz track that has an overemphasized acoustic bass muddying up the overall sound of the track.

 

[Waddiewadkins]

Nothing can change/replace equalization, if you apply eq to your head gears. It all depends on how much eq that you applied on your Qudelix.

Uhhhh huh,,huh... I've just spent 460 on the DC Elite buddy. I know what PEQ is. I'm expecting great things from the DCE