Worth Trying a Dongle DAC as a standalone DAC to an AMP?

[Dragonmilenario]

Hey everyone!

I’m considering experimenting with my iBasso DC04 Pro as a standalone DAC connected to a Violectric V222.

However, in that case, I’d need to buy a 4.4 mm to dual XLR cable, which costs around €60. If the results aren’t worth it (even just for testing), I’d rather spend that money on a nice steak at a restaurant

For some context, for portable use I currently use the iBasso connected to my iPhone and Liric II at about 65% volume, and I really enjoy the sound (not the most technical one but pleasant).

My question is, can the Violectric amp enhance the qualities of the dongle, or will the outcome be disappointing (double amplification and other things…)? From what I see in the specs and online measurements, the 4.4 mm output provides the usual 4Vrms level of balanced DACs even though it’s not a line out and only a headphone out connector.

Thanks in advance!

 

[dunring]

I've tried using dongles for a DAC with mixed results. The noise floor was never quiet enough, but with 4.4mm to XLR it should be better. If you pause a song and max the volume in a quiet room, you may be able to listen for a hiss to see how quiet your DAC is on some sensitive IEMs or headphones.
Any noise is going to be amplified even more, so I gave up after trying several dongles. Which DAC are you using for the amplifier now?

 

[Dragonmilenario]

I've tried using dongles for a DAC with mixed results. The noise floor was never quiet enough, but with 4.4mm to XLR it should be better. If you pause a song and max the volume in a quiet room, you may be able to listen for a hiss to see how quiet your DAC is on some sensitive IEMs or headphones.
Any noise is going to be amplified even more, so I gave up after trying several dongles. Which DAC are you using for the amplifier now?

Fiio K7 with RCA. I’m planning to upgrade in the near future, but the sound from this combo is good enough.

 

[AnamCeoil]

Hey everyone!

I’m considering experimenting with my iBasso DC04 Pro as a standalone DAC connected to a Violectric V222.

However, in that case, I’d need to buy a 4.4 mm to dual XLR cable, which costs around €60. If the results aren’t worth it (even just for testing), I’d rather spend that money on a nice steak at a restaurant

For some context, for portable use I currently use the iBasso connected to my iPhone and Liric II at about 65% volume, and I really enjoy the sound (not the most technical one but pleasant).

My question is, can the Violectric amp enhance the qualities of the dongle, or will the outcome be disappointing (double amplification and other things…)? From what I see in the specs and online measurements, the 4.4 mm output provides the usual 4Vrms level of balanced DACs even though it’s not a line out and only a headphone out connector.

Thanks in advance!

I regularly use my Cayin ru7 with my V202 via 4.4 to dual XLR, and run my JM Audio XTC or ZMF cans off of it (Prior to getting the RU7 I even used the FC6, which doesn't have a dedicated LO, on occasion and liked it also)....and I really love the sound that it gives. I'm more of a "lose yourself in the music" rather than an analytical listener, but there have been many long afternoons by the window on a rainy day lost in the aural joy that chain brings. YMMW, but it works well for me...

 

[AnamCeoil]

I regularly use my Cayin ru7 with my V202 via 4.4 to dual XLR, and run my JM Audio XTC or ZMF cans off of it (Prior to getting the RU7 I even used the FC6, which doesn't have a dedicated LO, on occasion and liked it also)....and I really love the sound that it gives. I'm more of a "lose yourself in the music" rather than an analytical listener, but there have been many long afternoons by the window on a rainy day lost in the aural joy that chain brings. YMMW, but it works well for me...

Here's the cable that I got as, like you, I wasn't sure the combo would be worth it (though I also have the Zen DAC, which has 4.4.out if needed, so could use the cable elsewhere). Cable is good quality, and works great for my needs (and cheaper than 60 FWIW).