iBasso DC07 PRO Review
iBasso DC07 PRO Review
Introduction:
The iBasso DC07 Pro is the latest high-end portable DAC/Amplifier Dongle of the company designed for audio enthusiasts who prioritize high-fidelity sound on the go.
The DC07 Pro utilizes four Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips and supports high-resolution audio playback with formats up to Native DSD512 and PCM 32bit/768kHz. Additionally, it packs a powerful amplifier section with up to 430mW output at 32Ω. For user convenience, the device features a 0.96″ OLED screen and a multi-function knob for easy control. It connects to smartphones and laptops via USB-C and includes iBasso’s UAC APP for further control on Android devices. All these features are housed in to a CNC machined aluminum shell with a tempered glass back that has a stylish and premium look.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank iBasso for providing me the DC07 PRO as review sample. I am not affiliated with iBasso beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product!
Price & Availability:
The iBasso DC07 PRO is available for 199.00 US$. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
The iBasso DC07 PRO came inside a fancy looking rectangular box with an iridescent glossy coating in turquoise blue color that displays some brandings on the top.
Inside the box are the following contents & accessories;
- 1 x iBasso DC07 PRO USB DAC/Amplifier Dongle
- 1 x USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable
- 1 x USB Type C to Lightning Cable
- 1 x USB Type-C to USB A Adaptor
- 1 x Print Materials
Design & Build Quality:
The iBasso DC07 Pro is the latest USB DAC/amp dongle targeted towards audiophiles. It has a very compact design crafted from high-quality materials, featuring a CNC-machined aluminum shell and tempered glass on both the front and back. A relatively large OLED display on the front provides easy control over the device. This combination of premium materials gives the DC07 PRO a luxurious feel, reminiscent of digital audio players like the DX260 and the DX180.
My review unit comes in a sophisticated black finish, but the iBasso DC07 Pro is also available in a sleek silver option.
Measuring in at 59mm long, 23.5mm wide, and a mere 12.5mm thick, the DC07 PRO is remarkably compact and easily portable at just 23 grams.
The DC07 PRO is the first DAC/AMP dongle from iBasso that is equipped with a screen. It is a 0.96-inch OLED display that is located behind a glass panel with a black tint on the front of the device.
While it doesn’t occupy the entire front surface, it takes up a significant portion. This display showcases information’s such as volume level, sampling rates, gain & filter settings, in order to easily monitor and adjust the device.
The rear surface of the iBasso DC07 PRO is crafted from tempered glass, offering a polished look. The iBasso logo and branding information are subtly etched onto the glass.
The right side of the device features a sleek multi-function knob with an ALPS encoder for easy control. This knob allows for intuitive navigation through menus, volume adjustments in 100 precise steps.
On the left side, a subtle yet important detail is the Hi-Res Audio label displayed, signifying the device’s commitment to high-fidelity audio playback.
The top of the unit includes a USB-C interface for connecting the device to a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and PCs/Macs. The included cables ensure compatibility with your devices.
The bottom of the unit houses both the 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs. This caters to a wide range of headphone types and preferences.
Overall, the DC07 PRO offers an impressive build quality thanks to its use of CNC-machined aluminum and tempered glass. This combination not only enhances both durability and aesthetic appeal when held in hand, but also exudes a sense of quality and sophistication.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : DC07 PRO
- DAC Chipset : Quad Cirrus Logic CS43131
- PCM Support : Up to 32bit/768kHz
- DSD Support : Native DSD up to 512x
- Dimensions : 2.32″ x 0.93″ x 0.49″
- Weight : 23g
Output | 4.4mm Balanced | 3.5mm Single-Ended |
Power (16Ω, THD+N < 0.1%) | 510mW + 510mW | 210mW + 210mW |
Power (32Ω, THD+N < 0.1%) | 430mW + 430mW | 118mW + 118mW |
Voltage (Selectable Gain) | Low: 2.8 Vrms, Mid: 3.5 Vrms, High: 4.0 Vrms | Low: 1.4 Vrms, Mid: 1.73 Vrms, High: 2.0 Vrms |
THD+N (1kHz, 300Ω load) | -120.2 dB (0.000098%) | -116 dB (0.00017%) |
SNR + Dynamic Range | 134 dBA | 129 dBA |
Crosstalk | 142 dB | 136 dB |
Noise Floor | 0.85 μV | 0.76 μV |
Frequency Response | 10Hz-80kHz (-0.5 dB) | 10Hz-75kHz (-0.5 dB) |
Hardware & Software Features:
Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) & Amplification (AMP) Sections:
In my recent experience with the iBasso DC07Pro, I was impressed by its technical specs. It is equipped with a Quad-DAC configuration featuring four Cirrus Logic CS43131 chips, which are said to be the Cirrius Logis’s flagship DACs. This combination is backed by iBasso’s FPGA techology, resulting in some noteworthy audio measurements. For instance, the DC07Pro achieved a THD+N level of -120.2dB, which is a measure of distortion in the output signal.
The DC07Pro is built in a dongle form factor, which is convenient for portability. Its design incorporates elements from iBasso’s audio players, suggesting a focus on audio quality. It also boasts a very low THD+N of 0.000098%, hinting at improvements in factors like dynamic range and power output.
Speaking of power, the DC07 Pro seems well-equipped. Its 4.4mm balanced output offers a significant 510mW+510mW of power at 16 ohms (430mW+430mW @ 32 ohms) while maintaining a low THD+N rating. This can drive even demanding full sized headphones like the HiFiMAN Arya Organic. Additionally, it offers a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 134 dB and impressively low crosstalk of 142 dB.
For those who prefer the standard 3.5mm single-ended output, the DC07Pro still delivers a substantial 210mW+210mW of power at 16 ohms (118mW+118mW @32 ohms), with similar distortion levels and a strong SNR of 129 dB. Crosstalk also remains low at 136 dB.
The DC07Pro’s versatility extends beyond headphone outputs. It supports SPDIF output at resolutions up to 32bit/768kHz, making it a good choice for those who want to connect the dongle to a dedicated DAC or Amplifier. It can even turn your smartphone into an SPDIF transport device.
Power Drain & Supply:
The iBasso DC07 PRO is a very power efficient dongle that utilizes a special DC-DC converter, which can convert power with up to 94% efficiency. This results in a power consumption of just 80mA, which is 40% lower than the previous DC04Pro model. Interestingly, despite this lower power draw, the DC07 PRO manages to deliver 82% more output power.
The DAC also features a dedicated low-noise LDO circuit for its analog sections. This circuit boasts a high PSRR (power supply rejection ratio) of 100dB, which helps ensure a clean and stable power supply for the sensitive audio components.
For iPhone users, this efficiency is particularly noteworthy. iPhones have a limit on the current they can provide to external devices. If a device draws too much power, it can trigger the iPhone’s power protection and cause a shutdown. With a power consumption of only 80mA, the DC07Pro seems unlikely to run into this issue with iPhones.
Connectivity:
The iBasso DC07 PRO shows a wide device compatibility. It features a USB-C connector and utilizes the standard UAC2.0 USB receiver, making it a perfect companion for most Android smartphones and tablets. Additionally, it can be used as a USB sound card for Mac and Windows PCs with the included USB Type-C to USB-A adapter.
For Apple users, the DC07 PRO also offers iOS device compatibility. However, you’ll need to purchase a USB-C to Lightning cable separately to connect your iPhone or iPad. The DC07 PRO utilizes a standard UAC 2.0 sound card chipset, enabling plug-and-play functionality on Mac and Windows 10/11 computers. If you’re using Windows XP, 7, or 8, you’ll need to download the driver from the iBasso website below;
Win OS USB-DAC Driver for DC07PRO V3.13.047
Updated iBasso UAC Application:
The OLED screen and the Multifunctional Knob allow you to easily control the DC07 PRO settings directly on the device. However, iBasso has also fully upgraded its UAC APP to work with the DC07 PRO. The UAC APP provides access to all settings available on the device, including hardware volume control, low & high gain, low & high pass filters, L/R balance adjustment, and many more that you can download from the link below;
Equipments used for this review:
- DAC’s : iBasso DC07 PRO, Quloos MC01
- USB Source : Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, MSI Vector GP68 HX
- IEM’s : iBasso IT07, iBasso AM05, Campfire Audio Fathom, IOAudio Volare
- Headphones : iBasso SR2, HiFiMAN Arya Organic
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
- Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
- Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
- Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The iBasso DC07 PRO is a compelling portable DAC/AMP dongle for audiophiles. It delivers a powerful, detailed, and spacious sound signature with controlled bass, clear and airy midrange, and impressively extended highs, while its natural soundstage presentation makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-fidelity listening experience on the go.
This review was been written after a burn-in period of between 85-90 hours. I have paired the iBasso DC07 PRO with sources like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and the MSI Vector GP68 HX. My sound impressions below are mainly based on my experiences with the iBasso IT07, iBasso AM05, Campfire Audio Fathom and IOAudio Volare IEM’s and the iBasso SR2, HiFiMAN Arya Organic Headphones.
Bass:
The bass response offered by the iBasso DC07 PRO has a subtle but noticeable difference compared to a neutral sound signature. The bass character of the DC07 PRO has a pleasant touch of fullness and warmth, giving the music a more robust and engaging feel without overpowering the rest of the sound spectrum. This was particularly evident in instruments like bass guitars and kick drums, adding a satisfying depth and texture to their low-end presence without obscuring the details of the higher frequencies. This control ensured clear separation between instruments, allowing me to easily distinguish the subtle nuances of bass lines and cello melodies, even when paired with revealing earphones like the iBasso IT07 or the IOAudio Volare.
For instance, in Bear McCreary’s “Valkyries,” the pounding bass line remained tight and articulate, providing a solid foundation for the soaring strings and epic orchestral flourishes. Daft Punk’s “Instant Crush” also benefited from the enhanced low-end presence, with the funky bass riff packing a satisfying punch without clouding the overall sound. Massive Attack’s “Angel” showcased the iBasso SR2 headphones’ ability to deliver sub-bass with precision, creating a deep and immersive atmosphere that perfectly complemented the track’s haunting melody. Even in the intricate and dynamic drumming of Gogo Penguin’s “Murmuration,” the bass response remained controlled and impactful. This clarity allowed me to fully appreciate the music’s rich low end, a remarkable feat for a compact source like a USB DAC/AMP dongle.
Midrange:
The midrange emerged as a particular strength of the iBasso DC07 PRO. Vocals were presented with a clear and detailed character, along with a natural breathiness that added a sense of realism when paired with IEM’s like the iBasso IT07 and Campfire Audio Fathom. The DC07 PRO excels at rendering vocals across genres, resulting in a prominent and enjoyable listening experience. Savor the richness and soulfulness of Aretha Franklin, the nuanced delivery of Norah Jones, or the powerful clarity of Adele – their voices are delivered with stunning presence. Similarly, male vocals benefit from this detailed presentation. Dave Gahan’s baritone with Depeche Mode takes on a smooth, captivating quality, while Sting’s distinctive lower-midrange is reproduced with remarkable clarity. Even the theatrical high notes of David Bowie are handled with control, avoiding any harshness that proves the technical quality of the DC07 PRO, especially when paired with the right IEM or Headphone.
The overall midrange presentation offeres a good balance between analytical detail and a natural, pleasing sound. Instruments like acoustic guitars and pianos are rendered with a pleasing richness, allowing the natural body of the instruments to come through espeically audible with the HiFiMAN Arya Organic open back planar headphone. When paired with a warmer IEM like the IOAudio Volare and Campfire Audio Fathom the midrange can take on a slightly smoother character.
Treble:
Moving to the treble, the iBasso DC07 PRO delivers crisp and defined high notes, with good textural detail that contributes to a clear and defined top-end. This emphasis on control ensures the treble remains well-balanced and airy, extending smoothly without sacrificing detail. Lower treble instruments like hi-hats and tambourines come through with a natural attack, while upper treble frequencies deliver a pleasing sense of brilliance without becoming harsh.
Using the HiFiMAN Arya Organic headphones paired with the DC07 PRO, tracks like Charly Antolini’s “Duwadjuwandadu” showcase the dongle’s ability to convey the shimmering vibrancy of the cymbals alongside the smooth attack of the percussion. Metallica’s “Sad but True” highlights the pairing’s ability to balance the power of the distorted guitars with the clarity of James Hetfield’s vocals, even in the most intense passages. While some listeners might prefer a brighter presentation in the upper treble, the DC07 PRO prioritizes a clean and accurate soundscape that excels in presenting the natural sparkle of acoustic instruments and the intricacies of soprano female voices like Sertap Erener.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The iBasso DC07 PRO delivers a soundstage that prioritizes both impressive width and a well-defined sense of depth. Compared to other dongle DAC/AMP’s I’ve experienced, this combination creates a noticeably more spacious listening experience. Instruments are clearly separated within the stereo image, further enhanced by a characteristic airiness. This results in an exceptional ability to reveal the intricacies of complex musical arrangements. While the emphasis seems to be on width, the presence of depth contributes to a more expansive and enveloping overall presentation audible in songs like Yosi Horikawa’s “Bubbles”.
Comparison:
iBasso DC07 PRO versus Quloos MC01:
Both the iBasso DC07 PRO and the Quloos MC01 offer compelling qualities. The iBasso edges out the competition with a touch more warmth and impact, particularly suited for genres that thrive on a punchier foundation. While the Quloos prioritizes control and linearity in the sub-bass regions, the iBasso’s approach results to a more engaging and visceral listening experience for bass-driven tracks.
Moving into the midrange, both options deliver detailed and natural presentations. The iBasso DC07 PRO maintains a neutral balance, ensuring an accurate reproduction of vocals and instruments with a touch of breathiness for added realism. This approach caters to listeners who appreciate a transparent soundscape, where instruments like acoustic guitars and pianos are rendered with a pleasing richness. The Quloos MC01 leans slightly warmer in the midrange, adding a touch of body and fullness create in the lower midrange that some might find pleasing, particularly in male vocals and acoustic instruments. However, this warmth comes at the expense, making the iBasso DC07 PRO the preferable option for those seeking a more transparent and detailed midrange experience.
When it comes to treble performance, both the iBasso DC07 PRO and the Quloos MC01 prioritize control and detail. The iBasso takes the lead with its crisp and well-defined high notes, delivered with a good sense of airiness. This approach ensures a clear and extended top-end that avoids harshness, creating a well-balanced soundscape. The Quloos MC01 takes a smoother approach, emphasizing smoothness and control while maintaining a natural weight and brightness. While this approach caters to listeners sensitive to harsh treble, it lacks the airiness, sparkle and extension offered by the iBasso.
Finally, on the soundstage front, both devices offer a solid performance. The iBasso DC07 PRO shines with its expansive width, creating a well-defined sense of depth that excels at revealing the intricacies of complex musical arrangements. The Quloos MC01 prioritizes a balance between width and depth, creating a holographic soundscape with good imaging capabilities. The choice boils down to preference. If a wider and more open soundscape is your priority, the iBasso DC07 PRO is the better choice.
Conclusion:
The iBasso DC07 PRO is a well-equipped portable DAC/AMP that combines attractive design, high-quality build, and most importantly high-level of sound performance. It features impressive technical specifications, including support for high-resolution audio formats, a powerful amplification stage, and remarkably low distortion levels. This results in clear and detailed audio reproduction, capable of driving even power-hungry headphones.
iBasso’s engineering prowess is evident in the DC07 PRO’s power efficiency, offering a significant increase in output power while consuming less energy compared to its predecessor. This allows for extended playback time, especially when used with smartphones that often have stricter power limitations. Overall, the iBasso DC07 PRO raises the bar for portable DAC/Amplifiers, offering excellent performance in a convenient dongle form factor.
Pros & Cons:
- + Rich & Detailed Sound with Excellent Clarity and Definition
- + Ultra Low Noise Floor
- + Compact and Portable
- + Powerful Amplification (430mW+430mW at 32Ω balanced output)
- + Low Power Consumption (just 80mA)
- + Supports SPDIF output up to 32bit/768kHz
- + OLED Display that provides easy control over volume, sampling rates, and other settings
- – No protective case included to the package
Thank you for the Read!
Thanks for the detailed review i really like how you’ve laid out the single ended and balanced specs. Wish i saw more of that elsewhere
Hi Eli, thank you for your kindness 🙂
Very welcome. It’s nice to see one very neat and thought out. I got this coming, while my dx300 sees a warranty trip (amp12&13 both modded at npaudio SOUND AMAZING). Been using a idsd blacklabel with my phone but it’s quite bulky to carry to work haha does this do optical out from the spdif port? thanks!
Hi! I’m using Fiio KA5 for months. Connect with 4.4 balanced cable. I hope i’m gonna get dc07 this week. Dc07 is a good upgrade for KA5? Thanks!
Hi, its definitely an upgrade over the KA5. 👍
Çok sağol dostum;) 👍🏻✌🏻
Hi,
How does it compare to dc06 pro?
Thanks,
Hi there,
The DC07 Pro offers a significant improvement in terms of resolution and overall technical performance over the DC06 Pro. The difference is quite high, and I can easily say that the DC07 Pro is one of the best dongles on the market. Moreover, it has a screen, a sleeker design, better power management, and output power.
Hi again,
Just read your review of ifi Hip-Dac 3 and like to ask how these 2 compare and which one you recommend? Looking to pair with final audio E5000, using Balanced output, listening on outdoors walks mainly, not critical listening, but rather enjoying the music and possibly less jazz & classical (maybe the well knowns Beethoven 3-5-6 & 9, Mendelssohn 3-4), but more albums like Chris de Burgh – Best Moves, Rush – Moving Pictures, Spyro Gyra – Incognito, Queen, Sezen Aksu – Firuze, Sertab Erener – Lal, Steely Dan, ABBA, Alan Parson’s Project, Zaz, Supertramp – Famous Last Words, Nightwish – Once, etc. Thank you very much in advance.
Cheers,
Hi there,
Tonality and presentation-wise, the Hip-DAC 3 has a warmer tonality and more musical presentation, which could be more suitable for the genres you are using. However, since the E5000 is already warm and musical enough, I would prefer the DC07 Pro, which has a cleaner background and is superior in terms of clarity and resolution.
Thank you very much Gokhan, will go with the DC07 Pro. Thanks again !!!
Cheers,