I recently had the chance to try out the iBasso DC07 Pro, their latest dongle DAC that appears very promising from the specifications alone. Let's see if the sound lives up to it.
The iBasso DC07 Pro, priced at $199 USD, promises a premium audio experience with its impressive specs. Packed with four CS43131 DAC, a Flagship Cirrus chip, this dongle DAC sets high expectations. In this review, I'll guide you through my experience with the DC07 Pro, highlighting its design, features, and its impact on your listening experience. You can find more information and purchase it here
Starting With Packaging and Accessories:
The iBasso DC07 Pro, priced at $199 USD, promises a premium audio experience with its impressive specs. Packed with four CS43131 DAC, a Flagship Cirrus chip, this dongle DAC sets high expectations. In this review, I'll guide you through my experience with the DC07 Pro, highlighting its design, features, and its impact on your listening experience. You can find more information and purchase it here
Starting With Packaging and Accessories:
The DC07 Pro comes in a sleek, sky blue minimalist box. Inside, you'll find:
- The DC07 Pro device
- Lightning-to-Type-C cable
- Type-C-to-Type-C cable
- USB-A converter
- User manual with warranty information
The accesoris for this DAC is meet the needs for both Android and iPhone users. iBasso includes both a Lightning and a Type-C cable, the quality of cables are nice and up to standard. It looks premium and goes great with the DAC.
Build Quality & Design:
The dongle DAC feels solid and looks quite elegant, made from precision-milled CNC aluminum with a 0.96-inch OLED panel on the front and tempered glass on the back. Since the front and the back is full glass, it will get scratched if you don’t handle it carefully, and in the worst case, it could break if accidentally dropped. Additionally, the corners and edges are quite sharp, so handle it with care to avoid bending too. Unfortunately, iBasso doesn’t provide a protective case for it.
- The DC07 Pro device
- Lightning-to-Type-C cable
- Type-C-to-Type-C cable
- USB-A converter
- User manual with warranty information
The accesoris for this DAC is meet the needs for both Android and iPhone users. iBasso includes both a Lightning and a Type-C cable, the quality of cables are nice and up to standard. It looks premium and goes great with the DAC.
Build Quality & Design:
The dongle DAC feels solid and looks quite elegant, made from precision-milled CNC aluminum with a 0.96-inch OLED panel on the front and tempered glass on the back. Since the front and the back is full glass, it will get scratched if you don’t handle it carefully, and in the worst case, it could break if accidentally dropped. Additionally, the corners and edges are quite sharp, so handle it with care to avoid bending too. Unfortunately, iBasso doesn’t provide a protective case for it.
Controls and Usability:
This DAC features a multi-function rotary knob that significantly enhances user interaction with the device. The knob provides precise volume adjustments with a smooth, tactile feel, making it easy to use. Beyond volume control, pressing the knob can turn the OLED screen on or off, while pressing and holding it opens the settings menu. In settings mode, rotating the knob allows users to browse through various options, and pressing it confirms selections. This intuitive design ensures effortless navigation and customization of the audio experience. Additionally, the knob design adds touchs premium feel, reminiscent of thier latest DAP DX180.
However, some users in the past that use this type knob have noted that the knob has a slight play, meaning it can feel a bit loose, wobbly over time. This might detract from the overall premium feel of the device for some users. Despite this minor drawback, The knob’s functionality and ease of use make it a great feature of the DC07 Pro.
Additionally, the iBasso UAC app, available on the Play store, complements the hardware by offering advanced digital tuning options. This app supports dac volume control, allowing for more refined adjustments and bypassing the phone's default volume control. The app is compatible with Android 5.0 and above, making it accessible to a wide range of users..
List of features on the DC07 Pro that can be adjusted through both the knob and the app:
Volume Control: This slider allows you to adjust the output volume of your device. Increasing or decreasing the volume helps you find the perfect listening level for your environment and preferences.
L/R Balance: This control lets you adjust the balance between the left and right audio channels. It's useful if you need to compensate for hearing differences between your ears or if your headphones/iems have an imbalance.
High Pass Filter: This filter helps by letting only the higher frequencies pass through and cutting down on the lower frequencies. It's great for getting rid of unwanted low sounds or rumble, which can make things sound clearer, especially in noisy places.
Gain Settings: The DC07 Pro offers three gain levels:
>Low Gain: Ideal for sensitive headphones or IEMs.
>Medium Gain: Suitable for most headphones and earphones.
>High Gain: Provides extra power for demanding, high-impedance iems/headphones.
SPDIF: The DC07 Pro supports SPDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) and can output digital audio via a coaxial cable. This feature is accessible through the settings menu, where you can toggle SPDIF on or off. For this function, you may need an appropriate adapter or cable to connect to your audio system.
Screen Rotation Knob: This option allows you to enable or disable the screen rotation feature. When enabled, the app interface will rotate according to the orientation of your device, making it easier to use in different positions.
Off-Screen Volume Knob: When the Off-Screen Volume Knob feature is ON, you can adjust the volume by rotating the knob without needed the The OLED screen lights up first. When the knob is Off, it won't respond to rotation or button presses unless the LED is turned on first. This prevents accidental changes in volume and settings when the device is in your pocket or such.
Performance and Sound Quality:
When it comes to performance, the DC07 Pro doesn’t disappoint me. It delivers an impressive 430mW for both 3.5mm and 4.4mm Channel, effortlessly driving a wide range of iems, earbud and headphones with ease. The 4.4mm output uses Pentaconn materials, which means you get great build & sound quality. you can expect clear, detailed audio with minimal distortion.
The Sound Signature of this dac presents a well-balanced sound signature, offering solid detail while maintaining a musicality and non-aggressive sound.
At first, I thought the sound would be analytical or aggressive, but surprisingly, it offers a slightly warm tone, open Midrange presence that feels inviting without any harshness in the upper mids. the vocals doesn't sound dry and thin like its predecessor such as DC04 Pro, rather natural and have full bodied.
The Bass is subtly boosted, showcasing ability to deliver excellent texture and punch. Listening to tracks from Gorillaz - She's My Collars, the low end is truly enjoyable in my opion, capturing every nuance.
Also The Treble extends smoothly, providing the DC07 Pro to it's wide soundstage that I find very appealing. despite the extended treble, it retains good in weight and crisp texture without being overly sharp or thin sound, instead it's offering an enjoyable listening experience.
This DAC features a multi-function rotary knob that significantly enhances user interaction with the device. The knob provides precise volume adjustments with a smooth, tactile feel, making it easy to use. Beyond volume control, pressing the knob can turn the OLED screen on or off, while pressing and holding it opens the settings menu. In settings mode, rotating the knob allows users to browse through various options, and pressing it confirms selections. This intuitive design ensures effortless navigation and customization of the audio experience. Additionally, the knob design adds touchs premium feel, reminiscent of thier latest DAP DX180.
However, some users in the past that use this type knob have noted that the knob has a slight play, meaning it can feel a bit loose, wobbly over time. This might detract from the overall premium feel of the device for some users. Despite this minor drawback, The knob’s functionality and ease of use make it a great feature of the DC07 Pro.
Additionally, the iBasso UAC app, available on the Play store, complements the hardware by offering advanced digital tuning options. This app supports dac volume control, allowing for more refined adjustments and bypassing the phone's default volume control. The app is compatible with Android 5.0 and above, making it accessible to a wide range of users..
List of features on the DC07 Pro that can be adjusted through both the knob and the app:
Volume Control: This slider allows you to adjust the output volume of your device. Increasing or decreasing the volume helps you find the perfect listening level for your environment and preferences.
L/R Balance: This control lets you adjust the balance between the left and right audio channels. It's useful if you need to compensate for hearing differences between your ears or if your headphones/iems have an imbalance.
The DC07 Pro offers five digital filters (D1 to D5) to customize the sound signature:
>D1 (Phase Compensated Fast Filter): Provides a linear phase response and fast roll-off, emphasizing clarity and detail. Ideal for those who prioritize precision and transparency.
>D2 (Phase Compensated Slow Filter): Introduces minimal phase shift with a slower roll-off for a smoother, more natural sound. Suitable for listeners who prefer a warmer, more relaxed presentation.
>D3 (Low Latency Fast Filter): Balances phase response and roll-off speed, offering a compromise between precision and smoothness. Useful for reducing latency in real-time audio applications.
>D4 (Low Latency Slow Filter): Similar to D3 but with a slower roll-off. Maintains good phase characteristics while providing a more relaxed sound. Great for extended listening sessions.
>D5 (NOS - Non-Oversampling): Features a steep roll-off to minimize unwanted frequencies, delivering a unique, uncolored sound. Preferred by audiophiles seeking a purist experience.
High Pass Filter: This filter helps by letting only the higher frequencies pass through and cutting down on the lower frequencies. It's great for getting rid of unwanted low sounds or rumble, which can make things sound clearer, especially in noisy places.
Gain Settings: The DC07 Pro offers three gain levels:
>Low Gain: Ideal for sensitive headphones or IEMs.
>Medium Gain: Suitable for most headphones and earphones.
>High Gain: Provides extra power for demanding, high-impedance iems/headphones.
SPDIF: The DC07 Pro supports SPDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) and can output digital audio via a coaxial cable. This feature is accessible through the settings menu, where you can toggle SPDIF on or off. For this function, you may need an appropriate adapter or cable to connect to your audio system.
Screen Rotation Knob: This option allows you to enable or disable the screen rotation feature. When enabled, the app interface will rotate according to the orientation of your device, making it easier to use in different positions.
Off-Screen Volume Knob: When the Off-Screen Volume Knob feature is ON, you can adjust the volume by rotating the knob without needed the The OLED screen lights up first. When the knob is Off, it won't respond to rotation or button presses unless the LED is turned on first. This prevents accidental changes in volume and settings when the device is in your pocket or such.
Performance and Sound Quality:
When it comes to performance, the DC07 Pro doesn’t disappoint me. It delivers an impressive 430mW for both 3.5mm and 4.4mm Channel, effortlessly driving a wide range of iems, earbud and headphones with ease. The 4.4mm output uses Pentaconn materials, which means you get great build & sound quality. you can expect clear, detailed audio with minimal distortion.
The Sound Signature of this dac presents a well-balanced sound signature, offering solid detail while maintaining a musicality and non-aggressive sound.
At first, I thought the sound would be analytical or aggressive, but surprisingly, it offers a slightly warm tone, open Midrange presence that feels inviting without any harshness in the upper mids. the vocals doesn't sound dry and thin like its predecessor such as DC04 Pro, rather natural and have full bodied.
The Bass is subtly boosted, showcasing ability to deliver excellent texture and punch. Listening to tracks from Gorillaz - She's My Collars, the low end is truly enjoyable in my opion, capturing every nuance.
Also The Treble extends smoothly, providing the DC07 Pro to it's wide soundstage that I find very appealing. despite the extended treble, it retains good in weight and crisp texture without being overly sharp or thin sound, instead it's offering an enjoyable listening experience.
DC07 Pro Sound Signature by Genre: My impressions below use the Digital Filter setting D4 with the high-pass filter off.
K-Pop often features a mix of electronic beats, catchy melodies, and vibrant vocals. The DC07 Pro's slightly warm tone and open midrange presence make the vocals sound inviting and full-bodied rather than sibilant and harsh. While the bassline packs a punch, it might not quite shake the room during the most intense tracks. The slightly warm tone adds depth but can sometimes soften the crisp high-notes.
K-Pop often features a mix of electronic beats, catchy melodies, and vibrant vocals. The DC07 Pro's slightly warm tone and open midrange presence make the vocals sound inviting and full-bodied rather than sibilant and harsh. While the bassline packs a punch, it might not quite shake the room during the most intense tracks. The slightly warm tone adds depth but can sometimes soften the crisp high-notes.
J-Pop, similar to K-Pop, benefits from clear and engaging vocals. The DC07 Pro's ability to deliver natural and full-bodied vocals enhances the listening experience, making the melodies more enjoyable. The smooth treble extension also helps in capturing the intricate details of the music and makes the female voices sound engaging. However, while the treble is clear, it could be a touch brighter for those who crave a sharper edge.
Pop music is characterized by catchy melodies and polished production. The DC07 Pro slightly warm tone and open midrange will make the vocals sound engaging. While the bass provides a good foundation, it might lack the deep impact that some pop tracks demand. The overall sound is smooth and enjoyable, but it could benefit from a bit more sparkle in the high frequencies for those who prefer a brighter sound.
Rock music often features powerful vocals, electric guitars, and dynamic drumming. The DC07 Pro solid detail retrieval and non-aggressive sound signature will help in distinguishing the different instruments, while its excellent bass texture and punch will add depth to the guitar riffs and drums.
Metal music often has complex instrumentation and powerful vocals. The DC07 Pro solid detail retrieval and non-aggressive sound signature will help in distinguishing the different instruments without causing listener fatigue. The excellent texture and punch in the bass will add depth to the heavy guitar riffs and drums.
R&B is all about smooth vocals and deep bass, and the DC07 Pro really shines here with its clean warm tone and natural vocal presentation. The vocals come through rich and emotive, adding a nice touch to the overall sound. The slighty boosted bass gives a satisfying thump that helps drive the groove. However, if you’re a bass enthusiast looking for that deep, floor-shaking low end, this dac might not quite hit the level you’re after.
EDM is all about high-energy beats and a range of electronic sounds, and the DC07 Pro excels with its wide soundstage and smooth treble that let you catch all the little details. The sound is well-balanced, but the bass isn't particularly strong, so while it delivers a decent punch, it might not hit the deepest lows some EDM tracks demand. Also, the DAC slightly warm tone might make the highs a bit less crisp, so those intricate electronic sounds might not pop as much as you'd hope.
Classical music requires a balanced and detailed sound signature to capture the nuances of the instruments. The DC07 Pro's well-balanced sound and open midrange will ensure that the strings, woodwinds, and brass instruments sound natural and lifelike. The smooth treble will add clarity without harshness. However, the DAC's slightly warm character can soften the clarity and transparency needed to fully appreciate the subtleties of orchestral works. It's like listening to a live orchestra from the back row; you can hear the music, but you miss the intimate details that some analytical-sounding DACs might provide.
This Dac Renowned for its clean, neutral, and slightly warm sound signature, which pairs well with various IEMs:
BQEYZ Cloud:
The BQEYZ Cloud and DC07 Pro DAC form a dynamic and engaging partnership. The DAC slightly warm character complements the Cloud's energetic presentation, resulting in a balanced and involving soundstage. The Cloud's airy treble is tempered by the DAC smooth extension, creating a harmonious blend that avoids listener fatigue. The midrange is forward and expressive, with vocals delivered with clarity and emotion. This pairing shines on tracks like "Wendy - I Wish You Hell," where the combination of detail and warmth creates an immersive listening experience.
Dita Project M:
The Dita Project M benefits significantly from the DC07 Pro DAC neutral and transparent presentation. The DAC provides ample power to drive the Project M's balanced armature drivers, resulting in exceptional clarity and detail retrieval. The Project M's analytical nature is complemented by the DAC slightly warm touch, adding a touch of musicality without compromising precision. This pairing excels in classical and jazz genres, where the DAC ability to resolve intricate details shines.
Rose technics Star City 5 Pro:
The Starcity 5 Pro and DC07 Pro DAC create a synergy that emphasizes clarity and transparency. The DAC neutral character perfectly complements the ST5P smooth tuning, resulting in a balanced and accurate soundstage. The DAC controlled bass and extended treble enhance the ST5P strengths, providing a foundation for a wide range of musical genres. This pairing is particularly impressive with K-Pop and J-Pop, where the DAC ability to deliver both impact and detail is evident without being shouty and too aggressive sounding.
Battery and Power Efficiency:
I noticed that this DAC doesn't consume as much power as other high-output DACs. According to iBasso, it only uses around 80mA, which is pretty efficient if you ask me. This low power consumption means you can enjoy high-quality audio without worrying too much about draining your phone's battery quickly like other dac might..
I Provide some estimate:
>Phone Battery Capacity: Most phones have a battery around 5,000mAh (or 5Ah at 3.7V, which is roughly 18.5Wh).
>DC07 Pro Power Consumption: uses about 80mA.
>Phone Power Consumption: Phones typically use around 2.5W.
Calculation:
- Total Power Consumption: 2.5W (phone) + (80mA * 5V) = 2.5W + 0.4W = 2.9W (phone + DC07 Pro)
- Battery Life (in hours) = Battery Capacity (in Wh) / Total Power Consumption (in W)
- For the phone: 18.5Wh / 2.9W ≈ 6.38 hours.
Pop music is characterized by catchy melodies and polished production. The DC07 Pro slightly warm tone and open midrange will make the vocals sound engaging. While the bass provides a good foundation, it might lack the deep impact that some pop tracks demand. The overall sound is smooth and enjoyable, but it could benefit from a bit more sparkle in the high frequencies for those who prefer a brighter sound.
Rock music often features powerful vocals, electric guitars, and dynamic drumming. The DC07 Pro solid detail retrieval and non-aggressive sound signature will help in distinguishing the different instruments, while its excellent bass texture and punch will add depth to the guitar riffs and drums.
Metal music often has complex instrumentation and powerful vocals. The DC07 Pro solid detail retrieval and non-aggressive sound signature will help in distinguishing the different instruments without causing listener fatigue. The excellent texture and punch in the bass will add depth to the heavy guitar riffs and drums.
R&B is all about smooth vocals and deep bass, and the DC07 Pro really shines here with its clean warm tone and natural vocal presentation. The vocals come through rich and emotive, adding a nice touch to the overall sound. The slighty boosted bass gives a satisfying thump that helps drive the groove. However, if you’re a bass enthusiast looking for that deep, floor-shaking low end, this dac might not quite hit the level you’re after.
EDM is all about high-energy beats and a range of electronic sounds, and the DC07 Pro excels with its wide soundstage and smooth treble that let you catch all the little details. The sound is well-balanced, but the bass isn't particularly strong, so while it delivers a decent punch, it might not hit the deepest lows some EDM tracks demand. Also, the DAC slightly warm tone might make the highs a bit less crisp, so those intricate electronic sounds might not pop as much as you'd hope.
Classical music requires a balanced and detailed sound signature to capture the nuances of the instruments. The DC07 Pro's well-balanced sound and open midrange will ensure that the strings, woodwinds, and brass instruments sound natural and lifelike. The smooth treble will add clarity without harshness. However, the DAC's slightly warm character can soften the clarity and transparency needed to fully appreciate the subtleties of orchestral works. It's like listening to a live orchestra from the back row; you can hear the music, but you miss the intimate details that some analytical-sounding DACs might provide.
This Dac Renowned for its clean, neutral, and slightly warm sound signature, which pairs well with various IEMs:
BQEYZ Cloud:
The BQEYZ Cloud and DC07 Pro DAC form a dynamic and engaging partnership. The DAC slightly warm character complements the Cloud's energetic presentation, resulting in a balanced and involving soundstage. The Cloud's airy treble is tempered by the DAC smooth extension, creating a harmonious blend that avoids listener fatigue. The midrange is forward and expressive, with vocals delivered with clarity and emotion. This pairing shines on tracks like "Wendy - I Wish You Hell," where the combination of detail and warmth creates an immersive listening experience.
Dita Project M:
The Dita Project M benefits significantly from the DC07 Pro DAC neutral and transparent presentation. The DAC provides ample power to drive the Project M's balanced armature drivers, resulting in exceptional clarity and detail retrieval. The Project M's analytical nature is complemented by the DAC slightly warm touch, adding a touch of musicality without compromising precision. This pairing excels in classical and jazz genres, where the DAC ability to resolve intricate details shines.
Rose technics Star City 5 Pro:
The Starcity 5 Pro and DC07 Pro DAC create a synergy that emphasizes clarity and transparency. The DAC neutral character perfectly complements the ST5P smooth tuning, resulting in a balanced and accurate soundstage. The DAC controlled bass and extended treble enhance the ST5P strengths, providing a foundation for a wide range of musical genres. This pairing is particularly impressive with K-Pop and J-Pop, where the DAC ability to deliver both impact and detail is evident without being shouty and too aggressive sounding.
Battery and Power Efficiency:
I noticed that this DAC doesn't consume as much power as other high-output DACs. According to iBasso, it only uses around 80mA, which is pretty efficient if you ask me. This low power consumption means you can enjoy high-quality audio without worrying too much about draining your phone's battery quickly like other dac might..
I Provide some estimate:
>Phone Battery Capacity: Most phones have a battery around 5,000mAh (or 5Ah at 3.7V, which is roughly 18.5Wh).
>DC07 Pro Power Consumption: uses about 80mA.
>Phone Power Consumption: Phones typically use around 2.5W.
Calculation:
- Total Power Consumption: 2.5W (phone) + (80mA * 5V) = 2.5W + 0.4W = 2.9W (phone + DC07 Pro)
- Battery Life (in hours) = Battery Capacity (in Wh) / Total Power Consumption (in W)
- For the phone: 18.5Wh / 2.9W ≈ 6.38 hours.
>So, if you're pairing the DC07 Pro with your phone, you might see your battery life drop to around 6.38 hours, which is approximately 15.7% per hour. This is quite efficient for such a high-quality DAC. However, actual battery drain will depend on factors like the phone model, battery health, screen brightness, background apps, and other activities such as using mobile data or streaming music or video, which can drain the battery faster though.
Pros:
+Solid Build: Sturdy CNC aluminum with tempered glass.
+Great Sound: Balanced with a slightly warm tone; handles various genres well.
+Premium Design: Sleek and stylish with high-quality materials, including an attractive OLED screen and tempered glass backdoor panels.
+Rich Vocals: Offers full-bodied and natural vocal presentation that enhances clarity and emotion.
+Powerful: Drives both 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs effortlessly.
+User-Friendly: Easy-to-use rotary knob and app for precise adjustments.
+Low Power Consumption: Efficient with your phone’s battery.
Cons:
-Sharp Edges: The corners can be quite sharp; handle with care.
-Case Not Included: It doesn’t come with a protective case, which is a drawback given its price.
-The treble could use a bit more sparkle for those who like a brighter sound.
-Knob Wobble: The rotary knob might feel a bit loose over time.
Final Take, The iBasso DC07 Pro is an impressive dongle DAC with a solid build, user-friendly controls, and a balanced sound signature. It pairs well with various IEMs and offers excellent performance, especially with its smooth, slightly warm tone and strong power output. The efficient power use means it won’t drain your phone's battery too quickly. However, Note that Since its glass on both sides theres potentially get scratched or cracked if accidentally dropped, i wish ibasso including in the packaging. and while the bass is decent, it’s not the most punchy. The treble could also be a bit sharper. Additionally, the price may be a bit high for entry-level users. Overall, the DC07 Pro is a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality portable audio, though it may be best suited for those willing to invest in premium gearIt’s definitely a strong contender for setting new standards in Chi-fi dongles.
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