Introduction:
As an esteemed leader in the CHI-FI audio industry, iBasso continues to push boundaries with the DC04PRO. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the DC03PRO. The DC04PRO represents the pinnacle of innovation and performance in the world of dongle DACs.
With meticulous attention to detail and cutting-edge technology, iBasso has crafted a device that seamlessly blends exceptional sound quality, versatility, and efficiency into a compact and elegant form factor, all of this for 119 US dollars.
Technical Specs:
4.4mm Balanced Output
- THD+N: 0.00013% (300Ω load)
- Output Level
- 3.0Vrms (32Ω load)
- 4.0Vrms (300Ω load)
- S/NR: 131 dBA
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz +/- 0.5dB
- Output Impedance: <0.4Ω
3.5mm SE Output
- THD+N: 0.00018% (300Ω load)
- Output Level
- 2.0Vrms (32Ω load)
- 2.0Vrms (300Ω load)
- S/NR: 127 dBA
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz +/- 0.5dB
- Output Impedance: <0.2Ω
General
- DAC Chipset: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43131
- PCM: Up to 32-bit/384 kHz
- DSD: Native DSD up to 256x
- Size: 59mm x 23.4mm x 12.1mm
- Weight: 21g
What’s in the box:
Upon unboxing, the iBasso DC04PRO reveals a meticulously crafted device housed within a quite simple plastic box. Inside the box, users will find the DC04PRO dongle DAC, a short USB-C to USB-C cable, a full-size USB adapter, and for iPhone users, an included lightning cable attached to the side of the box and a user manual.
Design and build quality:
The DC04PRO exudes sophistication and craftsmanship, featuring a precision CNC-milled aluminum case accented by tempered glass panels on both sides. Available in sleek grey or vibrant blue, the device is a visual masterpiece that complements any audio setup with its understated elegance. The cable is very simple, nothing extraordinary, and could have been more premium for the asking price.
Despite having 3.5mm + 4.4mm outputs, the DC04PRO is quite small, measuring 59mm x 23.4mm x 12.1mm and weighting only 21 grams, making it lightweight and portable, ensuring effortless integration into any listening environment.
Its features:
The iBasso DC04PRO embodies the culmination of cutting-edge technology and extensive expertise from iBasso. Featuring dual Cirrus Logic flagship DAC chips (CS43131), equipped with Master HiFiT technology, the DC04PRO ensures great performance and sound quality.
These DAC chips, in conjunction with a synchronous DC-DC converter and a low-noise, high-speed LDO boasting a 100dB power supply rejection ratio, contribute to a remarkable sound experience with an exceptionally silent background. The iBasso DC04Pro supports PCM decoding up to 32-bit/384 kHz, employing a 32-bit oversampled multi-bit modulator with mismatch shaping technology.
Furthermore, the DC04PRO integrates an iBasso in-house-developed FPGA algorithm, a first-of-its-kind feature in a dongle DAC. This innovative algorithm, combined with a KDS femtosecond oscillator for jitter control, ensures distortion-free sound reproduction, elevating the listening experience to unprecedented levels of clarity and precision.
Complementing the DAC chips are dual RT6863 OPAMP chips, facilitating a 4-way fully balanced amp with ultra-low distortion. These OPAMP chips deliver an output current of up to 100mA and operate at a 10v swing, enabling the DC04PRO to achieve an output of 280mW at 32Ω.
In terms of power consumption, the DC04PRO exhibits remarkable efficiency, consuming only 650mW in balanced mode and 550mW in single-ended mode. Moreover, the device offers a power-saving mode option, reducing power consumption to as low as 410mW while maintaining optimal performance.
With top measurements boasting a signal-to-noise ratio of 131dB, a THD+N of 0.00013%, and a noise floor of 900nV or 0.9μV, the iBasso DC04PRO sets a new standard for accuracy, fidelity, and performance in its category, which is very hard to beat.
The DC04Pro also has LED indicators displaying sampling frequencies of music files: green (PCM), blue (DSD), and red (standby mode).
iBasso UAC APP:
The UAC app is very simple to use and very straight-forward, with a quick response. The APP is giving you: 100 steps of hardware volume, 3 gain levels, 2 output modes, 20 steps of L/R balance, a power-saving mode, and 5 digital filters:
1 (Fast Roll Off): This setting delivers a deep sub-bass rumble, complemented by natural and detailed mids and crisp treble. It maintains a balanced presentation with a focus on clarity and precision.
2 (Short Delay, Slow Roll Off): With this option, you can expect an emphasis on sub-bass rumble, accompanied by a slightly thicker body in the lower mids. The treble retains its sparkle, this setting is giving it more warmth.
3 (Short Delay, Fast Roll Off): This configuration strikes with a bit less sub-bass rumble and more transparency in the lower mids. The treble exhibits a touch more sparkle.
4 (Slow Roll Off): Similar to 3, this setting offers a little less sub-bass rumble and more transparent lower mids. This time, the treble maintains its original sparkle.
5 (NOS, No Oversampling): With this option, you’ll experience a deeper sub-bass rumble, accompanied by organic and smooth mids. The treble takes on a smoother character, reminiscent of analog warmth, providing a laidback yet immersive listening experience.
The big downside is that there is no internal storage for the sound profile. Furthermore, there are no filter options on the computer, meaning that you will have to stick with the default setting, which is filter number 1.
Sound Performance:
The iBasso DC04PRO delivers an exceptional sound performance, characterized by its musicality, transparency, and engaging presentation.
Bass:
The bass reproduction is deep, controlled, and dynamic, providing excellent definition and tightness across the frequency range. It offers a fast and impactful response with good physical impact, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres. The DC04PRO’s bass presence is well-balanced and full-bodied, ensuring a satisfying low-end experience without overpowering other frequencies.
Midrange:
The midrange of the DC04PRO is natural, engaging, and exceptionally detailed. It presents vocals and instruments with remarkable realism and linearity, capturing the nuances of each performance with precision. The texture is lush and full-bodied, adding depth and emotional resonance to the music. Whether it’s male or female vocals, the midrange reproduction remains expressive and captivating, contributing to an immersive listening experience.
Treble:
The treble performance of the DC04PRO is sharp, detailed, and well-extended without being harsh or fatiguing. It offers plenty of sparkle and clarity, revealing intricate details in the high frequencies with finesse. The treble presentation is lively and energetic, enhancing the overall musicality of the sound signature while maintaining a smooth and non-fatiguing character.
Imaging:
The DC04PRO excels in imaging, delivering precise instrument placement and spatial accuracy. It creates a spacious and immersive soundstage, allowing the listener to discern the subtle nuances of each instrument’s location within the sonic landscape. The imaging is sharp and well-defined, contributing to a captivating listening experience with excellent depth and layering.
Comparison:
Truthear Shio
The Truthear Shio offers a warm sound signature with deep and controlled bass, natural midrange, and crisp treble, providing a smooth and organic listening experience.
In comparison, the iBasso DC04PRO delivers a balanced and transparent sound with deep sub-bass rumble, engaging midrange, and revealing treble, ensuring excellent clarity and technical performance.
While the Shio excels in warmth and organic sound, the DC04PRO focuses on transparency, clarity, and technical excellence, catering to different preferences in sound signature.
Tanchjim Space
The iBasso DC04PRO and Tanchjim Space dongles offer contrasting yet equally impressive audio experiences.
The DC04PRO excels in delivering a rich and musical sound, with excellent bass slam and instrument definition, in addition to the holographic soundstage. Meanwhile, the Tanchjim Space stands out for its clean and spacious sound signature, exceptional imaging, and separation.
The DC04PRO, coupled with its customizable settings through the iBasso UAC application, makes it a versatile option for immersive listening.
In contrast, the Tanchjim Space prioritizes reference-class sound quality and ensures a pitch-black and clean background for an optimal listening experience.
Ultimately, users can choose between the engaging musicality of the DC04PRO and the reference-class sound quality of the Tanchjim Space based on their preferences and priorities.
Final thoughts:
The iBasso DC04PRO stands out as a versatile and high-performance DAC dongle that combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional sound quality.
With its sleek design, premium build quality, and compact form factor, it offers a convenient solution for audiophiles seeking an enhanced audio experience on the go. Equipped with dual Cirrus Logic flagship DAC chips and RT6863 OPAMP chips, the DC04PRO delivers a refined and transparent sound signature and maintains it across a range of sound profile options.
Whether you prefer deep sub-bass rumble, natural, detailed mids, or crisp treble, the DC04PRO offers customizable sound settings to suit your preferences.
The inclusion of innovative features such as the power-saving mode, which minimizes power consumption without compromising sound quality, further enhances the DC04PRO’s appeal.
Additionally, the iBasso in-house-developed FPGA algorithm and KDS femtosecond oscillator ensure distortion-free sound reproduction, elevating the listening experience to new heights.
Overall, the iBasso DC04PRO excels in delivering an immersive and engaging audio experience, making it an excellent choice for discerning audiophiles looking for a portable DAC dongle that delivers both performance and versatility.
Pros:
- A very musical and natural sound without digital timbre.
- Premium build quality
- Powerful output with very low distortion.
- Dead silent background.
- Power-saving mode for extended battery life.
- Innovative technology
- Great working app.
- Doesn’t get warm.
- Lightweight and compact design.
Cons:
- The cable could have been of higher quality considering the asking price.
- There is no internal memory for the sound profiles.
- Only default configuration on computer.