iBasso
iBasso DC04 USB Cable Adapter DAC/amp
Best balanced portable DAC for audiophiles using high-end wired headphones.
The iBasso DC04 is a portable USB Type-C DAC/AMP designed for high-resolution audio. It features a dual CS43131 DAC chipset for exceptional sound clarity and an ultra-low distortion output. The device includes a 4.4mm balanced headphone jack, offering a reliable connection for high-end IEMs and headphones. With a powerful output of 195mW @ 32Ω and precise volume control via a custom application, the DC04 ensures a clean, noise-free background. Its elegant unibody design and support for PCM up to 32Bit/384kHz and DSD256 make it a versatile audio companion.
$74.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
410
/ 807
#410 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-95%
Below average
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound from their mobile devices
- Listeners using demanding headphones requiring balanced power
- Commuters wanting high-resolution audio in a pocketable form
Who should skip it
- Smartphone users concerned about preserving their device's battery life
- Owners of standard 3.5mm headphones needing a plug-and-play solution
- Users who prefer tactile physical controls for quick volume adjustments
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
Dual CS43131 chips deliver exceptional clarity and high-resolution detail.
Driving Power
Robust output easily handles demanding headphones and high-end IEMs.
Noise Floor
Ultra-low background noise ensures a pristine, silent listening experience.
Build Quality
Sleek unibody design feels premium and built to last.
Volume Precision
Custom app integration provides granular control over your listening levels.
Format Versatility
Broad support for high-res PCM and DSD satisfies demanding audiophiles.
Key Specs
High-performance Dual CS43131 DAC chips
Elegant Unibody design
iBasso Mobile App support
4.4mm Balanced Headphone Port
Decodes PCM Up To 32Bit/384kHz
DSD256 Support
Signal To Noise Ratio(SNR)
133dB
Output Power
195mW @ 32Ω
Features
- Dual CS43131 DAC chipset for superior audio clarity
- Balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn headphone jack for robust connections
- High output power to drive demanding headphones
- Custom application for precise 64-level volume adjustment
- Ultra-low output impedance for sensitive IEMs
- Supports high-resolution PCM and DSD formats
- Elegant unibody design
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the iBasso DC04 for its exceptional sound quality, often noting a significant improvement over standard phone audio. Many highlight its impressive power output and clear, detailed audio reproduction, making it a strong contender for portable listening. The device is frequently lauded for offering remarkable value, delivering high fidelity performance typically found in more expensive equipment. Its plug and play simplicity further enhances the user experience, solidifying its reputation as a highly recommended portable DAC/amp.
Know before you buy
No, the DC04 is equipped exclusively with a 4.4mm balanced headphone jack. You will need a 4.4mm balanced cable for your headphones or a 3.5mm to 4.4mm adapter to use standard cables.
Yes, the DC04 uses a USB Type-C interface, making it compatible with most modern Android smartphones, tablets, and laptops. If you are using an iPhone with a Lightning port, you will need a separate Lightning to USB-C adapter.
The DC04 features 64-level hardware volume control, which is managed via the iBasso mobile app. This allows for more precise adjustments than the standard volume steps on most smartphones, helping you find the perfect listening level.
With an output of 4Vrms at 300Ω, the DC04 is quite capable of driving many high-impedance headphones effectively. However, for extremely power-hungry planar magnetic or high-impedance studio headphones, you may find that a dedicated desktop amplifier provides more headroom.
Yes, the DC04 is an excellent choice for sensitive IEMs. Its ultra-low output impedance of 0.12Ω and extremely low background noise floor ensure that you won't hear any audible hiss or distortion.
For most modern operating systems like macOS or Windows 10 and 11, the DC04 is plug-and-play. If you want to utilize the full potential of high-resolution audio files on Windows, you may need to download the specific iBasso USB DAC driver from their website.
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