iBasso DC06PRO Dongle-DAC Review
The iBasso DC06PRO is an ultra-portable dongle DAC featuring dual ES9219C DAC chips for high-resolution audio performance. It boasts a premium aluminum build with balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 3.5mm outputs, ensuring versatility for various headphones. Despite using expensive components, iBasso maintains affordability through advanced technologies like a dedicated amp power supply, enhancing dynamics and sound transparency.
Dual headphone output ports offer convenience, while FPGA and NDK femtosecond oscillator tech ensures low jitter and minimal distortion. With support for PCM up to 32bit/384kHz, native DSD up to 256x, and MQA 16x, the DC06PRO delivers a high-fidelity listening experience in a compact, stylish package, weighing only 20g.
The DC06PRO has made major progress using ES9219C DAC chips through extensive research, development, strict testing, and careful listening sessions. Even with the use of pricier components, we have kept the price remarkably affordable without sacrificing quality.
By using two DAC chips, we have significantly boosted the power output of our device without compromising its compact size. At the same time, we have successfully reduced the background noise to a minimum. The power consumption of the latest ESS DAC is well-balanced with its output, ensuring exceptional performance. Rest assured, the audio quality remains top-notch, delivering a genuine and immersive sound experience for your everyday enjoyment.
The DC06PRO utilizes cutting-edge technology to establish a distinct power source for the AMP portion. This involves a synchronized DC-DC converter, a noise-reducing charge pump chip, and an LDO. These applications allow the AMP section to function at its highest capability without any disruptions from the digital section. As a result, it improves the sound’s dynamics, bass impact, and overall clarity.
The DC06PRO uses our custom FPHA algorithm to achieve a remarkably low jitter. This is made possible by using the NDK femtosecond oscillator, which leads to minimal distortion and a significant improvement in the quality of the music.
The DC06PRO is equipped with hardware to render MQA. The software unfolds twice, while the DAC’s onboard hardware unfolds an additional nine times. iBasso software is certified, allowing you to decode and enjoy your MQA files to the 16X unfold.
The DC06PRO case is made from a top-quality aluminum alloy for CNC milling. The volume control feature goes through several intricate steps during CNC, resulting in a highly functional and visually pleasing outcome. The tempered hardened glass panels, combined with precise CNC case machining, enhance both the aesthetics and quality of the overall result.
The iBasso UAC App has been fully upgraded to work with the DC06PRO, which provides:
- 100 Steps of Hardware Volume
- 2 Options for Digital Filters
- 20-Step L/R Balance
- On/Off Power Saver
The DC06PRO utilizes a USB-C input and can be used with many cable types. A USB-A to USB-C cable converter is also provided allowing for use with most Android devices. A Lightning cable can also be used with the DC06PRO.
Specs
- DAC Chipset: Dual ES9219C QUAD DAC+ Chips
- PCM: up to 32bit/384kHz
- DSD: Native DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
- MQA: 16X
- Weight: 20g
- THD +N: 0.00035% (600Ω load) 0.0005% (32Ω load) (4.4mm Balanced)/ 0.00056% (600Ω load) 0.0007% (32Ω load) (3.5mm Single Ended)
- Output Voltage: 3.2Vrms (32Ω load) 4Vrms (300Ω load) (4.4mm Balanced) / 2Vrms (32Ω load) (3.5mm Single Ended)
- S/N: 123dBA / 120dBA
- Frequency Response: 20Hz~40kHz -0.5dB
- Output Impedance: <0.5Ω (4.4mm Balanced) / <0.3Ω (3.5mm Single Ended)
- Price: $119
I would like to thank iBasso Audio for providing me with the review sample of the DC06PRO dongle-DAC.
Sound
The iBasso DC06PRO stands out because it provides a completely silent background, with no hissing or humming at all, even when using a USB port that is not very clean in terms of power.
The iBasso DC06PRO has sufficient power to drive most headphones well, except for those with very high impedance or extreme current requirements. It has a neutral tonality, maintaining the original sound without any changes. The audio is clean and clear, with fast and well-controlled transients. The decay is short, enhancing the sense of speed. Headphones with fast transients sound excellent with the iBasso DC06PRO, providing an engaging listening experience. Additionally, there is a wealth of details to be discovered.
Switching from the single-ended output to the balanced one doesn’t result in a noticeable change in tonality. The main difference lies in the power output. Therefore, it is recommended to use the balanced output for headphones with higher impedance or greater power requirements, as it can drive them more effectively.
The iBasso DC06PRO skillfully balances accuracy and a natural timbre. This creates a precise tone with a subtle fluidity and a touch of softness in the attack. The sound also has a quick decay and a strong body.
As a result, note attacks feel dynamic and clean but not sharp, thin, and unforgiving either. The shorter decay helps with perceived clarity and space. There is just enough treble infusion to create a nice level of percussion presence without sounding brittle or overtly splashy either.
The iBasso DC06PRO stands out with its exceptional low-end extension, impressive bass layering, and expansive treatment of midrange performances. It excels at creating a rich soundstage without any congestion.
The iBasso DC06PRO doesn’t emphasize the vocal imaging as much, but instead, it enhances the surrounding and background space, giving the vocals a distinct level of presence. It never felt crowded in the midrange with any IEM I tried.
The upper range has ample space for sound to expand, but it doesn’t feel too artificial, which is my preferred style for high-pitched tones. It doesn’t excessively highlight the bright area unless your paired monitor is already adjusted to emphasize a specific aspect of the performance.
Sum-Up
The iBasso DC06PRO is a versatile DAC that fulfills all your portable and desktop needs. It boasts impressive power output and format support. One standout feature is its completely silent background, eliminating any hiss even with noisy sources. This allows for exceptional detail in the sound. It effortlessly drives even the most demanding headphones, providing ample power for a loud and clear listening experience. Overall, the iBasso DC06PRO impresses with its clean sound and sleek design.