Introduction
iBasso is a Chinese brand that is known for their digital audio players (DAPs). Recently, iBasso has released the DC01 which is a Hi-Res balanced DAC cable adapter. I would like to thank iBasso for providing the DC01 as a review unit. You can purchase the DC01 module from iBasso. More information can be found on iBasso.
Specifications
- DAC Chipset: AK4493
- THD+N: < 0.001% (32 ohm load, 1.2Vrms)
- Output Voltage: 1.9V (32 ohm load)
- Output Power: 113mW @ 32 ohm
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz +/-0.5dB
- PCM: Up to 32bit/384kHz
- DSD: Native DSD up to 256x
- Weight: 11g
- Length: 120mm
Unboxing & Accessories
The DC01 balanced DAC cable adapter comes in a simple white package which sports PCM 32/384 logo, DSD 256x logo, Hi-Res logo, image of the DC01 and short description of the DC01. There are specifications at the back of the package. Inside the package, there are the DC01, USB-C to USB-A converter and user manual.
Page 2: DAC Cable Adapter Build & Design, Application
Audio123 Reviews 
How much for this?
Is this a. USB type-C capable?.
Thanks a lot
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iBasso will announce it soon. It is 2.5mm Balanced to USB-C. In addition, there is USB-C to USB-A adapter included. Cheers!
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now 2.5mm, that’s interesting
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There is 3.5mm variant, coming up soon. Cheers!
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300 RMB on Taobao so I assume around 50-70 USD sales price outside China.
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The international price has yet to be announced. Cheers!
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There 65 USD in my THA location market
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It varies from region to region. Cheers!
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No lightning one?
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I am unsure. Cheers!
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How fast does it drain the battery?
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I am unsure as it depends on the usage so I cannot give you an exact number. Cheers!
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DSD tracks will kill battery faster than flac, and its faster than mp3, stream will also drain it quite fast
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Definitely, for sure. Cheers!
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Would this work with the current MacBook Pro that has Type C or does it not output audio signals?
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Sorry, I don’t have a MacBook Pro to try. Cheers!
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Newbie (and maybe stupid) question. I understand that mixed cable (copper plus silver-plated copper) is used for carrying analog sound signal. On the other hand, source USB connector outputs digital one if I’m not wrong. So… Is the DAC (digital to analog converter) placed in the micro USB connector?
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The DAC is placed in the large housing. Cheers!
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im watting 3.5mm.
just can buy only ibasso homepage?
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There will be the 3.5mm variant. Soon. Cheers!
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Thanks for the review. It would have been nice though to get an idea on how significant the individual differences between those two USB-DACs are.
Just sayin’
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Thank you but this is not a review yet, just quick impression. The DC01 is superior in all aspects. Cheers!
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Was the comparison volume matched, and what transducer was used for the comparison? I ask as it sounds a lot like things one might expect from a balanced Vs unbalanced scenario, depending on the drive requirements of the transducer.
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Yes. I used the iBasso IT04 & Fidue A91 Sirius as they come with 2.5mm balanced termination and 2.5mm balanced to 3.5mm single ended cable adapter. Cheers!
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So is it a warm-sounding DAC?
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It is leaning to more neutral. Cheers!
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what if compared to shanling m0, what is the dc01 sound better
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I find the DC01 to be better personally with greater dynamics and more spacious presentation. Cheers!
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Do you think it’s better than a fiio q1 mark ii? or which do you recommend in that price range of about 100 USD?
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For the sound, definitely. Good musicality and great dynamics.
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My phone only has micro usb port. So, if I use USB type C female to Micro USB male does it affect the sound quality?
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It will affect sound quality to a certain extent. Cheers!
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Thanks for the review. Any chance you got to review iBasso DC02?
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Yes, I will review the DC02. Cheers!
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Would the iBasso DC01 work with the Galaxy note 10+ ?
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I have not tested it with the Galaxy Note 10 +. It works perfectly fine with my S10. Cheers!
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It works fine with Samsung Note 10+
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How are you enjoying it?
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How its against to daps ? Can you compare them against fiio m11 and fiio X5III ? İ dont like thin and bass light sources. İ like full bodied sound with engaging bass response. Do you advice this model ?
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The DC01 is more full sounding and musical. I recommend DC01. Cheers!
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Can it compete with mid tier daps like Fiio X5III ?
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Definitely. Cheers!
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