Name: iBasso DC-Elite | Hi-Res Balanced Portable DAC and Amp
Brand: iBasso
SKU: IBAS-DCELITE
Price: 449.0 USD
Availability: InStock

iBasso DC-Elite front rotated over white background

iBasso DC-Elite front 3 quarter vertical over white background

iBasso DC-Elite front vertical rotated over white background

iBasso DC-Elite x2 front 3 quarter vertical and horizontal in stock case over gray leather background

iBasso DC-Elite x2 rear rotated and front rotated over two-tone green background

iBasso DC-Elite x2 rear rotated in stock case and front rotated over two-tone green background

$449.00

Condition

New

Open Box

iBasso DC-Elite Delivers the Flagship Power of the DX320MAX in an Affordable, Portable Package

Flagship ROHM BD34301EKV DAC
Highly efficient design provides maximum power and sound quality without killing the battery on your connected device
Premium finish with Aerospace Titanium build
Balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 3.5mm outputs

iBasso DC-Elite x2 vertical and horizontal on rock with gray silk background

Bloom's Take

DC-Elite is not a DAC for the faint of heart. It combines flagship technology with pocketable convenience for a one-of-a-kind listening experience. While the metal chassis and design hints at vintage HiFi gear, the inside blends state of the art mobile technology, like a highly efficient DAC, with components like a classic 24 postition stepped attenuator to improve the integrity of the signal chain.

The technology is all well and good, but the most important question is "How does it sound?" And DC-Elite delivers best-in-class detail and resolution, with some of the best performance for over-ear headphones possible in the ultra-portable format.

Read our full review.

With DX320MAX as a Blueprint, a Superb Flagship Dongle Emerges

In addition to the DX320MAX's ROHM BD34301EKV DAC chip, a 24 position 4 section stepped attenuator, current output DAC architecture, titanium exterior, and numerous cutting-edge technologies and materials, the DC-Elite exemplifies the MAX standard.

Flagship Current Output DAC Chip: ROHM BD34391EKV

A flagship current output DAC chip is being used tor the first time in a dongle with the DC-Elite, achieving a historic milestone. The BD34391EKV DAC by ROHM, along with meticulously engineered circuitry, improves the dynamic range, widens the soundstage, and boosts the high-fidelity audio capabilities of DC-Elite.

24 Position 4 Section Stepped Attenuator

iBasso completely revamped the traditional 24 position, 4 section stepped attenuator by compressing the volume to one-tenth the size of the original attenuator, while ensuring that the channel imbalance tolerance is below 0.1dB.

iBasso has pioneered the use of this attenuator specially built for DX320MAX on the DC-Elite. Say goodbye to bit reduction issues in digital volume adjustment. At normal volume with a 32Ω load, DC-Elite's SNR leads the way in dongle products.

iBasso DC-Elite Highlight With IEMs

Complete Flagship Player Structure

The DC-Elite adopts FPGA->DAC->I/V->LPF->VOL->AMP complete player architecture. Equipped with 6 dual OPAMPs and developed around the flagship BD34301EKV DAC chip, this compact device delivers exceptional playback performance. The DC-Elite's structure sets it apart from the competition. It pushes the boundaries of design and achieves a significant advancement in sound quality , demonstrating an unparalleled level of innovation and excellence.

In-House Developed FPGA with NKD fs Oscillator

The DC-Elite takes advantage of our in-house developed FPGA algorithm. Attaining an exceptionally low level of jitter is made possible by utilizing the NDK femtosecond oscillator, which leads to minimal distortion and a significant improvement in the quality of the musical sound.

Luxurious Titanium Alloy Shell with Superb Finish

DC-Elite is made of aero space grade titanium alloy to create an exquisite shell and paired with tempered glass on the top and bottom panels, bringing an unparalleled sense of elegance. Titanium has the best strength-to-weight ratio among all metals, being lighter than stainless steel and stronger than aluminum alloys.

Specifications

4.4mm Balanced Output

THD+N: 0.00022% (300Ω load)
Output Voltage: 4.6Vrms
Output Power:

280mW@32Ω
70mW@300Ω

S/NR: 121 dBA
Frequency Response: 10Hz-50kHz +/- 0.5dB
Output Impedance: < 0.4Ω

3.5mm SE Output

THD+N: 0.00028% (300Ω load)
Output Voltage: 2.28Vrms
Output Power: 162mW@32Ω
S/NR: 117 dBA
Frequency Response: 10Hz-50kHz +/- 0.5dB
Output Impedance: < 0.2Ω

General

DAC Chipset: ROHM BD34301EKV
PCM: Up to 32bit/768kHz
DSD: Native DSD up to 512x
Weight: 60.5g

In the Box

DC-Elite
Protective Case
USB-C to USB-C cable
USB-C to USB-A adapter
USB-C to Lightning Cable
User Manual

iBasso DC-Elite In the Box

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The best dongle is fair upgrade from cheaper ones

I previously used a THX Onyx which costs 200 bucks and immediately noticed a fuller, more dynamic sound with this dongle. The wow factor of the upgrade faded fast, and I'm still happy to know I have the best, but I don't think most people would say it's worth it. If you're serious about getting the best performance and aren't as concerned about "value" then you should get it.

Best no-battery DAC/amp at this size

Are there better? Yes, but they're larger and likely run off an internal battery. If you want a self-powered DAC/amp, this thing has tons of clean power.

Exceeded the Hype

I'm someone who, despite my better judgment, purchases audio products site unseen, or rather, ears unheard. I go by online reviews and word of mouth, and often to my utter disappointment. With the iBasso DC Elite, I read quite a bit of hype, took the bait, and bought yet another DAC dongle. Suffice it to say, my expectations were greatly exceeded and for the first time, I realized that the hype was actually real this time. It is by far and without question, the best portable DAC/amp I've ever heard. I could write an essay on all the reasons why, but I'll just say that it's the first portable solution that completely disappears and lets you forget about the hardware and just simply enjoy the music. Best purchase I've made in hifi. Period.

Best Ever

The iBasso DC-Elite is the best DAC/amp I have ever used. I prefer it over any other dongle I own or have tried, and it surpasses all three of my desktop combos. Priced at $450, it is worth every penny. The sound is natural, lush, and energetic without ever being harsh. It elevates every song to a new level of beauty, with a very smooth midrange and no loss of detail. If you're considering buying a desktop or portable amp/DAC, this should be your first choice. Based on all the reviews I've read, it outperforms the Mojo2, and iBasso wisely included a 4.4mm output. There's nothing I wish were different about it; it's heavy but built like a tank, and it comes with a green leather case. After two days of burn-in, it started delivering its best sound, and now it's pure magic. I find myself unplugging my Schiit stack and using the iBasso with my computer at night, and taking it with me when I'm out and about. I have no regrets about this purchase. Great job, iBasso!

My favorite dongle DAC! 🔥

I own several dongle DAC's but none of them can touch the DC-Elite and the IFi Kensei. The DC-Elite sounds fantastic and has plenty of power to drive my Arya Organic, MDR-Z1R, and GoldPlanar GL30. If you want mid-tier DAP sound at a fraction of the price, give this little bad boy a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

iBasso DC-Elite | Hi-Res Balanced Portable DAC and Amp