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 CD-Elite exemplifies the MAX standard.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4.4mm Balanced Output
3.5mm SE Output
General
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!
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. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐