iBasso DC06

Is the iBasso DC06 DAC/Amp a contender against more powerful, portable DAC/Amp solutions at $120? We will find out in this review. The DC06 is a dual DAC/Amp that fully decodes MQA, DSD256, PCM 32/384, and is compatible with all portable devices.

Specifications:

· DAC Chipset: Dual ES9219C QUAD DAC+ (TM) Chips

· PCM: up to 32bit/384kHz

· DSD: Native DSD64. DSD128, DSD256,

· MQA: 16X

· Weight: 23g

· Dimensions: 50mm x 23mm

· 4.4MM Balanced:

· THD+N: 0.00035% (600Ω load), 0.0005% (32Ω load)

· Output Voltage: 3.2Vrms (32Ω load), 4 Vrms (300Ω load)

· S/N: 123dBA

· Dynamic Range: 123dBA

· Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz -0.5dB

· Output Impedance: <0.5Ω

· 3.5MM Single Ended:

· THD+N: 0.00056% (600Ω load), 0.0007% (32Ω load)

· Output Voltage: 2Vrms (32Ω load)

· S/N: 120dBA

· Dynamic Range: 120dBA

· Frequency Response: 20Hz~40kHz -0.5dB

· Output Impedance: <0.3Ω

· red- Standby

· blue- DSD

· green- PCM

· magenta- MQA

As you can see, the specifications of the DC06 are impressive, especially at this price point. However, I must point out that there is an ultra-low noise floor. Something much appreciated when using sensitive IEMs.

The Build

The iBasso DC06 is in a black powder-coated aluminum casing. It is smaller than a pack of gum. One end houses a detachable USB-C port, the other end a 4.4mm port, a multi-colored led for file status, and a 3.5mm port. The multi-colored LED will indicate the quality of the file playing from PCM to DSD. Included with the DC06 is a small USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to Lightning Cable, and a USB-C to USB-C and USB-A adapter.

The DC06 can play High Bit Rate files, and this can cause the iBasso to generate heat. The ends of these cables are made of aluminum to function as heatsinks to dissipate heat, which is handy if you ask me.

How Does It Sound

For this review, I used a pair of Fir Audio IEMs and Audeze LCD-X (2021 Edition). The DC06 could drive both pairs of headphones while keeping a quiet noise floor. I used an iPhone 12 Pro and a Windows 10 Pro PC with an SPL Phonitor SE/DAC to compare tracks to the DAC/AMP.

Setting up the DC06 was a no-muss, no-fuss affair – just plug-and-play, and I was up and running.

We used "Don't Cry No More" from Boz Scaggs for our first musical endeavor. This song is full of dynamics from the punchy kick drum and tight snare that is part of the well-mixed drum kit. Boz is clear and almost life-like on the Fir Audio IEMs and has a fantastic sense of air on the Audeze-X.

Comparatively to the SPL Phonitor, we are not missing much in detail. If there were one thing that I could point out, that would be the saxophone. The saxophone in the mix sounds natural and not forward like it does on the DC06.

Next, we move to Daft Punk "Lose Yourself," which contains a massive bassline throughout the entirety of the song. With these other instruments, vocals and synths are layered on top of one another while staying transparent. The Fir Audios and Audezes produced clean tight bass, just as I know they would, both on the DC06 and SPL.

I should mention that I have used the 3.5mm and 4.4mm connections for this review. However, I used the 4.4mm connection for most of this review to deliver maximum power on the DC06. I was surprised when using either the 3.5mm or 4.4mm connection on the noise floor remained relatively low! Generally, a 4.4mm connection may have a higher noise floor on a lower-cost device. Well done, iBasso!

Let us return to the music with "The Heavy Wing" by Red Hot Chili Peppers. This song has many hidden dynamics, one flaw that the DC06 handles well. The track has a high noise floor, but this is no challenge for the DC06. Instead, the DC06 smoothes over the noise floor rather nicely to open up to the strong bass line of Flea. Then we hear that tight groove from Chad and vocals of Anthony.

The track is quite bass-laden yet straightforward, and the DC06 can handle the noise floor well.

How are you doing, brother? We use "Brother" from Alice In Chains 1996 live album for our final selection. This is a fantastic live album and only 16/44.1. In this album, we can hear the percussion and the drum kit on the iBasso DC06, which is quite impressive.

If I had one takeaway from this tack, or rather a concert, it would have to be imaging. The clear left, right, and center of the show is excellent.

I did not run out of power for each track I listened to, whether it was the Fir Audio IEMs or the Audeze LCD-Xs. Nor did I feel I was lacking in clarity from the full-size SPL Phonitor desktop amplifier.

Recommendations

These are nitpicking more than anything, as they are minor complaints.

The DC06 can power the Fir Audio and the Audeze LCD-X (2021 Edition) quite well. However, the power draw can be pretty high from the source (in my case, an iPhone 12 Pro). Therefore, limiting the amount of power drawn from the source device would be an excellent change or adjustment from the DC06.

I must say, this is my first dongle review, and expectations are pretty high. Thus, battery life may be on par or better.

My Final Thoughts

The DC06 is a fine example of an AMP/DAC, dongle, or what have you, that can bring it in 2022. But is it perfect is recreating the soundstage similar to its larger brethren? Unfortunately, no, but at $120, it is relatively close and a recommendation for sure. The DC06 is powerful enough for most moderate headphones and all IEMs. What more do you need?

To learn more or purchase the iBasso DC06 follow the link:

iBasso DC06

Gear Used

iPhone 12 Pro

SPL Phonitor SE/DAC

Fir Audio V x V IEMs

Audeze LCD-X (2021) Planars

Music Used

Boz Scaggs - Don't Cry No More

https://open.qobuz.com/track/131789018

Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams - Lose Yourself to Dance

https://open.qobuz.com/track/9140029