iBasso DC07Pro

The iBasso DC07PRO is a $199 compact digital to analog converter and headphone amplifier that offers studio level sound, attractive design, and precision construction.

Made out of a machined aluminum shell and a tempered glass back cover, the DC07Pro has finely sculpted edges and corners. The physical volume/multi-function knob is a welcome feature but it would be nice if it felt as tactfully gratifying and supreme as the rest of the build.

There is a 0.96-inch OLED screen that provides real-time information on volume level, sampling rates, gain and filter settings. This allows users to monitor and adjust parameters without having to use a control panel or smartphone app. While the screen is useful, the navigation system takes time to learn.

The unit offers a range of digital filters for fine-tuning the listening experience. The differences between them have a subtle effect on the frequency and transient response. For this review the main filter that was used was the Bessel, minimum phase setting.

The DC07Pro produces a vibrant and stimulating audio experience. Bass is bold and ardent, free of lumpiness or bloat. Lower mids are tidy and earthy and lead into a lively midrange that fleshes out instruments and vocals. Upper mids reveal reedy vibrations and vocal intelligibility. Highs are delightfully open and complex. Some might hear the treble as being slightly lifted, but it’s more about tonal lucidity and transient facility than an actual boost to top end frequencies.

With small portable DAC/amps, there are limitations to their output voltages. The DC07Pro provides unbalanced 118mW @32Ω and an impressive balanced 430mW @32Ω, which is more than adequate to power most headphones.

Comparing the iBasso DC7Pro, with the $149 FiiO KA17, both models have a poised delivery. Differences are slight, but after spending time with each of them, subjective characterizations come to light. The KA17 is firm and mature, where the technicalities are solidly planted and tightly weaved. In comparison, the DC07Pro dilates the musical environment; sounds float around you in a buoyant 3-dimensional space. This subtle holographic quality distinguishes the DC07Pro from other portable DAC/amps.

With its effortless musicality and next level technicalities, iBasso DC07Pro will please many audio enthusiasts and sound professionals.

Pro Audio Times thanks iBasso for sending us this review unit.