DUNU DTC100 Pro: Compact USB DAC rival to FiiO KA11

The DUNU DTC100 Pro was launched last Thursday (April 16). Its main strengths are its compact form factor and high output power via a 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) connection. With a design and price similar to the FiiO Jade Audio KA11, DUNU’s new dongle directly competes with this model. See below for full details regarding the launch of this DAC dongle.

DT100 Pro arrives to compete with the KA11

The DT100 Pro features a compact body similar to the KA11, and both models have a USB cable permanently attached to the chassis. In addition, both dongle DACs are priced in the ~$30 range.

The similarities between the Jade Audio KA11, a sub-brand of FiiO, and the DUNU DT100 Pro are not limited to physical design and price. Their output power is identical, and both employ DAC chips from the same manufacturer, Cirrus Logic.

High output power via the 3.5 mm SE connection

Equipped with a single 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) headphone output, the DTC100 Pro delivers high output power. At 16 ohms, the DUNU dongle DAC is capable of delivering 250 mW, and at 32 ohms it outputs 200 mW. This matches the capability of the FiiO Jade Audio KA11.

It is not surprising that the KA11 shares the same output power as the DTC100 Pro, as both devices use the same operational amplifier (op-amp). Both the DUNU and FiiO dongles utilize the SG Micro SGM8262.

Sound signature of the DTC100 Pro

According to the user “I am a kitty” on the social network Weibo, the DTC100 Pro exhibits a neutral-to-slightly-cool sound signature. According to the user, this DUNU dongle DAC offers transparent highs with good definition, adding brilliance to instruments. The bass provides good quantity and impact, along with fast punch.

Regarding midrange performance, the user states that vocals are natural on the DTC100 Pro, with particular emphasis on female vocals.

Cirrus Logic DAC chip

The DAC chip used in the DTC100 Pro is the Cirrus Logic CS43198. Although the KA11 also uses a DAC chip from the same manufacturer, the model adopted by FiiO is the CS43131.

Compact dongle DAC alternative with ESS DAC

For users who do not prefer Cirrus Logic DAC chips but still want a compact dongle DAC, there is an alternative. The new iFi Go Link 2 uses an ESS Sabre DAC, although its current price is approximately $64.

The iFi Audio dongle DAC also features a 3.5 mm SE output, but it delivers 79 mW at 32 ohms. That is, considerably lower output power compared to what the DTC100 Pro and KA11 provide.

DUNU DTC100 Pro: Specifications

• Amplifier (amp): SG Micro SGM8262
• DAC: Cirrus Logic CS43198
• Headphone output: 3.5 mm single-ended (SE)
• Native decoding: PCM 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD256
• Output power: 200 mW at 32 ohms

Launch, price, and availability

The DUNU DTC100 Pro was launched in mainland China for 229 yuan (approximately $34). There is currently no information regarding its release date or pricing in the international market. Typically, prices outside China are higher than those in the domestic market.