iBasso DC07Ultra Launches With Six DACs and More Power

The iBasso DC07Ultra was launched today (November 6) in mainland China. The DC07Ultra succeeds the DC07Pro, with the main upgrades being an increased number of DAC chips and higher output power. The extensive similarities in features and specifications indicate that this is a modest, incremental update. Full details of this new iBasso release are provided below.

DC07Ultra features six DAC chips and higher output power

Most specifications of the iBasso DC07Ultra are identical to those of the DC07Pro. The most significant difference is the number of Cirrus Logic DAC chips used in the new generation. In addition, the latest DC07 model delivers higher output power through its 4.4 mm balanced output into a 16 Ω load.

The DC07Ultra now uses six DAC chips

The DC07Ultra continues to use Cirrus Logic DACs, but now incorporates six chips instead of the four used in the DC07Pro.

According to iBasso, using six CS43198 chips in the DC07Ultra helped reduce the distortion and coloration introduced by the amplification circuit. The manufacturer added that this approach provides “sufficient drive capability to power headphones without requiring an additional amplification stage.”

The company explained the objective behind increasing the number of DACs in the DC07Ultra:

“The objective is to provide excellent output capability while preserving the sonic characteristics of the DACs themselves as much as possible. From the softest, most delicate passages to energetic dynamic shifts, the transparency, sweetness, and elasticity of the sound are fully expressed.”

Support for the iBasso UAC app

Like the DC07Pro, the iBasso DC07Ultra supports the iBasso UAC app, which allows users to control the features of portable DAC/amps. Developed by the manufacturer, the software is available as an Android app and a web version accessible through a computer’s browser.

Increased output power in the DC07Ultra

The largest difference in output power between the DC07Ultra and the DC07Pro occurs at the 4.4 mm balanced output into a 16 Ω load. Under these conditions, the DC07Ultra can deliver 680 mW, whereas the DC07Pro provides 510 mW. When the load on the 4.4 mm output changes to 32 Ω, the difference decreases considerably, with 450 mW for the new generation and 430 mW for the previous model.

When comparing the power delivered through the 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) output, the difference is even smaller than at the 4.4 mm output. Into 16 Ω, the DC07Ultra provides 223 mW, whereas the DC07Pro delivers 210 mW. Into 32 Ω, the newer model reaches 119 mW, compared with 118 mW for its predecessor.

Apart from output power, the audio parameters remain unchanged from the predecessor

Although unusual, a review of the specifications shows that the DC07Ultra has the same audio parameters as the DC07Pro, except for output power. Examples of identical values across the two models include output voltage, dynamic range, noise floor, and channel separation. The complete DC07Ultra specifications are provided below.

iBasso DC07Ultra: Specifications

General specifications

• App support: Yes (iBasso UAC)
• Battery: None
• Bluetooth: None
• Chassis materials: Aluminum and tempered glass
• DAC chips: 6 × Cirrus Logic CS43198
• Detachable USB cable: Yes
• Digital inputs: USB-C
• Digital outputs: 3.5 mm coaxial
• Dimensions: 59 × 23.5 × 12.5 mm
• Display: 0.96-inch OLED
• Headphone outputs: 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) and 4.4 mm balanced
• Native decoding: PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD512
• Physical controls: Volume knob that can be pressed to access the menu and device features
• Power supply: USB-C
• UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 support: Yes
• Weight: 24 g

3.5 mm single-ended (SE) output specifications

• Channel separation: 136 dB
• Dynamic range: 129 dB(A)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz–75 kHz (−0.5 dB)
• Noise floor: 0.76 µV
• Output power into 16 Ω: 223 mW
• Output power into 32 Ω: 119 mW
• Output voltage at high gain: 2 Vrms
• Output voltage at low gain: 1.4 Vrms
• Output voltage at medium gain: 1.73 Vrms
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 129 dB(A)
• THD+N at 1 kHz with a 300 Ω load: −116 dB (0.00017%)

4.4 mm balanced output specifications

• Channel separation: 142 dB
• Dynamic range: 134 dB(A)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz–80 kHz (−0.5 dB)
• Noise floor: 0.85 µV
• Output power into 16 Ω: 680 mW
• Output power into 32 Ω: 450 mW
• Output voltage at high gain: 4 Vrms
• Output voltage at low gain: 2.8 Vrms
• Output voltage at medium gain: 3.5 Vrms
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 134 dB(A)
• THD+N at 1 kHz with a 300 Ω load: −120.2 dB (0.000098%)

What is included in the iBasso DC07Ultra box?

The following items are included in the iBasso DC07Ultra box:

• DC07Ultra
• Custom genuine leather protective case
• USB-C to USB-C cable
• USB-C to Lightning cable
• USB-C to USB-A adapter
• Instruction manual
• Warranty card

Launch, pricing, and availability

The iBasso DC07Ultra is now available in mainland China for 1,499 yuan (approximately US$224.12). Pricing and a release date for the international market have not yet been announced. This article will be updated as new information becomes available.