What Dongle DAC Should You Buy in 2024? | DAC Dongle Shootout!

[@kesagatame]

A similar DAP shootout for 2024 would be appreciated. Great vid!

[@BloomAudio]

Thanks! Hopefully we can get something put together soon.

[@viktor1845]

dap is a poor value choice

[@dantealighieri4258]

One thing I think doesn’t get enough attention in discussions about dongles is the power draw from the phone. I had the DC-Elite but with a current measuring device it was way above anything I’d owned before. Sounds good, but you pay for it power usage. As the owner of an A&K HC4, M12i, M15i and Violectric Chronos I can say they’re all great in their own way, and I’d probably be happy with any one of them alone. Chronos is so small and has the lowest power usage of any dongle I’ve owned, yet still sounds technically accurate and natural. The M15i to my ears isn’t necessarily “better” than M12i, they just have differences and sometimes I even prefer the M12i. Both also sound better than the non-i first generation versions for me. The HC4 doesn’t attract much attention but is a great device too.

[@Miserereion]

I prefer neutral DAC that doesn’t mess much with tonality, but able to improve the technicality (clarity, soundstage, separation, etc.). Don’t really care about features, eg. volume buttons, companion app, digital filters, etc. Been very happy with ddHiFi TC44C so far.

[@drcerbera5455]

Another great review! The DC Elite has a button on the side that allows 1dB fine tuning adjustments in volume, which helps with IEMs. The Stepped attenuator I believe is 3dB adjustment.

[@BloomAudio]

Yes - that is correct. There are a few sort of "hidden" features on DC-Elite along with IBasso's UAC app for Android that are worth looking into.

[@DJSeanE]

I bought the DC-Elite and the Kensei from Bloom. They're both solid and have a good amount of weight to them. I mainly use them with the S24 Ultra but they both work great with my older phones as well.

[@Hijynx87]

@@DJSeanE which one is better?

[@DJSeanE]

@@Hijynx87 I'm not sure which one is "better" but I find myself using the DC-Elite more must of the time. I really enjoy the XBass and XSpace on the Kensei, though. I'm glad I have both of them to choose from because I listen to a lot of music. They both drive my Goldplanar GL30, 64 Audio U4s, and HIFIMAN Arya Organic really good and I get lost for hours. Neither will drive really hungry cans very good so I wouldn't expect that. The Fostex T50RP MK3 is my most power hungry set and they don't do very well with any dongle.

[@johnlaser9965]

I have compared the DC-Elite and the Kensei and really find the Elite a step above. Better timbre, dynamics, separation and quality bass. To me, they are not in the same class at all.

[@AronAddams7]

I got the Aful Snowy Night for $100-ish and have no complains. Impressive power even on the single-ended output.

[@mchrome3366]

As someone in the market for most of these dongles excellent video. Thanks

[@CoffeeXmusic]

Great video. Thanks man. Currently using Cayin Ru7 and it’s awesome.

[@UFO-Audio]

Great review! Much appreciated 👍

[@BloomAudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sleepyrhythms6668]

I think the Onyx Alpha is gonna blow away the competition as a great budget or maybe even better version of the RU7 and everything under it.

[@Hijynx87]

It’s pretty great, but idk about that. I haven’t heard the questyle m15i Or ru7 though.

[@carlosdominguez3108]

Truly blown away by this take. I started with the Onix Alpha then went to the Cayin RU7. The RU7 is so much better in every way, especially the soundstage. The Onix is downright claustrophobic compared to the RU7. Not even close. I'm selling the Onix Alpha

[@sleepyrhythms6668]

@@carlosdominguez3108 I’m getting a Mojo 2 for $150 off at CanJam this September. Thankfully I live very close to it.

[@Hijynx87]

@@carlosdominguez3108 yeah? I was thinking of pulling the trigger on the questyle m15i as it’s on sale for $180 right now.

[@carlosdominguez3108]

You're asking me about a dongle I didn't try. But it's crazy how people have just adopted the take that the Onix Alpha is something incredible. It just isn't.

[@sudipchatterjee]

Excellent presentation! It would have been even nicer if you had included the Luxury and Precision W4.🙌

[@ToryonDavis]

This is on point! you guys are awesome.

[@MikeNMaui]

Great review, Stephen! I would suggest for consideration (although theses weren’t all released recently) the Moondrop MoonRiver 2, Aune Yuki and WooAudios MiniTube. All are excellent.

[@ChanchalSaha36]

Hi which one would recommend between dc-elite and dc07 pro if dc-elite is 100 then how much will you score dc07?

[@feardrake9]

Ordered a dc07 pro from you guys 😊

[@CVNTGETENOUGH]

I bought a BTR7 last year but I feel like I don't need the amp for my low-power IEM and it seems to have more latency with Bluetooth (my S22 Ultra doesn't seem to work wired).

[@andreapieropan2166]

thanks for the video, really nice to get an idea of what to choose, I kindly ask you, between m15i and m12i, in addition to the hardware differences, is there a difference in the sound if both are used with 3.5? I'm thinking of choosing one of the two and I'm undecided Thank you

[@diamondhellspawnscorpion]

Well covered 👌🏻. Thinking to upgrade from my ifi go blu.. Ru7 vs Go bar (not kensei).. 🤔

[@miki890098]

No fiio dacs on here? What do you think about those? I've been thinking about the fiio ka13, how does it stack with the other models mentioned?

[@esperla123]

Great video

[@StevenL717]

As the owner of dc-elite, l&l w4, hiby fc6, ru7, onix alpha, I can say elite is far more better sound quality than others

[@eboboboy]

In terms of technicalities? I think in terms of tone & timbre I much prefer fc6 the middle of both is l&l w4.

[@StevenL717]

@@eboboboy fc6 probably is my second favourite but elite is in a different level

[@eboboboy]

@@StevenL717 I believe everyone has their own beliefs, and so does the DAC creator. The purpose is the most important.

[@mokisan]

How does the dc elite and kensei compare?

[@leondangelg]

Next video for best portable dac amp with bluetooth!

[@saideepyarlagadda]

is the upgrade from fiio ka13 to ibasso dc07 pro worth it for iems ??.

[@paulcline7250]

I know you dont carry it but i really like the fiio ka17. It has a separate power input, good power out. Does fiio not allow US resellers? I know you dont have to answer but if you do i appreciate it!

[@BloomAudio]

Yeah... we've reached out to FiiO a few times, and it seems like they're not really interested in working with smaller retailers.

[@paulcline7250]

@@BloomAudio those bastards! Lol. Keep up the good work, cheers!

[@Hijynx87]

@@BloomAudio yeah fiio is a hard fish to catch for some reason. I always hear of content creators being let down by them trying to get a pair of their headphones or iems lol.

[@JaLLY77]

im surprised to not see moondrop dawn pros or tanchjim space as it was highly recommended in other videos I have watched.. but thanks for the reviews!

[@BloomAudio]

I've heard good things about the Moondrop Dawn Pro as well, but they haven't sent us one to test out. I'm sure we'll do more videos like this in the future, and we'll do our best to include recommendations for more options from the comments!

[@livegoer182]

wish you talked about the acoustune as2002, they seem to love it in singapore

[@h1a8]

Please I hope you respond soon. I'm either going to buy the ifi go bar kensei or the ibasso dc-elite from the bloom audio site. I only listen to iems (Mest mk2, oracle mk3, Ziigaat Estrella, Hype 4, etc). I already have a MOJO 2 and looking for something as good or better in sound but more portable (dongle dac) to use with my Samsung galaxy s24 Ultra. I value 3d imaging, resolution, large soundstage (width and depth), bass quality (not quantity), and detail retrieval mostly. I don't care about tonality. Can you help me decide? Thanks

[@Rsalmond83]

What you’re asking is explained in the video.

[@magtheultra1037]

I really wonder why A&K do not appear in these lists. What about the A&K HC4 compared to these?

[@CervezasObsonMex]

Onix Alpha.

[@brianmiller3121]

Whats the difference between the m15 and m15i? I have the original m15. I feel ripped off

[@BloomAudio]

The only difference that I'm aware of is that M15i is fully MFi certified for iOS devices, while the original is not. We haven't noticed any sonic differences - even when paired with an iPhone, but the M15i may be more "future proof" as MFi certifications means that Apple won't break the compatibility with future updates.

[@c.k1523]

The m15i sound a bit warmer than the m15. The m15 will sound cleaner because of missing that warmth. Otherwise the are the same. I kept both of them depending on what I want to listen to.

[@GilReynard]

How does iFi Kensei Bar differ from the iFi Gold Bar?

[@BloomAudio]

iFi hasn't provided the full detailed specs on the differences between GO/Gold/Kensei, but it seems that the Kensei at least has the upgrades to the chassis and power supply that Gold Bar had, and possibly some other changes.

[@NK-ol1go]

A pitty you couldn‘t include the Questyle CMA18P!

[@BloomAudio]

CMA18P is great, but these are all DACs with no battery that work in-line off of the phone power, and a bit larger than a true "dongle" so it's in a different class.

[@Jacob1451_Kapnobatai]

Would you say the Ibasso DC07 is a justifiable upgrade from the DC06? I primarily use IEMs but do have a full set of headphones of every style except for an Open-back planar currently.

[@BloomAudio]

I think DC07 Pro is a pretty big upgrade. Other than the features, I prefer DC07's treble, which seemed more resolving and less grainy to my ears than DC06.

[@Laleeee100]

Do you recommend the Elite for iems ?

[@Rsalmond83]

Yes, but I’d only recommend for high end IEMs.

[@Laleeee100]

@@Rsalmond83 why ?

[@johnlaser9965]

@@Laleeee100 I like it will all IEMs. I find it brings them to their best!

[@masterazlan6999]

Naa..my old skol that's extincted Q5S TC still the best...I even capables of hearin' frm Muses amps by the modular options Yup kewl 836mw SE bra..imagine when I hooked it up with dual THX 4.4 Bal pentaconn as anothers..Even nowdays tech never think of it..yet so cutes..ha4 Peace noobs!

[@aRc11-11]

Cheap buds and dongles. In LA?? They'll put a hole in the center of your face. You won't even get a "thank you".

[@Masimo_Yovanni]

Skipped to the end. So... how much did iFi pay you?

[@BloomAudio]

iFi didn't pay me anything. If you watch the full video, I have some criticisms about the GO bar series - and I'd rate DC-Elite as having the best sound and performance from a technical level - but Kensei is the one that I personally choose most often for my own listening.

[@carlosdominguez3108]

This video may as well been about rating crystals and the feelings they give you when you put them on your forehead. Zero objectivity, and random similar words given to every single one. Absolutely wild.

[@stanmah5721]

Sound impressions are meaningless without knowing what headphones/iem they were played on

[@Rsalmond83]

He covered that in the video

[@Masimo_Yovanni]

Haven't clicked play yet. I'm hoping to see DC Elite. Nothing compares. Not even Mojo2 Very hard to believe reviews from shop sellers. I always imagine what agenda is at play here. Bloom Audio is a shop, right? Hmmmm.....

[@BloomAudio]

We are a shop, but we try to keep our reviews informative and present our honest opinion. I look at a video like this as an extension of the conversations we have with customers every day when they're asking about what to buy - and try to address questions and provide info that we're asked frequently.