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  • Writer's picturedbstechtalk
    • 3 minutes ago
    • 4 min read

Neohipo DC10 - Small Size, Small Price = Big Sound? - Honest Audiophile Impressions

Digital to Analog Converters (DAC) are available in various forms, sizes, and price points. They may feature diverse inputs and outputs as well as a variety of internal components. Nevertheless, the fundamental role of a DAC remains unchanged: transforming the digital signal from the source into an analog signal at the connection point.


The Neohipo DC10 will set you back $80 from your bank account. Currently can be found on eBay for $47 and Aliexpress for $56. Purchase:




Specifications:

Input

TypeC USB+OPT+COA

Output

RCA

SNR

＞116dB

THD

＞ 0.0008%

PC-USB Sampling Rates

32Bit/768KHz

Optical/Coaxial Sampling Rates

24bit/192kHz

Frequency response

20Hz-20kHz(±0.01dB)

NOISE

6uV

Build/Design:

The Neohipo DC10 is a compact aluminum rectangle featuring toggle switches and LED lights in orange and blue hues.

It includes an on/off switch, a switch for selecting between USB, optical, and coaxial inputs, as well as LED indicators for DSD and PCM on the front panel. The back side offers RCA outputs, along with USB-C, optical, and coaxial inputs.

The Neohipo DC10 is USB-powered and does not include certain high-end features such as Bluetooth, volume control, a display, and balanced output. Please be aware that the Neohipo DC10 is not compatible with the USB-C output of my Samsung S24 Ultra Android phone.

Neohipo includes a generic USB-C cable. Despite its simple design that conserves space, it lacks a premium appearance and feel, yet it is reasonably constructed considering its cost.


I connected the DC10 to different amplifiers including Mytek Liberty THX AAA HPA, Geshelli Labs Erish 3 Pro, DROP + SMSL HO150x, DROP THX AAA One, iFi Audio Zen Can 3, xDuoo TA-26s, and Le Audio Cattle Pro.


How does it sound?


The Neohipo DC10 provides adequate audio quality at a budget-friendly cost. Featuring the ESS Sabre 9038q2m DAC chip that can decode up to 32-bit 768kHz, DSD 256, this DAC produces a cozy, neutral presentation.


The Neohipo provides a neutral reproduction of tracks without coloration. The bass lacks extension, so speaker setups would benefit from adding a sub-woofer. The mids are well-balanced, complementing the bass. The treble is adequately extended and harmonizes with the bass and mids. The stage width is cozy, though not the widest even with speakers like the Martin Logan Motion 15. Depth is moderate, despite sufficient layering. Imaging is good, allowing details to move accurately across the stage. The note weight leans towards the thinner side, particularly in the upper mids and treble. Detail retrieval is satisfactory, leaving no sense of missing elements. However, the DC10's biggest flaw lies in the resolution of details, with a tendency towards glassiness, glare, and smearing. The tone and timbre are satisfactory, although the notes are lacking in richness and weight.


In conclusion, the Neohipo DC10 is a reliable performer within the sub $100 standalone DAC category. Utilizing the DC10 with a compact near-field speaker setup that includes a subwoofer can provide an enjoyable listening experience. Moreover, connecting the DC10 to an external headphone amplifier also brought me satisfaction. While the Neohipo DC10 may not be the most advanced DAC on the market, there are certainly superior options available at a higher price point. For instance, combo DAC/Amps like the Fiio K11/K11 R2R offer better performance for a slightly higher cost. However, if you are looking to upgrade from your PC or laptop's internal DAC and connect an external DAC to an amplifier, the Neohipo DC10 serves as a dependable starting point. I recommend considering the Neohipo DC10, but it is important to weigh the cost and limitations before making a purchase; it may not outperform higher-end models but delivers solid performance within its price range.


I am Dave the Honest Audiophile. Thanks for reading, and I will catch you in the next one. Don't forget to enjoy the music and that honesty is the BEST policy!


I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research.  I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear.  I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.


Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.


Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkDbs @TalkDbs


Recommended Gear:

Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: http://www.rossonaudiodesign.com/

Audeze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)

Massdrop THX AAA 789: 


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