A Casual's Review of the Neohipo DC10 Desktop Audio DAC

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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not an audiophile, and this review does not delve into the technical aspects of the IEMs. My impressions are based on my personal preferences, and others may have different experiences with this product. I also have a very limited experience with audio products so please take this review with a grain of salt.

The Neohipo DC10 was lent to me as part of a review tour in the Philippines.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly DAC
  • Compact desktop amp, can save you some desktop space

Cons

  • No volume control
  • Requires external power, not mobile device compatible
  • Lack of 3.5mm output necessitates extra cables, adding clutter

General Product Details

Package Inclusions

  • The DAC/Amp
  • A USB-C to USB-C cable
The DAC/Amp
  • Made from black-painted aluminum, giving it a sturdy feel.
  • Front panel features toggle switches for power and mode, with LEDs for DSD and PCM indicators.
  • Back panel includes RCA output, Optical input, Coaxial input, and a USB-C port for power/data connection (e.g., PC).
The Cable
  • A generic-looking USB-C to USB-C cable with an attached USB-C to A adapter. It’s functional, though unbranded.
Subjective Review
The Neohipo DC10 is designed to be paired with an amp and used primarily with a speaker system. Since I don’t have a speaker setup or desktop speakers, my review will focus on its performance as a headphone and mobile device user.

For this review, I’ll compare the DC10 with my daily driver, the iFi Nano iDSD LE.
General Usage Impressions
  • When connected to a PC, it shows up as either "SPDIF Interface (NEOHIPO DC10)" or "Headphones (2-ROSE RZ500S)."
  • The device feels somewhat hollow, and toggling the switches produces an audible "ping" sound.
  • Be cautious when plugging it into your computer and playing audio as the volume is at its loudest.
  • The lack of a 3.5mm output adds a bit of frustration, as I had to purchase an RCA to 3.5mm adapter separately. An integrated amp or better output options would have simplified the setup.


Sound Impressions
  • Overall sound quality is on par with my iFi Nano, offering a warm-neutral tuning. It performs well for its price range.
  • The DC10 packs enough power to drive higher-impedance headphones, making it versatile.
  • However, using an RCA to 3.5mm adapter introduced static when moving the wire. This is likely an issue with the adapter itself, but it highlights the importance of a built-in 3.5mm jack.
Final Thoughts

While the Neohipo DC10 is a solid DAC, it struggles to stand out in a competitive market. For standalone use, the lack of features like a 3.5mm jack and volume control detracts from the experience. It could be a good budget option for desktop setups with the right pairing, but I recommend considering it alongside an amp with a proper headphone jack.

One suggestion for Neohipo: If you’re a new brand entering a crowded market, branding and presentation are key. The packaging for this product felt generic and didn’t distinguish itself, which is a missed opportunity to create a stronger brand identity.