SIMGOT DEW4X

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Disclaimer:

• - Simgot sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
• -I have not tested this with MQA files or MQA streaming since I don’t use MQA at all.
• -The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
• -No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
• - I have only tested this with earbuds and IEMs and earbuds.
• -Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

Burn-in time: 5-10 hours per day, 10 days.

IEMs/Earbuds/Source used:

• -Etymotic ER3SE
• -7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2
• -Simgot EA500 LM
• -Letshuoer DZ4
• -Tanchjim One
• -Temperament X6
• -Sony Xperia X Compact
• -Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
• -Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96)
• -Desktop PC, Laptop.
• -Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

Setup configuration: Simgot DEW4X paired with phones/laptop/pc.

Essential Product Specifications:

• DAC Chip: Dual C43198
• Decoding specifications: PCM: 384 kHz/32 bit
• DSD: Dop 128/Native 256
• Body material: Aluminum alloy sandblasting oxidation black
• Interchangeable Line Design: YES
• Cable material: High quality OFC wrapped shielding layer
• Connector: Type-C
• Output Power: 70mW (3.5mm) & 150 mW (4.4mm)
• Output plug: 3.5mm,4.4mm

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Sound signature:

• Simgot designed this dongle to pair with neutral or bright-sounding IEMs. This means that the Simgot DEW4X exhibits a neutral-warm sound signature, that adds a tinge of warmth to the mids, making things sound a bit more bodied than usual. Despite exhibiting this effect, this by no means ruin or affect the overall setup’s sound in any way.

Build Quality:

• Build quality on this dongle is well-done. No seams or creaks are heard or present. Tactile, independent volume buttons are crisp and double as a gain switch when pressed at the same time. There is an RGB indicator and can only be seen through the dongle’s ports. They could’ve put a tiny hole on the top plate of the dongle in my opinion but it is what it is. Anyhow, the RGB indicators also indicate if you’re using it in max volume and what type of mode you are using. These “features” aren’t seen easily on the manual provided and are only seen at the bottom of the packaging.

Device Compatibility:

• This works on all devices I have, whether it be desktop PCs or smartphones. No driver is also needed to use this dongle in its optimal state. I did noticed also that the amount of power of this dongle is slightly lower when paired with a smartphone, which in returns affect the battery consumption positively.

Battery Consumption:

• This IEM is quite thrifty in terms of power consumption. My phone went from 100 to 94% after 1 hour of usage and it lasts for about 5-6 hours when paired with a smartphone with 3000 mah battery.

Power and volume:

The Simgot DEW4X exhibits a good amount of power for IEMs, even on the most hard to drive ones like Planar IEMs and the likes. This is more than enough for most earphones, but if we’re looking in a bigger picture this is slightly lower compared to the dongles currently available in the market for its asking price. Here are some of the IEMs I have tested the DEW4X with this dongle (Legend: Physical buttons are maxed at 30/30, which equates to 100% in this dongle)

• Etymotic ER3SE - 25/100
• Temperament X6 - 22/100
• QKZ X HBB Hades - 40/100
• Simgot EM6L - 15/100
• Simgot EA500 LM - 12/100
• Tanchjim One - 20100
• Letshuoer DZ4 - 15/100
• 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2- 12/100

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Pros:

• Unusual, warm-sounding DAC! (if we’re talking under 100 USD, at least)
• Neutral-warm sounding DAC.
• Excellent overall build quality!
• Independent volume control buttons!
• Has a high-gain mode!
• Has balanced and SE ports!
• DSD support!
• Has UAC modes!
• Pitch-black, noise-free background.
• Relatively low battery consumption.
• No app/extra drivers needed to sound the best!
• Plug and play!

Cons:

• Power output is a bit lower when paired with a smartphone compared to a laptop/desktop-DEW4X pairing.
• RGB LED indicator is only seen through the BAL and SE ports and is not seen at a glance.
• Gain modes and other features are only indicated at the bottom of the packaging.
• May not be as “transparent” as other dongles in the market in terms of rendition.
• A case or a pouch would’ve been a great treat for everybody.

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In my humble opinion, the Simgot DEW4X is one of those unique USB DACs under 100USD not because it is “the best among all of them”, but because it is the “best” warm sounding USB DAC I have heard under 100USD. This is also due to the fact that there are only a handful of warm-sounding dongles that exist under 100USD, and most of them are mediocre or underwhelming and hinders the earphone’s optimal performance in terms of technical performance. A well-done dongle, Simgot!


Who is the Simgot DEW4X for?

• For those people who want and need a warm-sounding USB DAC.
• For those people who use neutral and/or bright sounding IEMs/flathead earbuds.
• For those people who want a plug-and-play DAC.
• For those people who want a DAC with a thrifty power consumption.
• For those people who want to add a bit of thickness to their pairing’s overall sound.

Why should you not buy the Simgot DEW4X?

• If you need a “technical performance-oriented” USB DAC.
• If you want extra juice for your setup (ex. 300mw or more)
• If you need RGB LED indicators that can be seen easily.

Thank you for reading!

Non-affiliated link here!: http://www.simgot.com/en/products/detail/33.html#!/detail

Additional Photos Here:

Review Of The SIMGOT DEW4X​

Introduction​

Simgot is a Chinese audio company that has been making waves in the industry with its impressive releases since last year. They have captured the hearts of not just me, but many audiophiles in our community with their exceptional sound quality and attention to detail. What's more, Simgot is also renowned for its unparalleled customer service, which is a rare and valuable trait in today's market. Along with Kinera and Kiwi Ears, Simgot is celebrated as one of the friendliest and most understanding companies out there. In recent times, new companies like Kiwi Ears, AFUL, and others have been delving into the technology of DAC/AMPs. Nevertheless, Simgot has been in this market for quite some time and has released the third iteration of its dongle DAC, following DEW0 and DEW1, known as the DEW4X. Fortunately, I was able to get my hands on one. Before proceeding, I'd like to clarify a few points.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the kind people at SIMGOT, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to this device as “DEW4X”
*Finally, I will only evaluate the DEW4X based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The Dual CS43198 DAC chipset in DEW4X supports native DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz PCM. As a more user-friendly device, the DEW4X supports type-C and lightning data transmission in addition to 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced. The device has two volume rocker controls on the side, and one beside the type c port, it includes an indicator light that changes colour according to the format sampling feeding, from blue to green. The user can also switch between low and high gain by pressing both volume buttons at the same time. To activate UAC 1.0 before powering on the device, press and hold the volume up button until the indicator light flashes after connecting it; once it does, release it to support UAC 1.0 mode. The DEW4X includes a type-c to c OTG cable and a USB C to A adapter. Regarding technical aspects, the data in the table is listed below for your convenience and comprehension.

Design And Aesthetics​

To give you a detailed description, I must say that upon close inspection, the device seems to be smaller than the Moondrop Dawn Pro, and may even be more compact, with dimensions of 12.6 mm * 41.7mm * 24mm. The device is CNC machined, which gives it a very practical and functional look. The oxidized black shade with black and purple cross design, along with the purple etched DEW4X, adds a distinct and premium look to the device. The construction seems ultra-fine and has a sleek form factor that makes it stand out from the rest. The cable is also noteworthy, as it is constructed with high-purity OFC wire that is wrapped in a sturdy shielding layer.

Usage ​

During my time using the device, I was pleasantly surprised by how convenient and user-friendly it was compared to the Allegro I had previously reviewed. Although I hadn’t reviewed or used the DAWN Pro for an extended period, I found the DEW4X and Allegro to be more compact and intriguing than the DAWN Pro. The DEW4X has a multi-level volume control that can be adjusted independently of the volume control on the source it is connected to. I even took it outside and found it easy to carry in my pocket, though the slightly sharp edges made it a bit challenging to remove from my pants pocket. However, this did not cause any significant inconvenience.

Sound Impressions ​

IEMs​

Thieaudio Prestige LTD

Prestige LTD is the very reason I am now able to find the truth in my musical dreams; I have never heard another IEM that ploughs your ears with faith in each note, no matter how those notes should sound and nurtures your senses with dynamics and presentation as if I were hearing reality. Previously, I owned the Monarch MKII, which established what one would expect, but once the prestige's magic began to flourish, I knew I could explore so much more with it, especially when it came to the air and presence of each nuance the notes were able to grasp over and tingled my senses. To summarise the prestige's response sounds as if the Monarch MKII were given steroids and enhanced the upper frequencies in all directions with better authoritative flow in the lower response. The response is neutral with sub bass boost, similar to the Monarch MKII, with the exception that the notes are airier and more revealing than any other IEM before this era. However, the thinner notes and excessive clarity provide obnoxious features that expose bad mixing and recordings, which were highly obvious when heard on my V6 but smoothed out on my WM1A, indicating source dependence.



It was an amazing experience to listen to LTD with DEW4X. The response from the IEMs was outstanding as it brought out a more crisp quality and refinement in the notes. The presentation sounded more engaging and precise, especially with the attack of notes that seemed to be delivered with great accuracy and clarity. However, while listening to the overall response, it seemed like the pairing got a little congested, where the vocals blended better with the instruments, creating a harmonious and enjoyable musical response. The bass sounded more prominent and centered, producing an authoritative approach that made the whole response sound vigorous and fuller. Overall, the listening experience was truly immersive and satisfying with the perfect balance of all the elements.

Symphonium Crimson

I have come across the Crimson IEMs and I have to say that they are a cut above my best-sounding IEM, the Prestige LTD. The Crimson provides an incredibly enjoyable experience, surpassing any other IEMs I have heard, whether they are top-of-the-line or not. The Crimson’s presentation is expressive yet smooth, with a balanced and warm response that accurately reproduces the quality of the notes while providing a playful presentation of the vocals and instruments. The newer BA IEMs can sound less metallic or artificial, but Symphoniom has gone above and beyond in this regard. I have previously thought that the Helios offered better detail retrieval than the Thieaudio Monarch MKII, but I preferred the Monarch MKII’s pleasing tonality, which became my favourite at the time. However, the Crimson has now generously offered everything I wanted and more, including the weight and impact of the bass, and the musicality in the presentation of the vocals and instruments in the upper frequencies while retaining a pleasing tonality.



As I was listening to music on the Crimson with DEW4X, I couldn't help but notice the transparent response and enhancement over all frequencies. The sound was clearer and more expressive than ever before, with every detail feeling stronger and more potent in the mix. This allowed for better clarity overall, making it easier to hear every note and nuance in the music. However, while the bass and treble did feel a little more linear and clearer, it also made the music sound less organic and natural. The tonality faced a leaner presentation of the notes, which might not be preferable for those who prefer a warmer, more natural sound.

Softears Studio 4

The Studio 4 has one of the most precise and targeted tunings that I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. The Harman target is followed objectively, but the resulting sound is much more than just a flat response. Instead, it offers a fuller and more present upper treble response, which is a delight to the ear. I must say that this tuning has become one of my favourites, particularly because it places less emphasis on the mid-bass and more on the sub-bass, yet it still manages to maintain a pleasing tonal warmth in the overall mix. What struck me most about the Studio 4 is the quality and timbre of the mid-range notes. They sound properly rounded and natural, allowing the notes to blend seamlessly. This is especially impressive considering that Studio 4 is an all-BA set, which often tends to sound fatiguing with a less full response. The Studio 4, on the other hand, delivers a non-fatiguing and safe overall sound, while also maintaining a fuller response that places the details precisely where they should be. I have experienced many other IEMs in the same price range, but most of them tend to sound more balanced or mid-centric, with some focusing on crisp and detailed notes. Unfortunately, this often leads to metallic or artificial characteristics being introduced, which can be distracting. Thankfully, Studio 4 does not suffer from any of these issues, and it is a pleasure to listen to.

As I paired Studio 4 with DEW4X, I noticed a significant improvement in the clarity and resolution of the audio response. The soundstage was more focused and closer, which added depth to the overall response. In my opinion, this made the audio quality sound much better. The details in the vocals and instruments were expressed sincerely, allowing for a more immersive listening experience. The treble had a more open feel without sounding too airy, while the mid-range was slightly recessed, making the vocals sound more defined. The high octaves were particularly well-expressed, surpassing any of my other audio sources. The bass was light, but it still had a prominent presence without feeling too overpowering. Overall, the audio response was more monitoring-specific, which helped to highlight small nuances in the mix.

Thor Mjolnir MKII

Mjolnir is a very bassy set that has a lot of sub-bass emphasis. The treble and upper mid-range are also very forward in the mix. The upper treble has great extension as well. The bass is very punchy and boomy while acting fast. Mjolnir is a great V-shape-sounding IEM with a different approach to explosive bass that has better technicalities, especially in this price range. The stage is great with a nice surrounding stage and depth where the separation of each element sounds distant enough to procure space to breathe and distinguish themselves. The attack and decay of the driver capability are really quick and perform great. The vocals may feel lean and sparkly, but the warmth or the fuller experience is something that these lack. The bass response does vary from source to source whether I listen to a warm source or a neutral one, the bass becomes either overwhelming authoritative or both.

As I was listening to the Mjolnir with DEW4X, I noticed that the response was more refined and tightly controlled, resulting in a less scattered soundstage. This helped to tone down the treble sparkle and instead emphasized the robust characteristics of the notes. Additionally, the upper mid-range was less emphasized, allowing for a greater presence of the lower mid-range. This helped to correct the tonal balance from my perspective and gave the music a more natural and pleasing sound. As for the bass, I noticed that even the strongest impacts sounded light and well-rounded, resulting in a warm and inviting sound. Overall, the sound signature was less lively but better balanced, providing a more enjoyable listening experience.

Tin Hifi P1 Max II

Based on my recollection, the previous version of the P1 MAX II, the P1 Max, had a warm and neutral sound that produced a pleasing response with rounded notes and a safe response. However, the P1 Max II takes that safe tuning and adds more detailed aspects to the sound. Compared to its predecessor, the P1 Max II has a more balanced response with an emphasised mid-range. This results in a more engaging and lively sound. In today's world of Planar IEMs, many companies have started using this technology and released successful products. This has led to a highly competitive market, with each company striving to excel in their technology and tuning on planar drivers. Despite this, I believe that the P1 Max II stands out as a unique and intriguing IEM in the market.



As I was enjoying listening to my P1 Max II with DEW4X, I couldn’t help but notice the astounding clarity and lifelike quality of the sound. The notes were crystal clear, with a crispness that I had never experienced before with any of my other audio sources. The resolvability of the notes was simply remarkable; every single note was easily distinguishable, and the overall sound was a delight to the ears. The overall balance of the sound was impressive, with the treble response being particularly noteworthy. It was more pronounced and noticeable in the mix, yet it seamlessly blended with the rest of the audio. The bass was punchy and impactful, yet it felt lighter and more refined than ever before. Overall, my listening experience was incredibly immersive, and I couldn’t be more delighted with the clarity and precision of the sound.

Kiwi Ears X Crinacle Singolo

The Singolo's tuning tends toward a natural warm tone that becomes increasingly pleasurable to listen to with each second. The bass response is optimized to sound larger, bodied, and genuine. Whatever I said, it wouldn't have mattered if the technology that the corporation was pleased to deliver to us wasn't effective.But, after giving it a good amount of time to understand and find logic, the only thing I was able to understand was that the driver used is of high quality, as is the use of the K.A.A.R.S technology, which is the implementation of acoustic tuning from the back of the driver to accentuate the air pressure, allowing for a dip around 200Hz-400Hz without affecting the natural tone that resides in that region.The whole response sounds genuine, lively, and right in every manner conceivable.The only issue I have is with the treble, yet it is what makes the Singolo sound great.

While listening to the Singolo with DEW4X, the response appears cleaner and tonally leaner, while the notes sound closer, bringing the details and resolution to a higher level. The control over the vocals improves the overall tone of the response. The instruments also sound more engaged, with an overall open and energetic tone. Another component to consider is the treble, which sounds more polished and linear. Overall, the response sounds more lively and balanced in terms of detail, positioning, and staging.

Arrti R1

The comparison drawn here is quite similar to a recent experience I had with the Tin Hifi T5S. Both the R1 and T5S have a dark, warm bass response, with a particular emphasis on the sub-bass and forward mid-range. However, the R1’s bass is much heavier than the T5S, and it also has a better elevation in the upper treble, allowing for a more extensive treble response. The mid-range on the R1 is not too forward, which is a positive trait. The R1’s bass has a tucked lower mid-range, which gives it a more powerful sound, but it is less warm than the T5S. The T5S has less boom and more punch in the bass region.



As I was listening to P1 Max II with DEW4X, I noticed that the audio response was incredibly clear and vivid. The notes were crystal-clear and precise, without any sharpness to them. The level of detail in the notes was significantly higher than anything I've heard from other audio sources. What impressed me the most, however, was the way that the treble response was so noticeable in the mix. The sterile response of the equipment allowed the treble to shine through, while still maintaining a punchy, impactful bass response that felt lighter and more dynamic. Overall, the sound quality was breathtaking, and I can't wait to experience it again.

Arrti R2

According to my understanding, the R2 aims to produce a neutral sound with a boost in sub-bass frequencies. This specific sound signature results in a warmer and more pleasant tonal quality compared to similar products, such as the EPZ G10. Recently, EPZ has also made a significant impact on the audio community by showcasing that new brands can deliver excellent sound quality. ARTTI is another brand that has been gaining popularity among audiophiles. When comparing the R2 to the EPZ G10, I find its tonal accuracy and cohesiveness to be superior. Furthermore, the R1, its older unit, has undergone significant improvements in tuning across the frequency range, making it a much better option overall.



After testing the R2 with the DEW4X, I was impressed by the level of precision exhibited in the notes' attack and the subtle nuances that were brought out by the device. The DEW4X is an incredibly clean and accurate source, which helped to bring out the finer details of each note and provided a level of clarity that is often missing in other DAPs. What stood out to me about the DEW4X was the device's ability to reproduce the speed of each note accurately. This meant that the transience of the music was much better, resulting in a more detailed and clear mix. Additionally, I found that the R2's presentation was well-balanced, with no particular frequency or region being emphasized over the others. Overall, I was very impressed with the DEW4X's performance, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a clean, detailed, and accurate source for their music.

Arrti T10

The T10 earphone follows a response that is more neutral with a sub-bass boost that emphasizes details and clarity while maintaining a tonal balance. From my experience with full-range Planar IEMs, they are known for their fast transient response, accuracy, and clear response which makes it one of the most resolving drivers in this segment. The T10 is no exception and is a great product considering the price at which it is being offered. However, what makes it unique from other full-range Planar IEMs is the exceptional balance between safe tuning and expressive details. The emphasis in the lower treble allows for a leaner, clearer response but the slightly laid-back upper mid-range around 3k makes it non-offensive sounding. This reminds me of the response like the U12t. In summary, the T10 offers an impressive combination of detailed and clear sound while maintaining a safe tuning that makes it a great choice for music lovers who value balance and clarity.



As I was listening to the T10 with DEW4X, I noticed a significant improvement in sound quality. The response became more delicate and nuanced, with a richer, more vibrant tonality on female vocals. The instruments also sounded more distinct and vivid, with a newfound lightness and openness. The mid-range was particularly refreshing to listen to, with a clear, well-defined sound that was easy on the ears. The treble was less prominent, but still present, adding a subtle sparkle to the overall sound. The bass was also impressive, with good impact and rumble that never became overwhelming, even on bass-heavy tracks. All in all, the T10 with DEW4X is an outstanding audio experience that delivers exceptional sound quality across the entire frequency range.

Kefine Delci

When it comes to sound quality, this single dd IEM blew me away, and I feel they are the most well-tuned “balanced” sounding IEM under $100. I mean, I don't see anything wrong with it and I can't put them down. As previously stated, the response leans toward a tonally rich, revealing, and balanced sound profile. To believe that in this highly saturated category, an IEM that does not need to excel in sounding very precise or very target-specific, I am quite pleased with Kefine for delivering essentially an IEM that everyone will like. I mean lately, I also got the chance to evaluate the rose technics Quietsea which also follows a balanced sound with warmth in the bottom to mid region while sounding a bit spicy in the high area however the quality of the tuning Kefine produces makes the sound interesting and engaging.



While listening to Delci coupled with DEW4X, the clarity and forwardness felt greater than any of my other sources, but DEW4X also maintained a coherent and tonal agreeable response. The clarity is attributable to the fact that the stage is narrower and more intimate, yet the whole reaction remains defined and separated. The notes sound polished, making the overall response more fascinating. The combo makes perfect sense to listen to.

Tracks​

Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring to Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

Upon extensive testing and analysis, I am pleased to report that the DEW4X is an awe-inspiring product that offers incredible value for the price. I experimented with multiple in-ear monitors and found that none of them had any negative impact on sound quality. On the contrary, the DEW4X enhanced the sound quality by providing a stunningly clear, detailed and precise output. I was particularly impressed by its forward clarity, which brought out the best in any IEMs I paired it with. Overall, I am convinced that the DEW4X is the best dongle DAC in its price range, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an outstanding sound experience.

Have you observed an interesting pattern in the audio hobby world in recent years?

Any skilful IEM manufacturer would eventually develop electronics to accompany their IEMs. Moondrop was, perhaps, the pioneer of this trend with MOONRIVER2 and has continued with DSP-enabled products ever since. AFUL created Snowy Night to accompany their Magic One IEM. KiwiEars developed the “gamepad dongle” Allegro.

Today, we look at Simgot’s dongle, the DEW4X.

Preambles​

• In this review, I use the term “source” to denote a DAC+amp combo for brevity and convenience.
• When I say a source “sounds” a certain way, I talk about the change it makes to my IEMs and earphones.
• What I look for in my listening experience is immersion. I want to feel the orchestra around me, track individual instruments, and hear all of their textures and details. Sources that intensify those characteristics of my IEMs are considered “better”.
• The unit used for this review was a sample provided by Simgot (Thank you!). The unit is retailed for $80 and can be found at most online audio stores.

Specs​

• Decoding chip: 2x Cirrus Logic CS43198
• Decoding capability: PCM: 384 kHz/32 bit, DSDop 128/Native 256
• Input connector: USB Type-C
• Output connectors: 3.5mm and 4.4mm
• Max output power: 70mW per channel (3.5mm), 150mW per channel (4.4mm)
• Independent volume control

Non-sound Aspects​

DEW4X arrived in a simple cardboard box with a prominent “X” logo (is it an official dongle of twitter?). In side the box, you can find the dongle itself, a USB-C cable, and a small adapter to turn the USB-C male connector to a USB-A connector. The cable feels utilitarian and rugged, though a bit stiff.



Moving on to the dongle itself, I was surprised by how compact it was. It is about 60% the size of a full-sized dongle, such as the luxurious (heh) Luxury & Precision W4. Despite the diminished frame, DEW4X is quite well constructed and finished. It feels dense and is heavier than it looks.



I have but one nitpicking regarding the appearance of DEW4X: I think all the printing on the device is upside down. Let me explain. The volume up button points toward the USB port, meaning the USB port is the “up” direction. Yet, all the prints on the device orient toward the opposite direction. Does it matter in a practical sense? Of course not. But if I can flip the prints around, I would.



Let’s talk about usability. A key advantage of DEW4X is the independent volume control, meaning you can (should) max out the digital volume on your phone and control the volume directly from the buttons on the dongle itself. This approach has two advantages: (1) avoiding software glitches that randomly max out volume on your phone and blowing out your ears, and (2) providing you a finer control over the loudness of your listening experience.

Simgot set the volume curve of DEW4X such that it ramps up the loudness quickly in the first few steps and then slowly afterward. The logic here is that you can have more fine control in the volume range where most people use. Unfortunately, I found that the volume ramps up a bit too quickly either because my listening volume is lower than average or my IEMs are more sensitive than the reference IEM used by Simgot.



One of the option is switching to low-gain, which drops the VRMS output by half. You can do so by pressing both volume buttons at the same time. The dongle remembers both the volume and gain setting that you set when you disconnect it. It might simply be psychoacoustic and my inability to volume match precisely, but find the high-gain mode a bit more dynamic and snappy than the low-gain. Still, practicality is above all, so I choose my gain mode depending on the sensitivity of the IEM I pair with DEW4X.

DEW4X has another trick up its sleeve: UAC 1.0 mode. This protocol is necessary is for connecting to gaming consoles like Nintendo Switch. You can activate this mode by holding the volume up button when plugging it to your console or game controller. You have to repeat this step every time connecting to game consoles as DEW4X boots into UAC 2.0 by default.

DEW4X is an efficient dongle. It does not get warm in long listening sessions and does not drain battery from the source device extensively. I managed to maintain the multi-day battery of R3II and did not get battery-anxiety when pairing DEW4X with my old iPhone. (Yeah yeah, I know it’s not a scientific test. I’m buying equipments to measure more accurately. Maybe next review.)

Subjective Impressions​

Disclaimers: To me, the “sound” of DAC/amp is very difficult to recognize because these devices form the “frame of reference” of our entire listening experience. It’s relatively easy to compare two things (e.g., two IEMs) within the same frame of reference, but how do we know whether our frame of reference is “crooked” (e.g., bright, flat, edgy). When we hear sibilance or 2D soundstage, do we usually blame the IEM or the DAC/amp? Therefore, all the descriptions in this section were synthesised from the differences that I hear when swapping between multiple DAC/amp using many different IEM types and musical genres. You must excuse me for being less specific than my usual IEM reviews due to sheer amount of subjective data gathered.



You know, there is one phenomenon that has always baffled me: sonic differences between modern DAC/amp. I’m not talking about the differences between a delta-sigma IC DAC and discrete resistor-ladder (R-2R) DAC or between a solid-state amplifier and a tube amplifier. I’m talking about the differences between DAC/amp devices with excellent linearity, ruler-flat frequency response to 40kHz and beyond, inaudible distortion, and near 0 ohm output impedance. In theory, IEMs should sound exactly the same across all of them, yet in practice, that’s rarely the case. In this difference, one of the fun of our hobby emerges: finding the “synergy” between between DAC/amp and transducers.

Anyhow, I digressed. Let’s talk about DEW4X. This is one of the more “coloured” dongle that I have had the pleasure to test. It means that it is relatively easy to notice that IEMs sound a bit different when pair with DEW4X, even before careful AB tests with other dongles.



What sorts of difference?

Subjectively, the tonality of DEW4X feels like a gentle EQ has been applied to slightly lift the lower midrange, around 250Hz, and perhaps slightly cut the ”edgy treble” between 8kHz and 12kHz. I used the word “subjectively” because I’m pretty sure that (1) this DAC would measure flat like other well-implemented DAC and (2) Simgot can’t run a digital EQ under-the-hood. So from where does that change come? I have no idea, but it is noticeable and consistent between my listening sessions.



So, how does that change reflect in listening experience?

Firstly, DEW4X makes the midrange of most IEMs a bit thicker and warmer. It also makes the high notes a bit smoother, less edgy. It makes the music more “musical”, if you excuse this poorly defined terminology. For instance, when I listen to The Last Recordings of John Denver with Simgot EM6L, I found voice of John Denver to be a touch fuller and thus, somehow, evoke a bit more emotional response comparing to my other pairing. Again, the change is subtle, unlike slapping a 3dB peak filter on the signal. But it is appreciable.



The second effect of the tuning of DEW4X is how it changes the soundstage presentation. I hear a more “condense” stage where most of the foreground elements in a mix (e.g., main vocals, main guitars, drums) are placed more tightly around the phantom center of the soundstage, which is usually a point somewhere inside the head. Due to this presentation, my first impression of DEW4X was that it has a small soundstage. However, it is not really the case. When it comes to the expansion of the stage, meaning how far the background elements like choral sections or reverberation of a concert hall can be pushed away from the foreground, DEW4X does not fall behind its peers such as the AFUL Snowy Night. However, the presentation of DEW4X is noticeably more compact and not as precise as a decent digital audio player (DAP) or a “super dongle” like the L&P W4. This difference was easily discerned with larger soundtracks, such as the OSTs from Ghost of Tsushima and the Elder Scrolls Online.



Due to the characteristics above, I find DEW4X to be a better matched for IEMs with leaner tonality and more intimate musical genres like singer songwriters. As you might have guessed, the characteristics of DEW4X perfectly complement the thinner and sharper tonal balance of most Simgot IEM, particularly the EM6L.

Before closing the subjective impressions, let’s take a closer look at DEW4X performance with some difficult workloads:

• Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 (8.74 ohm, 122.47dB/mW) represents an extremely sensitive and notoriously picky IEM. Sonic-wise, I was worried that the warm-ish presentation of this dongle would be too much for the Andromeda, which is already warm and thick. Interestingly, my worry was unfounded as these devices work together quite well, creating a richer and slightly more intimate sound, but without reducing the famous soundstage imaging ability of the Andromeda. I particularly enjoy some baroque concerti from CDs back in 1990s in my library due to how the cellos and contrabass seems to be quite a bit closer, hanging right behind my ears, contrasting against the flutes and violins at the front. As expected from the spec sheet, I did not hear any hissing noises from the DEW4X. My only complain is that the volume adjustment of this dongle is not fine-grained enough for the Andromeda. I frequent ran into the problem where one volume level is too low whilst the one above is too high and had to rely on digital volume adjustment.
• Symphonium Meteor (9.7 ohm@1kHz, 90.9dB/mW@1kHz) represents a hard-to-drive IEM. Even if a source can get these IEMs loud (by providing enough voltage), the overall presentation could be soft, blunted, and congested if the source has problem keeping up with the current demand. Whilst DEW4X does not degrade the sound significantly, it does not present the Meteor at its optimal level either. For example, when I listen to Playing God by Polyphia, I found that the whole soundstage feels tighter, more compact. The bass transients are also not as snappy and satisfying. The difference was quite noticeable when swapping to my desktop setup, the FiiO K7. Even when I push the DEW4X to be noticeably louder, it still cannot spread the stage out nor convey the dynamic as well as the K7. Given that the DEW4X was not behind the K7 in micro detail, I suspect the limitation comes from the amplification stage of the device rather than the DAC.
• TGXear Serratus earbuds (300ohm, unknown sensitivity) represents another class of hard-to-drive gear, the high impedance ones. Similar “scaling” can be observed with these earbuds. Exactly the same situation as with the Meteor was observed with this pairing.

Comparisons and Rating​

Vs Apple’s USB-C to 3.5mm adapter (a.k.a., “Apple dongle”):

• The Apple dongle is noticeably outclassed when driving difficult IEMs like Meteor and listening to faster music with strong bass line. Meteor sounds noticeably more intimate and bass notes are softer and blurrier in general.
• The gap between Apple dongle and DEW4X is similar to the gap from DEW4X to a desktop setup.

Vs HiBy R3II:

• The size and expansion of the soundstage of R3II and DEW4X are quite similar, especially when driving difficult IEMs like the Symphonium Meteor.
• The tonality is a bit different. R3II does not have the slightly warmer midrange like the DEW4X. On other hand, R3II’s treble response is crisper and more present.

Vs AFUL Snowy Night:

• The tonal difference between these devices are rather jarring, especially in back to back AB tests. Your preference and your choice of IEM might push you towards the neutral tuning of Snowy Night or the coloured tuning of the DEW4X.
• Snowy Night is more “effortless” when it comes to soundstage expansion and dynamic, especially when driving difficult IEMs.
• The detail retrieval and instrument separation (together creating the “resolution”) of these devices are mostly identical.
• The volume steps of Snowy Night is more fine-grained, making it more suitable for sensitive IEMs than the DEW4X.

Conclusion​

With DEW4X, I can see that Simgot brings something different to the USB DAC/amp market with the pleasant and tasteful colouration applied to the midrange tonality. Such colouration is particularly relevant in an IEM market that increasingly converges to a Harman-like sound signature with thinner and brighter midrange. If you own a Simgot IEM, this dongle should be high on your list. If you are after a warmer midrange presentation without extending your budget for some fancy discrete R2R DAC/amp, DEW4X is also viable option.

What I like about this device:

• Compact and well built
• Pleasant colouration of vocals and instruments
• Independent volume control
• UAC 1.0 mode

What could be improved:

• Have some challenges with difficult IEMs and earphones
• Volume adjustment is not fine-grained enough for sensitive IEMs
• Soundstage is intimate

Absolute Sonic Quality Rating: 3.5/5 - Very Good

Bias Score: 4/5 - I like this device.



Updated: April 17, 2024