In this article, I’m reviewing the Simgot DEW4X dongle DAC. The DEW4X features dual C43198 DAC chips and has low power consumption. It’s priced at $79.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Simgot for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
Simgot DEW4X
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Specifications
DAC Chip: Dual C43198
Decoding specifications: PCM: 384kHz/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 plug: 3.5mm,4.4mm
Body: 41.7*24.2*12.0mm
Cable: 10.5mm
Weight: 24g
Design
DEW4X has an aluminium chassis with a smooth matte finish. At one end is a USB-C port and at the other are the 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs. There are two buttons on the side for adjusting the volume and if pressed at the same time, they switch between low and high gain modes. The included detachable cable has copper-wound shielding to reduce interference.
DEW4X has several intelligent features such as non-linear volume adjustment. It jumps 3-5dB at the very bottom and very top while the commonly used middle volume changes at 1.5dB per click allowing fine volume control. Volume control is independent of your phone or PC. In addition, the device volume settings are remembered even after the power is off.
Internally, DEW4X houses dual C43198 DAC Chips with an impressive 130dB of dynamic range. It supports 384kHz/32Bit PCM and DSD 256. Power output is 2x70W for the unbalanced 3.5mm output and 2x150W for the 4.4mm balanced output.
Sound
I’m impressed with the quality of the DEW4X’s audio, especially considering it’s Simgot’s first dongle product. I have always liked the sound of the Cirrus Logic DAC chips and Simgot’s implementation of the dual C43198 chips here sounds great.
DEW4X has a mostly neutral sound signature but with slightly elevated lows combined with the signature CS shimmering and smooth treble. For a sub-$100 dongle DAC, the DEW4X has good overall resolution, strong spatial imaging and end-to-end extension.
The staging of this dongle is impressive as well. When playing Tomasz Mreńca’s “Haust,” I noticed the expansive width and depth of the stage, along with the precise positioning within it. This presentation occurred against a backdrop of deep blackness, with ample space between each element, fostering a sensation of expansive yet stable spatial presence.
Verdict
The Simgot DEW4X is a solid first attempt for the brand’s first dongle DAC. It’s well-constructed, small, has onboard volume controls and it sounds great. There’s very little to criticize and there are still other perks like the inline mic support (3.5mm output only). If you’re looking for a sub $100 dongle DAC, this one deserves your consideration.