Aiphone DA-4DS vs Aiphone IX-SSA: Specification Comparison
Both the Aiphone DA-4DS and the Aiphone IX-SSA are door stations designed to grant entry-point audio communication in access-control and intercom systems. The DA-4DS is an analog, multi-call audio door station aimed at high-traffic entries requiring direct-select calling to up to four destinations. The IX-SSA is a SIP-compatible IP audio door station built for network-integrated deployments with enterprise-grade protocol support. Buyers evaluating outdoor audio entry points will encounter both, but the underlying technology and integration paths differ significantly.
In This Guide
- What communication architecture and call handling does each station support?
- How do the two units compare in environmental protection, physical build, and mounting?
- What are the power requirements, I/O capabilities, and system integration options for each unit?
- Which should you choose: the DA-4DS or the IX-SSA?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
What communication architecture and call handling does each station support?
The DA-4DS operates on an analog, hardwired intercom architecture using 2-conductor shielded or unshielded wire. It supports four direct-select call destinations via dedicated buttons, making it purpose-built for multi-tenant or multi-zone analog intercom panels. Audio is two-way, hands-free, relying on a built-in microphone and speaker. No network interface or IP protocol support is specified for the DA-4DS.
The IX-SSA operates entirely over IP and is SIP-compatible, supporting an extensive protocol stack: IPv4, IPv6, TCP, UDP, SIP, HTTP, HTTPS, RTSP, RTP, RTCP, IGMP, MLD, SMTP, SFTP, DHCP, NTP, and DNS. It includes IEEE 802.1x port security for network authentication. Call routing is handled through a SIP server or Aiphone IX system, meaning call capacity depends on system configuration rather than a fixed button count. Audio codecs supported are G.711 and G.722, with a 600Ω audio output impedance. A microSD card slot enables local event storage.
How do the two units compare in environmental protection, physical build, and mounting?
The DA-4DS features an aluminum cover and is rated for outdoor use. Its operating temperature range is 14°F to 140°F (-10°C to 60°C). No IP ingress protection rating or impact resistance rating is specified in the provided data.
The IX-SSA carries an IP65 ingress protection rating (dust-tight and protected against water jets) and an IK08 vandal-resistance rating, indicating it withstands 5 joules of impact energy. It is constructed with stainless steel. Its operating temperature range is -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C), a materially wider cold-side tolerance than the DA-4DS. The IX-SSA's dimensions are 10-7/16" H x 5-7/8" W; no dimensions are provided for the DA-4DS. The DA-4DS is surface-mount; the IX-SSA is flush-mount. These are mutually exclusive mounting methods that affect rough-in requirements.
What are the power requirements, I/O capabilities, and system integration options for each unit?
The DA-4DS is powered by PoE sourced from the entrance panel (not IEEE 802.3af specified). It supports door release via an EL-12S relay at 9.5–20V AC with a minimum 70Ω resistance. Maximum cable run is 360 ft with 22 AWG wire or 1,020 ft with 18 AWG wire. No discrete trigger inputs or additional contact outputs beyond door release relay support are specified.
The IX-SSA accepts PoE per IEEE 802.3af Class 0 or 24V DC, with a measured draw of 3.36W. It provides two contact outputs and six trigger inputs, enabling integration with access control hardware, door strikes, REX devices, or alarm inputs. An RJ45 in/out port with PoE passthrough allows daisy-chaining downstream devices without an additional PoE source. Compliance is listed as UL 62368-1 and cUL 62368-1. The DA-4DS has no listed UL compliance in the provided specifications.
Which should you choose: the DA-4DS or the IX-SSA?
Our take: The DA-4DS is the stronger choice when an existing Aiphone analog intercom panel is already installed and the site requires a straightforward, four-destination direct-call door station without network infrastructure. The IX-SSA is the stronger choice for IP-based or SIP deployments requiring enterprise integration. Three concrete spec deltas define the gap: the IX-SSA operates down to -40°C vs the DA-4DS's -10°C lower limit, a 30°C cold-side advantage critical for harsh climates; the IX-SSA carries rated IP65 and IK08 protection while the DA-4DS lists no equivalent ingress or impact rating; and the IX-SSA provides six trigger inputs and two contact outputs vs the DA-4DS's single EL-12S relay support, enabling broader I/O integration. Buyers on analog Aiphone DA-series systems should stay with the DA-4DS; buyers deploying or migrating to the Aiphone IX IP intercom platform, SIP PBX environments, or sites demanding vandal-rated stainless construction should specify the IX-SSA.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Aiphone DA-4DS | Aiphone IX-SSA |
|---|---|---|
| Device Class | Analog Audio Door Station | IP Audio Door Station |
| Communication Protocol | Analog / hardwired intercom | SIP, RTP, RTCP, RTSP, HTTP/S, IPv4/IPv6 |
| Audio Codec | — | G.711, G.722 |
| Audio Mode | Two-way, hands-free | — |
| Call Capacity | 4 direct-select destinations | System-configured (SIP) |
| Power Source | PoE from entrance panel | PoE IEEE 802.3af Class 0 or 24V DC |
| Power Draw | — | 3.36W |
| Operating Temperature | 14°F to 140°F (-10°C to 60°C) | -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C) |
| Ingress Protection | — | IP65 |
| Impact Resistance | — | IK08 |
| Cover Material | Aluminum | Stainless steel |
| Mounting | Surface mount | Flush mount |
| Contact Outputs | EL-12S relay (9.5–20V AC, 70Ω min) | 2 contact outputs |
| Trigger Inputs | — | 6 trigger inputs |
| Network Port | — | RJ45 in/out with PoE passthrough |
| Wire / Cable | 2-conductor, shielded or unshielded; max 360 ft (22 AWG) / 1,020 ft (18 AWG) | — |
| Port Security | — | IEEE 802.1x |
| Local Storage | — | microSD card slot |
| Compliance | — | UL 62368-1, cUL 62368-1 |
| Warranty | 2-Year | — |
| Environment Rating | Outdoor | Outdoor (IP65 rated) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the DA-4DS or the IX-SSA?
The DA-4DS is the stronger choice when an existing Aiphone analog intercom panel is already installed and the site requires a straightforward, four-destination direct-call door station without network infrastructure. The IX-SSA is the stronger choice for IP-based or SIP deployments requiring enterprise integration. Three concrete spec deltas define the gap: the IX-SSA operates down to -40°C vs the DA-4DS's -10°C lower limit, a 30°C cold-side advantage critical for harsh climates; the IX-SSA carries rated IP65 and IK08 protection while the DA-4DS lists no equivalent ingress or impact rating; and the IX-SSA provides six trigger inputs and two contact outputs vs the DA-4DS's single EL-12S relay support, enabling broader I/O integration. Buyers on analog Aiphone DA-series systems should stay with the DA-4DS; buyers deploying or migrating to the Aiphone IX IP intercom platform, SIP PBX environments, or sites demanding vandal-rated stainless construction should specify the IX-SSA.
Can the DA-4DS or IX-SSA work with a SIP phone system?
Only the IX-SSA supports SIP. It lists SIP explicitly in its protocol stack along with companion protocols (RTP, RTCP, RTSP). The DA-4DS is an analog door station with no specified IP or SIP capability, so it cannot be integrated into a SIP phone system based on the provided specifications.
Which unit is better suited for outdoor installations in very cold climates?
The IX-SSA is rated down to -40°F (-40°C), whereas the DA-4DS is rated to a minimum of 14°F (-10°C). For installations in regions that regularly fall below -10°C, the IX-SSA is the only option of the two with a specified rating covering that range.
Does either door station support connection to an electric door strike or access control panel?
Both units provide some form of door-release support, but differently. The DA-4DS specifies EL-12S relay support rated for 9.5–20V AC at a minimum 70Ω resistance. The IX-SSA provides two contact outputs and six trigger inputs, offering broader compatibility with access control hardware. The specific voltage and current ratings of the IX-SSA's contact outputs are not listed in the provided specifications.
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