Sound performances
Intro
These mini DAC/AMPs all use the Sabre ES9281AC DAC chip and they share the exact same specs. So in theory all of these units should sound exactly the same, and guess what, they do! So it all comes down to which form factor you like most and can use best. Let’s dive in.
As source I used my laptop with Roon & Tidal (Masters/MQA), as well as my OnePlus 8Pro smartphone. I used a series of IEMS, but most of the time the Etymotic ER4XR with the foam tips.
General
The TC35 Pro has a good amount of body from bass to highs. The sound signature is full, musical and the delivery is slightly smooth. The TC35 Pro is not something I would define as warm-sounding, but there do is a hint of warmth in the delivery as well. Overall it’s a balanced presentation with an evenly spread weight.
Tetris, Eye and Mountain sound very clean and clear and the mid range is spacious and airy. The tonality is natural, but relaxed. There’s just enough energy present to keep things exciting, but they’re very easy and softer on the ears.
Sound stage-wise (both in depth as in width), the TC35 Pro scores OK. That means it’s not spectacular but in any case way better than my standard phone dongle or laptop 3.5mm output. There’s the price point and size to count into things as well. For the price and size, the TC35Pro’s sounds stage is good, especially in the lows. The top end seems to be a little more limited however.
Same story basically for the performance. The detail retrieval is good and much better than what you would get directly from your phone/laptop, but it’s not mind blowing either. The TC35Pro units don’t pretend to be either. You just get a good quality and fun sound, which in all possible ways is a lot better than the standard laptop or phone output. I do have to mention that the stereo image and left-right balance is very nicely done. So extra points for that.
The ddHifi TC35 Pro’s dynamics actually are nice, and that was a welcome surprise.
Classics
There is a slight bass elevation present, but not overly so. It’s the kind of bass which everyone likes: not too much, not too little. Bass certainly never overpowers, though that of course also depends on the IEM you’re using. It’s fun and musical bass more than it is precise, detailed and layered. But it does get your head nodding and feet tapping, and that always is a good sign.
Bass comes delivered with good impact and it has a nice punch to it. The ddHifi TC35 Pro also is reasonably well in control and it kept the bass tight, fast and inline.
Body-wise the mids perfectly connect to the bass. Mids have a good amount of body and they sound full, but not overly so. It’s a nice natural sound, with slightly more forward vocals, even though they’re presented in a soft way.
The mid spaciousness and airiness is quite good, and that helps given the TC35 Pro their natural feeling. The mids aren’t very layered and deep though but they do sound very dynamic and engaging. Detail retrieval wise they score the same as the bass section.
The treble section also sounds full but it’s very easy and soft on the ear. They spaciousness and extension in the highs is more limited, but there’s enough energy here to keep things exciting and to match the slight bass elevation. So easygoing treble but with enough presence to keep you drawn into the music.
Vs the original TC35B
The original ddHifi TC35B used a Realtek ALC5686 SOC chip and as such is very different from the three models in this article. It also looks completely different, but some people will for sure prefer the “old” design over that one of the Eye, Tetris or Mountain.
The first things you will notice is that the original TC35B has a lot more body from top to bottom and it also extends lower (not higher). There’s also more warmth, softness and intimacy. And there’s less precision and detail.
The bass section is fuller and bigger in body and presence, and it reaches down lower with better depth and layering. On the other side bass here is not as tight and fast as on the TC35 Pro.
The midrange is fuller and the voices are softer, even if they here (like in the Pro) are more to the front. The TC35B pro is more intimate sounding. It’s less spacious than the TC35 Pro models and the dynamics aren’t as good.
Treble-wise I have the feeling the new ddHifi TC35 Pro models extend further, and they’re more detailed as well.
For me personally the choice is easy. The TC35 Pro is technically more advanced and it sounds more neutral and refined. Of course the TC35B is only selling for $35 to $39 USD as well, which almost is one third of the ddHifi TC35 Pro’s price.
Conclusion
The new ddHifi TC35 Pro model don’t only look great but they for sure are quite a step up compared to what you’re used to hearing from your phone or laptop. Good sound for a little price, what’s not to like?
The smaller and less expensive TC35B still is the absolute king when it comes to the price/performance ratio, but from a technical point of view it is nowhere near the quality of the Eye, Mountain and Tetris.
If you want a small and very pocketable DAC/AMP for your phone or laptop, and you don’t want o break the bank in the process, then the super cool looking Tetris, Mountain and Eye (in that order) could be the ideal unit for you.
Page 1: ddHifi + TC35 Pro
Page 2: Sound + Conclusion
Adam
Well yes it is all well and good talking up the sound of these USB C DAC dongles but how durable is it???
I haven’t known many of these to make it past 6 months much less a year before they fall apart, stop working or have some other issue.
I am sure it does sound as good as you say but ultimately I am guessing these will turn out to be a waste of money like all the others on the market when they stop working shortly after purchasing one.
To be fair I don’t think anyone has perfected the durability aspect with these yet, and yes I am sure some folk will fare better than others in terms of life span use. But again I read too many reviews from people reporting early failures during even limited use.
Nor is there presently anyone out there with a consumer reputation for robustness in regard to these DAC’s, it seems (though do please let me know if there is one)
So it really is to hit and miss as to you how long ones USB C DAC dongle will last. As I say there are just too many misses than hits from what I see from customer reviews and the ones giving them high ratings seem do so within a few months of having them so a bit premature in the praise as their failure will likely be imminent
DD ddHiFi adapters also have reports for poor build quality, like all the other makes out there but hey ho you never know maybe these ones are actually better assembled and not held together with adhesive that melts under heat resulting on the thing falling to bits.
Oh and not to mention had two myself fail early both within 4-5 months with no method of recompense
Cheers
Cb
Have you found any for the iPhone that last and sound good?