ddHiFi TC35i / TC35b – Review

Sound performances

For this review, I chose to pair the ddHiFi TC35i and TC35b with my old Onkyo IE-C3. Those have been my regular CIEM for years now and, like the DAC, I always find someplace to keep them, wherever I go.

I’ll mostly refer to the TC35i, as I use an iPhone as my main phone.

Overall signature

Out of the (wooden) box, the ddHiFi TC35i felt like a good improvement compared to Apple’s (infuriating) dongle. 

Not just because it was sturdier/easier to fit, but mostly because it seemed to be sonically superior, at least to my ears. It’s not night and day, but the absence of ground noise is already a big improvement on its own. 

The soundstage is good, the voices are clean and if the bass seemed a bit thin, I’m still keener to use the TC35i than Apple’s dongle. Even more, if you feed this DAC with high-rate files like Tidal, Qobuz or Amazon Musics, where you’ll definitely feel the difference.

Out of curiosity, I plugged my Meze 99 Classics and the TC35i was able to drive them comfortably. The warm signature hid the lack of power, and the bass didn’t seem as weak as before. 

Long story short: it works well with sensitive IEM/CIEM, and if you want to use a headphone, favors mellow ones like the Meze.

Tonality

Highs: clear and clean. The TC35i / TC35b offers a good level of resolution and scales up easily with Hi-Res files. There is no harshness nor distortion, even at high volume, and through all my listening, I never encountered any humming noises or buzz. 

Good test track : Through and through – Leaving Laurel

Mids: open and forward. Vocals and acoustic tracks were not a problem for the TC35i / TC35b even more once paired with a good IEM. The soundstage seemed wide enough on my Onkyo but, to no one surprise, fell short with the Meze as the lack of power became more problematic.

Good test track:  Obama – Dombrance

Lows: thin but good. The TC35i / TC35b struggled to reach deep notes and sub rumble, with my 99 classics. The low power output can’t deliver enough juice to push the drivers hard enough, but once you’re outside, this is less of an issue. With my IE-C3 and FiiO FA9 I didn’t encounter this issue and was able to get enough lows to meet my needs. Hurray

Good test track: Marketing Director – Fingerspit

Conclusion

The ddHifi TC35i and TC35b are neat little DAC that will fit nicely in every pocket. Sound quality is good, build quality outstanding and the minimal conception make them the perfect companion on the go.

It won’t replace your Dragonfly, Eagle or Hi-mDAC, if you’re seeking true audiophile experience on the go. But, if like me you’re searching for a device to leave permanently in your bag, so you can up your game without being cumbersome, ddHiFi’s solutions are a good way to go. Even more, if you can get both, to cover all your devices.