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Sound performance
For the purpose of this review, I used the Beyerdynamic DT900 Pro X, the FiiO JH5, and my good old Meze 99 Classics for good measure. For the source, I used my iPhone and all files were streamed from Spotify for convenience, Apple Music for Hi-Res source, and my own library for local tracks.
Overall signature
So, is the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 a real upgrade over the TC44Pro? Short answer, yes. However, when compared with my OG TC44Pro, if more refined, the output power didn’t sound as wide as expected – though if you own the TC44A, that sparks a different conversation!
When paired with the 99 Classics, the new TC44Pro E2 reached the same volume level, but gave me rounder bass and cleaner low-mids. An impression that is confirmed upon each listening session: it feels more natural, with deeper lows and sharper mids, underscoring the brand’s steady progress, fine-tuning every aspect of their sound signature over each generation of products.
As expected, the dual DAC and true balanced output give a LOT more power, while retaining the same balanced signature, and accurate timbre the brand has become famous for. It’s a delightful device, capable of delivering much more detail than before – an abundance of micro-details truly – that also managed to deliver stronger low frequencies at every given volume, especially on the Meze 109 Pro.
Out of curiosity, I also paired them with a set of HiFiman Svanar, great but complex IEM that I also tried with the TC44Pro (1st gen), which performed well to this day, but not as well as the new TC44Pro E2. Though not stellar, compared to the TC35Pro Eye2, the result remains far above, both in terms of power, but also render. However, when paired with the FiiO JH5, the new version definitely outmatched the previous generation, on every level, even more so with hybrid IEM like the FiiO. I also did a test with my old – but faithful – FiiO FH3 and found the combination more natural sounding than when paired with the KA13, with softer but better articulated mids, despite not being able to reach the KA17 new heights.
Pan effects are great, voices are well-articulated, and the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 gave me clean, authoritative bass, something that I was expecting for a duala-CS43131 powered DAC. Head to head with the Shanling UA1 I previously reviewed, I preferred ddHiFi voices and highs, while the UA1 gave me punchier lows, coupled with commendable mid-tones and resonating vocals,
Paired with the DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X, it wasn’t too dry – something that I was afraid off – and I even preferred the final result to the one I got with the TC44Pro: better transients, larger soundstage (who knew) and enhanced high-mids. Very nice!
Tonality
Highs: clean and straight. Compared the TC35C/i, the TC35Pro raises the bar and achieves a superb job there, with sharp, harsh-less trebles, and excellent layering. With the right headphone, you’ll get a level of power and accuracy that I wouldn’t believe possible a few years ago, with a DAC this small.
Track : Believe in Me – Jamie Lidell
Mids: good layering and great spaciousness. The mids blend perfectly with the rest of the spectrum. The soundstage is splendid, sometimes astounding even at the highest level of volume. Compared to the TC35C the mids don’t tend to fall behind the highs and lows, and everything sounds much more even now.
Track : Nobody Speak – DJ Shadow
Lows: fast and powerful. Bass is impressive, even if not as impressive as the TC44Pro. Usually, this is where small DAC falls short, but this wasn’t the case here, and I could push volume way higher than I thought. It’s fast, powerful and with a good headphone, you’ll be rewarded by deep, tight, toe-tapping bass. Plus side, it never oversteps on the other frequencies.
Track : The Chasm – Dan Terminus
Noise and power
Noise: nothing noticeable on most headphones and IEM. I only encountered hiss once with my Unique Melody, but on every other IEM I tried I didn’t get any buzz or hiss.
Power: power-wise, you’ll be able to drive almost all portable headphone of your catalog and all IEMs with ease. In fact, desktop ones are even reachable, the TC44 Pro E2 offering more punch than before, especially in the lower-end of the spectrum.
Conclusion
All in all, the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 feels like a solid improvement of an already powerful formula, fitting nicely above the TC44A and replacing the previous TC44C as ddHiFi top of the range. The build quality is flawless, performances are head and shoulders above the stock DAC of my phone, and it even tickles the fancy of much larger models.
The superb design, paired with the additional cable, does make a difference on the go, and even compared to my TC44Pro, I found the E2 easier to use over time. The only issue? No volume control, which I find mandatory nowadays on dongle like this one. Maybe next time? Still a very nice DAC/Amp.
Pros
- great design and sturdy built
- plug & play by essence, perfect for on-the-go sessions
- great sound and enough power to drive most portable headphones
- balanced output with a real balanced circuit
Cons
- lanyard is cool but not very useful
- no volume controls (or any control whatsoever)
