ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 Review – Portable Audio With Style
The competition in the dongle DAC-AMPs is intense, with numerous brands vying for market share. ddHiFi has established a strong presence in this market, being one of the pioneers in audio dongles and converters.
ddHiFi stands out in the crowded audio dongle market with its unique products. Let’s take a closer look at their new TC44Pro E2, priced at $99. The TC44Pro is like the bigger brother of the EYE2 model which I tested before, same structure with the same attached cable but a different design of course. The EYE2 comes with a single 3.5mm output whereas the E2 comes with a single 4.4mm audio output. I’m testing the USB-C model, but they also have a Lightning version available for those with compatible devices.
In The Box
ddHiFi’s TC44Pro E2 comes in a modest white box with an image of the dongle itself on the cover, you get just a couple of things. First, you get the dongle itself, with a leather strap tied to it. Then you get a second leather strap (untied) and a quick start guide. ddHiFi says the purpose of these leather straps is to help keep the Dongle’s cable length in check.
There’s a QR code sticker on the side of the box that brings you to a tutorial for tying your very own snake knot. The leather is a nice touch, but overall I found it less useful than I think ddHiFi intended. In my experience, it just made for a bulkier device, which seems counterproductive for a product like this.
Build
The TC44Pro E2 has a sturdy construction. The aluminum chassis gives it a reassuring weight, conveying a sense of durability and quality. The attention to detail, like the reinforced metal ring atop the socket, adds a touch of elegance and provides extra protection.
Despite its robust build, it maintains a compact form factor that fits comfortably in the palm of my hand. And the addition of the cowhide rope not only adds a hint of sophistication but also serves as a practical touch. Overall, the TC44Pro E2 is not just a functional device; it’s a beautifully crafted piece of technology that enhances both my auditory and visual experiences.
The cable is high quality and made from all pure silver shielded conductors. But my favorite part of the build is the USB-C and 4.4 mm connectors. These are gold-plated and feel impenetrable. When plugging into my phone and computer, the USB-C connector fits snugly and securely. There’s practically zero chance of any slippage with this dongle.
Design
ddHiFi intends for the shape of the TC44Pro E2 to look like an eye as they consider all wired dongles to be part of their “Eye” offering. With a tight ovular shape, they succeed. The eye might be a perfect analogy for the whole design ethos of the device. The device uses two Cirrus CS43131 decoding chips and two ESS ES9603Q op-amps.
The TC44Pro E2 offers seamless usability – simply plug it into your phone and connect your headphones for instant audio enhancement. It delivers superior sound quality and power. Its Pentaconn 4.4 mm plug and advanced circuit board ensure reliability and durability, while the reinforced metal ring provides both aesthetic appeal and protection.
With this design, the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 is capable of PCM 32-bit/384 kHz decoding and DSD Native DSD64/DSD128/DSD256.
Specs
- Plug: USB-C and Lightning for option
- Socket: 4.4mm balanced
- DAC Chip: Dual CS43131
- Amplifier Chip: Dual ES9603Q
- Output Power: 250 mW (32 Ω load)
- SNR: >122dB (A-wt)
- Dynamic Range: >120dB (A-wt)
- THD+N: < 0.0004% @1kHz
- PCM Decoding Capability: Up to 32bit/384kHz
- DSD Decoding Capability: Native DSD64/DSD128/DSD256
- Status Indicator: Blue (PCM), Green (DSD)
- Dimensions (unit body): 60 x 20 x 10 (mm)
- Cable Length: 9cm
- Weight: About 20.7g
- Price: $99
I would like to thank ddHiFi for providing me with the review sample of TC44Pro E2.
Sound
TC44Pro E2 adds a lot of energy to the music. The bass drums feel thrilling and fast, while the snare taps and cymbal crashes are lively and quick, especially in the higher notes.
The low end is rich and detailed, providing a solid foundation for impactful bass. The midrange is articulate and clear, enhancing the vocals without overshadowing the bright midrange of the IEM. Meanwhile, the high end remains crisp and clear, allowing every detail to shine through without harshness. Overall, the TC44Pro E2 is a remarkably transparent DAC/AMP that elevates your listening experience to new heights.
The TC44Pro E2 provides an amazing music-listening experience. It works best with IEMs and low-impedance headphones, offering a powerful and controlled sound output. Despite its exclusive balance, this dongle is not suitable for driving notoriously difficult headphones. Although it provides sufficient power for IEMs or low-impedance headphones, it only delivers 250 mW into a 32-ohm load.
The TC44Pro E2 showcased impressive dynamics. Every detail was rendered with precision and energy.
Overall, I find these to be very transparent DAC/AMP. The low end is well extended and leaves room for impactful and detailed bass. The midrange is supple but doesn’t color the bright midrange of the IEM. Instead, it adds clarity and makes more sense of the information in the vocal range. It does all this while keeping the high-end nice and clear. Again, it doesn’t tone down the IEM’s high. Instead, it helps present the detail in as listenable a manner as possible.
Sum-Up
The TC44Pro E2 by ddHiFi stands out in the audio dongle market with its impressive features. It provides exceptional sound quality with sensitive IEMs and low-impedance headphones through its balanced output, offering dynamic and transparent audio reproduction. The reinforced metal ring and meticulous craftsmanship in its design enhance its appeal, making it a top pick for audiophiles looking for premium portable audio experiences with style.