ddHiFi, an innovative audio brand based in China, is known for crafting premium audio accessories that are stylish, functional, and durable. Founded by audio enthusiasts, the company specializes in creating DAC dongles, cables, adapters, and cases with an emphasis on high-quality materials and minimalist design. Their TC44Pro E2 DAC dongle showcases this dedication with its dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips and ESS ES9603Q amplifiers, delivering powerful, clear sound through a single 4.4mm balanced output. Supporting up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256, this compact dongle provides a portable yet audiophile-grade experience for mobile devices
ddHiFi Tc44Pro E2
The ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 DAC dongle is a compact and elegant choice for those looking to improve their mobile or laptop audio experience without compromising on portability. Known for its innovative designs and high-quality accessories, ddHiFi combines sleek aesthetics with practical functionality, and the TC44Pro E2 is no exception. Let’s break down its design, sound quality, features, and performance with various genres and headphones.
Disclaimer
I received this DAC Dongle from “DDHiFi” for review needs. And each corporation has no direction on what to write and what not. With the sound I listened to, the whole evaluation represents my objective experience and honest assessment.
Unaffiliate links
If you want to buy this iem, visit there website ddHiFi or Aliexpress Store. If you want to buy this from Bangladesh just pre-order from GeekMart.
Gears Used
- Ie200
- Ikko Oh10s
- TRI I3 MK3
- Celest Quin
- Tempotec V3
- PC
- LG V60
Design and Build Quality
Starting with the design, the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 is minimalist yet stylish, with a robust aluminum alloy chassis that’s compact and durable. The dark finish and subtle ddHiFi logo give it a premium look, while its small size makes it extremely portable. It comes with a high-quality USB-C connector, which is well-built and sturdy. A unique feature is its single 4.4mm balanced output port, which provides a powerful output while maintaining audio fidelity.
The flexible cable connection between the DAC and the USB-C connector minimizes strain, preventing potential wear and tear on the connectors. Its lightweight build also ensures it won’t weigh down your device or cause tangling in your bag. Overall, the build and design are impressive, balancing aesthetics, durability, and portability.
Specifications and Features
The TC44Pro E2 utilizes a high-quality DAC and AMP chip that supports up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and native DSD256 decoding while providing a good amount of amplification power. This level of decoding provides detailed audio playback, particularly when paired with high-quality source files.
Key Specifications:
- DAC Chip: Dual CS43131 chips (ensuring low power consumption and high-resolution playback).
- AMP Chip: Dual ESS ES9603Q op-amps.
- Output Port: 4.4mm balanced output provides about 250mW.
- Compatibility: Works with Android, iOS (adapter required), and computers.
- Power Efficiency: Uses a low-power circuit, beneficial for mobile devices as it doesn’t drain the battery significantly. I found an overall 7 hours of playback sound from my old LG V60.
One notable feature is its plug-and-play compatibility across most platforms, providing convenience without the need for additional drivers. It’s great for users who switch between Android, Windows, and even iOS devices with the necessary adapter. Also if you want to use the exclusive audio playback on foobar2000, Tidal desktop app then you need to download the Windows driver from their website.
Sound Performance
Bass
The bass response of the TC44Pro E2 is controlled and punchy without being overbearing. It provides a nice sense of weight in the sub-bass, particularly on tracks with deep basslines. The mid-bass is tight and well-defined, avoiding any muddiness. When paired with IEMs like the Ikko OH10, the bass is clear and impactful, with excellent layering, allowing for detailed listening even with bass-heavy tracks.
Mids
Moving to the midrange, the TC44Pro E2 offers a neutral yet detailed presentation. Vocals are natural and smooth, allowing both male and female vocals to shine without sounding recessed or overly forward. It works particularly well with warm and smooth-sounding IEMs like the Kinera Celest Wyvern Qing, where it brings out the texture in vocals and the warmth in instruments, giving a well-rounded and enjoyable listening experience.
Treble
The treble performance on the TC44Pro E2 is impressive for a dongle at this price range. It provides a well-extended treble that has a touch of sparkle and air, which brings life to high-frequency sounds. The treble is smooth and non-fatiguing, making it suitable for long listening sessions. With a more treble-extended IEM like the TRI I3 MK3, the treble remains controlled, adding clarity and definition to instruments without harshness.
Paring it with Bright IEM’s, you will find it a bit harshness in treble section and female vocals.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage on the TC44Pro E2 is moderately wide and creates a good sense of space for a dongle DAC. Instrument separation is excellent, with each instrument distinctly placed, allowing for a well-organized and immersive listening experience. This dongle captures the layering in complex tracks with ease, making it a great choice for genres that rely heavily on instrument separation, such as classical, jazz, or progressive rock.
Pairing Synergy
The TC44Pro E2 pairs well with a wide range of IEMs and headphones, especially those with a 4.4mm balanced cable. With the Sennheiser IE200, the dongle brings out a balanced and natural presentation, adding clarity without altering the inherent sound signature. With the more bass-heavy Ikko OH10s, the TC44Pro E2 keeps the bass tight, ensuring it doesn’t overpower the mids and highs. It also works well with planars, maintaining enough power to drive them without distortion or lack of detail.
This dongle’s 4.4mm balanced output adds a notable level of flexibility, allowing users to experience a balanced output in a compact format.
Conclusion
The ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 DAC dongle is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their mobile audio setup without sacrificing portability. With its dual DAC chips, 4.4mm balanced output, and plug-and-play functionality, it offers a seamless and powerful audio solution. Its neutral and detailed tuning makes it versatile, pairing well with a variety of IEMs and headphones, from bass-focused to balanced and neutral options.
For anyone seeking a high-quality DAC dongle that is both portable and feature-rich, the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 is worth considering. It manages to deliver excellent audio performance, flexibility, and portability, making it a strong contender in its price range.
For more reviews on audio gear, click here
