Small Big Dongle

 

Ratings

 

 

Pros

 

• Huge sound/price ratio.
• Ultra compact design, low weight.
• Independent volume control with 60 steps and two gain modes.
• 5 adjustable filters.
• USB UAC1.0 Game Mode.

 

Cons

 

• It does not give the full voltage for medium impedances.
• Perhaps, with only two buttons, performing all functions is a bit more complex.
• Power slightly below specification.
• The 4.4mm input has a very tight diameter, it is difficult to insert the plug.

 

Purchase Link

 

https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005007878221226.html

 

Link to the Store

 

https://epzearphones.es.aliexpress.com/store/1100218270

 

Introduction

 

EPZ is certainly liking dongles. After its success with the TP50, the Shenzen Jiuzhou Electronics Co. brand wanted to carve out a niche in the sub-$60 dongle segment with a Cirrus Logic CS43198 dual DAC. It is not new to this segment, but now it is doing so with the large DAC that is performing so well in the market. The TP35 is a small dongle constructed of CNC aluminium alloy with a sandblasted anodised surface. It has a clear acrylic window that allows you to see the actual circuitry inside. It weighs only 15g. Supports 384 kHz/32-bit PCM and DSD256 high-definition audio formats. It has a signal-to-noise ratio of 130dB and a distortion rate of 0.0005% (THD+N). It comes with a high-purity oxygen-free copper shielded cable that can reduce interference and provide transparency and sound resolution. It includes USB-C to USB standard and Lightning interface is optional for Apple devices. It has two 3.5mm and 4.4mm BAL audio outputs, two-button volume control, low/high gain, five digital filters and power up to 150mW at 32 Ω. Last but not least, it supports USB UAC1.0 Game Mode. Let’s take a look at what this new little dongle from EPZ has to offer.

 

 

Specifications

 

• Dac used: DUAL CS43198.
• Formats: PCM: 32Bit/384KHZ DSD: Dop128/Native256.
• Input connector: USB Type-C.
• Body material: Aluminium alloy sandblasted grey/black oxidation.
• Cable: High purity oxygen-free copper shielded wire.
• Audio Output: 3.5mm, 4.4mm.
• Output voltage: SE 3.5mm 1VRMS Low Gain/2VRMS High Gain. BAL 4.4mm 2VRMS Low Gain/4VRMS High Gain.
• Output power: SE: 65mW (32Ω), 75mW (16Ω). BAL: 150mW (32Ω), 100mW (16Ω). THD+N≤1%.
• SNR: ≤125dB (SE 3.5mm). ≤130dB (BAL 4.4mm).
• THD+N: ≤0.0005%.
• Background noise: 1µVRMS.
• Dimensions: 43.1×21.7×12.1mm.
• Cable: 132mm.
• Weight: 15g.
• Volume steps: 60.

 

 

Packaging

 

The EPZ TP35 comes in a little black square box with dimensions 101x101x41mm. On the front side you can see a portion of the dongle protruding diagonally from the bottom right corner. In its opposite corner is the brand name in blue letters. The model name is in the lower left corner and, in the upper right corner, the formats it can play are listed. On the back side are the multilingual specifications, brand details and icons indicating the certifications it complies with. When you open the box, the dongle is inside a dense black foam base. The rest of the accessories are in a second layer, also inside a foam mould. In summary, the full contents are as follows:

 

• EPZ TP35 dongle.
• Warranty certificate card.
• Instruction card.
• USB Type-C to Type-C male cable.
• USB Type-C female to Type-A male adapter.

 

Compact packaging, good USB cable and the inclusion of a quick guide and USB Type-A adapter is appreciated.

 

 

Construction and Design

 

The dongle is characterised by its small size, its textured aluminium chassis and its transparent window that allows you to see the internal circuitry. Inside is a small LED indicator. It has two buttons to control volume and other functions. The body is rounded on the side and on the top face. On the lower face there is a small chamfer containing the brand name in grey letters. On this same face, but on the opposite corner, the supported formats are described. The transparent window has a diagonal in the middle of the piece and, next to its short side, the name of the model and the DAC used are written. The audio outputs are on the other side of the window, while the USB input is next to it. The 4.4mm output is gold-plated, while the 3.5mm output is not, as it is made of black plastic. There is a Philips screw between the two outputs. From the acrylic window you can see the two CS43198 DACs.
The USB cable consists of two USB Type-C plugs with a rounded metal sleeve. The cable consists of four intertwined strands shielded with high-purity oxygen-free copper wires.
I find the design nicer and sleeker than the TP50 and it is significantly smaller. Of course, it has no display and no third button. However, as a dongle for everyday use and for taking on the road, I find it to be a very good size and weight.

 

 

Connectivity

 

The EPZ TP35 is compatible with Apple mobile phones, Mac tablets and other IOS systems. It is also compatible with Android and Windows systems. From Windows 10 onwards no drivers are required. Again, ASIO drivers are still not available.

 

 

Operativity

 

A picture and a video are worth a thousand words. But it is clear that limiting all functions to the combination of just two buttons is not very easy.

 

 

Volume+

• Short press: volume goes up one step.
• Press for 1 second: volume increases continuously.
• Press while powering on: device enters UAC1.0 mode.

 

Volume-

• Short press: volume goes down one step.
• Press for 1 second: volume goes down continuously.
• Press while powering on: device enters forced burning mode.

 

Both keys pressed at the same time

• Short press: change gain mode
• Press and hold for 1 second: switch LED on or off.
• Press and hold for 3 seconds: change sound filter.

 

 

Measures

 

EPZ has been very specific in the power and voltage output:
Output Voltage: SE 3.5mm 1VRMS Low Gain/2VRMS High Gain. BAL 4.4mm 2VRMS Low Gain/4VRMS High Gain.
Output power: SE: 65mW (32Ω), 75mW (16Ω). BAL: 150mW (32Ω), 100mW (16Ω). THD+N≤1%.
We will see if this holds true.
On the other hand, the output impedances are very low, clearly below 1Ω.

 

 

SE No load

 

At low gain with no load it almost reaches 1VRMS. At high gain it is also very close to 2VRMS.

 

 

SE 15Ω

 

Almost 1VRMS for 15Ω, which is 65mW power. 75mW is specified for 16Ω, which would be 1.1VRMS. It doesn’t have much left.

 

 

SE 33Ω

 

1.4VRMS for 33Ω. That’s 60mW. It specifies 65mW for 32Ω, which would be 1.44VRMS. You could say it meets it.

 

 

SE 100Ω

 

1.8VRMS for 100Ω. I expected it to reach 2VRMS. 32mW.

 

 

BAL No load

 

As specified 2VRMS for low gain and 4VRMS for high gain.

 

 

BAL 15Ω

 

1,245VRMS for 15Ω which is 100mW. Nails the specs. 83mA of current, close to the mythical 90mA.

 

 

BAL 33Ω

 

2VRMS for 33Ω, which is 120mW. 150mW is specified, which would be 2.19VRMS. That’s a bit far off. The amount of current could be enough, as has been demonstrated with 15Ω. But in electronics power, the interpolation of results does not always hold true.

 

 

BAL 100Ω

 

3.178VRM for 100Ω. This is far from 4V, which means that this dongle would not be the most suitable for medium impedance headphones. The power is 100mW.

 

 

Frequency Response

 

The frequency response is completely flat from 20Hz to 20kHz. It loses 0.5dB at 5Hz and just over 1dB at 40kHz. Quite good.

 

 

Sound

 

After many years of using the CS43131 DAC, the era of the CS43198 is dawning, and we are already seeing much cheaper configurations, such as this new TP35 dongle, which is half the price of its big brother, the TP50, and uses the same dual configuration with that CS43198. The difference between the two is, among other things, that the TP50 has two RT6863, a high quality audiophile operational amplifier designed for ESS Sabre ADC/DAC or other chips. While the CS43198 is not a direct evolution of the CS43131, but of the CS4399, the TP35 is not connected to any operational amplifier. And while the CS43198’s values are excellent, the first difference you notice when comparing the two products is that scene, clarity, openness, volume, spaciousness, separation and transparency are superior in the TP50. On the other hand, I find that the two share a common profile. Although the TP50 is specified as sounding analytical, controlled and cooler than the rest, I find it to be a new degree of purity and neutrality. The same is true of the TP35, but it’s not quite as splendid. Another thing that is noticeable is that the TP35 only has 60 volume steps and the TP50 has 100, and although both have two gain modes, the precise power setting on the TP50 also gives it a higher degree of control.
The TP35’s low end is quite precise and controlled, with a good dose of volume and a dry, technical texture. Compared to the TP50, the TP35’s bass sounds tighter and punchier. In the TP50’s bass there is more space, distance and separation, a little more depth, volume and a more volatile feel. In the very low frequency pure tone test, the response of both dongles is virtually the same. Only a subtle improvement in sensory control can be discerned in the TP50. In summary, one could say that the bass sound of the TP35s is somewhat more direct and compact.
In the mid-range, the male vocals seem to be more forward and fuller on the TP50, while on the TP35 they are more equal to the instrumentation. The level of cleanliness is very high on both dongles, but the TP50 offers a more dynamic and open feel, as well as a slightly greater ability to isolate voices and instruments. The instrumentation seems to be somewhat more blended and integrated with the vocals on the TP35, which creates a slightly calmer, less expressive or vivid sounding feel. This is especially noticeable in the treble. The high end of the TP50 is more sparkling and expressive. It is here that the sense of transparency and expansion is most noticeable, with a freer, finer, more delicate and expressive treble. The TP35’s treble is a little sharper, subtly less smooth and also a little tighter. I don’t notice any difference in extension between the dongles.
Going back to the beginning, the TP50’s soundstage is more expansive and gaseous. The TP35 sounds more direct, earthier and somewhat less cold, more neutral. The level of detail is very similar, but the greater distance between elements and the feeling of more space make the background seem darker in the TP50 and, therefore, the micro-detail is perceived with more thoroughness and evidence, even if the distance is not so great.
The TP50’s sound, being more open and less compressed than the TP35, is sweeter and more melodious, even if it is somewhat cooler. The TP35 can sound more explicit, but less musical and subtly more aggressive. It is in these more extreme conditions that the difference in the level of refinement in favour of the TP50 is noticeable.
Finally, it should be noted that the TP35 has 5 filters. Again, to find the differences between them you will have to tune your ear very carefully, especially in the high frequencies.

 

 

Conclusion

 

EPZ has proven that very high quality sound can be offered at a very low price. The EPZ TP35 is small, has the best Dual DAC CS43198, volume control, two gain modes, 5 filters and of course dual 3.5mm and 4.4mm audio outputs. All this in a very compact design, with an acrylic window showing the internal circuitry and an LED indicator. The TP35 is half the price of the TP50, but its sound is not half as good as its big brother. It is only one step below it. It’s true that it doesn’t have a display, nor a third button, nor is it as powerful. But for the price, it is really very difficult to find competition. In fact, I wish many fans could do a blind test between the two dongles to see that there is not that much difference between them. That is certainly great news for the EPZ TP35.

 

 

Earphones Used During Analysis

 

• Kefine Klean.
• Kiwi Ears Quintet.
• Kiwi Ears KE4.
• LetShuoer S12 2024.
• LetShuoer Cadenza 4.
• Simgot SuperMix 4.
• NiceHCK Himalaya.