Disclaimer:
Good morning to all readers! Today we try out EPZ’s new CS43131 dual-chip DAC. After trying the top of the line, the EPZ TP50, expectations are understandably high. Clearly, from my perspective, the market for dongles that mount the CS43131 has become extremely saturated. Unless power amplifiers or specific implementations are used, it is difficult to stand out among the crowd.
The review, as always, will be completely unbiased and uninfluenced.
I would like to remind you that I am just a person who enjoys trying out new items and listening to a lot of music; I am not an expert.
My opinions are obviously subjective.
Tech Specs:
- DAC: CS43131*2
- PCM: 32Bit/384KHz/DSD256
- Output power: 2vrms @ 32ohm 121mw (3.5) / 4vrms @ 32ohm 171mw (4.4)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥125db (3.5)/ ≥130db (4.4)
- THD+N: ≤0.0008%
- Dynamic range: ≥125 dB (3.5) / 130 dB (4.4)
- Output:3.5MM/4.4M
- Weight: 25g (excluding packaging box)
Packaging:
The EPZ packages have undergone very minor, purely aesthetic changes; as is typical, there are a few minor errors. This time, it is in the little manual.
However, when it slides open, we immediately see the TP20 Pro and its type C cable.
There is nothing else, and as I previously stated for the TP50, the USB adapter is also missing from the TP20 PRO.
However, I think the packaging is excellent; all that’s missing is the USB adapter. If we want to be extremely precise, perhaps we could opt for a cable covered in fabric to be more resistant. These braided cables are beautiful but much more delicate.
Build quality/First impressions:
The new TP20 Pro now has a much lighter weight; the TP20 was a 55-gram block of cast aluminium, while the TP20 Pro has a much lighter CNC-machined aluminum shell.
The two faces are theoretically made of real carbon fiber, which gives it an almost more serious look compared to the TP50, which has a less serious aesthetic. The improvement from the previous model is obvious: a lighter shell and buttons that are more comfortable. As always, we have the physical gain switch, which is very convenient and easy to use and in addition to the volume buttons, we also have the play pause button. Obviously, the buttons also work on my iMac so the convenience isn’t just on mobile.
Power:
In terms of power, absolutely nothing has changed but it is also excellent for driving some planar IEMs (on balanced output, obviously) or some IEMs that exceed 64 ohms. If you have more demanding loads, you have to increase the budget. No problems with the EPZ x Tipsy Star One or even with the Hidizs MP145.
Sound Signature:
The question you are asking yourself is, “Has anything changed, or are we still dealing with the same dongle but in a lighter case?”
When I first connected to my iMac, I noticed that the USB interface was identical to the old TP20; essentially, the computer is unable to distinguish between them, so suspecting that it is the same motherboard is entirely legitimate and correct.
The operation is identical to that of most CS43131 DACs, so the only way to determine if there are differences is to disassemble both dongles and inspect each component individually. What I can assure you is that the TP20 Pro has far more resolution and refinement than the old one, which falls into the category of an old cirrus that is a little dark and has a stage that is not overly developed. So the TP20 Pro is undoubtedly better.
Fast Comparison:
For price reasons, I am not going to compare it with DACs equipped with the CS43198; they normally cost more and are slightly more refined in sound. So I will make comparisons with cheap dongles that use the same chip. More are coming out so there will definitely be something better in a month. Now under attention is the Fosi DS2, which has a remarkable output.
vs Moondrop Dawn Pro
For price reasons, the Moondrop Dawn Pro remains in the entry level range, the dongle to beat. It’s cheap, it has an app, the buttons are a little loose but it also sounds very good (we’re already at the best version of the CS43131). Obviously, it has some cons in terms of aesthetics; the shell has holes and dirt or moisture can enter involuntarily.
vs EPZ TP20
Currently positioned at 50 USD, in my opinion, it cannot compete with the Dawn Pro at the same price. Even though it is an excellent DAC, it lacks resolution, and the soundstage is not as developed. Its weight does not make it extremely suitable for use on the move without worries.
vs FiiO KA11
If balanced output doesn’t interest you and your priority is lightness and power, then the Fiio KA11 remains the best choice. I remain in love with this very small dongle. For someone like me who started with the ALC5686 with the same shape, having achieved such interesting powers in super-compact formats is remarkable. Of course, it sounds like the newer Cirrus Logics and has an accompanying app.
Who do I recommend this DAC to?
If we start from the assumption that every 2 weeks a supposedly better product is released, I certainly wouldn’t be able to recommend anything to you. However, I would like to point out to you that it is not a race to see who comes out with the most power, but rather that we need the right balance between power and quality. Many manufacturers are starting to write only the power, omitting the THD, so we must not think only about the power but also look at our needs. A dual CS43131, even without dedicated OP amps, is more than sufficient for most of our IEMs. The EPZ TP20 Pro is an excellent dongle on par with the Moondrop Dawn Pro; aesthetically, the TP20 Pro is more resistant, the carbon fiber is beautiful, and the app is missing but honestly, I don’t use it that often, even where it is available. When one can fix the gain, he is already a happy man. Excellent when combined with bright IEMs to slightly reduce peaks, or to add thickness to IEMs that are already rich in bass. Congratulations to EPZ for bridging the gap with its competitors.
8.7/10
Pros:
- Great Build Quality
- Metal frame + fancy carbon fiber faceplates
- Dual Cirrus Logic
- Natural sound
- Gain, Volume buttons + Play/Pause
- Runs quite cold also on heavy load
- Good-Quality type C cable
Cons:
- No App
- No USB adapter
- Dependent volume