EPZ TP20 Pro
Intro
Hello audio hobbyists, I have with me today another EPZ Audio product, the EPZ TP20 Pro. The TP20 Pro is actually the successor of the EPZ TP20 which came out only a short time ago. You may have noticed that I reviewed the EPZ TP50 (TP50 Review) recently and believe that to be one of the best dongle dacs you can buy around the $100 price point. Quite easily actually. That brings us to this much less expensive little sibling in the TP20 Pro. To be honest, the TP20 Pro is a very well-crafted and well thought out dongle dac and I will try my best to explain as this review goes along. It certainly has its own color and tonality that is hard for me to pull away from. It shows that EPZ is not just an earphone brand, but also a serious source device brand as well. The kicker is… they keep the prices to a manageable level for many hobbyists. In fact, the TP20 Pro is down to a ridiculous $43, on sale from the $83 MSRP. That is a deal that nobody should pass up. Just putting it out there. Also, just my opinion.
EPZ
Founded in 2019, EPZ has been on a surprisingly great tear through many different price points and has become a solid brand in the market. I have personally reviewed a number of EPZ’s earphones within the budget sector like the EPZ Q5 (Q5 Review) which is one of my favorite iems that money can buy under $75. I also reviewed the EPZ Q1 Pro (Q1 Pro Review) which I would highly recommend for anyone who cannot spend a dime over $35. Another of my favorite sets under $100 is the EPZ X-Tipsy Star One (Star One Review) which is a solid iem that truly competes against many of the so-called best within the price point. Lastly, as I’ve stated above, I did also review the EPZ TP50 as well and honestly feel that you’d be very hard pressed to find a better dongle dac near the $100 price point. So, from my perspective, the brand EPZ is really doing some nice things and I look forward to seeing where they go moving forward.
In this review, it is important for me to give you folks a gauge on where the TP20 Pro fits in the grand scheme of the hobby. Is the TP20 Pro a good alternative to other dongle dacs and sources around the price point? Will the TP20 Pro be a good buy and who does it fit? These are questions I do hope to answer. With that, let’s get into it. The EPZ TP20 Pro everyone…
Purchase the TP20 Pro HERE
TP20 PRO Pros
-Build Quality
-Design is simple but sleek
-Nice cable provided
-I love that the TP20 Pro has gain and volume at the device
-Nice implementation of dual CS43131 dac chips
-Rich note weight with a smooth character
-Warmer tonally, with nice weight in the low range, more fun
-One of the more musical dongle dacs
TP20 PRO Cons
-Not everyone will enjoy the warmer presentation
-Treble isn’t emphasized enough for some folks
-Those who enjoy a neutral sound will not enjoy the TP20 Pro
-No MQA support
Gear used for testing
-Moondrop Dawn 4.4
-Too many iems to name here
Unboxing / Build / Design / Internals / Controls
Unboxing
As always, you shouldn’t expect much from a source unboxing. Especially a less expensive source like a dongle dac. At any rate, the box that the TP20 Pro comes in is a slender rectangular black box with a picture of the TP20 Pro on the cover. Open the box and you’ll see the TP20 Pro sitting pretty inside of foam cut-outs. Next to the TP20 Pro is the nice-looking cable. You will also be provided a manual in the packaging as well. Like I said, not much there but also, I didn’t expect much.
Build Quality
Build quality is not an area that EPZ overlooks. The TP20 Pro is made partially of aluminum which makes up the shell cavity and side walls. EPZ also chose to use a carbon fiber material on each face side which does add a cool looking design to the mix. Both materials are obviously very durable as well as corrosion proof, but the most important aspect (in my mind) is that the materials are lightweight and won’t ruin any type-c female connectors on your phone anytime soon (so long as you are easy with them). In fact, the TP20 Pro is actually about half the weight of the OG TP20. You’ll notice the 3.5 single ended port which sits right next to the 4.4 balanced port. There are three buttons on the left which operate a few different functions as well as a low/high gain switch on the other side. There is also a very small Led indicator light which will let you know whether you are listening on PCM or DSD. Honestly, the build quality and layout of buttons are in very intuitive places for just about anyone. The build is relatively light, and the feel is solid.
Hi/Lo gain
By the way, the low and high gain switch is actually one of the better high/Low gain implementations that I’ve seen in a dongle dac. There is a dedicated switch which is very easy to push into position. I find it useful, and I use it often. The difference between high and low gain is substantial enough to warrant the feature in the first place. I’d much rather have a dedicated switch then have to go inside of an app or hold two buttons together, or whatever else some of these dongle dacs make you do.
Design
The design is not the most outgoing that I’ve ever seen. Certainly, there are better looking dongle dacs within the price point. Not that the TP20 Pro is an ugly device. It’s far from it actually. However, it is very utilitarian and simple, which isn’t a bad thing. I will say, the carbon fiber looks pretty cool with the ever-so-slight glints of refracted light. That’s a nice touch. Still, the TP20 Pro isn’t winning any awards for design anytime soon. Honestly, the TP20 Pro doesn’t need to be anything other than what it is. Simple, easy, intuitive and has great functionality… Utilitarian.
Internals
EPZ chose to use the massively popular Cirrus Logic dac chipset with dual CS43131 chips. We have seen this chipset in a wide range of products and their usefulness and pedigree speak for themselves. Many dongle dacs etc. have thrived with the implementation of this chip. Perfect for low power & hi-res listening. In fact, the CS43131 will decode with PCM up to 32bit/384khz as well as up to DSD256. I’m always happy to check out a device with this chipset and EPZ has done a fine job using them inside of the TP20 Pro. Now, we don’t have any dedicated op-amps on board which would bring a little bit more output power into the fray, yet I honestly don’t feel this is entirely necessary. Especially for any of the iems that I have on hand to drive. Over-ear headphones may have a thing or two to say about that but from what I use the TP20 Pro for it has more than enough output power.
Cable
I am impressed with EPZ’s cables that they provide. Certainly, they are better than 90% of the dongle dac cables that I receive. The cable is an 8-strand white and yellow braided cable that is obviously well made and isn’t super stiff like so many I get. This cable is a copper and silver mixed cable. That’s all I really have to say about that, just a nice addition.
Controls
One of the coolest features of any dongle dac is actual physical buttons on the device itself. Thankfully, EPZ added four such buttons on the TP20 Pro. The buttons are rather easy to discern what their uses are. You have one button labeled with a “+” for volume up, a play/pause button on the center, and a button labeled with a “ – “ on the other end. These three buttons control the play/pause, volume up/down, and they will help with song selection as well. The volume buttons control a whopping 100 volume level steps to dial in your volume levels. I personally love that EPZ thought of this. Not unheard of, but it’s nice and not every dongle dac offers so many steps. Most are around 32 steps which doesn’t always get the volume where you want it. As you look at the other side of the device, you’ll see the low/high gain physical button. As I said, the purpose of each control is fairly obvious and each button has a good tactile click, for what it’s worth. They don’t feel cheap, let’s just put it that way.
Specifications
–Brand: EPZ
–Model name: EPZ TP20 Pro
–Dac chips: Cirrus Logic CS43131 x2
–Output ports: 3.5 single ended 4.4 balanced
–PCM: up to 32bit/384khz DSD256
–THD+N: 0.0008%
–Dynamic Range: 3.5- 125db 4.4- 130db
–Signal to Noise ratio: 3.5- 125db 4.4- 130db
–Frequency Response: 20hz – 20khz
–Output Power: 3.5 se- 2vrms 121mw @32 4.4- 4vrms 171mw @32 ohms
Sound Impressions
Note: I just want to preface the entire sound portion of this review with a few small points. I will speak on how the sound will change due to the tonality of the TP20 Pro. Friends, these are not sweeping changes… as with any source device. However, sources do make a substantial enough difference and depending on the earphone or headphone, those changes could be greater or lesser. To add to that, those changes could also be for the better, or the worse. Also, there’s such a thing as synergy. You won’t know it until you hear it. Generally, the thought is to pair a colder or neutral sounding earphones with a warmer, lusher source device. On the flip side, taking a warmer earphone and pairing with a neutral or even colder source is also generally thought of as a good pairing. This is not always true. Though I will say that “in general” it’s a safe bet. That said, there’s about a hundred different examples that we won’t get into which go against what I just said is “generally” true.
Driving power
Now, the EPZ TP20 Pro doesn’t come equipped with any dedicated op amps to boost the power to a larger sum. However, I really don’t feel the TP20 Pro is in need of a whole lot more extra juice. Using 3.5 single ended the TP20 Pro has a respectable 121 mw @ 32 ohms. Also, on 4.4 balanced the output is up to 171 mw @ 32 ohms. For any iem this is plenty. Well, for any iem not named Final Audio E5000. That one may be an example of an iem which needs extra power. Honestly, it didn’t matter what iem I used, the TP20 Pro has plenty of power on hand to bring out good dynamics and dynamic range. I don’t have any over-ears to test but I’m assuming that you will need a bit more for many of the good cans. At the end of the day, the TP20 Pro has plenty and I’m happy with it. Using any of my planar iems I found the TP20 Pro was able to bring them to volume just fine. Whether it be the Hidizs MP145, Raptgo Hook-X, Letshuoer S15, and on and on. I felt dynamics were good and never felt I needed even more power than the TP20 Pro had on tap.
Enough to influence
I say all of that to also say that any changes the TP20 Pro makes will be more like a push in its tonal direction. Kind of like a butting, goading, or propelling to a degree. Basically, the TP20 Pro is not going to all of a sudden turn the EA1000 into a basshead set. Nor will it turn a less technical iem into a technical beast. However, what it will do is influence the sound of earphones, whether it tightens the transients, opens them up and adds air, or makes them lusher or richer in note weight etc. the source will influence the sound. It’s actually not the easiest thing to explain when talking about how the source will help your earphones or headphones sound. It is certainly a big part of the overall experience.
How does it sound?
One thing that I really enjoy about the EPZ TP20 Pro is the warm and smooth sound of this device. I’d probably call it more like “warm/neutral” with a very slight velvet mixed into the overall sound which hits my ears. Almost kin to one of those velvet AK chipsets. I’ve learned quite a bit with these Cirrus Logic CS43131 chips. That is, they can drastically change tonality, tonal color, and the timbre between devices which have them. The Moondrop Dawn 4.4 (also uses CS43131) for example is much more neutral and more precise in its sound next to the silky sound of the TP20 Pro. The Dawn 4.4 is cooler even. Both are great for different reasons. When paired to a more neutral earphone I do start to get that synergized connection happening. For instance, the Simgot EA1000 sounds absolutely fantastic with the TP20 Pro. The EA1000 is what I would consider bright/neutral and when paired with the slight warmth of the TP20 Pro it is undeniable that the pairing is a good one.
That honeyed sound…
Now, the TP20 Pro is not the most exact or precise in its technical abilities. This is not the device that you are going to extract every last detail with. Granted, it isn’t bad by any stretch, but details and perfectly delineated separation are not in its wheelhouse when a silk-like & mellifluous are the descriptors that I’d choose for the TP20 Pro. “Not exactly” in its wheelhouse is what I should say. No, this is a smooth & easy-going device. The TP20 Pro has that honeyed & harmonious softness. More euphonic and silvery than it is crisp and pinpoint. However, the best description to me is that the TP20 Pro is simply more of a musical device. Or at least what “my” version of what “musical” is. There’s an emotional sway to the sound of the TP20 Pro when paired correctly, and an essence of tunefulness that’s nice to hear for a dongle dac at this price. A very good situational dongle dac. I wouldn’t call this an all-rounder, but it is very much a good source to have.
Low-end
The low-end has some added beef to it. Just a bit more weight afforded to this region which is dressed in a smooth warmth. I hear some tact to it, there is some snap and some good punch too. When speaking on the coloring that a source like the TP20 Pro provides, I simply mean that it hedges in a certain direction. The warmth from the TP20 Pro is kind of like nudging in a certain direction. Some sources are much more neutral and lean the other direction and you can hear the thinner low-end because of that. It won’t straight up change an earphone or headphone from what it is. That said, the TP20 Pro does give a set like the EPZ Q5 some extra added thickness down low. Now, this is not a slow bass but rather it is fairly natural in its transients. I found this to be true with the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite as well. The sub-bass rumble was a little bit more substantial and with a denser sound to them. That is one set which really benefits from a source like this. In all honesty, I really like this slightly more fun take on this region.
Midrange
When listening to the midrange on the EPZ TP20 Pro, you can hear the warmth cast from the low-end slightly envelope the neutrality of this region. By-and-large the midrange leans towards neutral but with an ever-so-slightly obvious weight to notes in this region. Now, this is a smooth weight. This is not a rock-hard density and glass lined rigidity. The sound is satin lined and easy going in the midrange. You’ll notice the midrange is more forward in this warmth. Vocals sound very nice, both male and female. You won’t get the shimmer that some other devices will provide but there’s good energy. That said, you won’t hear the most precise and surgical sound in this region. Like I said earlier, details are not the TP20 Pro’s specialty. However, this is a clean sound, no hiss detected, and it seems to help my earphones in their ability to image a stage (depending on the earphones I’m using at any given time… of course). Male vocals are slightly more robust, round, and plush, while females come across with a livelier energy. Yet never to the point of added harshness or upper-mid shout. This is a nice and musical sound that is great for long listening.
Treble Region
The highs will never come across shrill with the EPZ TP20 Pro. You will never hear this device exaggerating the brightness of an iem or headphone. Instead, what it will do is smooth down the little spikes or sand down the more knife like and abrasive edges. Once again this is another region that offers a smooth timbre. It’s smooth in its transients up top, it’s smooth in its note outlines and it’s smooth in its dynamics. Having said that, the TP20 Pro is not without some decent detail retrieval. Especially using a set that also is more akin to having good detail retrieval. Something like the Aful Performer 8 is a good example of this. I don’t feel I’m losing micro-dynamics or details. Also, the Performer 8 is a shining example of good synergy and a set that won’t come across even brighter or more grating to the ear. Instead, the TP20 Pro buffs down the more grating peaks. Also, I do hear a good amount of air and openness up top too. This is not a stuffy sounding treble. Separation in this region is rather nice. What I enjoy is the body that instruments tend to receive rather than a thin and anemic treble like so many budget dongle dacs have. All in all, the TP20 Pro has a very nice treble to compliment the other areas of the mix.
Technicalities
Technically, the EPZ TP20 Pro does a fine job of keeping those fine lines which trace the outline of notes. They’re just warmer to a slight degree. Also, just because this is a warmer & smooth delivery doesn’t mean that it’s too foggy, veiled, syrupy or congested. It’s hard to describe technicalities from a source device, especially when it’s the earphones which do all the heavy lifting. What the TP20 Pro won’t do is make matters worse. Not to some grave extent anyways. Sure, there are more resolving dongle dacs and certainly there are dongle dacs that are more tailored to bring out the minutiae in my music. However, they also don’t have that emotional hue to the sound. They don’t all have that musical flair that the TP20 Pro has. Of course, so much will depend on what earphones you attach to any source device, and this is just as true with the TP20 Pro. The important thing to know is that the TP20 Pro is not going to have a negative affect for stuff like details, Imaging, separation, or transient response. Also, the stage is open sounding. There’s a wider presence from the TP20 Pro which is a large benefit to listening with this device.
Comparisons
Moondrop Dawn 4.4 ($69)
The Moondrop Dawn 4.4 has been one of my go-to dongle dacs for at least over a year now. I love its crunchy treble, lean presence but dynamic, punchy but moderate bass. Great for warmer earphones. I’ve felt it’s one of the best you can purchase at or near its price point for quite some time. Of course, there are some limitations which rear their ugly head from time to time. Anyways, the Dawn 4.4 comes in at around $69 MSRP, but it can usually be found in sale rightly from $40 to $50. It’s a solid device but there are certainly some differences between it and the TP20 Pro.
Differences
To start, the TP20 Pro is not going to roll off any tables like the cylindrical Dawn 4.4. Granted, that’s only happened a few times, but it happens. Moondrop also has an official app which lets you perform some functions that the TP20 Pro doesn’t have. The Dawn 4.4 is able to decode 32bit/768khz compared to the TP20 Pro’s 32bit /384khz. I highly doubt this will really affect anyone, but it’s a difference. The Dawn’s dynamic range is a bit higher and some other specs along with its maximum output under 4.4 balanced 230mw @32ohms compared to the TP20 Pro at 171 @32ohms. However, these are just numbers, and we can’t “hear” numbers. That said, both devices use the same dual CS43131 dac chips. With that all said, there’s quite a few tricks the TP20 Pro has up its sleeve that the Dawn 4.4 doesn’t have. Like, the fact that the TP20 Pro has onboard volume buttons which have 100 steps of volume. The Dawn 4.4 has no such buttons. TP20 Pro also has play and pause from the device which would be wonderful for the Dawn 4.4 to have. Also, the TP20 Pro has gain switches on the device itself which doesn’t require you to go into an app to change (like the Dawn 4.4). Like I said, the TP20 Pro is all about easy-peezy listening, convenience, and great functionality. Both devices are built very well but I have to give the nod to the TP20 Pro as it has a removable cable whereas the Dawn 4.4 has an inbuilt cable that you cannot change or swap out.
Sound Differences
Between the two I find the Dawn 4.4 to be closer to neutral, cooler, more precise, whereas the TP20 Pro has a little bit more warmth to the sound at warm/neutral, lusher, and easier on the ears. Both devices have a nice dynamic signature, and both are presented clean and without audible background noise. Really these are two very good source devices for the price. I do find that the treble stretches a bit further and more energetic on the Dawn 4.4, but the overall signature comes across smoother and more melodic on the TP20 Pro. The TP20 Pro has more bass region emphasis with more meat down low. I suppose it all comes down to your preference. The Dawn 4.4 has a more analytical type of signature with easier illuminated details. However, it also comes across thinner and less robust as the TP20 Pro. The TP20 Pro has less of a change to add any undue treble shrillness or pierce while the Dawn 4.4 will give you a touch more excitement in those regions.
Further thoughts on this comparison
I honestly feel that this is a preference battle. Meaning, the two are different enough that you’ll choose which you’d prefer rather easily. They aren’t so alike that I have to spend four paragraphs deciphering what those differences are or which device is better. Both are fantastic devices. I’d go with the TP20 Pro for brighter or more neutral earphones and I’d likely go with the Dawn 4.4 for warmer earphones/headphones. However, please don’t go too crazy with synergy as both devices play any tonality just fine. Warmer or cooler, both devices are talented enough to pair well with either. Now, there are some major functional upsides to the TP20 Pro which are undeniable though. For instance, the added buttons, high/Low gain, etc. Folks, I don’t like having to go into an app to change settings. Granted, it is nice to have an app though. Also, the TP20 Pro does have a removable cable, and the quality of the cable is much better than the Dawn 4.4’s fixed cable. Yet in the end both devices perform very well and they compliment each other nicely.
Is it worth the asking price?
Without question the EPZ TP20 Pro is worth every last penny that EPZ is asking. Now, if you can get this device for the sales price then it is a huge no-brainer. I don’t feel I have a lot of explaining to do in this section, it’s obvious that the TP20 Pro does some things that other dongle dacs simply don’t do and it does them very well. The build is phenomenal with its aluminum casing and carbon fiber faceplates. The buttons are a great feature and work with ease. As far as functionality I’ve found that any EPZ source device is going to be special in that area. However, it’s the warm, smooth and easy sound with expressive dynamic energy that makes this such an awesome situational source device. Of course, “situational” is probably selling the TP20 Pro a bit short. It does it all really well while never introducing any glare, sibilance or stuffiness. Furthermore, the TP20 Pro will give the listener that nice and rich note weight, along with a plush and milky note presence. Truly a nice device for the price and I was more than happy to write a review on it.
Never settle…
Obviously, you will have to measure and weigh the TP20 Pro against other devices as there is a growing number of dongle dacs to be had for the same cost. No doubt there are other source devices which replay music a bit differently. I can tell you for sure that you’ll have no problem finding a neutral sounding dongle dac at these prices. It is rarer to find that heavier note weight, slightly more emphasized low-end with a warmer tilt anymore. I am just trying to show you all how I see things and hopefully find you something which will work with your preferences. We don’t want you settling for anything that doesn’t align with you. I have really grown fond of the TP20 Pro and enjoy bringing it with me when I’m out and about and like I’ve said multiple times, when paired right the TP20m Pro can be a special device. Also, the EPZ TP20 Pro most assuredly gets a recommendation from me. Nice work EPZ!
Conclusion
To conclude my full written review of the EPZ TP20 Pro I want to say that EPZ is a brand that is coming in hot! They are exceeding my expectations every review I complete. This is a brand of people who are enthusiasts first and they put that enthusiasm into every iem or audio device that they craft. The TP20 Pro is simply another example of a very well-done price to performance offering which will certainly make a whole lot of folks happy. It simply does everything very well. It may not have 250mw of power, but I find it more than powerful enough to take on any iems that I have on hand. However, it’s the character and talent within the playback or the high-fidelity replay that’s lathered in that good smoothness and well spaciousness. Again, just another example of good craftsmanship and great engineering. Truly another job well done.
Thank you!
I also want to thank each and every one of you who chose to spend your time reading any word that I write. Each and every click into our site is a huge thing for us. We are trying to build the site and be the best help that we can be for the community and to so that it takes you all clicking and reading. I do hope my words have helped you in any way.
Beyond that, please check out other reviews of the EPZ TP20 Pro. It will only benefit you in your search for your next dongle dac. We are all vastly different in so many ways. Folks, I could live a thing, while the person directly next to me may hate that very thing. This is actually what makes this the best hobby on the planet. Nothing is for everyone, and everything is for someone. So, seek out other perspectives and read, watch or listen to reviews. I do hope you find what brings you joy. Well, that’s about it folks, please take good care. Stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!