EPZ TP35 Pro Review
Intro
Hello, this review and feature covers the latest dongle dac from the audio brand EPZ Audio named the EPZ TP35 Pro ($92). The TP35 Pro is actually the successor to the very popular EPZ TP35 (TP35 Review) which I reviewed some time last year. I had quite a lot to say about the OG TP35 and really gave it a solid review. I still feel that the TP35 is one of the better dongle dacs around $60. Great sonics, slick design, built well. However, it did somewhat lack the output power that other dongle dacs have. Still, a nice device for anyone who doesn’t want to spend over $75 for some good portable audio. Of course, EPZ promises that the TP35 Pro is even better, with better and more advanced abilities and functionality. It seems as though it’ll be promising. As if I needed another dongle dac! However, when I see the letters E, P, & Z… I know that product will be a solid upgrade and a solid product altogether. I suppose we shall see. From the promotional material it states that the TP35 Pro has quite a bit more output power as well as app functionality, which is the real reason that the TP35 Pro will be worth the $90 to own. Again… we shall see.
EPZ Audio
Friends, within my “intros” (if that’s what you want to call them), I usually ramble on in every review about the brand associated with the product I’m speaking about. Usually, I try to speak on the good points of every one of those brands. Find the silver lining, so to speak. I gotta tell you all that EPZ Audio is one of the easiest brands to brag about for me. From the moment I tried the EPZ Q5 a few years ago I was instantly sold. This brand was different. There’s a maturation which most audio brands go through, but EPZ had that maturity almost instantly. No joke. This is a brand who hit the ground running folks! One thing I’ve always liked about EPZ is that they aren’t just mass-producing copious amounts of products just to hit the jackpot. This business is obviously a labor of love for EPZ. Every release is meticulously timed, very intentional, and every release is a valid new option on the market and not just a rehash of older products re-shelled and repurposed. Take a look down their line of products and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Nice track record
I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing a handful of EPZ products in the past and each one most definitely has its own unique tuning, or sound. My EPZ journey began with the highly qualified EPZ Q5 (Q5 Review), followed quickly by the very well done EPZ G10 (G10 Review) budget iem. Next came the much-underrated EPZ X-Tipsy Star One (Star One Review) and the highly regarded EPZ Q1 Pro (Q1 Pro Review). At this point I wanted to try some of their dac/amps and decided to review the awesome EPZ TP50 (TP50 Review) which absolutely stood out for its awesome sonics at the $100 price range. So, I then figured why not see what EPZ can do with even less money and reviewed the EPZ TP20 Pro (TP20 Pro Review) which showed me just how special of a portable device you can get for cheap. After that came the EPZ Q5 Pro (Q5 Pro Review) 2hich was much anticipated and worth the wait. The next device was the predecessor to the device I’m reviewing today in the EPZ TP35 (TP35 Review). However, the best iem I’ve heard to date from EPZ has been the lovely EPZ P50 (P50 Review). Truly an awesome iem of it fits your preferences. So, as you can see, I have some past experiences with EPZ products. The awesome thing is that I’ve reviewed every product I’ve tried from EPZ. Which is saying something folks. So, it’s no leap that I’m assuming the TP35 Pro is going to be a very well done and proper upgrade to the OG TP35.
Let’s dive in…
Well, the TP35 Pro finally made it to my home, and I honestly don’t know what to make of it thus far. I say that because I have yet to use all of the functionality of the TP35 Pro’s “Walk Play” app. To be quite honest, right out of the gate (no EQ) the TP35 Pro sounds quite a bit like a more powerful TP35. However, the game changer is what the Walk Play app can do for those listening sessions. I won’t spoil it all now, but I am very much ready to dive headfirst into this very fine dongle dac. So, without further ado, the EPZ TP35 Pro…
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TP35 Pro Pros
-Build Quality (top notch)
-Design is flat out dope
-262 mW max output is a huge upgrade from the OG TP35
-Great functionality (volume buttons, UAC1.0, gain levels, etc.)
-Walk Play App is a game changer
-Overall sound quality
-Price to performance
TP35 Pro Cons
-I honestly don’t know what I’d label a direct con…
-I don’t know, maybe some won’t like the colorway… Lol
-The TP35 Pro is a very solid dongle dac & I cannot think of any other hard cons
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
There really isn’t much to report here, as with any source device unboxing. The EPZ TP35 Pro comes in a small black box with a graphic of the TP35 Pro on the cover along with the brand logo. Turn the box over and there’s some specs on the back. It’s a nice box actually. Take off the top and you’ll see the TP35 Pro sitting in the middle of a foam cut-out. Remove that layer of foam and underneath you’ll find the type-c to type-c data cable as well as a usb-a to usb-c adapter. Just like any source device you won’t get a ton of accessories. However, the TP35 Pro comes with everything you’ll need to plug and play.
Cable
The cable provided with the TP35 Pro is a nice-looking silver wire. Looks very nice paired with the TP35 Pro. I don’t know how much any of you believe in the changes which can or cannot occur from using different wire materials and different purity of those materials, but the TP35 Pro’s cable is made out of 4-wires of oxygen-free copper. EPZ states that each strand has a total of 84 cores. I really like the braid on this cable as it is very similar to the OG TP35’S cable. Obviously, it’s a well-made cable as well,right around 4” in length and very pliable. Not bad at all. With the package you also receive a usb-a to usb-c adapter as well.
Specifications
Core Specs
-Dimensions:
41.7 x 21.7 x 12.1 mm
Weight:
15-20 grams
-DAC Chip:
CS43198 ×2
-DSD:
Native DOP:128/Native:256
-PCM:
Support up to 32Bit/384kHz
-Output option:
Compatible with single-ended 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm earphones
Sound Parameters
-Frequency Response:
20Hz-40kHz
-Distortion:
PO (3.5): 0.0005%, BAL (4.4): 0.0006%
-Signal-to-noise ratio:
3.5: 131dB 4.4: 131dB
-Output power:
3.5 single ended: Up to 112 mW + 112 mW
4.4 balanced: Up to 262 mW + 262 mW BAL 4.4mm
–THD+N:
>-0.0005%
–Volume Steps:
60 steps
–Sound Filters:
1: Fast Roll-Off
2: Fast Roll-off Phase Compensated
3: Slow Roll-Off
4: Slow Roll-off Phase Compensated
5: NOS (Non Oversampling)
–System compatibility:
Windows, Mac OS, Android, IOS, Harmony OS
–Audio Sample Rate Indicator:
Red: 44.1k – 48k
Green: 88.2k – 96k
Blue: 176.4k – 192k
Yellow: 352.8k – 384k
Build / Design / Internals / Button Layout
Build Quality & Design
The build quality of the EPZ TP35 Pro is exactly the same as the OG TP35, which is awesome because the OG was built exceptionally well. The entire body, or she’ll, is made of 7-series Aviation grade aluminum. This means the shell is very sturdy and very durable, yet also very lightweight too. The Shells have been completely carved using the CNC process. On the side of the TP35 Pro you’ll notice two rectangular buttons which do offer many different functions which I’ll explain further in this review. You’ll also notice the transparent windows in the center of the TP35 Pro acting as a showpiece that truly takes the design to the next level. As far as the actual look and aesthetic, I find the TP35 Pro is truly one of the best-looking source devices anywhere near its price point. First off, the TP35 and TP35 Pro are very small. It’s crazy that this much power comes from something this small. At any rate, the TP35 Pro comes in three colorways. Those being the gradient colorway you see in the pictures. However, you can also get the TP35 Pro in straight black as well as silver. I feel the gradient colorway is easily the best, but that’s just me. All of the colors are pretty great. All that said, the actual design is almost entirely identical to the OG TP35. In my opinion EPZ gets a definite A+ on the design. If it was me, I wouldn’t have changed a thing from the OG TP35 also.
Internals
Under the hood of the TP35 Pro are two of the most widely used dac chips available on the market. Coincidentally, they are also some of the best. Anyways, the TP35 Pro has two CS43198 dac chips providing the sound and they do a fantastic job at that. I was more than okay to see that EPZ stuck with the exact same dac chips. However, the bonus is that now you can EQ the TP35 Pro in whichever way suits you along with many other features and functions. I’m assuming the TP35 Pro also has a couple amp sections which at the time of this writing I couldn’t find the make and model of those amp sections.
Button Layout
The button layout and functionality are actually exactly as you’ll see on the OG TP35, so this paragraph explaining the layout will look quite a bit similar to what I said in the TP35 Review. Now, like I said, the TP35 Pro has two buttons located in the side of the unit. The plus and minus signs obviously mean that you can volume up & down which will provide 60 volume steps in the device itself. Now, if you hold the plus button and then plug the TP35 Pro in you can change from UAC 2.0 to UAC 1.0 for use with gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch. If you hold the minus button and then plug in the TP35 Pro, it’ll enter into forced burn-in mode which is a very cool thing to see. You can short press both the plus & mons button to change between high and low gain. If you long press both buttons for 1 second, it’ll turn on and off the display light. Lastly, if you hold both the plus & minus button for longer than 3 seconds it’ll begin to cycle through the sound filters. I gotta say, EPZ made this very easy and intuitive using only two buttons. Everything is easy to remember and easy to do. Nice work EPZ.
Features
Walk Play APP
One of the key selling points of the new EPZ TP35 Pro is without question the app functionality of this device. Now, you can get the Walk Play app in your phone’s app store or you can get the Walk Play app on Windows as well. I have both and both work just fine. What an awesome game changer folks! EPZ truly went the next mile and added some absolutely awesome abilities to this device. Most importantly (in my mind) is that any changes you make within the app actually save to the TP35 Pro itself so that you can use your very own dialed in settings on any device and any app. It’s truly a game changer. In my most honest opinion I believe it’s much better for you to simply check out the app for yourself, but I’ll try to explain what the Walk Play app can provide below.
Walk Play functions
So, a few quick highlights within the app are that you can use the very easy PEQ function which enables you to set certain values at any prescribed frequency range to suit your preferences (more on that in a separate PEQ section). Whats also cool is that you can share your PEQ profiles across the globe as well or import Squiglink EQ profiles as well. Within the app you can perform an online firmware update, change between “Dac working modes” of either “Class AB” or “Class H”. Class H will be a bit more efficient on your phone or other source yet a hair less powerful. You can also change the dac filter, change gain values, change the sound balance (right to left), among many other features. Of course, many of those features can be changed on the TP35 Pro itself. So, there is quite a few functions that you’ll find on the TP35 Pro that you will not find on any other dongle dacs.
Sound Filters
As I said earlier the EPZ TP35 Pro does have the ability to change the sound profile of the TP35 Pro (a little bit) by using digital sound filters. These filters don’t make a world of difference (like most any source) but it’s enough of a difference that I advise you to check them out. The TP35 Pro has five in total. Those are “Fast LL, Low-Latency Filter”, “Fast-Pc, Phase Compensation Filter”, “Slow-Ll, Slow Latency Filter”, “Slow-PC, Slow Phase Compensation Filter”, and “NOS” or “Non-Oversampling”. I personally enjoy the NOS filter the most but that’s just me. Each of the filters only slightly alters how your music is perceived. Some tracks are easier to tell then others in my opinion. However, the sound filters won’t change the overall tonality of the TP35 Pro. Still a nice feature to have though I suspect (like me) you’ll probably change them once and never really feel the need to change them again. They are there though.
PEQ
I won’t go very long into the PEQ (Parametric Equalizer) feature within the Walk Play app as I’m quite positive many of you understand PEQ fairly well. So, EPZ provides up to 10 bands that you can change to your heart’s content. You set the frequency value to your own preferences. For instance, I went with a hair more mid-bass energy as well as a hair less around 5k. What it provided me is a less intense top end and an ever-so-slightly bigger bass presence, more musically fluid rather than the slightly neutral/analytical of the out-of-box sound of the TP35 Pro. Truly awesome. This is another function which you really need to play around with to get the gist of it. I can tell you that I don’t hear any u due distortions when Messi v with the PEQ. It’s like any other app which features a PEQ, but the bonus is that you can share your EQ profiles if you like. This is without a doubt a big selling point and a huge Plus.
Output Power
One thing I was happy to see was that EPZ made sure to give the TP35 Pro a bit more output power in comparison to the OG TP35. The Pro went from about 150mW (on the OG TP35), to a respectable 262 mW. I had absolutely no issues driving every iem that I own when attached to the TP35 Pro. Now, the TP35 Pro will not have enough juice for harder to drive over ear cans, but there are certainly some which will be fairly easily driven. For instance, the Roseselsa Distant Mountain is easily driven to full dynamics with the TP35 Pro. Basically, the new TP35 Pro is a much stronger and more powerful device and it is easily apparent when listening to my music. If all you have is iems then you will have zero issues bringing them to proper volume and dynamics. Having said that, nowadays it isn’t out of the question to see dongle dacs with output power upwards of 500 mw in some cases. However, I think 262 mW is a solid output.
Dac Chips
As I’ve already said, the EPZ TP35 Pro comes equipped with dual CS43198 dac chips as well as all the perks of this dac chip. The Cirrus Logic CS43198 is a very common dac chip which is featured in an enormous number of devices. Some of those perks are fairly common in more recent dac chips, they are perks, nonetheless. The CS43198 will provide up to 384khz / 32bit PCM and DSD256 as well. This dac chip also features those sound filters I was referring to earlier along with a low distortion rate and a fairly high SPL (131db) along with a very clean background. There’s no wonder why so many devices use the CS43198.
Battery Draw
Another huge benefit of the EPZ TP35 Pro is that it doesn’t drain my phone’s battery too quickly. I realize this isn’t the easiest thing to quantify, unless of course I sit there and let music play until my battery dies. I’m not doing that. What I can tell you is that even when I’m using high gain, and Class AB amping, my battery isn’t affected nearly as bad as other dongle dacs. Of course, I could use Class H amping as well as low gain and the TP35 Pro will draw even less battery from my phone. The point is that the TP35 Pro is definitely more conservative in its battery draw and won’t annoyingly drain your battery at a rapid rate. This is most certainly a huge plus.
Gaming
One of the selling points is the ability of the TP35 Pro to be used for gaming. As I said the TP35 Pro has the ability to switch to UAC1.0 which is useful for using with devices such as the Nintendo Switch. However, even more great is that the TP35 Pro has a microphone gain capability which is seriously nice for anyone who wants to game. Now, sonically, the TP35 Pro does have a slightly wider presentation and even has some nice depth, but if you pick a great set if earphones with good imaging, you’d be very surprised how nice the EPZ TP35 Pro can be for gamers.
Sound Impressions
*Note: Before I dive into the sound portion of this review I want to preface the entire conversation with a few tidbits. First off, I did burn-in/listen-in the TP35 Pro for about four full days (96 hrs) in total and if I’m being honest… I didn’t notice any “changes”. Of course, I don’t exactly listen with a whole lot of intention prior to completing any burn-in. Whether you “believe” in burn-in or not doesn’t matter to me, I do it anyway. It hurts nothing and most of the time there is a discernible effect. Also, I listen using flac or better files which are stored on my devices and rarely stream any music. I listened primarily to about five different sets when critically listening to the TP35 Pro though in actuality I listened to a multitude of sets in total. I mostly use UAPP (USB Audio Player Pro) for my music player app, as well as Hiby Music Player. Lastly, these impressions are based on the out-of-the-box standard tuning. I will speak on other PEQ changes, but mostly I’m speaking on the standard tuning.
Real quick
Okay, finally we get to the reason why you came in the first place. However, I am going to keep this sound review pretty simple for you as I find that source device reviews are usually at least marginally difficult to truly explain “how they sound”. I say that because a good source device shouldn’t really change the sound all that much. However, in my opinion some devices definitely do add a hint of warmth or low-end weight, and some may even seem to increase the highs a tad, or the midrange may sound more prominent. Some may sound somewhat flatter, and some will increase the dimensional aspect of the sound. I could go on and on, but it’s also very difficult to distinguish how much of the sound is due to the source, or the earphones. Best answer is that it’s a working relationship between source and earphones. I know some folks say that source devices don’t change the sound and I refute that with every fiber of my being. It’s obvious those folks haven’t really listened critically if they believe that. Of course, source devices can change how you perceive your music! Without question! By the way, forgive me if I sound somewhat pretentious here, I’m really just stating what I feel I’ve heard. Now, how much sources alter the sound is always up for debate and that will change from device to device.
What’s it sound like?
I won’t go very long into the sound portion of this review because the whole idea of this device is that you can change the sound up. Then again, I suppose I could speak on the out-of-the-box standard tuning, but that will be very close to the original TP35. I mean, both devices (TP35 & TP35 Pro) carry dual CS43198 dac chips and both have a more neutral/analytical take on the spectrum. Remember, you can literally add or take away db’s for up to 10-bands of whatever amount you’d like at whatever frequency you’d like. So, explaining the sound makes very little sense. Once again, I’ll simply speak on the standard tuning.
What to expect from the standard sound…
The TP35 Pro has what I’d call a very clean and neutral take on my music. I hear good spatiality from left to right with hints of depth and some good dynamics as well. The TP35 Pro has a certain crispness which tailors every note edge in a fine-lined acute point and does so without coming across harsh or too abrasive. I find that EPZ did a wonderful job of making sure the out-of-the-box sound is really quite good. So much so that I really don’t need to change anything at all. Having said that, out of guilty pleasure style childlike joy I most certainly added a few db’s of mid bass punch and warmth to the sound as well as dropping certain areas of the treble. What I came away with is a slightly warmer and more rich sound which never distorted or added any odd timberal issues. Folks, if you can, take some time with the PEQ, it really is a very well-done app. Better than many others that I’ve used. But I digress, the standard sound is very clean, almost analytical, it’s very precise in every tonal fluctuation. The TP35 Pro only helps my earphones to come across more unsullied, better precision, better micro-dynamics, as well as solid vibrant energy. Warmer sets will sound slightly leaner, more streamlined, less warmly infused and more glass-lined, less plush, more exact. Now, brighter sets aren’t going to sound necessarily “brighter” or more glaring either. Take the Simgot EA1000 for example. Many people complain that the EA1000 has that touch of upper-mid glare. The TP35 Pro won’t exaggerate that glare, but the glare will certainly still exist. However, this is where you jump into the app and adjust the sound.
No noise
Beyond those key points, I would be utterly remiss if I didn’t speak on how awesomely silent the background is on the TP35 Pro. Folks, there is no hiss whatsoever, even with very sensitive iems. What this does is adds a cleaner foreground with less grain floating around the atmosphere within your music. It simply sounds cleaner. Definitely just as clean or cleaner than the Aful SnowyNight, the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus, the Simgot Dew4x, the EPZ TP50, and many others. It almost helps the sound field to sound more distinct up front. With all of that added noise out of the way you can hear the subtleties a bit better. Really, a nice sounding unit folks. EPZ did a solid job.
Sound Between the 20’s
Bass Region
The low-end “out-of-the-box” is the type which has that moderately hard and solidly dense punch to it. I did say moderate. However, there is a density to most notes down low, even though the sound comes across less warm and more balanced as a whole. I don’t enjoy sources which have that hollow or weak sound down low, I don’t usually desire anything soft or pillowy (as much), and I don’t enjoy sources which come across too dry either. The sound of the TP35 Pro has that slightly moist or wetted quality which almost invokes a sense of tactility. Obviously, this can change from set to set depending on every respective tuning, but for the most part the TP35 Pro will not come across as… weak. Of course, the low-end is only one leg of a three-legged table (sorry for the bad analogy) which has just enough influence over the sound to carry this portion of the mix convincingly. Again, a few db’s here and there certainly does provide weight and bullishness where one may want. Lord knows I couldn’t help myself. The rumble emitted from the track “Soul Survivor” by Young Jeezy with the Kefine Quatio and the TP35 Pro with about four extra db’s in the mid-bass is flat-out bulbous and booming. Though in the standard tuning I still hear plenty of solid weight, it’s punchy, tight, and will not add or take away any warmth or weight from your earphones. Basically, if the set you are listening to has some boom, the TP35 Pro will reciprocate.
Midrange
To my ears the midrange is slightly more pronounced or forward making the sound very charming coming from the TP35 Pro. Get yourself a nice mid-centric iem and you’ll see what I’m talking about. For instance, the Aful MagicOne is definitely one of the better vocal-centric iems and when paired with the TP35 Pro it is truly an awesome occasion folks. Another set I adored vocals with is the OG Mangird Tea. My word folks, the sound is truly wonderful. Especially when I added just a hair of mid-bass emphasis. Friends, it is in these moments where you truly begin to see the magic of the TP35 Pro. Having the ability to dial in the sound using PEQ and then being able to save it to the device itself is a win for everyone. At any rate, I go off on tangents, sorry. So, the midrange in the TP35 Pro’s standard tuning is not a heavy sound. It’s slightly leaner in note body but the vibrance and dynamics are such that it gives notes some palpable substance. You really don’t need extra weight from the low-end to manipulate the sound into coming across weightier. Unless of course that’s your preference. The moral of the story is that the TP35 Pro is a very clean sounding, yet very rhythmically adept dongle dac. The mids are never what I’d call shouty, too intense, or glaring and they don’t usher in any sibilance either. As honest as I can be, the sound certainly leans natural, especially when you dial it in even further with the PEQ.
Treble Region
Just like the mids and the bass regions I find the treble region is just the same in that they aren’t overdone, forced bright, and they’re definitely not oversaturated. EPZ knows exactly what they are doing folks. I find the out-of-the-box emphasis to be appropriate to the overall tuning. Let’s put it this way, I don’t feel that the overall coloration of the tuning leans bright and as I said earlier the TP35 Pro isn’t going to all of a sudden make your iems too sheened out in treble glare. For the most part the treble region is such that you’ll hear some extra crispness and even some treble bite depending on your iems. Take a set like the Penon Fan 2 which is the furthest thing from bright. In fact, some folks may consider it to be rolled-off or treble dark. With the TP35 Pro I feel the treble gets just enough tonal contrast in this region to add some sparkle and counter some of the Fan 2’s low-end warmth. I’d also add that the TP35 Pro’s treble region certainly does promote better detail retrieval. I’m not saying it’ll turn the Fan 2 into a detail beast, but the TP35 Pro will definitely help in this regard. The same goes for instrument separation as well. Just a well-done linear style treble which does add that last little bit of sprightliness. Of course, you can always PEQ more or less emphasis if you’d like.
Technicalities
Soundstage
The soundstage is one which I’d consider to be average. Honestly, I feel the soundstage is more determined by what earphones / headphones that you choose rather than the source you are using. If anything, I could tell you this; the TP35 Pro never sounds congested, it never sounds compressed. Using the exact same earphones and going back and forth with the TP35 Pro and a few other dongle dacs the only thing that I was able to pick up on is a slightly expanded stage from left to right… maybe. Don’t quote me on that because it’s just so difficult to discern. No doubt the source plays a part in the grandness of a psycho-acoustically rendered stage, but to what extent? So, just understand that you’ll never have a cramped and congested stage with the TP35 Pro.
Separation / Imaging / Detail Retrieval
I think it’s fairly obvious that the TP35 Pro will only enhance sound separation, detail retrieval, and basic transient response of your earphones. Having said that, these attributes are also dictated by the earphones/headphones themselves. Also, depending on your PEQ settings these values can change. For instance, when I add a bit more mid-bass emphasis, and less upper end treble emphasis the TP35 Pro is obviously not going to be as technically savvy. So it all depends on your settings. Still, if all you use is the standard out-of-the-box sound then you will certainly notice that the TP35 Pro is a highly technical device which will certainly promote tighter transients, better detail retrieval, and better instrument separation in comparison to many other similar dongle dacs.
Comparisons
EPZ TP35 ($61)
I reviewed the OG EPZ TP35 (TP35 Review) last year at some point and I was certainly thrilled with its ability to produce some great sonics. To add to that, the TP35 is a very well-priced device which is built exceptionally well and looks very nice as well. Once again, the TP35 is the predecessor of the TP35 Pro and is a very high-quality device. In fact, I’ve recommended the TP35 to more people than just about any other dongle dac near its price. Sure, it has some downsides, but the upsides far outweigh those minor issues. Really a well done, lightweight, and well built $60 dongle dac that sounds very nice paired with many earphones.
Differences
Okay, so there really aren’t many structural or cosmetic differences at all between the OG TP35 and the TP35 Pro. The only real change there is that the TP35 Pro comes with that awesome looking gradient colorway and the OG does not. Both devices come with similar unboxing experiences and accessories. Internally both devices use the same dac chips (Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198), but the newer TP35 Pro has quite a bit more power under the hood (TP35- 150mW / TP35 Pro – 262mW). So, the driving power is majorly enhanced, and it shows when listening to any earphones or headphones. All other functions of both devices are the exact same, except that the Walk Play app functionality of the newer TP35 Pro. Again, a game changer and a huge reason to pick up the TP35 Pro over the lesser expensive TP35.
Sound Differences
I’m not going to spend a whole lot of time explaining differences here. Basically, the out-of-the-box sound of the TP35 Pro sounds very similar to the OG TP35. The one thing I’d say which has been improved is the spatiality and what I perceive to be a tighter bass region. Also, the newer TP35 Pro has a slightly more forward midrange, more intimate in that way with an ever-so-slightly smoother sound. However, the real improvement comes in what the TP35 Pro can do using the PEQ function. Again, you can dial in the sound to whatever you’d like, and I can attest with full confidence that the level of upgrade from the OG TP35 is truly awesome. As fantastic as the OG TP35 is for the $60 cost, I truly believe that the higher price tag is more than worth the uptick in sound quality and functionality.
Final thoughts on this comparison
You’ve basically already heard my thoughts on these two and I really don’t feel there’s a whole lot more to explain. What I’d say is this; if all you have is $60, then get the TP35 and I feel you’ll be a very happy consumer. If you can afford the higher priced TP35 Pro, then I’d say it is an absolute no brainer.
Hidizs S9 Pro Plus ($90)
The Hidizs S9 Pro Plus (S9 Pro Plus Review) is another dongle dac under $100 that I feel is easily one of the best you can buy. Hence why I chose this device for comparison. There were about 10 others that I could’ve gone with but after a very long comparison session with all of my dongle dacs I found that the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus is easily one of the best, and perfect for comparison. However, I went back and forth with the Aful SnowyNight for quite some time. Nevertheless, the S9 Pro Plus took the top spot for this purpose. Really folks, if you want a solid dongle dac under $100 the S9 Pro Plus is a solid option. But is it a better option than the TP35 Pro? We shall see. First, let me explain that the S9 Pro Plus incorporates dual ES9038Q2M dac chips and some pretty impressive specs altogether, let’s check out the difference between the two.
Differences
First off, both devices are made very well. The S9 Pro Plus is a hair larger, but both are crafted with durable enough materials. As far as the design, I do think the TP35 Pro is better designed, better button placement, and it’s much lighter too. Both devices have removable cables as well. We are definitely splitting hairs though. Once again, the TP35 Pro uses dual CS43198 dac chips while the S9 Pro Plus uses dual ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M dac chips. The TP35 Pro has quite a bit more power under the hood with 262mW compared to about 180mW of the S9 Pro Plus. Both devices have the ability to change volume, gain levels, and sound filters as well. So, they are both very capable source devices. However, the TP35 Pro’s capabilities do stretch further with the addition of the Walk Play app.
Sound Differences
Once again, I’m not going to go too crazy in explaining which device I feel sounds better as both devices really do sound quite awesome. The thing is, the TP35 Pro, with its PEQ ability, can sound exactly how any of you want it to sound. The S9 Pro Plus on the other hand is kind of stuck. Like any other dongle dac. Having said that, I love the sound of both devices. I feel that “out-of-the-box” the TP35 Pro comes across a bit more analytical, cleaner, more clinical. While the S9 Pro Plus has a very subtle warmth and richness to it whilst remaining very clean in its own right. What’s cool is that I was able to make the TP35 Pro sound even more musically gifted, more engaging, and a hair warmer than the S9 Pro Plus using the PEQ function. On the flip side, I also have the ability to make the TP35 Pro come across very energetic, brighter, more detail focused, and more vibrant. So as you can see it’s kind of unfair for any challenger of the TP35 Pro. As great as the S9 Pro Plus is… it simply can’t do what the EPZ TP35 Pro can do. Nuff said.
Final thoughts on this comparison
I know I don’t have to go into some long, drawn-out explanation here. Folks, can I just say something that may be a hair polarizing? The TP35 Pro is the best and most versatile dongle dac that money can buy under $100. I adore the sound of the S9 Pro Plus and feel that Hidizs knocked that device out of the park. It really is a fantastic purchase under $100. Despite that statement, there is no world and no dimension in which the TP35 Pro from EPZ isn’t far and away… a better device. It’s much smaller, lighter, easier to use, won’t wear out your type-c port on your phone, has better battery draw, and has all the functions of the S9 Pro Plus and then some. The TP35 Pro has more power on tap which helps it to drive even harder to drive earphones and even some full-sized cans. Yet most importantly, the TP35 Pro can sound exactly as you want it to sound. I usually don’t do comparisons to crown a winner, but the TP35 Pro is an easy winner here folks.
Is it worth the asking price?
Do I even have to dignify this question with a response? I realize I am the one asking this question, but the question in and of itself is almost a slap in the face to the TP35 Pro. Right now, I can find the TP35 Pro for $89 on AliExpress, and for that price this is a definite no-brainer if you can afford it. I’m simply smitten with this tiny little source device. I really do urge anyone who is looking in the “under $100” price point to do some research and really give the EPZ TP35 Pro a good look. I can lead a horse to the water… but I can’t make the drink. Friends, the EPZ TP35 Pro is easily one of the best purchases that an iem user can make if the money isn’t too much for you. If you don’t have $89-$92 to spare, then I have a whole list of solid dongle dacs which are less expensive and very capable. There’s a sea of alternative devices. Still, when you boil everything down to what device is the most user friendly, versatile, and can sound the best I cannot recommend the EPZ TP35 Pro enough. Instant no-brainer.
The Why…
Do I have to do this again? I feel like this entire review has been a long and drawn-out explanation as to why the EPZ TP35 Pro is worth the cost of ownership. Lol. I mean, what area do you want me to talk about? The build? Friends, the TP35 Pro is made completely out of aviation grade lightweight aluminum and also… it’s tiny! It’s perfect. The TP35 Pro doesn’t wreak havoc on your phone’s battery as it won’t draw too much power. It doesn’t strain your phone’s type-c port, and also… please tell me what “other” dongle dac looks cooler than the TP35 Pro? I won’t hold my breath. The TP35 Pro has many functions right from the device itself including sound filters etc. You have the ultimate game changer in the Walk Play app with its awesome functionality. That means firmware upgrades, PEQ, microphone gain, and output gain switches, volume switches, etc. etc. etc. EPZ thought of everything and added in every capability short of putting in a separate battery. Hopefully EPZ has a dongle dac in the works with a separate battery in the future. However, I digress, friends… they thought of everything. The best part about the EPZ TP35 Pro is that the Sound quality is top tier under $100. I couldn’t leave this review without stating assuredly that the EPZ TP35 Pro is worth every penny of the cost.
Final thoughts on the EPZ TP35 Pro before I conclude
Many folks believe that any source will do. They believe that source devices don’t play a huge part in the end result sonically. I don’t know why these folks believe that, but they believe it. In my opinion, after testing many source devices I can say with 100% certainty that source devices play a large role in how the sound reaches your ears. After running through just about every dongle dac in my collection I’ve come to one definitive conclusion. That is… the EPZ TP35 Pro should be a device that is a highlighted product on any consumer’s short list of source devices to buy under $100. Like I said earlier, EPZ really did think of everything. For the functionality like the TP35 Pro has you’d be very hard pressed to find anything anywhere near its price range which truly competes with it. Even harder to find anything that’s flat-out… “better”. I don’t think there is a device which is much better. The point is that the TP35 Pro is a worthy dongle dac and a solid buy at $89-$92 US and I’d be seriously remiss if I didn’t say state that I wholeheartedly recommend this wonderful little source device.
Conclusion
To conclude my full review of the EPZ TP35 Pro I want to thank each and every one of you who stopped by to read my words. It means more than anything to us at Mobileaudiophile.com. Every click, every view, every second spent means everything to us. Unfortunately, it’s clicks and views which Google responds to. So, basically, your curiosity is our currency. So, thank you so very much. I certainly hope that my words have in some way helped you to make a purchasing decision.
Other Perspectives
No doubt about it the EPZ TP35 Pro is a very solid purchase under $100. However, even with my utter and complete belief in the abilities of the TP35 Pro, it doesn’t mean that the next person will agree. This is the hobby that we love. What one person loves and adores, the next person may vehemently dislike. I say this to hopefully persuade you to check out some other thoughts regarding the EPZ TP35 Pro. Take the time to read, listen to, or watch other perspectives as it’ll help you very much in your decision. I truly hope that you find musical bliss. With that, I am finished folks. So, please take good care, stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!!
