Disclaimer:
Good morning, everyone! Today we’re going to see the new EPZ DAC together! The EPZ TP50 was sent to me by EPZ with a discount. I thank them for this opportunity to test their products.
This is the second DAC I own that features a dual Cirrus Logic CS43198; the first was the Simgot DEW4X. Obviously, comparisons will also be made with the old EPZ models.
EPZ seems to be constantly in the spotlight these days, but I believe he deserves it. After several excellent IEMs, the new DAC/Dongles have finally arrived. I am delighted to have the chance to review them for you.
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: 43198*2
- Power amplifier:RT6863*2
- PCM:32Bit/768KHz/DSD256
- Output power: 2 vrms @ 32 ohm 125 mw (3.5) and 4 vrms @ 32 ohm 240mw (4.4)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥125db (3.5)≥130db (4.4)
- THD+N: ≤0.0005%
- Dynamic range: ≥125 dB (3.5) 130db (4.4)
- Output:3.5MM/4.4MM
- Frequency response:20HZ-80KHz
- Volume control: DAC volume
- Display: Oled
- Weight: 28g
Packaging:
The packaging of the EPZ DACs has remained almost unchanged. The EPZ TP50 packaging is excellent; it is a very rigid cardboard package that protects the contents very well. Some extra detail has been added in terms of graphics. As you may notice, there is a small error in the description on the packaging; it is reported as dual CS43131. Unfortunately, the first batch will have this error on the packaging and something else in the instructions.
Inside, we find:
- Small manual (where the menu functions are missing and the instructions aren’t for this dongle)
- Type C to Type C cable
On a similar DAC, I would have expected at least a USB adapter, unfortunately it is missing and you will have to get one if your PC does not have type C. The menu functions are missing in the manual but luckily they are there on the product page on AliExpress.
Build Quality/First Impressions:
Compared to the old TP20 and TP30, the leap in quality is truly remarkable. The first ones were well made but very heavy, not too comfortable attached to the type C of the phone. These are finally lighter. The EPZ TP50 has the same dimensions as many other DACs (it is not as compact as the Simgot), the shell is made of metal, the faces have a sort of panel that resembles a carbon texture with blue inserts and in the front part we find the screen OLED (a real gem). The general quality is very good, perhaps I would have preferred to see a 3.5mm output in metal rather than plastic but all DACs are like that.
As for the included cable, I find it to be of good quality, although I see this type of cable as more suitable for IEMs. A cable like the one seen on Simgot that is covered in fabric might be more durable.
No App? No Problem!
This is the first DAC that, despite not having a dedicated app, doesn’t really need one. From its small display, you can adjust any setting from a sort of secret (not so secret) menu. By holding down the M button, you enter the system menu with the following options:
- LEVEL: Volume control during music playback, such as adjusting the volume level of music. It can also be used to describe the sound quality of an audio signal, such as adjusting the level of bass or treble.
*In reality, in the LEVEL menu, it simply adjusts from LOW to High Gain
- ADJ-L/R: Balanced left and right channels.
- FLT: Output the input signal in single-ended form. It means using single-ended output to achieve amplified audio effects.
*FLT are just digital filter options.
- DAC OM: is an output mode that converts digital signals to analog signal output to provide a listening experience closer to the original audio signal.
*I can’t hear any differences here.
EPZ on AliExpress
- S/PDIF: A digital audio interface jointly developed by Sony and Philips. It is a series of protocol and technology standards. It is widely used in digital signal transmission between current CD, DVD, DAT, VCD, MP3 players, and other electronic devices. (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format)
- H-DEPOP: is a circuit used to eliminate unwanted crackles or clicks in a circuit, often quantified in terms of “pop performance”. (High Dynamic Range Anti-Crackling/Suppression Circuit)
- DISP BN: Display brightness.
- DISP ROT: 180° rotating display
- OFF-DISP: Screen lock duration.
- HID KEY: Some or all of the amp’s settings will be hidden or locked to prevent unauthorized changes. This allows users to focus more on the listening experience without having to worry about misoperations. (Avoid misoperation)
- UAD FW: The meaning of firmware of Unified Audio Device Driver. UAD FW is the software running inside the headphone amplifier, which is used to manage and control various functions and parameters of the headphone amplifier. By upgrading UAD FW, users can get the latest features, fix known bugs, and improve headphone amplifier performance and stability. (Version)
- RST DEF: Restore factory settings.
- Button control: Press the M key twice to light up the screen, long press the M key to enter function switching, click +/- to increase or decrease the volume by 1 (0-100), and long press +/- to continuously increase or decrease the volume.
- Switch between previous and next songs, pause: After the HID KEY switch is turned to ON, the M key is for pause/play, click the + sign for the previous song, and click the – sign for the next song. After turning on the HID KEY switch, the +/- keys cannot be clicked to adjust the volume, but can be adjusted by long pressing.
I think a little video can help you better understand the functions of the menu.
Take a look at my 360 + Setup Menu Reel!
Power:
The EPZ TP50 has excellent output, both on PC and smartphone, but the volume remains almost unchanged. It keeps the volume in memory, and above all it is independent with 100 volume levels, which, together with those of the connected device, are almost double. The anti-pop function is very interesting, although lately many are including it, it allows you not to hear those very annoying pops when connecting or disconnecting the DACs and also during playback.
As for the declared TP50 data, I can’t tell you if they are reliable; theoretically, it should be less powerful than the Simgot DEW4X but they both seem to be on the same level. The EPZ TP50 has a double CS43198 chip coupled with two RT6863 OP-Amps; some values seem a little low to me.
The test is carried out with the maximum volume on the DAC.
Test of the SE 3.5mm with 121 mW at 32 ohm:
- Simgot EM6L, no kind of problem obviously so I added a 75 ohm impedance, which allows me to reach the maximum volume but the sound pressures are still quite high.
- Epz Q1 Pro with a 75 Ohm adapter, the sound pressure is still excellent. I would say that for most IEMs, they will have no problems. Just keep under 100 ohm.
- Celest Plutus Beast being less bright, you can push yourself to higher volumes. Great pairing.
Testing the BAL 4.4mm with 240 mW at 32 ohm:
- Hidizs MP145 There is all the power needed to make them express themselves at their best. I have to say the pairing with warm headphones or IEMs is particularly notable. There’s some extra sparkle in the trebles.
- Letshuoer S15 is pretty similar to the MP145 in terms of needed power.
- EPZ x Tipsy Star One, which I finally put on a balanced cable, expresses its best with this analytical and luminous signature. There are no driveability problems. 3 bars out of 16.
- EPZ Q5 For them to be balanced, very little volume is needed from the device to which the DAC is connected. 1/2 bars out of 16.
Sound Signature:
It appears that the CS43198 DACs are much more analytical than expected! I can say that they follow the same path as the Simgot DEW4X, but it is difficult to say that they are Cirrus Logic, which is known for its warm sound. This produces a relatively cold sound but works well with a variety of Harman curve IEMs. I must admit that having similar DACs is extremely beneficial to me when reviewing. Many have different sound colors and in some cases, unwanted colorations are added. I know some will think that a good DAC should be neutral but almost all of them have some implementation that doesn’t make them so. As far as digital filters are concerned, they really work, and the changes are noticeable even if, obviously, they don’t overwhelm. A PEQ is actually missing; adding a menu where you can adjust bass, mids, and treble would be great.
Fast Comparison:
Despite the CS43131 chip, he has a definition that few have achieved until today. iBasso has always been the benchmark in terms of successful CS DACs. The OP-AMP section is probably well finished and of good quality. The soundstage and image also benefit.
vs Simgot DEW4X
Simgot DEW4X has an extremely compact shell, is theoretically even more powerful on paper and goes well with any IEM. Slightly less cold sound but still tending towards neutral. It has a more affordable price but fewer options as it lacks both apps and displays.
vs EPZ TP30
The TP30 could have some chance if it were to drop in price. Currently, the price difference between them is only 20 USD, which is a bit small considering the features of the TP50. I must say that the TP30 is even less analytical and slightly warmer. It serves as a compromise. It would re-enter the market if its price fell.
vs EPZ TP20
The TP20 is now outdated, characterized by a mostly warm sound and now has several opponents, such as the Moondrop Dawn Pro, which is currently, together with the Fiio Ka11, the first choice for newcomers to the hobby. I’ll leave you with the full review.
vs EPZ TP20 Pro (coming soon)
The TP20 Pro is recognized by my iMac in the same way as the TP20; the USB interface is the same without customization but regarding the sound, it sounds more similar to the new Cirrus CS43131. This, given the good aesthetics and the price, can compete against the more recent ones. The full review is in progress.
Who do I recommend this DAC to?
The EPZ TP50 raises the bar for the CS43198. Before, the TP20 and TP30 seemed outdated; now, with the new TP50, we find ourselves at the forefront again. The CS43198 + Op-Amp RT6863 configuration is a nice combination but the addition of the display is absolutely the coolest thing about this DAC. Despite the absence of a dedicated app, the display makes up for this lack. I will tell you that intervening directly from the display is much faster and more immediate. Personally, I find it really comfortable. The only DAC with a display I have is the F.Audio KS01 but I couldn’t change settings on that one.
The tone of the TP50 is actually tending towards cold, much more analytical than expected and goes divinely with warm IEMs. Together with the DEW4X, the TP50 is one of my current favorite DACs. I would have liked to see at least one USB adapter in the package, like the one present in the Simgot. The same thing goes for the menu instructions, which are only present on the AliExpress page. Some points are not even very clear to me, such as the OM DAC setting, where I don’t notice any differences.
But, to be honest, it is a fantastic DAC/dongle, complete with (functional) digital filters and a nice display to manage it.
8.8/10
Pros:
- Great Build Quality
- Metal frame + fancy faceplates
- Top Cirrus Logic configuration
- Neutral/Cold – Analytical
- Menu & Volume buttons
- OLED display with many functions
- Independent volume with 100 volume steps
- Runs slightly warm also on heavy load
- Good-quality type C cable
Cons:
- No PEQ
- It could be too cold and analytical for someone (not in my opinion)
- No USB adapter
- No LED that shows the status (not a real problem; you can turn on the display)