In this review we are going to test a dual chip DAC with Cirrus Logic 43131.

The EPZ TP20 is currently one of the cheapest on the market so I decided to buy it. 

Finding no information online I thought I absolutely had to write a review about him. 

This DAC was bought with my own money and nobody asked me to review it.

EPZ TP20 Datasheet:

The technical information seems to differ from reality.

The product seems much more powerful than stated and also much heavier.

• Format: PCM 384kHz/32bit and DSD356
• Chipset: Dual CS43131
• Outputs: 3.5mm SE – 125MW at 32 Ohms + 4.4mm Balanced – 151MW at 32 Ohms
• Weight: 71gr

Additional features:

• Green led indicator for power and red for DSD playback 
• Gain switch
• Play/Pause/Next Previous/ Volume up & Volume down buttons working on Android and OSX (tested)

Unboxing:

The box it comes in is well made, I’d say quite luxurious given the price.

Inside we find the dac with a familiar looking type C to type C cable, a manual only in Chinese and a photocopy with instructions in English on which we find even more casual technical specifications.

The warranty card is missing. I would have liked to see a type C to USB adapter included but that doesn’t matter.

EPZ TP20 Build quality:

The EPZ TP20 despite its low price shows a respectable quality!

Its metal case is decidedly heavy, the black satin finish doesn’t retain fingerprints, the buttons all have excellent feedback and the gain switch slides perfectly. 

I have to say the cable doesn’t look bad either. Looks like a copper and silver mix.

Here you are some macros about the build quality!

How EPZ TP20 works?:

The EPZ TP20 immediately seemed like a bargain for the price paid. I have to say it’s my second dual chip DAC, the EPZ TP20 was half the cost of the first but has much more power. The build quality also seems to be of a much more expensive product.

The other positive note is that it worked right away with my Xiaomi. When I buy a new dac I never know if it will work with the phone I have. I had taken the Jcally JM10 but it didn’t work with my Xiaomi redmi note 7 until I went out to flash the usb interface.

In terms of power it easily beats all the other DACs I own. With the KZ PR2 on high gain on the 4.4mm output you can’t go over 50% volume, or rather you can go over it to blow your ears.

The Hifiman HE400SE will arrive soon so I can test it even harder.

EPZ TP20 Little Comparison

• Jcally JM10

The Jcally JM10 is exactly half of the EPZ TP20. In terms of sound I would say they are very similar to each other but my JM10 is modded with SONATA BHD firmware. So it sounds definitely louder than the original.

• F.Audio KS01

In terms of power on the 3.5SE output the TP20 and the F.AUDIO KS01 are very close. However the ESS chip seems to be more analytical and natural. This is also a great choice if you are on a budget. I will review it asap.

• Creative SFXi

The Creative SXFi is just as powerful on the 3.5SE output but as a Chip AK it has been completely revised by Creative. Its sound is particular but extremely pleasant.

• Hidizs XO

Hidizs XO was my first dual chip DAC. The sound is decidedly more defined, natural and with a slight emphasis on the high frequencies. It has a balanced output, but 2.5mm which is definitely less common. They’re both powerful, but if you want to try some planar headphones you’ll want to check out the EPZ TP20.

How EPZ TP20 sounds?

The EPZ TP20 is a slightly warm sounding chip with a subtle low-end emphasis.

It doesn’t seem to have any effect on the sound stage. The thing that surprised me the most is that despite very sensitive headphones and the high gain, no background noise is heard. The Hidizs XO certainly has a more refined sound but despite costing a little more it has a background noise.

I personally like how the Cirrus Logic sounds, but if you’re looking for something that boosts the treble then the ESS chips might be for you.

EPZ TP20 FINAL THOUGHTS:

There are so many DACs in this price range! Choosing is not easy! I found this one that was cheaper than the others and since I’m on a tight budget I decided to give it a try. Personally I find it exceptional for this price range.

You can find the same model under different brands, depending on where you live one could be cheaper than the other. If you decide to buy it, keep in mind that its real weight is what I put in the review. It’s not light!

8.5/10

Pros:

• Great value for the price
• Build Quality
• 2 Outputs 3.5+4.4
• No background noise
• Emphasize bass
• Replaceable cable
• Buttons that work on multiple devices
• Very powerful
• Gain switch

Cons:

• Incorrect technical specifications
• Device dependent volume
• Very heavy
• No USB A adapter

Link:

Aliexpress : Official EPZ

Official Website: EPZ