DD ddHiFi M130B (Coffee Cable)

ddHiFi

ddHiFi is a known audio brand recognized for its distinctive and rare audio adapters, along with a range of USB DAC dongles, cables, earphones, and other valuable accessories. All ddHiFi products are very well made and designed with affordable prices.



ddHiFi M130B

The newest trend in the portable audiophile market is the introduction of USB earphone cables that connect directly to your phone's type-C port, enhancing the audio experience while maintaining a lightweight and compact design. These cables come equipped with either 2-pin or MMCX connectors, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of earphones that utilize a detachable cable system.

ddHiFi stands out as a pioneering brand in this space, having been one of the first to create such cables, like the ddHiFi M120B, a premium USB type-C cable that has recently been upgraded to the M130B version.
The M130B features an advanced DAC/amp chip, the ES9603Q, which significantly outperforms the ALC5686 found in the M120B, delivering 45mW*2/32Ω compared to the latter's 15mW*2/32Ω. Additionally, the M130B has a low power consumption of only 0.03A, making it highly efficient and friendly to battery life.

The ddHiFi M130B is designed for seamless plug-and-play functionality with devices running Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS that are equipped with a USB type-C input, supporting PCM decoding up to 32bit/384kHz. However, the cable does not facilitate app connectivity or DSP features, unlike the MoonDrop Quark 2.

Incorporated into the cable is an in-line controller featuring a MEMS microphone and a single rounded button, which allows users to answer or end calls and manage music playback, though it does not control volume levels.



Non Audio stuff

The ddHiFi M130B is a well crafted cable featuring a high-purity OCC core and an OFC shielding layer, presented in a braided design. Measuring 1.20 meters in length, this cable not only has an attractive appearance but is also reinforced with a robust exterior sheath.

It is lightweight and flexible, effectively eliminating any microphonic noise. The USB plug, earphone connectors, and in-line controller are constructed from a high-quality aluminum alloy. The ddHiFi M130B is offered in both 2-pin and MMCX configurations, with the MMCX version being compatible with Sennheiser’s IE series earphones.



Audio stuff

The ddHiFi M130B is particularly well-suited for earphones that are easier to drive, such as the FiiO FD15, which I have primarily utilized. When paired with more demanding headphones, it tends to clip and distort at higher volume levels.

In terms of audio quality, the performance is outstanding for the category, featuring a sound signature that expertly balances neutrality and transparency while maintaining a rich musicality. The timbre is predominantly natural, with minimal artificiality in the treble, complemented by a vibrant and harmonious mid-range.

The bass response is quick, dynamic, and impactful, showcasing impressive layering and control, provided the earphones are easy to drive. The mid-range is prominent, well-defined, and articulated with remarkable resolution and refinement for its class. The treble is smooth and polite, yet it does not compromise on energy and clarity. Overall, the tonal balance is exceptionally well-executed, and the sound exhibits excellent coherence across the entire frequency spectrum.

The retrieval of details is very good, and the soundstage feels both wide and open, featuring surprisingly satisfying depth and imaging. The overall audio and technical performance of the ddHiFi M130B is highly competitive, matching or exceeding that of full-sized USB DAC dongles in the same category with comparable power output. The M130B complements a range of earphones, regardless of their tuning style, and delivers excellent sound quality across various music genres, from classical to contemporary beats.



Comparison with the ddHiFi M120B

The ddHiFi M130B significantly outperforms the M120B in terms of sound quality and construction. Additionally, it has a more premium and visually appealing design. With double the power while maintaining energy efficiency, the M130B serves as the ideal upgrade for those who appreciate the M120B but desire enhanced performance across the board. However the M120B is more lightweight and efficient and and can be used with the cable down style.



Comparison with the Hidizs ST2 Pro

A comparable USB Type-C cable is the Hidizs ST2 Pro, which utilizes the ESS ES9281AC DAC chip in place of the ES9603Q. This chip offers greater power but is less efficient, delivering 70mW*2/32Ω with a power consumption of 0.05A. Priced at $36 (Kickstarter price), the ST2 Pro is more affordable; however, despite its solid construction, it does not quite reach the build quality and aesthetic appeal of the ddHiFi M130B but it is more lightweight.

In terms of sound performance, both cables are relatively similar, with the primary distinction being that the ST2 Pro presents a slightly more energetic and brighter treble compared to the smoother sound profile of the M130B. While the ST2 Pro is marginally better suited for driving more challenging loads, the M130B demonstrates greater efficiency.



Conclusion

The ddHiFi M130B exemplifies a thoughtfully crafted USB type-C cable, merging outstanding audio performance with superior construction and an elegant design. While it may not deliver high power, its ultra-efficient nature makes it an ideal match for easily driven earphones. This cable serves as an excellent option for those seeking an enhanced audio experience while traveling, all without significantly increasing bulk or weight while also maintaining minimal battery usage from the host device.

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The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I don't use affiliate links. The price of the ddHiFi M130B is $109.99 and you can buy it from here.

Disclaimer: For various Google indexing reasons, parts of this review have been processed with an automatic paragraph rewriting tool. However it reads exactly the same as the original content that is available in my website.

★ Introduction :-

Ddhifi has made portable audio more accessible in our daily life by releasing their latest offerings in the market. I have personally used ddhifi products and still do because they never compromise on quality. For several years we have been seeing that more or less smartphone manufacturers refrain from implementing 3.5mm audio jack port in their phones. Although all of us who are serious about quality audio, we purchase dongle dac from the market as an alternative, which sound performance is far superior than phone. But beyond that there are some people who find it too much hassle to use dongle dac with their phone even they need microphone as well as music, thinking of them ddhifi has recently released M130b coffee cable in the market which has type c interface (inbuilt dac & amp supported). For a few days, I have been using this cable with several IEMs in my arsenal. Now i will try to represent the full usage experience here.

★ Disclaimer :-

This unit was sent to me directly from @ddHiFi for review purpose. I had no financial agreement with them to promote their product. As always the entire opinion of this review is completely my personal.

★ Box content at a glance :-

The M130b coffee cable comes with a small white color box which can be called ddhifi's familiar packaging. Out of the box cable comes with nothing but some extra paperwork. One can expect a carrying pouch with such a premium cable, at least something of the fabric type. Unfortunately, we have to be deprived of that facility again, which bears the hallmark of ddhifi's stinginess.

1. M130b coffee cable × 1
2. Qc passed card & warranty card

★ Design, Build Quality & Compatibility :-

The design also matches the name of the cable as it looks like the color of coffee bean which makes its look more attractive. Talking about the build, it is a thick three core braided OCC copper cable that comes from the type c portion to the Y splitter and separates the two channels nicely which is also quite sturdy. Besides, the connectors used in it seem to be very robust because the connectors are premium metal constructed as well as the connection of the cable with them was durable enough.The connectors portion also have a touch of coffee color coating which improves the overall aesthetics of this cable. M130b is also available in 2pin as well as mmcx connector variant. In terms of design, ddhifi seems to have tried to apply as much premium as it needed to look. On the other hand, the quality of the single button mic on the good side, which enriched the calling feature. Although it is attached within the splitter itself. Since this cable has type c interface, inbuilt dac & separate amp chip has been used, so there is no need to carry an extra dongle, just plug & play performance can be found anywhere. The m130b can make daily commuting much easier whether at the office or at home. Tangle free feature greatly increases its usability even longevity is assured. To be honest, m130b's user-friendly characteristics can be ensure you to fully satisfied with regular usage. Apart from this, its compatibility was simply amazing because m130b performed very well with iPhone, iPad, Android phone and even laptop without any hassle like extra driver installation.The interesting thing is that, it is quite power efficient along with versatile device compatibility. I have noticed while using that its type c integrated portion does not generate any kind of heating issue at the same time it has lower battery consumption rate which has added a different dimension to its usability. It must be said that @ddHiFi has managed to make this coffee cable completely feature packed.

★ Specifications :-

Cable structure :- 0.06mm×49 strands OCC (3core) & 0.05mm×112 OFC (shielding)
Cable length :- 120cm
Weight :- Around 26g
In-line controls :- Supports CTIA standard
Connector :- MMCX and 2-Pin 0.78 for option
Plug Type :- USB Type-C
DAC chip :- ES9603Q
Decoding capability :- 32bit/384kHz (up to192khz)
Output power :- 45mW@32Ω THD+N < 1%
Dynamic range :- >120dB
SNR :- ≥112dB (32Ω load)
Frequency response :- 20Hz~20kHz
Noise floor :- <3μV

★ Tested With :-

Android phone , Ipad & PC
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ Dunu Kima 2
~ Nf Acous Nm20
~ Soratune Y01

★ Sound Aspect :-

Before discussing sound, it's important to raise an interesting thing. Its internal spec is basically the same as their previously launched tc35cm2 dongle. The main reason is that, ddhifi has just picked up the coordinated pcb of the similar dac amp and included it in this m130b coffee cable. So the sound performance should be more or less similar right? But there is a twist here, in the cables that include dac & amp in the fixed type c interface, that's why the SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) of the cable is very high. As a result, the dynamic range is greatly reduced and all instruments seem to play at the same volume. There is no exception here, but this thing will not bother normal users who want a complete package of all the benefits in one, but audiophile folks should never consider such a cable as ideal because music only cable has no microphone and inbuilt dac.The sound output from there is not as expected.That's why serious audiophile folk always use a separate cable with the dac amp. It is good to say that ddhifi has brought this cable in the market thinking of those people who want the convenience of music & microphone together and also find it a hassle to use dac dongle, this cable will undoubtedly be the best solution for them.Talking about the sound, it lacked bass punch but speed & texture managed to ensure cleanliness. Mids section was its biggest strength, can represent the vocal craft nicely without any coloration or harshness. Male & female vocal can maintain a good contract, so it has been able to shine well in mid centric genres. I got a moderate amount of detail retrieval in the treble region, although the upper and lower treble extension is not on spot, it is somewhat congested, the reason for which I have already mentioned. Technically it has performed fairly well, sound stage height & width is a little better than average but depth was lacking. Apart from that, tonality & timbral accuracy also gave average result and lastly micro & macro dynamic too, it is better not to expect much from here.

★ Synergy and Power :-

This is a neutral-ish sounding cable with minimal bright nature present. So, this cable is able to treat slightly warm or neutral sounding sets well, on the other hand, there is no chance of being benefited if used with bright sounding staff. But the big question here is the output power, right? Output power is just 45mw@32Ω same as the tc35cm2 which is considered to be the lower side, despite decent performance obtained with easy to drive sets. I have used several sets in my arsenal with this cable, I did not use planar set because of its low output power. Overall sound signature is not very impressive, but at least it does not create any disappointing situation. I fell in love with its plug-to-play functionality. If I don't just think about sound quality as first priority, I'd say it's tried to satisfy me in every way.

★ Conclusion :-

The M130b coffee cable has all the functionality, so even if no one complains in this aspect, I think it is reasonable to buy a dongle dac at a similar price for those who give more importance to music. It can be a very solid choice in the current market for those who want to use it normally but need everything in one package. The build quality of this cable is commendable as well as all its features will ensure long-term durability over other type c (included dac amp) upgradable cables. I would recommend buying it if anyone looking for such an all in one solution.

I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience

Ddhifi Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)