ddHiFi TC44Pro E2

MD Rohit

1000+ Head-Fier
DDHiFi TC44Pro E2 Review / Compact High-Res DAC with Premium Build and Sound
Pros: *Good neutral sound with a little bass boost
*Good iem compatibility
*Premium build quality
*High quality type c connector and cable
*No background noise
*Classic looks
*Easy to use
*Good technical performance and resolution
Cons: -No c to usb adapter
-Fixed cable
-Only 4.4mm output no 3.5mm (se)
-Not for power demanding headphones

Intro​

If you’re in the audio scene, you’ve probably come across DDHiFi. They’ve got a great rep for making reliable, well-built gear—whether it’s a solid DAC, a quality adapter, or some seriously tough cables. DDHiFi doesn’t cut corners; they’re all about creating products that stand up to daily use and just feel good to use. Their adapters and cables, for example, are the kind of gear you don’t really worry about, because they’re made to last.

In this review, I’ll be looking at the DDHiFi TC44Pro E2 DAC dongle. I’ve been using it every day for a month, testing how it handles different devices and getting a feel for its sound quality. So, let’s dive in and see if it delivers on that DDHiFi standard.

DDHiFi TC44Pro E2

Disclaimer:​

DDHiFi sent me this DAC dongle for review, so a big thank you to them for giving me the chance to check it out. I’ve been using the TC44Pro E2 as my personal, daily driver for the past month, and this review is based purely on my real-world experiences with it. I’ve done my best to capture my honest impressions, hoping this review will give you a clear sense of what this DAC dongle has to offer.

If you’re interested in ordering the DDHiFi TC44Pro E2, you can visit the official DDHiFi website or find it on their AliExpress store. For a hassle-free option in Bangladesh, you can also purchase it through Geek Mart.
Additionally, if you’re looking for high-quality C to C cables, audio adapters, or other audio-related accessories, DDHiFi could be a great option to explore. They offer a wide range of quality products that might just fit your needs.

DDHiFi TC44Pro E2

Build Quality and Design​

Honestly, the DDHiFi TC44Pro E2 is built like a tank—but in the best possible way. It’s made from aluminum alloy, so it feels sturdy but still light enough that you won’t mind carrying it around. The silver finish looks clean and modern, and those little gold accents on the 4.4mm balanced jack add just enough of a premium touch without going overboard. It’s sleek and simple, but it still feels like something special.

One thing I love is the little leather snake knot strap that comes with it. It’s great for keeping the dongle neat when you’re not using it, although when it’s plugged in, it doesn’t make it any more compact. But still, it’s a nice extra touch that shows DDHiFi thought about the little details.

Now, about the size: it’s a bit bigger than most dongles out there. At 20.7g, it’s still light, but if you’re used to something more compact, like their TC44C model, you’ll notice the difference. If you’re someone who’s always on the go and portability is a top priority, this might feel a bit bulkier. But for me, that slight increase in size is worth it because of the improved build and sound quality.

One thing that did worry me at first was the fixed cable. I usually prefer detachable cables just in case something goes wrong—it’s easier to replace. But after using the TC44Pro E2 for a while, I stopped worrying. The cable feels solid and durable, and both the Type-C connector and 4.4mm jack are well-made. It’s not the kind of thing that’s going to wear out anytime soon. All in all, it feels like this dongle is built to last, even with daily use.

In short, the TC44Pro E2 has a premium design that’s both functional and stylish, and it definitely gives off the vibe that it’s going to stick around for the long haul.
DDHiFi TC44Pro E2
DDHiFi TC44Pro E2

Technical Specifications​

Let’s dive into what’s under the hood of the TC44Pro E2. Inside, it’s running dual CS43131 DAC chips, which deliver impressively clean and detailed sound—pretty impressive for something this compact. Plus, DDHiFi didn’t just stop at one but added two ES9603Q amplifiers, giving it some extra punch. This means it can drive a good range of headphones, even those that need a bit more power. Now, while the amp’s full capability is limited to about 80%, this actually helps keep distortion low, balancing power with smooth, clean sound.

In terms of audio decoding, the TC44Pro E2 handles up to 384kHz/32-bit PCM and native DSD256. Sure, there are DACs that support even higher, but this is more than enough for most high-res files and gives a really enjoyable listen.

One thing to note: there’s only a 4.4mm balanced output here—no 3.5mm single-ended option. But if you’re a fan of balanced audio, this setup is great, giving you a clean, spacious soundstage. You might need an 4.4mm balanced audio cable, for this dac. Since most of my cables are 4.4mm anyway, I didn’t run into any issues. It’s pretty convenient for me.If you’re already in the 4.4mm world like I am, this setup feels seamless.

DDHiFi TC44Pro E2

Sound Impressions​

For the purposes of this review, I listened to the DDHiFi TC44Pro E2 DAC dongle paired with a number of different IEMs including Dunu SA6 MK2, Dunu Zen, Softears Twilight, Hisenior Mega5 EST, Aful Cantor, and Softears Studio 4. Such a wide range of IEMs gave a good chance to assess the performance of the tested DAC in various driver types, tunings, and technical capabilities.

Tonality​

The sound profile is generally balanced with a slight mid-bass boost. It’s not a warm or overly bright signature but sits in a comfortable middle ground. This neutrality with a hint of energy makes it versatile, pairing well with various IEMs and headphones and covering a range of genres effectively.

DDHiFi TC44Pro E2

Bass​

The bass performance of the TC44Pro E2 is admirably controlled and full of impact. The mid-bass is considerably more forward than the sub-bass; this gives a fuller yet more energetic bass response. This slight mid-bass enhancement gives body and impact to the lower frequencies, making rock and metal genres especially fun. The punch in the tracks with bass guitars or kick drums is excellently delivered with authority, giving more weight and drive to the music.

While the mid-bass is dominant, it doesn’t mean that the sub-bass is completely forgotten, and it stays rather well-extended. Low-end rumble is there, but mid-bass is still emphasized, which makes general bass more interesting to listen to with fast-rhythm songs.

When paired with IEMs like the Dunu SA6 MK2 — well-known for its balanced armature drivers and detailed bass — the Ddhifi TC44Pro E2 adds a nice touch of warmth without sacrificing control. On the other hand, with more neutral IEMs, such as the Hisenior Mega5 EST, the bass feels balanced, weighty, rather than overpowering the rest of the frequency spectrum.

DDHiFi TC44Pro E2

Midrange Clarity​

What I find interesting is the midrange in the Ddhifi TC44Pro E2, which sounds very neutral. This makes it helpful in keeping vocals and instruments clear and well-separated. Vocals, both male and female, have a good, natural forwardness, especially in acoustic or vocal-centric simpler tracks.

When paired with IEMs like the Softears Twilight, which uses a dynamic driver and naturally adds more body to the mids, the neutral tune of the E2 complements it in perfect harmony. Rich yet not overly colored, it’s a balance that ensures the midrange isn’t overshadowed by an overly boosted bass or sparkling treble, allowing clear separation of vocals and instruments.

Pairing with the Aful Cantor, which also has an energetic character, helps keep the midrange dynamic without becoming too aggressive. Overall, the E2 provides a well-balanced performance, handling everything from vocal tracks to more intricate instrumental compositions with ease.

DDHiFi TC44Pro E2

Treble and Energy​

The treble of the TC44Pro E2 is slightly boosted for a nice, energetic sparkle. This helps give cymbals, hi-hats, and other high-frequency instruments some extra clarity and presence in the mix.

The E2 shines with IEMs like the Softears Studio 4 and Maga5 EST, both of which are known to possess exemplary treble extension and clarity. The additional treble energy gives these IEMs a much more dynamic and engaging tone, which will be ideal for listeners looking for that little extra sparkle without crossing the line into harshness.

On the other hand, with brighter-sounding IEMs like the Dunu Zen, the treble tends to be a bit too much. On some tracks, the inherent brightness of the Zen combined with the E2’s treble boost results in sharpness that could be fatiguing if listening is extended. On the upside, if the treble energy synergizes well with more balanced or slightly warm IEMs like the Softears Twilight, it makes them sound more open and detailed.

DDHiFi TC44Pro E2

Soundstage and Imaging​

Starting with the soundstage, the Ddhifi TC44Pro E2 is comparable to its predecessor, the TC44C, offering a middle ground between being too large or too small. The soundstage feels fairly intimate, particularly noticeable in tracks with more complex arrangements. Despite this, the layering and imaging are top-notch, with instruments well-placed and a depth of stage that helps each element stand apart for better immersion during one’s listening.

Along with the naturally larger soundstaging IEMs such as the Softears Twilight and Maga5 EST, the TC44Pro E2 did not make the soundstage feel like a box and retained a good sense of space. The slight reduction in stage size was welcomely complemented by the dongle’s ability to retain musicality and precise instrument separation.

DDHiFi TC44Pro E2

Pairing and Synergy​

The TC44Pro E2 complements a wide variety of IEMs quite well. Balanced armature-based ones like the Dunu SA6 MK2 benefit from added warmth and a generally more musical sound without sacrificing the inherent resolution of the IEM. On the Softears Twilight, the E2 adds punch into the dynamic driver’s low-end while keeping the midrange natural and the treble clean.

As I mentioned earlier, though, the Dunu Zen can sometimes become too sharp with the treble boost, which won’t be ideal for listeners sensitive to peaks in the treble. Otherwise, it performs quite well with more neutral or warmer IEMs and works as a versatile dongle for those wanting to add a bit of energy and detail to their sound.

DDHiFi TC44Pro E2

Technicalities​

The standout feature of the TC44Pro E2 is definitely the technical performance. The resolution and separation, especially up high, is impressive. From cymbal crashes to guitar plucks to ambient sounds, there’s good definition and no real feeling of muddiness, even on busier tracks. Also, on sensitive IEMs such as the Dunu Zen, the sound remains clean and free from background noise or hiss, a testament to the DAC’s clean output.

Compatibility and User Experience​

Device Compatibility​

The DDHiFi TC44Pro E2 is designed for versatility, smoothly pairing with a range of devices—smartphones, laptops, and tablets. It’s plug-and-play, so you can connect it and start listening right away without needing drivers or complex setup. Whether you’re on Android or iOS, the Type-C connector works seamlessly across both platforms, a big plus for anyone who switches between devices. Unlike some dongles that have quirks or compatibility issues with specific operating systems, the TC44Pro E2 consistently works across different devices without a hitch, making it an easy, reliable choice.

User-Friendly Features​

One of the standout elements of the TC44Pro E2 is its simplicity. With a minimalistic design that avoids extra buttons or controls, it’s as user-friendly as it gets. There’s no need for a dedicated app, and all adjustments happen directly from your source device. This streamlined approach is ideal for those who prefer straightforward, distraction-free listening without the need for any extra tweaks. The overall ease of use makes it a practical choice for both new and experienced users who want quality audio without added complications.

PC Compatibility Note​

For those planning to use it with a PC lacking a Type-C port, a separate Type-C to USB adapter will be necessary. Given the TC44Pro E2’s price, including a Type-C to USB adapter in the box would’ve been a thoughtful addition, especially since lower-priced dongles often include one. This simple addition would make the initial setup more convenient right out of the box.

DDHiFi TC44Pro E2

Conclusion:​

In a nutshell, the DDHiFi TC44Pro E2 has been a fantastic addition to my setup over the past month. From the first time I held it, the solid aluminum build and sleek design immediately gave off a premium feel. It’s one of those devices that just feels built to last, which I came to appreciate even more with daily use.

Initially, I was a bit skeptical about the fixed cable, but after regular use, it feels sturdy and dependable, and that concern quickly faded.

Sound-wise, this DAC dongle really delivers. The 4.4mm balanced output shines with impressive detail and clarity, bringing out the best in my IEMs. I haven’t missed the 3.5mm port, although it might be a factor for some. The balanced output just sounds so good that I’m happy with the single port. It’s also incredibly easy to use—just plug and play, whether on my phone or laptop. A small note, though: if you’re connecting to a PC without a Type-C port, you’ll need a Type-C to USB adapter. It would have been nice if one was included, but that’s a minor issue. Overall, the TC44Pro E2 has smoothly integrated into my daily listening routine, whether it’s music at my desk or podcasts on the go.

In short, if you’re looking for a solid, well-built DAC dongle that’s as stylish as it is capable, the TC44Pro E2 is definitely worth checking out.

DDHiFi TC44Pro E2

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ahammedsojib

100+ Head-Fier
Probably the best dongle in their dongle dac lineup so far
Pros: ~ Exceptional design with durable build construction
~ Admirable output power & good tonal character
~ Almost dead silent background noise floor
~ Clean & neutral-ish sounding with good technical ability
~ Nice extended treble performance
Cons: ~ Congested micro dynamics punch also lack of macro dynamics
~ No physical volume control button & no dedicated gain switching option
~ Noticable heating in longer usage
~ Missing usb A adapter
~ Fixed type c cable length is a little longer (nitpicking)
★ Introduction :-

Ddhifi's portable audio solutions are improving day by day and becoming a bigger part of our utility. Their audio adapters are able to meet our daily needs to a large extent because the way they guarantee a quality product with a fairly reasonable price tag has ensured a better position than other companies offerings. I have personally used several of their products which have given me good support. They always try to keep the quality of their product quality immaculate.Today I will mainly try to share my experience about Tc44pro E2 bal dongle dac, I have had this dongle for a long time which I've been using almost regularly. If i'm not mistaken it is one of the best sounding in their dongle game so far. So I'm going to clarify how equitable for its asking price category.

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★ Disclaimer :-

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

★ Box content at a glance :-

The Tc44pro E2 dongle comes with a simple white color box similar to other ddhifi products. Out of the box you can find the dongle with attached leather rope and another extra rope is provided in the box.This dongle does not have any type of carrying pouch, I really don't know why they forget to provide the pouch, But this much is certain that it has made them miserable.Unfortunately the type c to usb A adapter is not provided in the box which is considered as a downside. It can be said that there is room for complaint in this regard.

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1. A Tc44pro E2 dongle dac ×1
2. An extra leather rope ×1
3. Warranty card & Qc passed card


★ Design, Build Quality & Compatibility :-

The aesthetics of this dongle are capable of impressing anyone at first glance. This device of sleek design is not compact in any way because its shape is relatively large but lightweight. It's fixed detachable cable which is quite long in size, although long, was durable enough because of its combination of fabric type material with silver shield conductor, it offered simply excellent braid quality. Its internal pcb board is surrounded by a fully aluminum alloy chassis shell and the entire part has a smooth finishing throughout. The non-detachable type c cable is very strongly connected to the dac device part while the type c interface is covered by a metal jacket. They have attached a gold plated metal ring to ensure proper durability which at the same time can be seen at the end of the DAC device with a 4.4mm bal port with gold accent, where according to ddhifi they have attached the famous pentaconn connector. As I said earlier that its type c cable is a bit longer, but the interesting thing is that the company has made a separate segment for attaching a kind of leather rope on one side of its body and tc44pro e2 with ddhifi branding can be seen right next to it. Its fixed type c cable can be stuck with a leather rope very easily, so it is also convenient to carry. Seeing this system of theirs reminded me of the old days of mp3 player & pocket radio as they had some kind of lanyard attached which was really nostalgic feeling. However, its shell construction feels solid in hand and its assurance of longevity will match. The usability of the device was really amazing, along with the regular type c variant, they have made the extra lightning cable variant available in the market for use on the iPhone, which gave it a versatile character. I have not faced any compatibility issues in my usage. I've used it on android phone, ipad and even pc, it worked almost perfectly without any problem. The good thing is that there is no need to take any kind of driver installation hassel to use on PC. It can be said that it was very easy to get plug & play performance from here. Although this dac is not very functional, but a small led light indicator can be seen in the front part of its body, where the color changes according to the sound sampling rate. Normally, blue light will show for pcm format and turns to green color for native dsd. In fact ddhifi has managed to ensure that this dongle is a commendable pieced together with the use of premium materials.

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★ Specifications :-

Plug Type :- USB-C / Lightning
DAC Chips :- CS43131 x2
Op-Amp Chips :- ES9603Qx2
Output power :- 250mW@32Ω load
SNR :- >125dB (A-wt)
Dynamic range :- >120dB (A-wt)
THD+N :- <0.0004%@1kHz
PCM decoding capability :- Up to 32bit/384kHz
DSD decoding capability :- Native DSD64/DSD128/DSD256

Status Indicator :- Blue(PCM), Green(DSD)
Dimensions (unit body) :- 60×20×10(mm)
Cable length :- 9cm
Weight :- About 20.7g


★ Tested With :-

↔️ Android phone📲, Ipad & Pc🖥️
~ Sennheiser IE900

~ Sony IER M9
~ Dunu Zen pro
~ Dunu Falcon Ultra
~ Tanchjim Origin
~ NF acous Nm20
~ Letshouer S08
~ Dunu Kima 2


★ Sound Aspect :-

Before discussing the sound, if you look at its internal spec, it will be seen that Cirrus logic C43131 x2 have been used for the dac section and ES9603Qx2 op amp chip used, which can ensure hight output power from this form factor by keeping good SNR balanced.125dB signal-to-noise ratio isn't very competitive in the current dongle game, but ya it was decent. Although these are technical aspects, but in terms of sound, they have been able to deliver clean performance with native dsd 256 support. Talking about the sound, let's jump to the bass at the beginning. In the bass section, it has less focus on the quantity and quality of sub bass. The presence of sub bass was naturally low while the mid bass section was slightly boosted which maximized the whole bass frequency but did not create an unpleasant situation. Bass didn't bleed at all with the mids, the body of the bass was decent enough even if it wasn't on the thicker side. But definition could have been better. I personally prefer a little tighter bass which was lacking here. The clarity of the vocal or midrange region was top notch where the subtle craft of the vocal has the ability to be presented nicely. But it is good to say that it pushes the upper mids slightly but does not add unwanted harshness and also handles the detail of the lower mids well. Although the lower midrange is not very fuller but thin and not in a middle position because the mids lacked the welcoming content of the lush-ier type. Regarding about the treble, the extension from upper to lower treble was absolutely on point, I didn't notice any roll-off issue. Treble delivery was smooth with no unwanted sharpness but sufficient airiness & detailed was intact, even resolution was decent. Technically, this dongle has performed very well, so there is no chance to complain much about the technical ability, although it does not seem highly technical or digital sounding. Its soundstage height was a little better than average, but the width was a little better than I was expecting, besides the stage depth was good. It was able to give satisfying results in imaging capabilities.The positioning of the instruments could be accurately portrayed, so it can be said that the benefit can be obtained in the field of gaming as well. However, It didn't have the most class leading technical ability but if better imaging is expected there are more options at similar price point. In terms of tonality & timbral accuracy it represents neutral characteristics with no unnecessary boost or shrillness. Dynamics & micro dynamics punch was nothing extraordinary. I found a bit congested micro dynamics also macro dynamics was laking where there was a definitely room complain for improvement.

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★ Synergy and Power :-

The Tc44pro E2 dongle is a neutral-bright sounding source, better pairing is available with maximum sets. Its output power was also quite impressive (250mW@32Ω). Good synergy comes in regular sets whose impedance is above 16Ω, that is, this dongle does not perform well with sensitive sets (lower than 16Ω) and easily gets hissing from here. So it is important to keep in mind that pairing with sensitive stuff will not bring any benefit. I've used this dongle with most of the IEMs in my arsenal but haven't done any headphone testing because it's not capable of driving high impedance full size dd and magnetic planer headphones except moderately efficient dd headphones. That's not to say that its output capability is disappointing, It has been able to show such output capability from its own form factor is more than adequate for many IEMs. I got pretty good synergy from it with the IEMs that I tested and it was able to drive them to full potential. But the best synergy comes from warm-neutral sounding IEMs, so I think it would be wise not to pair anything bright sounding with it.

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★ Comparison :-

~Tc44pro E2 Vs Sonata bhd pro ~

In design language, both of them have their own design philosophy and none of them lacks aesthetics. Although similar dac chip is used in both cases, but there is a big difference in sound signature. Tc44pro e2 neutral to slightly bright-ish tonality while bhd pro is warmish-neutral. In terms of output power, bhd pro will be slightly ahead (280mw@32Ω). Interestingly, bhd pro offers single end port and physical volume control facility despite being slightly lower price which is missing in case of Tc44pro E2. Bhd pro also has the advantage of type c to type c detachable cable considering these aspects which ddhifi's offering will be a bit behind. 44pro e2 has used premium materials in port and connector despite having fixed cable which is better than bhd pro. In the sound section, bhd pro plays warm harman-ish signature and Tc44pro E2 neutral-ish. Bhd pro focuses more on the midrange, the vocals seem much more soothing and vivid, but the lack of this property was noticeable in the ddhifi's dongle.Tc44pro E2 's biggest strength was mid bass punch which is major flaw of bhd pro but sub bass was better than ddhifi's offering. Detail retrieval was more in Tc44pro but real winner in the layering capability is bhd pro. In addition, the sound stage of bhd pro was wider, despite that stage depth of the ddhifi's dongle was better. Dynamics punch is slightly better in bhd pro but both are lacking in macro dynamics presentation.

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★ Conclusion :-

Current dac dongle market has become very competitive.There are many options in the budget range, due to which it becomes difficult to make purchase decision. Apart from good sounds, ddhifi dongles will stand a strong position among other offerings with guaranteed longevity while ensuring a premium look along with a sturdy build. While there are many bal dongle dacs are available in the market, the Tc44pro E2 stands out from other competitors for its overall appearance. If someone has a budget to buy a dongle at such a price at the same the lack of a single end port does not seem too bothersome, hopefully this dongle can provide fairly good support as per the demand. From my point of view it can be recommended to buy. If anyone has such a budget definitely it will be a better choice.

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I've provided the purchase link below for everyone convenience 👇

Ddhifi Ali express store (link isn’t affiliated)
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Sifxt

1000+ Head-Fier
Pros: Excellent build quality
Neutral sound signature
Punchy mid-bass
Clean midrange
Overall good technicalities
A lot of power output
Compact size
No background noise
No compatibility issues
Cons: Fixed cable
Soundstage width
No 3.5mm (SE) output
ddHiFi TC44Pro E2: MUSICALITY>>>>>

ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 is a new DAC dongle from ddHiFi in more of a budget segment coming at just 99$ and it offers two CS43131DAC Chips and two ES9603Q Op-Amp Chips and features a 4.4mm balanced output with a power output of 250mW (32Ω load)!

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NOTE

This was sent to my friends over at Sonicmantra.org by ddHiFi for review purposes. Huge thanks to ddHiFi and the Sonic Mantra team. However, these are my honest opinions; I am not being paid or influenced in any way to say anything good or bad.

TESTED WITH

• Softears Twilight
• Aful Cantour
• Dunu Sa6 MkII
• Hisenior Mega5Est
• Rose Technics QT-X
• Aful Performer 5+2
• Aful Performer 5
• QOA Adonis New
• Tri I3 MKIII
• Letshuoer S12 Pro
• Simgot Que
• Zhulinniao QingLuan Z4


SPECIFICATION'S

• Plug: Type C/ Lightning
• DAC Chips: CS43131 × 2
• Op-Amp Chips: ES9603Q × 2
• Output power : 250mW (32Ω load)
• SNR : >125dB (A-wt)
• Dynamic range : >120dB (A-wt)
• THD+N : >125dB (A-wt)
• PCM decoding capability: Up to 32bit / 384kHz
• DSD decoding capability: Native DSD64/DSD128/DSD256
• Status Indicator: Blue (PCM), Green (DSD)
• Dimensions (unit body): 60 × 20 × 10 (mm)
• Cable length: 9cm
• Weight: About 20.7g


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WHAT'S IN THE BOX

• Dac itself
• Two leather rope
• Papers


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BUILD & DESIGN

As always the build on a ddHiFi product is top-notch and solid and here it is no less than that, it is built like an absolute tank, made out of aluminum, and not only does it feel premium on hand but dense as well, ddHiFi is one of the few companies which not only priorities how good the DAC itself is built but the connectors as well, I have to it to them they have the highest quality and rugged connectors I've seen in a while! One nitpick in my book would be the fixed cable with the DAC, at 99$ a detachable cable would've been great.

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Design is elegant and simple at its best, the way they have designed the connectors and DAC itself is different and speaks for itself that a lot of thought has been put into this, though the size is slightly on the bigger side compared to their previous TC44C I don't think that will be a problem as its quite light coming in at just 20.9gms, one thing I like about their design choice is the inclusion of a lanyard hole where you can use their leather rope or your lanyard if you want!

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SOUND

The sound of the ddHiFi Tc44Pro E2 is neutral for the most part, with a hint of warmth and a boost in the midbass section, giving it that extra punch in the music! I've found that this type of tonality pairs well with most of the driver types and configurations and very well with neutral to slightly warm-sounding iems.

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BASS

The way the TC44Pro handles the bass section is very admirable due to how controlled, tight, and impactful it is. The midbass is very enjoyable as it is a bit emphasized and a bit more upfront. The sub-bass section takes a light step back, but it's also quite enjoyable. It provides a good sub-bass extension and a fair amount of rumble as well.

MIDRANGE

The midrange is surprisingly very neutral, vocals and instruments sound clean and rich. Both male and female vocals are just placed right, by that I mean they aren't too forward or backward in the presentation lows and highs do not overshadow the mids at all, it makes sure the midrange is clear all along also, more importantly, vocals and instruments are very well separated, especially instrumental sound good due to how clean and well separated it is here.

TREBLE

Treble section is smooth and slightly emphasized, and has that sparkle and energy that makes it feel lively. Also, it provides a good amount of extension and clarity while testing I found that the extra boost in the treble section is a complete no-go in bright-sounding items such as the S12 pro, it sounds too bright and harsh, as mentioned previously this pairs best with iem which have a neutral or slight warm sound signature.

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TECHNICALITIES

Something to keep in mind is that this DAC’s target is musicality over technicalities, so yes compared to some of its competitors in this range will definitely provide slightly better technical performance but will definitely lack the musicality ddHiFi offers!

SOUNDSTAGE AND IMAGING

This is the place where the ddHIFI TC44Pro E2 falls short the most, compared to similarly priced dacs it feels a bit narrow and intimate, I especially noticed these in iems that have huge soundstages such as the Dunu SA6 MKII but I don't think it'll be an issue if you're not using something very technical or like the SA6 MKII, don't get me wrong the soundstage’s height and depth are great but the wide is just a short, That’s all.

Imaging is really good here, you can pinpoint all the instruments and vocals even in very complex tracks with ease, I'd say in this segment the TC44Pro E2 performs slightly above average in its range.


DETAIL RETRIEVAL

Detail Retrieval is one of the best out there in this price range, picks up a lot of details and presents it effortlessly! You be able to easily hear micro details and nuances in your music without it being an issue.

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PAIRING AND POWER OUTPUT

As I've mentioned previously it pairs best with any sort of driver type or configuration if it has a neutral or a slightly warm sound signature, it's best to avoid pairing it with iems that lean towards a bright sound signature in my opinion. And talking about the power output on paper it might not look that much but in my testing I've found that it has a lot of power in it, way more than one might normally need. Even drives planars with absolute ease!

COMPATIBILITY

This is one of the most convenient dongles that I've used, just plug and play. In my testing, I tried it with different phones, daps, and pc as well and none of them had any issue with compatibility, they just simply work, no issues whatsoever!

CONCLUSION

Overall, the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 should be among your considerations if you want a musical-sounding DAC dongle under $100. Powered by dual CS43131 DAC chips and ES9603Q op-amps, it delivers a balanced sound with just a hint of warmth, with controlled bass, clean mids, and smooth, detailed treble.

The excellent craftsmanship is reflected in its solid aluminum build, quality connectors, and compact design with many thoughtful touches, such as a lanyard hole. Seamless plug-and-play compatibility across devices and strong detail retrieval make it an ideal companion for people who value both musicality and portability.
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Ichos

Reviewer at hxosplus
Luxury and sound
Pros: + Great audio performance
+ Good technicalities
+ Natural timbre
+ Resolution and transparency
+ Immersive soundstage
+ Plenty of power given the size
+ Efficient
+ Noise free
+ Excellent build quality
+ Premium looking
+ High quality cable and plug
Cons: - No extra features
- Without volume control
- Fixed USB cable
- Only 4.4mm plug
- Not very compact
ddHiFi was established back in 2017 by an audio engineer who had long working experience in both OPPO and FiiO. It is a very well known brand that specializes in making high quality, small sized USB DACs, cables, various audio adapters and accessories. Their products are innovative and distinguished by the use of high quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship.

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ddHiFi TC44Pro E2

The ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 is the latest addition to the brand's extensive catalog of thumb sized USB DAC adapters. This is the second and updated version of the ddHiFi TC44Pro which is one of my favorite small sized USB DAC dongles.

The TC44Pro E2, unlike the TC44Pro which is a direct plug adapter, is a USB DAC dongle with a fixed cable available in both type-C and Lighting variants. The high quality cable has pure silver shielded conductors to ensure resolution and detailed performance.

The ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 still uses dual CS43131 decoding chips but now with a slightly different tuning and two extra ES9603Q operational amplifiers for increased power output. The power output is limited to %80 of the op-amp maximum rating in order to keep distortion as low as possible and ensure a comfortable listening experience. It supports audio decoding up to 384kHz/32bit PCM and native DSD256, good but not class leading.

The audio socket is a Pentaconn 4.4mm plug from NDICS, directly coupled with a circuit board developed using a double-layer stacking process that is manually assembled using lead-free solder containing 3% silver.

Non Audio stuff

The ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 has a design with a centered interface that when viewed from a vertical angle it resembles an eye shape. The audio socket is reinforced with a metal ring, which is beautiful looking and protective. The chassis is made from finely finished aluminum alloy that looks premium and luxurious.

The cable has a combination of fabric sheathing at the interior and strong plastic at the exterior while a metallic strain relief is fixed at the chassis side. It is a little thicker and bulkier than the standard but very well made and durable. The high quality aluminum USB type-C plug has excellent grip and great looks.

The ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 is one of the most premium, beautiful looking and well made USB DAC dongles on the market.

A tiny indicator LED at the front will light blue for PCM and green for DSD decoding. A nice addition is the inclusion of cowhide leather rope that is attached through a hole at the chassis and helps to accommodate the cable and make it shorter. The package also includes an extra, 30cm long, leather rope.

The ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 is not as compact and lightweight as its predecessor but still measuring 60x20x10mm and weighting 9gr, it is a pocket friendly and lightweight USB DAC dongle.

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About power

The power output of the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 is rated at 250mWpc/32Ω, plenty to run most earphones and a bunch of relatively sensitive headphones. The ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 is silent and well shielded from EMI. For this review I have mostly used the FiiO FX15 and iBasso 3T-154.

The power consumption of the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 was measured at 0.05A/0.28W when idling and about 0.10A/0.51W when playing music with a 32Ω load of 100dB sensitivity. For comparison, it is much more efficient than the FiiO KA17 which consumes 0.20A/1.01W under the same conditions. A pretty efficient USB DAC that will not drain your phone battery.

Audio stuff

Neutral and balanced, the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 is an excellent sounding DAC that combines stellar technicalities and great transparency with a musical and engaging sound signature. Much improved over its predecessor, it is not only more powerful but also considerably more spacious and open sounding with better resolution and refinement. Truly enough, the grandness of the soundstage is the most striking and long lasting impression upon first listening with the TC44Pro E2 which is a specialist in communicating the ambience atmosphere.

Extended, fast, tight and controlled bass that is surprisingly dynamic and impactful for such a portable device. More visceral and weighty than the TC44Pro with improved definition and layering, the low-end performance of the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 is really impressive.

The mid-range is well voiced with a natural timbre, plenty of harmonic variety and great articulation. Voices and instruments sound alive and realistic with good body weight and excellent resolution for the category. The textures are not dry, nor clinical or sterile, the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 is musical and captivating with all kinds of music and matches well with most earphones.

Crystal clear and extended treble that is sparkling and energetic enough without sounding bright or harsh. For one more time, the TC44Pro E2 is better than the older model when it comes to detail retrieval, transparency and fidelity while it edges it in timbre realism and the relative lack of artificiality.

Comparisons not

I am not going to engage in comparisons with other similarly priced USB DAC dongles, there are too many of them to mention, what matters the most is that the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 offers uncompromised sound quality without any negatives worth mentioning. Other competitive devices may come with more features and better connectivity but the TC44Pro E2 is the more premium looking and well made.

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Conclusion

The ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 is a luxurious and extremely well made USB DAC dongle that packs plenty of power for the size and stellar audio performance without anything negative of note. You can still find similar devices with more features and/or more compact size but none of them is so beautiful looking as the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2. Luxury and premium materials combined with great sound performance is what makes the ddHiFi TC44Pro E2 a great option in the heavily populated market.
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