EPZ TP30

I bought this product with my own money and interest. EPZ did not provide me with money or any necessities to review this product.

This is my honest and unbiased opinion on EPZ TP30. My likes and dislikes on this DAC would be based on my own personal experience.

If you're interested in buying EPZ TP30 checkout Linsoul.



It comes with a really durable cardboard box. There's not much to talk about the packaging as it's too plain and simple. Regardless these are the things you'll get inside it.

• TP30 Dac

• Type C to C cable (also lightning if you order that)

• User Manual





Output Power: 2Vrms@32Ω (125mW@32Ω)

Decoding: PCM 32bit/768kHz/DSD512

THD+N : 0.0017% (A-weighting@0.5V)

Frequency Response : 20Hz-48kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 122dB

Channel Separation: -75dB

Dynamic Range: 122dB

Output Impedance: 32Ω (Refers to the maximum thrust output after connecting the 32Ω headset)

Output Power: 4 Vrms max (270mW@32 ohms)

Decoding: PCM 32bit/768kHz/DSD512

THD+N: 0.0007% (A-weighting@0.5V)

Frequency Response: 20Hz-48kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 122dB

Channel Separation: -110dB

Dynamic Range: 122dB

Output Impedance: 32Ω (Refers to the maximum thrust output after connecting the 32Ω headset)

Net Weight: 56g

Size: 5.5x2.4x1.2cm



One night I was hanging out with friends and brothers nearby my area. A brother of mine asked me if I want to test out a new Dac that he got. I said "Sure thing". It was dark around but still I could notice that shining golden bar that he was holding. I took them and I swear I was more surprised by the weight and sturdiness then the looks itself. For it's size it's too heavy (weights around 56 (+/–) gram. I connected that with my phone and tested 3 IEMs. I was surprised how well they sounded. Specially the technicalities for its price. I didn't wait long and bought it for my self the next day (or maybe the next to that day). I've probably tested them for about 3 months and tested more than 50 IEMs.




Design of the TP30 comes down to personal preference. Many of my friends said it looks really premium, while other said I don't like golden objects and it would have been better if it was black. Personally I would like it more if it was black but I don't hate the color at all. In fact I kinda like it!

The body of the Dac is purely built from alloy. As far as I've learned it might be zinc alloy but I cannot back that information up with any evidence. There's an LED indicator on the front side. It actually indicates the sampling rate by showing different colors rather then changing the sound. While it's plain on the back side. You'll notice EPZ branding on the front and the model name (TP30) on the back. The texts are very minimal which I highly appreciate. But the thing I don't appreciate that is its paint chipping issue. No scratches or dent at all but still paint chipping is noticable on every side. Upon closer look they're definitely noticable.





The cable is memory free and solid. Looks really premium as you can see. It's 8 braided mixed cable (4 of them are silver plated copper (SPC) and the rest are copper). The C2C has a golden touch at both ends. The problem however is it picks background noises. I hear them time to time on various tracks. Rock or metal fans might not have any problem but jazz and folk will hear them. I've tried other cables and those work perfectly fine with the device. So it is confirmed that only the cable is at fault.





• Takstar Tx901

• HIFIMAN HE400I

• TKZK WAVE

• NF Audio NM2

• Aful Performer 5

• Aful Magic one

• Aful Explorer

• Truthears Zero (blue & red)

• Salnotes Zero

• Dunu Davinci

• Simgot Ea1000

• Simgot Ea500

• Dunu Falcon ultra

• QoA Gimlet

• Tripowin Piccolo

• Moondrop Aria 2

• Letshuoer Galileo

• Kinera Phoenixcall

• Meze Audio Alba

• Sennheiser IE200

• Moondrop Chu2

• NICEHCK DB2s Pro (Earbud)


(Sorry folks there are more but I can only remember and noted the actual sound output of these IEMs)



I've always used it with my phone without any problems, (as it is not a Bluetooth device). Tried it with other phones too and it worked perfectly. I’ve used it on my PC as well, and it works great there too, plus you get a little extra power output as a bonus. Not bad right?



In TP30 you'll get an ESS dac chip (ES903802M). Saber dacs are mostly analytical. But it however sounds analog. You get dual RT6863 amplifier chip for IEMs high impedance.


It can drive any IEM you name it, but the performance with lower impedance IEMs are not that praiseworthy. 20 ohm is a safe number in my opinion but you can drag it down but it's kinda overkill.


Headphones that are easy to drive can be used but bass looses dynamics on headphones with higher impedance. Treble don't sound resolving. No surprise there.


The 3.5 is definitely less powerful compared to the more powerful balanced output. And as always the balanced mode gives the better overall results but the 3.5 is no slouch. But to drive planners and headphone (if you have something easy to drive) 4.4 Balanced output is recommended from me.




If you're looking to step up your sound setup with some serious bass power, the EPZ TP30 DAC amp is here to make your day. Here's a breakdown of what this gold bar is capable of!


Sub Bass:

The sub bass on the TP30 is like a well-behaved earthquake, it rumbles deep and fast, making sure you feel every Bass notes without making a mess. It's prominent enough to stand out but doesn't overshadow the rest of the sound spectrum. The separation between sub bass and mid bass is quite noticeable, as many dacs tends to mix them up time to time. And let's not forget the details and sweetness it brings. It's like the dessert of your sound experience.


Mid Bass:

The mid bass is where it get punchy and dynamic. It's got that punch without the blending everything! The TP30 keeps things under control. Making sure the Bass doesn't bleed into the mids like an entry level dac. The mid bass has a textured flavor that's captivating across most tracks. So it's definitely not neutral but in the sense of enjoyment, it gets the job done with a promising result.


Overall Bass:

Overall the bass on the TP30 shoots higher then it's price range. It's fast, detailed, and well separated, making sure nothing feels bloated. The note weights add another layer of enjoyment. Ensuring each bass to be separated and enjoyable at the same time.


In conclusion, if you’re a bass lover looking for a DAC amp that delivers with precision and control. It won't disappoint you. Just be prepared that it is not exactly neutral but feels natural.


Mid-range:

The Midrange on TP30 is clean with a hint of Sweetness in every notes. The instruments in this section pops really well without being intercepted by Bass notes. Mid section is rich and lively. Compared to the upper mids and mid Bass, it seemed like the midrange specially the lower mid is rather on the neutral side.


Male Vocals:

Who doesn't love the rich sound of a male vocalist. Wether it's husky voice or a screaming one, it makes it sound emotional without making it thin. The warmth is definitely noticable in their voices. You can also notice the details in vocalist notes if tracks allow you to.


Female Vocals:

Female Vocals on the other hand is a hit or Miss. They scales too high compared to the male Vocals, which is sometimes unbearable. The "ss" "shh" sound makes it even worse.

But as long as you're listening a sweet female vocal, it won't bother you at all, rather they sound sweet and rich with enough details.


Overall Mids:

The mid-range is fairly balanced, except for the occasional harshness in female vocals. With its neutral-warm tuning the mid-range on the TP30 is likely to please most music lovers.


Treble:

The treble section is one of the finest part of this dac. As most music lovers and even audiophiles are treble sensitive, this dac can be a good option for general audience. The lower treble is sparkly and extended. But it never hits the point where I need to unplug them due to treble sensitivity, as it smoothened the edge of high hitting notes. The upper treble is extended as well, making a airy feeling. For something warm and smooth sounding dac it's surprisingly detailed. Makes metals a really enjoyable genre to listen to!


Instruments:

As the treble is sparkly enough, I enjoyed most instruments with this dac. Electric guitars every stroke sounds delightful. The drums sounds separated from other instruments even the vocals. The instruments compliment the vocals from side and being separated while the vocals stays in the middle. String instrument sound nice of them.

Technicalities:

The sound stage of this device is fairly above average. But it's shines with its precise imaging. While playing fps games I could location my enemies almost with most IEMs that I've played games with. Also the seperation between each individual instruments are remarkable.

Overall:

The Epz TP30 DAC amp offers a fantastic listening experience with its boosted bass, clean mids, and sparkly treble. Male vocals come through with warmth and emotion, though female vocals can be a nightmare to many female artist's fan. The treble manages to be detailed without being harsh. So it's a solid choice for music lovers sensitive to high frequencies. Whether you love rich textured mid-range or clear delightful instrumentals the TP30 has a lot to offer.


Portability:

As it weighs around 56 gram, it's one of the most (if not the most) heaviest dac dongle in the market. I'll not be using it outside my house. Specially in my pocket. Using it with PC or at your desk/bed is more suitable for something that heavy. But it's manageable compared bigger dacs like Hipdac and many other.


Heating:

Heating is an issue that I'd like to mention. It's going to drain your battery fast if you have a weak processor and a weak battery. Unless you're living in desert it's safe to use it even in the high humidity areas (as in my country the temperature can rise up to 40°C in every summer)


Why should you consider it:

• If you love Bass

• If you like the design

• If you're not caring it around

• If you're a warm mids and male vocal lover

• If you're treble sensitive

• If you're budget allows you to change the stock type c to c cable

• If you're phone has a battery of 4300 mh+


Why should you look elsewhere:

• If you're a review and looking for a neutral DAC

• If you phone's battery doesn't allow you to use it

• If you're a female vocal lover

• If you don't like the design

• If you can't find a type C to C aftermarket cable (optional)



I would really be happy to compare it with other Dac at it's price point. But as it stands I don't have any experience with them. I've tested Dawn og previously and Dawn pro. It's still better then both in every aspect.

Thank you for reading all the way. Let me know your thoughts on this DAC.

Keep on listening ·͜·♡

Disclaimer:​

The EPZ TP30 was offered from EPZ at a discounted price. I am going to be as objective as possible in this evaluation, and as a typical audio enthusiast , I will use basic language.
The review will still be honest, 100% genuine, and unaffected by the discount.
The Dacs, in my opinion, sound extremely similar to each other, or they shouldn’t take away or add anything to the sound.
The sound currently varies depending on chip and company implementations.
Like any review that talks about audio, the sensations are strictly personal and may vary from person to person.

EPZ TP30 Tech Specs:​

• ESS ES9038Q2M
• Dual RT6863 Ricore Technology Op Amp
• PCM 768kHz/32bit and DSD512
• 3.5mm SE – 2vrms 125 MW at 32 Ohms
• 4.4mm Balanced – 4vrms 270 MW at 32 Ohms
• Price around 80 USD

EPZ TP30 Packaging:​

The EPZ TP30 is packaged in a sturdy carton that is pretty basic and typical (the same as the TP20).


When the interior is opened, the DAC is embedded, and the accessories are below:

• Type C to Type C cable (similar to models from Jcally)
• Instruction Manual

EPZ TP30 Build Quality:​

The build quality here is comparable to the TP20.

The EPZ TP30 has a sturdy chassis and is unquestionably well constructed; it has the air of a high-end item.
Although significantly different from the TP20, the button feedback is very acceptable (slightly better on the TP20).
On Android and OS X, the volume buttons function without any issues, but the volume is independent from the source.

Power:​

The ES9038Q2M is paired with two RT6863 OP amps.
“The RT6863 is a high-quality audiophile operational amplifier design for ESS Sabre. It is a very low-noise and low-distortion device. The RT6863’s linear output current is more than 100 mA, so it can easily drive any load.”


As with the other model, the technical specifications change if you read them on the box, instructions, or website. Which ones are more correct, I can’t tell you, but I can assure you that they have power to spare. Probably the technical specs that came with the products are right (Shanling UA2 Plus got the same chip configuration and same power).

The difference in terms of power is noticeable, but what stands out is that slight extra detail in the high frequencies. It goes great with warm headphones and IEMs.

Its power is fine for almost all headphones and IEMs; however, compared to other DACs in my possession, it definitely has more juice (comparison above).

The volume is independent from the source, so you have double volume steps (really appreciated).

Seems to consume a little more battery than other DACs. In balanced mode and at high volumes, it gets slightly warm.

I tested it with:​

• KZ PR2 on 4.4 Balanced high gain and needed just 1/3 volume to get them to good pressure level.
• Blon Z300 in 3.5mm, just less than 40% volume
• Whizzer He10 and HE01 on 3.5SE need less than 35% volume
• Thuthear Zero needs 35% volume on 3.5SE
• Philips X2HR needs like 40% volume to shine

At the maximum volume of the TP30 on balanced output, the KZ PR2 suffers distortion. Obviously, dealing with the loud pressure is impossible. To get a warmer signature, I prefer to pair the PR2 with Cirrus logic DACs.

Sound Signature:​

In comparison to a CS43131, the ESS ES9038Q2M with twin RT6863 op amps provides an analytical and slightly natural bright tone. The output is really strong. Even when using extremely sensitive headphones, no background noise or hiss is audible (if BA is present, something can be heard).

The soundstage appears unchanged, the layering is nice, and the treble is slightly improved, so matching them with warm IEMs is the best option.

This thing is a little powerful golden nugget; it requires just 30–40% volume to make most IEMs sing.

Pairs well with warm-toned headphones. Goes to the wedding with the gold-colored Blon Z300!

Fast Comparison​

vs TP20


First of all, one must consider that they cost twice as much as each other. The EPZ TP20, with its buttons and gain switch, is tremendously versatile. In my case, they work on both Android and OSX. Warmer sound and a little less power. The TP30 slightly emphasizes the high frequencies and seems to have more detail and better image representation (obviously a subjective opinion). I like them both very much, but if I had to choose, I would go for the Cirrus Logic (because I like the warmer note).


vs Hidizs XO


They both share the same signature but have different power outputs. They’re both extremely good and also extremely different. The Hidizs XO is more refined and natural and seem to add some layers to the sound.
Hidizs seems to be more refined in its image representation. The only cons are the balanced 2.5mm output, less power, and the fact that it gets quite warm.
Let it be clear that XO in balanced output is more than enough.


vs F.Audio KS01


F.Audio KS01 got the same ESS chip, but different amplifier. They’re 90% the same sound. If you are looking for a very cheap ESS DAC, the KS01 is one of the most powerful SE I have been able to test, and it is also too cheap to be true!


vs Creative SXFi


The Creative SXFi DAC still powerful, for what it costs, it offers exactly everything you need with much higher support (firmware updates + App). Its sound is definitely different from the classic AK4377, but you feel that Creative’s experience has added what was missing from the original AK sound.

The SFXi, however, is very light and robust! Ideal for portability!

Who do I recommend this DAC to?​

Actually, I suggest you choose your DAC depending on what you have to drive with it.



If you are on a budget, this could be too much for your pockets, but you can take a look at the EPZ TP20, F.Audio KS01 or also the Creative SFXi.

It feels slightly lighter than the TP20, but they are two really heavy dongles.

Personally, for me, the fact that it is so sturdy and heavy is an added value, but it could be an issue for someone else.

During my use it has always gone well with both Smartphone and PC. The build quality is excellent and the price lower than the competition.

In my opinion an excellent Dac to take into consideration.

Where to buy:

Official EPZ Store (No affiliate link)