The PENON TAIL Portable Cirrus Logic Headphone Amplifier

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Penon for providing this unit.

The Penon Tail can be gotten here: https://penonaudio.com/penon-tail.html (no affiliate links).




SPECIFICATIONS/COMPATIBILITY

• DAC Chip: Dual CS43131 Cirrus Logic chips
• Output ports: 3.5 mm single-ended and 4.4 mm balanced
• Typical output Power: 3.5 mm single-ended: 45mW (@32 Ω) or 8.07mW (@600 Ω); 4.4 mm balanced: 151.25mW (@32 Ω) or 29.4mW (@600 Ω)
• Playback: PCM up to 32 bit/384 kHz; DSD 256
• THD+N: -103 dB for 4.4 mm port; 100 dB for 3.5 mm port
• Crosstalk: -135 dB for 4.4 mm port; -85 dB for 3.5 mm port
• Dynamic range: 135 dB
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• S/N: 130 dB for 4.4 mm port; 125 dB for 3.5 mm port
• Tested at: $74.90 USD

The Penon Tail is a plug-and-play dongle. As a Windows 10 user, I did not require any additional drivers to be installed - it was easily recognized on various Windows and Android devices. However, I cannot vouch for its compatibility with Apple products, as I'm not an Apple ecosystem user.


ACCESSORIES

Other than the dongle, the packaging comes with:
- Lightning to USB-C cable
- USB-C to USB-C cable
- Leatherette pouch
- Plastic case



The accessories are truly generous for a sub-$100 dongle. Perhaps a small nitpick would be the omission of a USB-A to USB-C adapter for laptops and PCs, but otherwise, the Tail surely puts to shame pricier dongles with a lesser accessory spread.

Though the 2 cables are on the shorter side, they are supple and well-braided with a fabric sheath, with reinforcement of the insertion point of the cable to prevent fraying.

Last but not least, the plastic case and button leatherette pouch are practical additions for carrying the dongle around.


DESIGN/FUNCTION



The Tail is fashioned from aluminum, and is very solidly built. One side of the dongle is painted white, while the other faces are highlighted in a catchy gold tint.

This dongle is very light, weighing in at around 18 g. Coupled with portable and compact dimensions, it easily fits in a pocket or small bag.

This DAC/AMP has no screen or LED lights. Neither does it have an app, PEQ or DAC filters, so it is pretty no frills.




On one end, we have the USB-C port for data/power feeding.




The opposite end houses a 3.5 mm (single-ended) and 4.4 mm (balanced) port, with the latter nicely reinforced with gold-plating.




On the lateral side of the fuselage, we find 3 buttons. The outer 2 deal with volume controls, and the middle one is a pause/play button. This is a handy feature, as most dongle rivals do not have a pause button to momentarily stop music, necessitating users to go to the upstream source to do so. Sadly, the Tail's volume controls are not independent, and the volume steps are not the most finely-tuned.




Directly opposite these 3 buttons lies a single button - the gain switch - which is a useful option for hard to drive gear.


INTERNALS

This DAC/AMP's engine are dual CS43131 chips. It allows playback of PCM up to 32bit/384kHz, and DSD up to DSD256.

The Tail also utilizes a low-noise power line, with an accurate femtosecond crystal oscillator. Indeed, as we will read below, the noise floor is remarkably absent, with a dark hiss-free background.


SOUND/PERFORMANCE

I tested the Penon Tail with only Android phones and Windows laptops and PCs. Once again, I'm not an Apple user, so I can't confirm its performance with Apple gear.

On phones, I used the HiBy Music Player, with USB bit perfect OTG activated on a Samsung S22.


Tonally, the Tail is quite neutral, yet musical. Sonics are clean and transparent. Bass is textured and speedy with no obscuration of the midrange. There is a mild upper treble roll-off and some rounded note-edges to shave off sibilance and fatigue. Overall, we thus have a pleasant tonal balance that should please most consumers.

In technicalities, this DAC/AMP has good soundstage width, though depth and height are about average. It isn't the most micro-detailed dongle (but the Tail doesn't come across as overly fatiguing as such), and imaging is relatively accurate for a sub-$100 dongle.

Power-wise, the Penon Tail is marketed to pump out 45 mW (@32 Ω) or 8.07 mW (@600 Ω) on single-ended, and 151.25 mW (@32 Ω) or 29.4 mW (@600 Ω) on balanced, which is par for the course for most modern day dongles. It isn't the most powerful dongle per se, but should be able to handle the majority of IEMs, other than outliers.

As per usual practice, I put all my sources through a crucible testing of my hardest to drive gear:
1) Final Audio E5000 (low sensitivity at 93 dB/mW)
2) Sennheiser HD650 (high impedance at 300 ohm)
3) Yinman 600 ohm (600 ohm impedance and 87 db/mW sensitivity)

The E5000 was sufficiently driven with serviceable headroom; bass was decently textured with rather nimble speed. Dynamics were okay, though soundstage was a tinge compressed.

The HD650 was juiced adequately in terms of volume, though bass tightness, soundstage and dynamics were understandably not comparable to a desktop-grade amp. It sounded a tinge flat and "boring".

The final boss - the Yinman 600 ohm - which has a ridiculous double whammy of a low sensitivity coupled with high impedance, is not driven properly by most dongles, or even DAPs. Thus, it is no surprise - and actually no shame - that the Penon Tail also doesn't uproot any trees here, with the Yinman 600 ohm sounding one-noted in the bass with a distinct lack of dynamics.

I appreciate that this dongle does not get hot during usage, even when driving power-hungry behemoths. There is no hiss heard with sensitive IEMs, though there was a "pop" heard when disconnecting transducers, which is a slight annoyance.

We have no information on the output impedance specs of the Tail, but I hazard a guess that it is pretty low, as the very low impedance sets that were paired with the Tail didn't sound skewed in the frequency response.




COMPARISONS

Comparisons will be made against other sub-$100 USD dongles that utilize Cirrus DAC chips.

Simgot DEW4X

The DEW4X's engine are dual C43198 cirrus chips, and it has a warm-neutral tonality. It sounds thicker in note weight than the Tail, with a more laid-back soundscape. The DEW4X has independent volume controls with small steps.

Power specs are similar - on high gain via balanced, the DEW4X is rated for 150 mW output, which is almost identical to that on the Tail.

In terms of technicalities, the DEW4X is weaker in soundstage and micro-detailing, with imaging on par.


Fiio KA13

The KA13 is a neutral bright dongle that contains dual CS43131 chips. It is more fatiguing and harsh in the upper frequencies, and sounds a bit thinner and sterile than the Tail.

The KA13 has a Fiio control app for additional goodies to explore. The KA13 also has well-implemented independent volume controls with finely tuned steps.

The KA13 on 4.4 mm desktop mode pumps out 550 mW output (THD+N balanced＜0.0005% (32 Ω)), easily dwarfing that of the Tail. It can thus power more demanding gear with ease, though the KA13 gets much hotter during usage, with greater battery drain. One can't game physics after all.

In technicalities, the KA13 has a hair better micro-detailing and imaging, but loses to the Tail in soundstage.


CONCLUSIONS



The Tail is a decent dongle in the cut-throat sub-$100 USD market, especially for Cirrus DAC chip lovers who yearn for its neutrality without harshness. The midrange is very clean and transparent, with bass texturing a highlight. Musicality is certainly not lacking.

Accessories are second-to-none, with a very light and compact frame. The Tail also has a pause button, which is something neglected in other contender dongles. There are no hiss or heat issues, with a dark background heard during usage.

The Tail is quite no frills, in having no independent volume controls, no DAC filters, nor PEQ or app compatibility. Somewhat vexing is a "pop" sound heard on removing transducers, perhaps this can be fixed in future iterations with a "pop" suppression implemented. Of note, it isn't the most powerful dongle as of 2024, but should still power most stuff out there other than outliers.

All things considered, the Penon Tail does way more right than wrong, and should be in the conversation for a neutral and musical sub-$100 dongle.

I express everything in my cons: Penon tail is a donation to PENON, than you can throw it in the garbage and take something else.

List of owned dongle not in order:
Qwestyle M12
Ibasso dc03pro
Ibasso dc04pro
Fiio btr 7
Qudelix 5k
Moondrop dawn

Penon iems bought from Penon:
Vortex
Isn h50
2x Fan2
Serial

Cable from Penon:
Space

Penon Tail Review​

One of the nice things about this hobby is watching the endless march of technology render quality sound we would’ve paid a fortune for years ago become available for a mere fraction of the cost.

This is especially relevant to dongles, which have really gained popularity among audiophiles over the past several years.

It’s no surprise Penon have jumped onboard by developing their own Tail dongle. At under USD $75 its quite affordable, so when they offered to send me one in exchange for a review I was keen to learn how it stacks up against more expensive options.

What I’ve discovered is the Tail has all the sonic hallmarks of a Penon-tuned product.

Packaging​

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The USD $74 Penon Tail arrives in a small cardboard box, inside of which is a plastic hard case, a small leather accessories case and two cables, one USB-C to USB-C and the other USB-C to Lightning.

The plastic hard case is especially handy for carrying the dongle, a USB cable and perhaps a few sets of eartips and is something I wish other manufacturers included.

Features & Ergonomics​

As you’d expect from its’ lower price the Tail isn’t as impressive from a tech perspective as some of its’ rivals, but is still a fully-fledged dongle with everything you need. Sporting dual CS43131 DACs the Tail delivers 290mW to its’ 4.4mm jack, and supports PCM to 384kHz and DSD up to DSD256.

The Tail has two gains modes that are switchable with a physical button, there’s also two buttons for volume up and down and another for play/pause.

At 17.9 grams the Tail is the lightest dongle I’ve tried, yet its’ aluminium case feels smooth & durable. There isn’t quite the visual panache we see from more expensive dongles, but given the Tail’s modest price that feels acceptable.

Sound Performance​

I tested the Tail with a USB-C iPhone 15 Pro & M1 Macbook Air, using Noble Audio Spartacus IEMs.

The Tail has a very neutral, clean signature with powerful bass output, that also delivers the kind of forward midrange performance Penon has become known for. Sub bass in particular is quite elevated and bass texture is impressive, but midbass is kept in check to prevent excessive warmth from robbing the presentation of its’ neutrality, though the Tail never sounds cold or clinical.

Typical of Penon’s tuning is the impressive midrange resolution which allows vocals to grab & hold your attention very effectively, though I wouldn’t go so far as to categorise the Tail as mid-centric. Treble is a touch muted, and lacks the polish more expensive dongles provide. As a result tiny details in the upper frequencies can be obscured which might otherwise provide a greater sense of refinement.

On the technical front the soundstage is quite wide but stage depth lags behind that of expensive dongles, imaging isn’t bad but could be a touch more defined, and note weight is average. Dynamics however are very good, and overall resolution is commendable in the midrange but less impressive at either end of the frequency spectrum, without being low enough to be a problem.

Dongle Comparisons​

iFi Go Bar 10th Anniversary (USD $499)

Background noise is much higher on the 10th Anniversary, bass is punchier with more midbass output.

The 10th Anniversary is more coloured & less neutral, with more aggressiveness & note weight, slightly more soundstage depth, though resolution feels similar between the two as does imaging & dynamics.



Cayin RU7 (USD $289)

Despite the Tail’s impressive midrange the RU7 goes up another notch in that area with even richer, higher resolution vocals with greater lower midrange emphasis.

The RU7’s deeper soundstage feels more spacious, imaging is slightly clearer, dynamics are even higher despite the TAIL being no slouch in that area, and the RU7’s tonality is more relaxed and organic with slightly better note weight though the Tail may have a bit more groove & musicality.



Luxury & Precision W4 (USD $449)

The W4 really steps things up across the board with greater resolution across all frequencies, with higher quality treble being a particular standout.

In fact it’s the difference in technical performance rather than tonality that separates these two dongles as they’re both fairly neutral, with the W4 displaying clearer separation & imaging in a better organised stage, improved dynamics, more defined attack on individual notes and a deeper soundstage.

Conclusion​

The Penon Tail is light on features but heavy on value. If you’re looking for a toe-tapping source with a great midrange to pair with your phone or laptop I’m not sure you can do much better for $75.

Penon’s tuning philosophy is one with broad-based appeal, ironically especially here in the West despite Penon being an Eastern brand. Western audiophiles tend to love deep bass with warmer lower mids & treble kept in check, which is often the flavour of Penon products.

The Tail remains neutral enough it should pair quite well with most IEMs you throw at it, but there’s enough of that Penon flavour that it’s easy to recommend.

You can spend 3 or 4 times as much on a different dongle and get a bit more refinement & slightly stronger technicalities, but unless you’ve already spent over $1000 on your earphones you’ll generally get more value saving on your source to spend more on better IEMs.

It’s nice to see Penon branching out into different areas because when it comes to tuning audio products they know their stuff… hopefully there’s a Penon portable amp or DAP on the horizon!

This is a review of the Penon Tail USB DAC dongle that retails for $74.90 for the version without a cable.

The Penon Tail is a USB DAC dongle with dual CS43131 DAC chips and two headphone outputs that supports PCM up to 384KHz/32bit and DSD256.

To read the full technical documentation please follow this link.



Accessories

The Tail comes with a small carrying pouch made from real leather and a high quality detachable cable which is slightly longer than usual. Upon placing your order you can select between a USB type C to C or type C to Lighting cables or buy both or even order the Tail without a cable to use your own and save some money.

Build quality

The Penon Tail has a rectangular shape and the aluminum chassis that measures 53x20x10mm and weights 20g, is lightweight and compact suitable for everyday carry. It has a nice orange color except for the main surface which is painted white with blue printed letters. It is beautiful looking but I would have liked it more if it had a full orange chassis without the white surface.

Build quality and finish are excellent with only two remarks. The gain switch is a little stiff and the white surface looks prone to scratching and wear over time.

Technical performance

The Penon Tail has two headphone outputs, one 3.5mm single ended and one 4.4mm balanced. The maximum power delivery is 1.2V, 45mW/32Ω or 2.2V, 8.07mW/600Ω from the 3.5mm and 2.2V, 151.25mW/32Ω or 4.2V, 29.4mW/600Ω from the 4.4mm jack. These are the typical numbers for dual CS43131 DAC chips that run in a balanced configuration and use their own embedded headphone amplifiers. Plenty of power to run your earphones, like the ISN Audio EST50 and a lot of efficient headphones. The Penon Tail is totally silent without producing internal noise and it doesn’t get affected by phone EMI. The Tail is also power efficient and it doesn’t produce heat. As per usual practice the Penon Tail was left playing music for about 50 hours before listening evaluation.



Audio performance

The Penon Tail is surprisingly crystal clear and transparent with excellent linearity while not lacking in musicality. The sound signature is close to the typical CS house sound which is pretty engaging and musical while pushing the technicalities of the chip configuration to the maximum possible amount. In this regard the the Penon Tail has more common sound characteristics with the iBasso DC04PRO rather than the warmer sounding Truthear SHIO. People who are fond of the CS43131 NOS filter are going to be disappointed because there is no option to select it.

The sound quality of the Penon Tail is really great with a tight and controlled bass which is punchy, impactful and dynamic. The mid-range sounds crystal clear and resolving while the treble is airy and energetic without sounding bright. Layering and overall definition are more than satisfying as is detail retrieval and micro-dynamics.

The timbre is natural and realistic with just a bit of artificiality in the treble while the sound is full bodied and by no means dry or sterile. The neutrality of the Penon Tail helps it to match well with all kinds of earphones, even brighter ones, and feels at home with all kinds of music. The Penon Vortex made an excellent match for listening to classical music while I switched to the Hidizs MP145 to enjoy some classic rock songs.

The soundstage has excellent width and the presentation is airy and spacious with good imaging albeit lacking in depth and holography.

Vs the competition

I am not going into detailed comparisons because there are so many USB DAC dongles with the same chip configuration that sound more or less the same with some minor and subtle differences. As an example the Truthear Shio is just a bit warmer and less transparent. Additionally most of them have similar features and price tags. So whether you are going to prefer one over another it has to do more with brand preferences and design rather than anything else.

Conclusion

The Penon Tail has great sound quality, it includes useful features like hardware buttons and the price is right so it has nothing to fear from the competition although it doesn’t break new ground.

(The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review.)

Package
Penon TAIL comes with a high-quality leather punch and with optional cables. The punch is lovely, pocketable, and protects the Tail from scratches. There is enough room inside the punch for both the Tail and cable.



Stock Cable
The stock cable is flexible and slightly longer than the other cables I have from the other Dongles. The cable doesn’t add any extra signal interference. The sound signature of the stock cable is more oriented to the highs, with a slight emphasis on upper mids and smoothing the highs, while the sound gets extra refinements on mids and sub-bass. However, lower mids have a slight dip, and mids sound dry and analytical.


Sound
3.5mm vs. 4.4mm output was compared using the Ultimate Ears Reference Remastered CIEM with two DIY cables, both 3.5mm and 4.4mm cables have the same resistance, cable structure, and soldering.

The Tail’s sound signature differs from 3.5mm and 4.4mm output.
3.5mm output is neutral and almost linear without noticeable peaks and dips. But mids are still slightly forward.
While 4.4mm is still close to the neutral, it is balanced with a slight emphasis on the sub-bass. Highs are neutral, smooth yet nicely extended. Mids on 4.4mm are even more forward and bass softer. Tail is not an analog-sounding or NOS-turned-on type of. I hear a noticeable oversampling processing that adds to the extra sound refinement. Nevertheless sound more digital, especially from a 4.4mm output.


Comparison
All dongles are compared using the same type-c cable and 3.5mm output, using the Ultimate Ears 18+ CIEM and Macbook Air M1 as a source.

Vs. iFi Go Bar
Compared to the Tail, iFi Go Bar with a Red filter has a neutral sound signature, and mids are closer to neutral without being forward. iFi Go Bar has more linear bass and a warmer sound. Both lows and highs are more extended, and highs are more smother. However, iFi Go Bar with a White filter comes close to the Penon Tail sound signature, and the only difference is that Go Bar is smoother and one step more mature sounding. Soundstage presentations between them are close, while with iFi Go Bar is as if you are staying an extra couple of feet away from speakers. Sound quality-wise, I have not heard a big difference with IEMs under 300 USD, and they differ with more high-end IEMs.
If Apple Dongle is 0% and iFi Go Bar is 100% in SQ, I will put the Penon Tail at 65-95% (depending on the headphone class).

Vs. LP W2
LP W2, with filter Fast and tune 2, has almost the same bass and mids tuning as the Penon Tail, except the upper mids and high are smoother on W2. Highs on 8-10khz are more increased on W2 and have extra crisp. Both lows and highs are more extended on W2, and the soundstage is more 3D holographic due to more precise instrument separation. Luxury & Precision has one of the best highs on the dongle market, which may give an illusion of more high-quality sound and better soundstage even with mid-tear IEMs. In reality, it just has a different type of soundstage presentation. Penon has closer to near-field soundstage rendering, while W2 is more mid-field.

Vs. Sony WM1A
How does it sound compared to the Sony WM1A? I honestly believe that It is incorrect to compare both of them since WM1A sound signature can be customized with third-party firmware. Most importantly, comparing the Sigma DAC with proprietary Sony FGPA sound is unfair because both have their own strange and weaknesses. Sigma DAC may sound more 3D than Sony with studio recording. However, Sony is a benchmark for me for bass texture, details, timbre, and Tail can’t come close.


Cable synergy
The stock cable emphasizes well Tails sound signature. However, I still need more warmth.
I like how Tail sounds with iFi Go Bar stock cable, which adds extra warmth and smoothness to the mids.
Another cable I like with Tail is the stock cable from Lotoo Paw S1, which makes the sound better balanced and warmer. However, the upper mids are not smooth enough for my liking.
LP W2 stock cable has the best balance, is closer to the neutral sound signature, and matches well with the Tail.


Headphones synergy
If you are upper-mids or mids sensitive, I will not recommend using the Tail with W-shaped, neutral, or mid-centric IEM with 4.4mm output. While my UE Live has buttery smooth mids, yet mids sound too forward. AAW W500, with its 1.5khz peaks, makes mids sibilance. Overall, slight V-shaped IEMs/headphones will be a better choice. At the same time, 3.5mm is pretty much listenable with any headphones signatures.




Amp. Power
The most power-hungry headphone I have is a DT770 80ohm modded for a balanced connection. Testing from MacBook Air M1, Tail handles the DT770 with a high gain at 40% listenable volume, while iFi Go Bar with IEM match-off with 55% volume. I do not hear bass loss or highs becoming too sibilant. That means that somehow DT770 is getting enough power from Penon Tail. Connecting the Tail to the iPhone with DT770, I need to increase the volume to 55% volume to get the same listenable loudness. I did not notice any difference in the sound quality between Macbook and iPhone with Tail and DT770. When I connected Go Bar to the iPhone, using the DT770, I noticed the sound quality decreased compared to the Macbook. DT770 sounded with less bass, the soundstage became less, and the highs hotter. DT770 sounded better on Penon Tail from iPhone than on Go Bar, while with Macbook was the opposite.


Power efficiency
Penon’s engineers did a fantastic job optimizing Power efficiency. For example, Tail will not drain any power if you disconnect the headphone. When the headphones connected and no music played, the dongle switched to the power-saving mode. Also, I was impressed that Penon Tail keeps the voltage constant with iPhone, which means that SQ with iPhone compared to the Android and Desktop sources should not suffer. Here are some measurements that I did with the Charger Doctor and Apple Camera kit Adapter:



Conclusion
Penon did a fantastic job making the great dongle that sounds good and power efficient. The Tail is not an ideal dongle. However, it is competent and can stand out even at a higher price by its sound quality. Overall, I enjoy the sound of Penon Tail, equality as from iFi Go Bar, and LP W2. Most importantly, using iPhone as a source, Penon Tail gives almost the same sound quality as dongles that cost more than three times, and thanks to its power efficiency, it can even outperform my favorite dongle with more power-hungry headphones.

Buttons go, volume-up, hold and volume-down

The PENON TAIL DAC AMP
Taking into account the sheer number of sources to come out within the last 12 years is staggering. I mean those of us old enough to remember, remember the iPod Classic first brought forth October 23, 2001. People then were happy to walk around with 5 GB of storage at $399.00……$685.00 in todays money. 1000 songs in your pocket was the motto. I knew about this Apple idea but rebelled and didn’t really succumb until 2005. Please........320 kbps audiophile quality? As you know how the audiophile ego works, that you’re better than this new invention, until you finally see it everywhere and fold due to peer pressure. Fast forward to today and there is literally all kinds of ways to take your audiophile playback with you. As of only a few short years ago the Dongle made its way into the limelight. Typically the Dongle is different, due to needing a phone or computer as a file carrier. Such devices I myself have not really explored, maybe call me old fashioned, but I regularly use DAPs, another recent invention that started to take hold around 2010. But I will be able to do a fairly comprehensive review comparing the TAIL with the FiiO e17k Alpen 2, the Shanling UA3 and the Sony DAPs I have kicking around. I figure I have enough gadgets to get an overview, though I’m sure others will be able to provide a better multi-dongle review.

Penon
In case you don't know, Penon Audio is the friendly Audio store for personal audio right down the street. Well, not right down the street, I mean they must be down the street for a few folks. But due to the internet they are providing personal audio equipment to the masses. Being warm and friendly are the things that make them feel like locals. They often supply free gifts on occasion, and get along well with their customer base. At times they even make special one-off cables for their customers! This down-to-earth demeanor means they are a little more accessible than other companies. Also they offer a lot of gear, pretty much all you need. They started this small company in 2013 selling a few cables and other people's IEMs, then produced their very own IEMs. Today Penon Audio and ISN Audio are the talk of the community for two very important reasons......value and quality. So to celebrate personal audio they continue to introduce new values. And as it goes (my opinion) is the value is increasing along with the quality. How? Probably just like any other business they simply get better and better at utilizing this personal audio technology. If you remember what personal audio was 10 years ago it was a very different atmosphere. What's happening is technology is slowly improving and making new realities possible. This Dongle is very different from what I thought Dongles were. Penon has miniaturized amplifier technology, and to prove it, the PENON TAIL goes to power my full-size headphones better than anything I own except my desktop. Later I will get into why dampening factor changes with power reserves to enable faster transient responses.....which completely changes the sound. But as a whole Penon is bringing these Dongle developments to the forefront, and not pricing them outrageously. They are your friendly audio retailer/builder down the street that you just happened to drop by and visit. But because this is a virtual storefront........reviews like this one provide an example of a in-store user experience, hopefully? As I hope you get the ideas as to product use and demeanor through reading this?



The PENON TAIL exists because Penon has their hands involved with the latest technology. They just released the ISN Neo 5 Universal IEM. Such an IEM has only been in the wild about two weeks and is generating a staggering fanbase. Why? Simple, it offers more sound quality than it costs. The ISN Neo 5 is priced at $279.00, but easily sounds like $600.00. It's just simple math..............that is the reason for Penon success.

Quality
Value
Innovation

Penon TAIL HiFi Portable Type-C to 3.5mm/4.4mm Headphone Amplifier with Gain Button

Description
Penon TAIL is a HiFi digital audio decoding PCBA solution USB dongle.

Built-in USB audio bridge chip and dual-channel low-power high-performance Dual CS43131 DAC decoding chip.

Up to support PCM 384 kHz/32Bit and DSD256 digital audio codec. Select ultra-low noise power supply and high precision femtosecond crystal oscillator to further improve the performance parameters and sound quality.

Integrated 4.4 mm all balanced differential output and 3.5 mm stereo output, load support 16Ω ~ 600Ω, the output two gain switch control, can be perfect fit all kinds of earphones.

Volume button and play/pause in-one button and three independent (Vol±, Play/Pause) button compatible design, easy to listen to music control; With PCM and DSD light effect.

Excellent compatibility of mobile phones, it has been verified to support PC, Android, iOS device.

Specification
Model: TAIL
Chip: dual CS43131
DAC: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256
Decoding rate: PCM 384KHZ/32bit and below
USB port: TYPE-C
USB protocol: UAC2.0 protocol, UAC1.0 protocol
Support Impedance: 16-600Ω
Output: 3.5mm audio + 4.4mm balanced
Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
SNR: 130dB@4.4mm/ 4Vrms,125B@3.5mm/ 2Vrms
THD+N: -103dB@4.4mm /4Vrms,100B@3.5mm/ 2Vrms
Crosstalk suppression: -135dB@4. 4mm/ 4Vrms, -85B@3.5mm/ 2Vrms
High precision femtosecond crystal oscillator: 100fs

Output performance
3.5mm output(low gain) 32Ω @1kHz, connect with PC
Impedance: 32Ω @1kHz
Output level: minimum: 900mV, 25.3mW; typical: 1000mV, 31.25mW; maximum: 1200mV, 45mW
Frequency response: 20-20kHz
THD+N: minimum -105dB, typical -100dB, maximum -95dB
SNR: minimum 110dB, typical 120dB, maximum 130dB
DNR: minimum 110dB, typical 120dB, maximum 130dB
Crosstalk: minimum -65dB, typical -60dB, maximum -55dB

3.5mm output(high gain) 600Ω @1kHz, connect with PC
Impedance: 600Ω @1kHz
Output level: minimum: 1800mV, 5.4mW; typical: 2000mV, 6.67mW; maximum: 2200mV, 8.07mW
Frequency response: 20-20kHz
THD+N: minimum -105dB, typical -100dB, maximum -95dB
SNR: minimum 115dB, typical 125dB, maximum 135dB
DNR: minimum 115dB, typical 125dB, maximum 135dB
Crosstalk: minimum -95dB, typical -85dB, maximum -75dB

4.4mm balanced output(low gain) 32Ω @1kHz, connect with PC
Impedance: 32Ω @1kHz
Output level: minimum: 1800mV, 101.25mW; typical: 2000mV, 125mW; maximum: 2200mV, 151.25mW
Frequency response: 20-20kHz
THD+N: minimum -105dB, typical -103dB, maximum -100dB
SNR: minimum 120dB, typical 125dB, maximum 130dB
DNR: minimum 120dB, typical 125dB, maximum 130dB
Crosstalk: minimum -110dB, typical -105dB, maximum -100dB

4.4mm balanced output(high gain) 600Ω @1kHz, connect with PC
Impedance: 600Ω @1kHz
Output level: minimum: 3800mV, 24.07mW; typical: 4000mV, 26.67mW; maximum: 4200mV, 29.4mW
Frequency response: 20-20kHz
THD+N: minimum -105dB, typical -103dB, maximum -100dB
SNR: minimum 125dB, typical 130dB, maximum 135dB
DNR: minimum 125dB, typical 130dB, maximum 135dB
Crosstalk: minimum -140dB, typical -135dB, maximum -130dB

Package
Penon TAIL

For you chip geeks………
https://www.cirrus.com/products/cs43131/

When ordering you have a choice of a $5.00 Lightning to Type-C, a $5.00 Type-C to Type-C, or both for $10.00. Or of course you can get the Dongle with no connector for $74.90

https://penonaudio.com/penon-tail.html
$74.90


From left to right, Sony WM1A, FiiO e17k Alpen 2, PENON TAIL and Shanling UA3.

Comparisons:
The FiiO e17k Alpen 2 v PENON TAIL:

1) Penon Serial with ISN H2 cable and regular silicone wide-bore tips.
2) TANGZU Wan’er S.G with BLON x HBB Z300 cable and regular silicone wide-bore tips.

Both joined with MacBook Air and iOS version of good-old Foobar 2000 into 3.5mm output.
Both devices in low-gain.

FiiO:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/fiio-e17k-alpen-2-usb-dac-headphone-amplifier.20540/

It’s safe to say the e17k Alpen 2 is not talked about much as it’s 8 years old. But gosh darn I still love it. I never reviewed it as the reviews posted are great, and hard to compete with. But I keep mine in a protective box and take it out ever so often, and each time it never fails to surprise, just like here. Though the Texas Instruments PCM 5102 is not recommended for new designs, though you can currently pick-up the e17k on Amazon for $99.95…….it’s an un-talked about bargain, that is if you like warm laid-back sound, that is.


Starting with the FiiO e17k Alpen 2 we are gifted with a less detailed and warmer idea of playback. The thought of joining the two (FiiO/TAIL) players in this exact match-up resulted in fascinating results for me personally.

About the IEM, cable and FiiO player:
I’m just amazed at how proficient a combo can end up, once synergy is found. While the TANGZU Wan’er S.G is not always thought of as a warm IEM, with this cable and FiiO player we reach a nice balance. The most emotional aspect though comes from the TANGZU Wan’er S.G bass in this situation. I mean none of this should be as good as it is. The BLON x HBB Z300 cable is kinda a given that it’s going to be utilized outside of the product it came with, being just so darn good, and it came “free” with a $39.99 IEM.



Jeff Russo - Star Trek Picard OST 48 kHz - 24 bit
Trouble For Picard



Here the additive of low end seems to make the whole experience simply bigger. Bigger synth metronomes, bigger strings and the overall ambiance something else! The sound sample is only a minute and 19 seconds, yet we have a lot to work with here as far as judging players and IEMs. While the $19.00 TANGZU Wan’er S.G is obviously not the last word in technicalities, this balance, this musicality I can blend with. And really every song on this album works here, I could have chosen anything. The limited range due to technicalities show-up slightly in finite definition of the treble creations with a slight sketching instead of a photograph offered up for examination, though all is forgiven due to the balance and timbre, the timbre here is really well done.

The TANGZU Wan’er S.G and PENON TAIL:
Oh, gosh, what I thought was good was just different as we are all of a sudden shocked with just how much more clear and precise this is. More forward and brilliant, more bright yet not too bright. Bass is tighter as you would expect, yet soundstage is farther out to the sides and we are experiencing an event from more in the middle. While the TANGZU Wan’er S.G is also the perfect IEM to relate these qualities, but the price snobs reading will not maybe get a clue? Yep, even at this price bracket and maybe more about taking care of this price bracket, we are able to reach a style of satisfaction regardless of equipment used, as at times it’s not how much you choose to spend on equipment, but what synergy you unearth with the equipment you already have. To end this comparison section I have to say, I didn’t think the PENON TAIL would be so different, so upfront and clear offering technically a more superior replay. And while the FiiO e17k is more money and 8 years old, it still replayed an enjoyable yet softer and more forgiving style of playback. Both are totally different and really opposite, and I could see how maybe one listener could gravitate towards one or the other, though the person hearing the FiiO should be informed he is hearing way less information.



The Penon Serial and ISN H2 cable v the FiiO e17k Alpen 2 and PENON TAIL DAC AMP:

First off it’s hard to not compare the (TANGZU Wan’er S.G and Penon Serial) IEMs during this test. Even though I’m totally familiar with both and both have been prolonged favorites, displaying (for me) their very own version of closer to neutral.

FiiO and Serial:
Spectacular really, and it just goes to show how the ISN H2 cable in this situation was the perfect match for the Serial. Probably bringing up the dimensions and focus from some other all copper affairs. In case you don’t know the H2 is the ISN lesser costing Hybrid cable, a mixture of silver and copper. Cable material: 6N+ OCC & silver-plated OCC hybrid, at $79.90…..the perfect match-up in this case. I’m going off-course except remember everything is connected, you know like the realization of the guy that smoked pot for the first time. Everything is connected as the source/cable/IEM and ear-tips all come together and display a character. Yet within that character is acceptance, if all is well. Now remember how the TANGZU Wan’er S.G was acceptable and accessible in this situation; same source, same music, same ear-tips. It was less detailed and even laid-back yet the bass was exhilarating and fun. Yet now we are flowing in the realization of a simply better more real style of playback as it should be as it’s a $19.00 IEM compared to a $299.00 IEM. The FiiO somehow waking-up and showing more vibrant colors, as the past combo while nice was never attempting (couldn’t) extract such timbre and 3D-ness.

Jeff Russo - Star Trek Picard OST 48 kHz - 24 bit
Sizing Up Rios
Twins
Romulan Collusion



FiiO and Serial:
I mean this FiiO product has been a favorite for years, and times I mistakenly thought it imbued more coloration than now? But my gosh, what we have here! The mixture of deep-end recorded here at 00:33 it’s insane! The stage is huge, the instrumentation in direct timbre, just crazy how the toms find themselves separated and real…..real-life! If I add-up everything it’s a $299.00 IEM, a $79.90 cable and a $99.90 source! The results could be 80-90% from the IEM, as they should be, still? There is a correct realization that we are witnessing natural and correct playback, now with-in that is some thickness and but the detail to satisfy makes it out.

PENON TAIL and Serial:
Staying in 3.5mm to make it more fair to start, we are greeted with obviously more resolution. Instantly we are met with crispness, yet when the bass hits it’s just wider into the stage, broader and more inviting, more 3D. The bass now falls into a somehow deeper sub-depth which is both more natural and more revealing. When the toms come back they are organic and holding more focus. Now is it fair to compare and 8 year old (out-of-print) chip to the CS43131 DAC? Probably blackness of background is one elusive add from the TAIL, which goes about its business creating more depth and detail with-in that depth?

Here is the thing, there is a quality to the old FiiO that is hard to beat. Sure the PENON TAIL beats it probably on paper, but this isn’t so cut and dry as you would guess. Though the point is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the TAIL playback, no sibilance and way better blackness of background. Imaging is far more defined and better arranged with-in the stage. In so many ways the old FiiO is too soft of a presentation and does not offer the WOWs on a regular basis like the TAIL nonchalantly does. Still it would be hard for me to give up the FiiO and (forever) stop enjoying what it does. Really best would be just to keep both and have the individual contrasts they offer become what is important. Also this may take time, as the FiiO is more my old style of tone, where this TAIL is new and different and amazing just for what it is. Here I am mainly listening to DAPs all day, but I can totally get how there will be people who gravitate towards using a phone or have the TAIL hooked to a computer and have the Serial and ISN H2 combo become something they listen to all day long. And in-fact just to test this, I left this set-up for a day and continued simply to use it as my only headphone rig, and yep, it got better and better, and in the end being all I would ever need…….maybe? While I have interfaced the PENON TAIL with a number of IEMs and headphones, there is an amazing synergy to be found inside what the Serial does, the stage the cohesiveness, and simply the finite itemization and timbre achieved.



The Penon TAIL v Sony WM1A, with the Serial and H2 cable:
The Sony WM1A holds more color, seemingly almost off-balance in comparison to the TAIL. But within that color is more found WM1A definition……even if that detail is slightly submerged? In a strange way the bass is not as clear or digitally perfect as the TAIL brings forth? Yes, this was one shocking revelation…………that daily you forget to look for and don’t even imagine could happen. A Dongle priced as such could go ahead to show you the distortions in playback with your $1200 DAP. Literally after spending a whole day with the TAIL, it has me messed up hearing the WM1A as reverb-laden and slower? I can say that the PENON TAIL is not warm or too bright, and does own character of its own, yet that character is incredibly subtle and centers profoundly around non-colored playback. I laugh, but at the moment the WM1A sounds almost like I’m listening to music in a cave, or tunnel? Lol

The Shanling UA3 Dongle:
There have been moments of incredible synergy found within this $109.00 Dongle. Today it is also the very closest to comparing the TAIL to a comparable form. There is more support from software than the TAIL, with Shanling almost writing the book on Dongles. Such old kid on the block means that Shanling has utilized a new AKM AK4493SEQ chip. This chip fresh out of a new chip factory…..the old burned down factory in dust. And while I write this I have apprehension that the $109.00 UA3 will leave the TAIL in the dust? Shanling being the older wiser kid-on-the-block means they offer Eddict software for the Android phone. Such interface offers a way to change to high-output, where the TAIL has a physical switch on the side. Still the Eddict software offers filters, even though I couldn’t hear them in action. And that’s how these digital filters are, some folks can choose, others have each filter sounding the same. Shanling just came out with new Windows firmware too for the UA3. I mean on the surface it really does make a difference having a swank sexy interface to adjust your filters or change the gain switch? You can even alternate between using the UA3 volume buttons as transport buttons, through changing settings in the software. But I am from the school of sound, meaning I would prefer better sound from my Dongle regardless of price, support software or user (On-Dongle) buttons. Right?

The Shanling UA3 v PENON TAIL:
Kinda like the comparing the FiiO e17k to the TAIL, the PENON TAIL is more accurate, more transparent and more clear. At least there is no digital digititus which could be a deal breaker for the TAIL, because we are dangerously close to that neighborhood with this middle of the road response. Meaning every other product here……the 1A, the e17k……and the UA3 has used and slightly abused warmth to kinda mask the signal. Now remember I’m still that guy, I love warmer darker tones as long as they don’t cover too much stuff up in doing so. The AKM chip is kinda a poster child for this style of playback, people will buy the chips installed in products knowing what they will get beforehand. I’m not saying they all sound the same, but you get where I’m coming from.



The Shanling UA3 sound v PENON TAIL:
Strangely before I got the UA3 the difference was the Sony 1A was warmer, and it still is in comparison to the UA3. But now I can place the Sony 1A and UA3 as brothers and this new Tail as a separate entity all to itself. Where the UA3 is obviously using smoothness and a slight laid-backness to reach a style of listenability, where the TAIL is going ahead and using forwardness to gain clarity and robustness, yet never crossing the line into harshness or non-listenability. Though such skills the TAIL gains a reputation for a different style of stage, where gone are some of those smooth fall-offs, replaced with this more evenly spaced arraignments of imaging, seemingly moving now both to the center and commingling on the outskirts of the stage, except more formal and controlled. Better separation of bass into a delineated entity holding both texture and form for the TAIL.

A different bass:
You see regardless of Damping factor the TAIL offers a more controlled bass than the UA3, Sony WM1A or FiiO e17k Alpen 2. The bass is actually more detailed and textured which just in and of itself shows a distinct departure from the previous devices. Now reading this you may think that is arranged though thinness or lack of bass response, but it's not.....all I can guess is this is through implementation of amplification and pure chip character?



The question of Damping Factor:
This single concept is super important and one of the early things you start to lean about coming to Head-Fi. The factor of damping results in having enough power on-hand to guarantee driver transient times. This all boils down to control of the diaphragm. Most inexperienced listeners won't even know about it, because their amplifier seems to get loud enough for their uses.........so it must be fine? Then when they try out an expensive new amplifier they guess it is just the quality of the amp for the reason their full-size headphones sound so good? Mainly under-damped headphones will display a less than clear/foggy bass and lower midrange, the power swings are not fast enough and the headphones have control over the amp, even at any volume, except this starts to become more noticeable when you listen at louder volumes as the drivers are demanding more from the amplifier. Such amplifier qualities vary from amp to amp, only Dongles never were able to procure such power before. So it was always slightly a compromise, and typically so much compromise that Dongles were not always thought about for full-size headphone use. Well times have now changed.........as even IEMs that are demanding show this Damping quality in transients and firm-up the lower midrange and bass!



The Sony IER-Z1R with PENON TAIL and Penon Bass Cable:
This combo is great, though not sure if the cable is the very best I have ever used with the IER-Z1R. Still amazing and well balanced and provocative. The Bass cable actually enhances the midrange and well as offering a style of stage that is really cool. And we find all these things………the best so far in our replay today. In 4.4mm and on low gain, there is way more power than could ever even be close to being needed. And if anyone knows the IER-Z1R, it can’t be driven by the Apple Dongle to get bass correction, if under powered the bass will be shown as sloppy and not of holding correct timbre. Yet here we are met with great basics, yep the pace, the stage, the tone and the details. Not the most detailed I ever heard the IER, but thrilling none-the-less………….especially when those bass attacks come in. The bass is delineated, textured, complete and rewarding. Mids show a style of thickness, yet open and spacial. Treble is both correct and natural offering a special smoothness that adds to long listening experiences. I can’t get over these bass drops, as they are both dynamic/strong and yet totally detailed here? Really a new style of bass here at Redcarmoose Labs?



The Sony MDR-Z1R, Kimber Cable and PENON TAIL:

Truly now were talking. LOL

On low gain I can’t even begin reach even 80% of the output, I mean I have the ability to go there, yet why…..I can for a moment just to judge damping factor when the bass drops. Way more clear than the IER-Z1R, of exquisite detail and drop dead gorgeous lows…….unbelievable. The power of the PENON TAIL is insane. While slightly thinner than my desktop, this thinness is almost not even noticeable. If you were in a cafe with this set-up, people would have their jaws automatically drop……..just the look on their faces. This sounds like the very best home theater and out and about, it’s way bigger sounding than even the Sony DAPs provide. Why? Output power…………my friends there is a reality in output power that while not even getting (physically) warm the PENON TAIL delivers. But besides that it may actually be the sonic profile of the CS43131 DAC blending with the MDR-Z1R, just being a match made in heaven. Big, bigger than you can imagine and completely correct, if I met someone selling their gear, only to be left with what we have here as a daily set-up, I would understand. I wouldn’t even start to question them.

Probably the secondary attributes are the fact that there isn’t much of the known upper grain of heat in the trebles. With the Kimber, perfect balancing and deepness, perfect timbre and pace……….really to my ears this is endgame. While yes, all the other stuff gets you that extra 5%, but that extra 5% costs thousands of dollars. I challenge anyone to at least try this set-up to see what I’m talking about. Better than the UA3, better than the Sony DAPs because it’s cleaner and more upfront. This is the style of signal the MDR-Z1R was always asking for.



The Sony MDR-Z7, Kimber cable and PENON TAIL:
When anyone who has these two headphones asks where they differ it is mostly in the lows. The lows and the midrange expansion the Z1R holds over the Z7. That and the expanded harmonics that notes just take-on, a more real and detailed attack and decay. The treble somehow is less critical with the TAIL. Meaning there have been applications where the treble can be borderline hot even though these are a strict V shape, the treble is forward enough to balance the lows, and if not catered to correctly can become spicy. But no not here, in fact the two headphones became fully optimized in this situation with the Z7 coming even closer to the qualities of the MDR-Z1R, if you can believe that? Where the more careful amounts, and critical imaging of the lows out of the TAIL are exactly what the Dr. prescribed for the MDR-Z7. I guarantee you than you could take this set-up to a show and blind fold members and surprise the heck out of them with the qualities and balance of this 9 year old flagship. I mean the MDR-Z1R bass is miles more defined and sculpted yet, for some songs it matters less. Yet it is the cinematic mood both headphones parlay which remains intact.

Conclusion:
What fun, audiophile output for less than you thought. What this means is a gift, especially if you get aboard with exactly what sound this chip is doing. Now I will be the first person to admit that I don’t have a stable of Dongles to compare, and this is my first foray into the town of Cirrus Logic, I mean what do I know? But utilizing the sources I have and finding truth in their tone and ability……….I was awed at what I found. Who would have guessed that the PENON TAIL would end up so good with the last two Sony flagships? I surly would have guessed not, but that is what happens when you combine power for damping factor and cleaner bass than what they are used to. A set-up you would really need to hear to believe, and just another message that technology is moving forward. That in-fact good sound is getting lower-cost and more accessible for all.

$74.90
https://penonaudio.com/penon-tail.html

Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the Penon Tail review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
PENON AUDIO TAIL Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Samsung Phone USB Type-C
FiiO e17k Alpen 2 DAC/AMP
Shanling UA3 Dongle 4.4mm and 3.5mm


Finally you can see the single gain switch below, which moves very firmly. I never needed it in my uses. Also here are some power usage quotes.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-penon-official-thread.934523/page-673#post-17615622