Regular readers of my articles may know that I don’t write reviews of dongle DACs very often. The reason is simple: I’m not particularly fond of the dongle form factor. For a device that relies on a phone as its transport for decoding and amplification, it must be sufficiently portable to make it worth carrying out on a daily basis. Many dongles, however, are neither small nor light, yet they still connect to the phone via a single cable. When the phone goes head‑first into a trouser pocket, the dongle ends up in an awkward spot—neither comfortably outside nor properly inside. In my view, the ideal solution is for the larger dongles to focus on stable placement and the orientation of the headphone jack, essentially turning themselves into proper audio accessories for the phone. As for the smaller dongles, they should aim to be as light and compact as possible, becoming truly “insignificant” add‑ons to the phone. That, to me, is the way forward.
The EPZ TP35PRO we’re discussing today is a relatively compact and lightweight dongle DAC. Compared to stick‑style dongles, it incorporates more advanced and refined audio decoding chips and related hardware architectures, while keeping its physical size within acceptable limits. Even when dangling outside a pocket, it doesn’t draw too much attention. By my standards, this form factor is perfectly acceptable.
Compared to last year’s previous-generation TP35, I didn’t expect the upgrade to come so quickly. I also confirmed with EPZ’s internal team that the TP35 will be discontinued once the TP35PRO is released, so this is a straightforward generational replacement — “more for the same price.” I had briefly used the original TP35 last year while reviewing the Q5PRO, and I thought it was quite good. At 399 RMB, with that size and sound quality, it really made you think, “What more could you ask for?” while also exclaiming, “What a steal!” As a standalone portable DAC/amp rather than just an accessory for an EPZ earphone, I think the TP35PRO can now genuinely serve as a main source for beginners or a primary dongle DAC.
The packaging is still a square black box — nothing much to say there. The TP35PRO also comes with a dual USB-C cable and a C-to-A adapter for use with a computer. As for the exterior, in addition to the existing black and silver versions, a new “Sunset Sea” colour option has been added. It features a beautiful yellow‑to‑blue gradient finish on the 7‑series aviation‑grade aluminium alloy shell. I’m sure most buyers will go for this colour — it’s genuinely quite attractive. The TP35PRO has a matte finish, with an asymmetrical front design. Near the USB‑C port, there’s a tapered curved line that’s quite easy on the eyes. The back features a transparent window that reveals the internal circuitry and chips. On the other side of the body are the volume control buttons. To be blunt, I think EPZ designs dongles better than they design earphones — at least this TP35PRO, with its colour, texture, concept, and layout, strikes me as genuinely good‑looking.
In terms of sound, after testing it for a while with EPZ’s own P50 and the new K9, and also trying it with several other IEMs in the 500–3000 yuan price range, the TP35PRO—which retains the dual CS43198 DAC chip solution—offers broader music genre adaptability compared to its predecessor, with a clear shift in character. Unlike the previous generation’s focus on “analogue warmth” and a thick, warm signature, the TP35PRO adopts a more balanced and neutral energy distribution, with improved control as well. In short, the TP35PRO is a dongle DAC that leans towards a balanced, relaxed presentation, without emphasising energy or definition of note outlines overly much, prioritising overall musical expression. Its maximum balanced output reaches 262mW at 32 ohms, with adjustable gain and selectable filters—pretty much mainstream for this price point.
In actual use, the TP35PRO pairs well with most earphones in this price range, rarely producing unpleasant results. In most combinations, it delivers a relatively healthy, relaxed, and smooth sound—something that’s crucial for a dongle DAC in the 300‑yuan bracket. If a portable DAC/amp were to lean too far into a particular sonic character, it would inevitably complicate earphone pairing and risk skewing the overall balance. The previous TP35 already did this well, at least within the context of pop‑centric music, offering solid pairing synergy. The TP35PRO goes a step further, offering broader music genre compatibility while also being noticeably more accommodating with a wider range of earphones.
The TP35PRO’s bass is relatively soft and plush, with moderate quantity and decent extension that isn’t particularly deep but offers good elasticity and a certain level of envelopment that significantly contributes to atmosphere building. The midrange has good thickness and acceptable density, with imaging and body that are well-proportioned—slightly full but not bloated. Vocal presence is moderately close without being too intimate, making it well-suited for pop vocal reproduction. While not overtly rich in flavour, its excellent sense of ease and musical expressiveness give it a warm, full-bodied character when paired with dynamic-driver IEMs for vocals or midrange instruments. The treble and ultra-high frequencies are not dark; they maintain good brightness and stable resolution, with effective suppression of harshness and sibilance. The overall listening experience across the high and ultra-high frequencies remains as comfortable as the mid and low ranges, yet it never sounds weak or flabby—the dynamic expression is precise and assertive. Even with small-to-medium chamber works or large-scale OSTs, it handles them without issue. Frankly, with this level of performance, the TP35PRO is a commendable choice as a mainstay dongle DAC for beginners.
By the way, the TP35PRO can also serve as a “gaming sound card” for computers and phones. Its 3.5mm headphone jack supports headsets with built‑in microphones and volume control, making voice calls compatible. In addition, it features a UAC1.0 mode to support game consoles such as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation series.
From last year to this year, the use of dual CS43198 DAC chips has become a mainstream configuration for mid‑priced dongle DACs under 1,000 RMB. On top of this foundation, various brands have been trying to differentiate themselves with novel designs and added features to boost competitiveness. EPZ, which usually likes to experiment with creative twists, has instead taken a more grounded approach this time, focusing on solid engineering and careful tuning to deliver a dongle DAC that is exceptionally “stable” in overall performance. At the same time, its size and weight are well controlled, making it a very compelling choice at the 399 RMB price point.
Source：巡洋艦3rd
