I have one of those too, it is infinitely more useful than most usb dongles and you can also use it as a usb dongle. Having a battery makes a difference, why portables tend to be better than dongles.
Great review! Interestingly, I've read several online comments about some new ESS chip dongles being more AKM-like and some AKM chips not being as musical. I'm also waiting for a new AKM chip dongle as an alternative to the ESS chip dongle I have.
Yes, if you dig in, there are ESS time periods, older ESS are slightly more annoying than newer, modern ESS. AK is pre-fire, post fire. CS basically ran the same period with the same chips. Some people will simply say they all sound the same, a dac is a dac. These two do not sound the same.
Great video Paul! Dont have the epz ones, but I released my video on the dew4x just recently. Seems really good for the price. The TP20 seems a bit expensive for a CS43131 chipset.
Yes, hence the opportunistic chat. Not just in the case of these two, but lots of dongles will be on sale, off sale at different periods. EPZ puts theirs on sale, not sure how Linsoul will do it yet, if they will match EPZ's prices.
Thanks for chip sound rundown, Paul! Any chance you're going to cover the Cayin RU7 or the updated Questyle M15i? The former is an entirely different beast, and it remains to be seen if the latter is still the "best" dongle.
I don't really chase the dongs. If someone is willing to send one, I'll run through it, but RU7 does some things right, some not as right from reading on them. M15i, no clue how that is going to play out. Should be soon now that New Year is over.
Irony that the Topping I own is the DX1 which uses the AKM. I also have the first gen BTR5 with an ESS chip. I really liked the 7Hz 71, which is also an AKM, but mine shorts out a bit now ( when it gets warm ). I also have the Periodic Audio Rhodium, which is a Realtek, which leans a bit bright. I am also starting to think that the Apple Dongle is the correct answer unless you need/want power.
I have a couple Apple dongs. Always handy when you need it. 7hz has a bigger, more powerful dac/amp thing on the way too. I am sure we will hit a period of updates of last year's dongles, but I mostly sit that out. Fun to have an opportunity to hear a new one, but I am ok with the few I have.
I think Dawn Pro falls in that CS43131 gang, going to sound very similar to TP20. Buy the cheaper one. Someone out there in review land said the two are very similar if not the same which makes sense to me.
I would say Dew4X, it is quite nice and tiny also. If Allegro was much cheaper for you, then it works too. Either gets the job done, but I would grab Dew4X
I think you'll going to like the Shanling UA4, its an ESS chip. Its msrp is at $99 but in a certain shop app I can get it at only $63. Gonna get this before buying the legato... Does ESS work well with the legato??
Legato was a power thing too but yeah, that is the idea, ESS precision and bright mixing with the bass and warmth of a darker set. I tend to pair opposites in that way.
For me size and weight is critical was thinking about picking one of these up to use while my BTR15 is charging thanks for all you do !!
EPZ is built like a tank but heavy. It is zinc alloy I think. Dew4X is more of the tiny, forget its in your pocket style
My Qudelix just arrived from Drop, just before this video "DROPPED". 😮
I have one of those too, it is infinitely more useful than most usb dongles and you can also use it as a usb dongle. Having a battery makes a difference, why portables tend to be better than dongles.
@@PaulWasabii, and the app is AMAZING! 😻
Great review! Interestingly, I've read several online comments about some new ESS chip dongles being more AKM-like and some AKM chips not being as musical.
I'm also waiting for a new AKM chip dongle as an alternative to the ESS chip dongle I have.
Yes, if you dig in, there are ESS time periods, older ESS are slightly more annoying than newer, modern ESS. AK is pre-fire, post fire. CS basically ran the same period with the same chips. Some people will simply say they all sound the same, a dac is a dac. These two do not sound the same.
Great video Paul! Dont have the epz ones, but I released my video on the dew4x just recently. Seems really good for the price.
The TP20 seems a bit expensive for a CS43131 chipset.
Yes, hence the opportunistic chat. Not just in the case of these two, but lots of dongles will be on sale, off sale at different periods. EPZ puts theirs on sale, not sure how Linsoul will do it yet, if they will match EPZ's prices.
Thanks for chip sound rundown, Paul! Any chance you're going to cover the Cayin RU7 or the updated Questyle M15i? The former is an entirely different beast, and it remains to be seen if the latter is still the "best" dongle.
I don't really chase the dongs. If someone is willing to send one, I'll run through it, but RU7 does some things right, some not as right from reading on them. M15i, no clue how that is going to play out. Should be soon now that New Year is over.
@@PaulWasabii Thanks! I was wondering if I should try something after the Moonriver 2 Ti and before a desktop unit, and these two are on my radar
Irony that the Topping I own is the DX1 which uses the AKM. I also have the first gen BTR5 with an ESS chip. I really liked the 7Hz 71, which is also an AKM, but mine shorts out a bit now ( when it gets warm ). I also have the Periodic Audio Rhodium, which is a Realtek, which leans a bit bright. I am also starting to think that the Apple Dongle is the correct answer unless you need/want power.
I have a couple Apple dongs. Always handy when you need it. 7hz has a bigger, more powerful dac/amp thing on the way too. I am sure we will hit a period of updates of last year's dongles, but I mostly sit that out. Fun to have an opportunity to hear a new one, but I am ok with the few I have.
Currently looking for a versatile dongle for testing. Dawn Pro is top of my list but not sure if anything beats it or not. The search continues...
I think Dawn Pro falls in that CS43131 gang, going to sound very similar to TP20. Buy the cheaper one. Someone out there in review land said the two are very similar if not the same which makes sense to me.
Thank you sir, I will make a note of that
Bought the epz tp20 for 30 dlls 1 day ago, July 23th 2024.
TP20 still hangs, EPZ dongles are quite good. Someday I will get the new one with the screen. Like when it goes on sale like TP20
@@PaulWasabii sweet, looking forward for the tp30 on sale but i'll preffer ibasso dc04 pro
Should I choose this dew4x or Kiwi Allergo? I am using Simgot ew200.
I would say Dew4X, it is quite nice and tiny also. If Allegro was much cheaper for you, then it works too. Either gets the job done, but I would grab Dew4X
Can you connect a headset with a microphone and answer calls? I'm looking for a cheap Dac model that can do it. Thanks
There are some, but generally no. I am not sure which chipset might support that feature.
I think you'll going to like the Shanling UA4, its an ESS chip. Its msrp is at $99 but in a certain shop app I can get it at only $63. Gonna get this before buying the legato... Does ESS work well with the legato??
Legato was a power thing too but yeah, that is the idea, ESS precision and bright mixing with the bass and warmth of a darker set. I tend to pair opposites in that way.
@@PaulWasabii Hi! Can the 7Hz Legato be paired with Dew4x & that too run on high gain mode?
TP20 pro has the Cs43131
Right. Might look at it later, but there is less variation on 43131. Odds of it being similar to one you have is too high.
This or the Fiio Ka13?
Haven't heard the KA13 but I would pick up the cheaper option. Unless you need a tiny one, then Dew4X is really small for pockets.