EPZ TP13 DSP dongle

Compact USB-C Dongle with Powerful PEQ Capabilities

The EPZ TP13 is a small but mighty USB-C dongle that punches well above its weight / price and has the best build quality I have seen on this type of dongle. This unassuming little device serves as a portable DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) with a standout feature: the ability to apply parametric EQ filters both through the Walkplay application and with my new “Device PEQ” capability.

At roughly $15 (available on AliExpress), it represents an excellent value proposition for anyone looking to improve their audio experience on the go without breaking the bank.

What makes the TP13 particularly interesting is how it competes directly with similar offerings like the FIIO JA11, offering comparable features and power output at a competitive price point. The combination of solid build quality, good audio performance, and PEQ functionality makes this tiny dongle a compelling option for budget-conscious audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

But before I get into its PEQ capabilities, let’s have a quick look at what you get out of the box:

Unboxing and Build Quality

The EPZ TP13 comes in a compact, no-frills package that reflects its budget-friendly positioning:

Opening the box reveals the dongle nestled securely inside:

The package includes:

• EPZ TP13 USB-C dongle
• 3.5mm adapter
• Documentation

Despite its affordable price point, the TP13 features surprisingly good build quality.

The metal housing gives it a premium feel and provides durability for daily use. The cable appears to be well-reinforced at stress points, suggesting it should hold up well to regular use. The USB-C connector fits snugly into devices without feeling loose or wobbly.

The included 3.5mm adapter allows for compatibility with a wide range of headphones and IEMs, adding to the versatility of this little device. The adapter connection is secure and doesn’t introduce any noticeable degradation in audio quality.

Features and Specifications

The EPZ TP13 packs impressive technical specifications into its compact form factor:

With 31.25mW of output power, the TP13 provides sufficient volume for most consumer headphones and IEMs. While it won’t drive power-hungry planar magnetic headphones to their full potential, it offers more than enough juice for typical portable listening scenarios.

The implementation of the CS1300AU DAC chip provides good audio quality for the price point, with clean conversion and minimal noise. The 94kHz/24Bit decoding capability ensures compatibility with high-resolution audio files, though most users will likely be streaming standard resolution content most of the time.

Feel free to skip this next section if you are just interested in how good it sounds with PEQ.

PEQ configuration

This feature allows users to:

1. Apply custom EQ profiles to compensate for headphone characteristics
2. Create genre-specific sound signatures for different listening scenarios
3. Switch between multiple profiles for different headphones or preferences

So in summary this functionality allows users to fine-tune their audio experience according to personal preferences or to compensate for the characteristics of their headphones or IEMs. But let me quickly show some screenshots of using these applications:

Walkplay Android APK and Web Application

The Walkplay ecosystem offers two main ways to interact with and customize the TP13’s sound signature: the mobile application and the web interface. Both provide intuitive access to powerful parametric EQ tools.

This is the Main Android interface when you connect your device and when editing the PEQ filters:

The Walkplay Android app also provides lots of other capabilities, including updating the firmware:

For those who prefer a larger screen for more precise adjustments, the Walkplay website offers an expanded interface with additional visualization options.

This makes it easier to see the exact frequency response curve you’re creating and fine-tune specific frequency bands with greater precision. The website complements the mobile app, allowing users to switch between platforms while maintaining their custom profiles.

DevicePEQ Extension Integration

As most Walkplay compatible devices the TP13 is also compatibility with the devicePEQ extension on Pragmatic Audio, which integrates with measurement databases to provide easy “pushing” of EQ profiles to devices. This functionality is currently available on Pragmatic Audio and will be coming soon to other squig.link websites, expanding the ecosystem even further.

The devicePEQ extension allows users to:

• Access a database of pre-measured headphone and IEM frequency responses
• Apply compensation curves based on established targets
• Create and share custom EQ profiles with the community
• Export settings directly to the TP13 via the Walkplay ecosystem

This integration bridges the gap between subjective listening preferences and objective measurements, giving users the tools to make informed decisions about how they want their audio to sound.

The implementation is user-friendly while offering enough depth for those who want to dive into detailed sound customization. The ability to apply PEQ filters directly through the dongle means that the equalization works system-wide, regardless of the audio source being used.

This functionality elevates the TP13 from being just another budget dongle to a versatile audio tool that can significantly improve your listening experience across different headphones and IEMs.

Sound Impressions

The EPZ TP13 delivers a clean, neutral sound signature that serves as a good foundation for the PEQ capabilities.

Bass

The bass response is controlled and accurate, without artificial boosting that often plagues budget audio devices. Low frequencies are reproduced with good definition, though the ultimate depth and impact will depend largely on the headphones or IEMs being used. The TP13 doesn’t add coloration to the low end, instead providing a transparent window to the recording.

Midrange

Vocals and instruments in the midrange come through with good clarity and natural timbre. There’s no noticeable recession or emphasis in this crucial frequency range, allowing for an engaging listening experience across various genres. The midrange presentation is slightly forward, making vocals easy to follow without becoming shouty or aggressive.

Treble

The high-frequency reproduction is detailed without becoming harsh or fatiguing. There’s enough sparkle to bring out the shimmer in cymbals and the air around instruments, but the TP13 avoids the common pitfall of budget DACs that often over-emphasize treble to create an artificial sense of detail. The result is a pleasant listening experience that remains comfortable during extended sessions.

Soundstage & Imaging

For a budget dongle DAC, the TP13 presents a reasonably spacious soundstage with good separation between instruments. While it won’t match the expansive presentation of higher-end desktop equipment, it provides an immersive listening experience that extends beyond the confines of your head. Imaging is precise, allowing for accurate placement of sounds within the stereo field.

Comparisons

EPZ TP13 vs. FIIO JA11

The FIIO JA11 is a natural comparison point, as both devices target the budget-friendly USB-C dongle market. In terms of build quality, the TP13 actually exceeds the JA11 with a more premium feel and better cable reinforcement at stress points. Both devices offer similar power output specifications. Here is a comparison photo with the JA11 and the Apple usb-c dongle, which doesn’t offer any PEQ capabilities:

Where the TP13 truly distinguishes itself is in its PEQ capabilities. While the JA11 offers a solid out-of-the-box sound signature with 5 PEQ filters, the TP13’s also supports up to 8 filters, and crucially, these filters are applied in real-time without you having to disconnect the device.

This feature alone makes the TP13 the more future-proof option, as it can be adapted to work optimally with any IEM or easy to drive headphone you might acquire in the future.

Rating

The EPZ TP13 earns a 5-star Pragmatic Rating due to its exceptional value proposition, solid build quality, and standout PEQ functionality that exceeds expectations at this price point.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Build Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Solid metal construction with excellent attention to detail)
• Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Clean, neutral presentation with good detail retrieval)
• Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (PEQ capabilities through both Walkplay and devicePEQ are outstanding at this price)
• Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Exceptional value at $15, outperforming more expensive alternatives)

The TP13 is ideal for:

• Budget-conscious audiophiles looking to improve portable audio quality
• Users who want to apply PEQ to compensate for headphone characteristics
• Anyone seeking a compact, versatile audio solution for mobile devices
• Those who appreciate the ability to fine-tune their listening experience

Conclusion

The EPZ TP13 represents exceptional value in the budget dongle DAC market. Its combination of solid build quality, good sound performance, and powerful PEQ capabilities through both the Walkplay application and devicePEQ extension makes it a standout option at its $15 price point. While it won’t replace high-end desktop audio equipment, it offers a significant upgrade over built-in smartphone or laptop audio.

What truly sets the TP13 apart is how it democratizes features like parametric EQ that were once the domain of much more expensive equipment. This little dongle empowers users to customize their audio experience regardless of budget constraints, making it a compelling choice for anyone looking to improve their portable listening setup without significant investment.

The integration with both Walkplay and devicePEQ provides unprecedented flexibility for tailoring the sound of whatever IEM or headphone you connect. This level of customization was previously available only in much more expensive equipment, making the TP13 a revolutionary product in terms of value and capabilities.

For the price of a few coffees, the EPZ TP13 delivers an audio upgrade that punches well above its weight class, earning it a strong recommendation for budget-conscious audio enthusiasts and anyone looking to get the most out of their existing headphones through the power of parametric equalization.