EPZ TP35 PRO

Exceptional Sound Quality in a Portable Package

The EPZ TP35 PRO USB-C headphone DAC represents a nice upgrade over the previous TP35. With its cool design, PEQ capabilties, excellent specifications, and clean power delivery from both the 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended outputs, this DAC has quickly become one of my favorite portable audio solutions.

So, having used it for the past few weeks, beyond the sound and the looks which I will get to in this review, what particularly impressed me is the nice little usability features. For example, holding both buttons simultaneously allows you to switch between high and low gain modes quality without needing the companion app.

But since the device also works with the WalkPlay App you get a lot of features including 10 bands of full parametric EQ capabilities and many other customizations including DAC filter adjustments and a dedicated DAC mode switch.

Additionally, I added support for the TP35 PRO to my devicePEQ extension to the squig.link and hangout.audio measurement databases. While the Walkplay app does give you control over more settings, my devicePEQ capabilities focus specifically on PEQ filter editing and doesn’t require any registration.

But before we get into the details, let’s get into the unboxing:

Unboxing and First Impressions

The EPZ TP35 PRO comes in an attractive, professional package that effectively showcases the product:

The back of the box provides detailed specifications and features:

Opening this reveals a useful little manual card:

Finally, removing this reveals the TP35 PRO nestled securely inside:

Build Quality and Design

The EPZ TP35 PRO features a premium CNC-machined 7-series aviation aluminum body, and it shows it is possibly the nicest looking portable DAC amp in this form factor I have reviewed and especially when paired with an elegant transparent window design, it looks very cool.

The transparent window offers a glimpse into the internal components which I always appreciated.

The physical buttons are tactile and responsive, providing satisfying feedback during operation.

The usb-c cable and the adapter are nicely packaged and built:

Overall, nothing really to complain about the physical device, but let’s look at the features next.

Features and Performance

The EPZ TP35 PRO offers an impressive set of features in this price range:

Dual DAC Architecture

At the heart of the TP35 PRO are dual CS43198 DAC chips, providing exceptional audio processing capabilities. This dual-DAC setup enables the device to handle high-resolution audio formats with ease, supporting PCM up to 32Bit/384kHz and DSD256 for true lossless HiFi audio reproduction.

Ultra-Low Noise Floor

One of the standout features is the TP35 PRO’s ultra-low noise floor (less than 0.87µV), ensuring zero background noise. This is particularly beneficial for precise audio positioning in gaming scenarios and for detecting subtle details in complex musical arrangements.

Note: This is achieved by using a feature of the CS43198 chipset called DRC (Dynamic range compensation) which can in specific circumstances cause some other distortion artifacts. I think we should have a separate setting within the companion apps (like the Walkplay App in this case) where this feature can be toggled.

Versatile Connectivity

The TP35 PRO features both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, delivering up to 262mW @ 32Ω. The device also supports 3.5mm microphone input, allowing for high-definition calls and in-game communication.

Adjustable Gain Modes

As I mentioned earlier, the ability to switch between high and low gain modes by holding both buttons simultaneously is a nice feature that enhances the device’s versatility. This allows users to match the output power to their specific headphones or IEM.

Software Integration

The TP35 PRO works seamlessly with the WalkPlay App, offering 10 bands of parametric EQ for precise sound customization. Additional software features include:

• Digital filter adjustment for fine-tuning the sound signature
• DAC mode switching for different listening scenarios
• UAC1.0 game mode for compatibility with Switch, PS5, and other gaming platforms

LED Control and Microphone Passthrough

The TP35 PRO features a little LED light that can be controlled through the WalkPlay App, allowing users to personalize the device’s appearance. The LED indicators also provide useful visual feedback about the device’s operational status.

Additionally, the device supports microphone passthrough via the 3.5mm port, enabling voice communication for gaming, calls, and online meetings. I didn’t test this feature but it can be very useful.

Sound Impressions

The EPZ TP35 PRO leans towards a powerful neutral sound signature—a presentation that’s articulate, clear, and free from artificial coloration, while still retaining enough authority and dynamic energy to drive even demanding headphones with ease. The dual CS43198 implementation delivers reference-grade clarity, excellent microdetail, and tonal integrity that makes it an ideal portable DAC for discerning listeners.

What sets the TP35 PRO apart from many similarly priced dongles is its ability to maintain this level of transparency without sounding sterile. There’s a pleasing fullness in the low end, a natural rendering of mids, and a refined yet extended treble response—all served with incredible precision. It’s the kind of DAC that steps back and lets your music—and your headphones—speak for themselves.

Bass

Bass from the TP35 PRO is clean, fast, and tightly controlled. It avoids any excessive bloom or midbass warmth, which makes it an excellent companion for headphones or IEMs with natural or elevated low-end tuning. Sub-bass is well-extended and articulate, especially when using the 4.4mm balanced output, where the additional headroom enhances dynamic swings and punch.

James Blake – “Limit to Your Love”. The track’s infamous sub-bass drops are rendered with impressive clarity and slam on the TP35 PRO. The DAC maintains its composure even during the deepest rumbles, allowing the sub-bass to growl with authority without smearing over the vocal lines or midrange harmonics. It’s a masterclass in low-end control from a dongle at this price point. I especially like how the TP35-Pro handled this track with typically more difficult to drive headphones like my Hifiman Sundara when switched to High gain mode.

Midrange

The midrange is impressively transparent and uncolored—neither forward nor recessed, just effortlessly clean. Vocals, acoustic instruments, and strings all have a natural presence without any unwanted tonal shift. This is where the neutral nature of the TP35 PRO shines—preserving timbral accuracy and clarity without harshness or bloat.

Norah Jones – “Don’t Know Why”. The TP35 PRO presents her voice with intimacy and lifelike tone. The gentle piano accompaniment remains delicately placed in the mix, while subtle reverb trails and breath details are resolved with finesse. This midrange neutrality is particularly useful when testing different IEMs or tuning via PEQ—what you hear is what your gear actually sounds like.

Treble

Treble from the TP35 PRO is airy, extended, and precise. It provides ample sparkle without sounding etched or fatiguing, and its rendering of high-frequency content feels “correct” in the best way—neither subdued nor unnaturally boosted. Thanks to the low distortion figures and high dynamic range, the TP35 PRO reveals detail without being clinical.

Patricia Barber – “Company”. You can hear how the TP35 PRO gracefully handles cymbal decay, brushwork, and upper harmonics. The ambience of the recording space is fully conveyed, allowing the listener to hear beyond just the instruments into the room itself. This level of detail makes it ideal for jazz and classical listeners who prioritize air and nuance.

Soundstage and Imaging

Soundstage performance is excellent for a portable DAC in this class. It doesn’t artificially expand the stage, but it gives instruments room to breathe and places them with pinpoint accuracy. Imaging is tight and well-defined, with excellent separation between layers of instruments—even in complex mixes.

Yosi Horikawa – “Bubbles”. You immediately notice the DAC’s capacity for spatial realism. The bubbles dart across the stereo field with near-holographic precision, showing off the TP35 PRO’s ability to render a believable and well-organized soundscape. This makes it especially good for gaming, binaural recordings, and immersive acoustic music, where positional accuracy is crucial.

Specifications

Rating

I’ve given the EPZ TP35 PRO a 5-star Pragmatic Rating because it delivers exceptionally well where it matters most – sound quality, build quality, and versatility – at a competitive price point.

The combination of dual CS43198 DACs, excellent power output, and comprehensive feature set creates a listening experience that surpasses expectations for a portable DAC. The thoughtful design elements, such as the dual gain modes and comprehensive software integration, demonstrate EPZ’s attention to user experience.

Here’s a breakdown of my ratings:

• Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Outstanding clarity, detail, and power delivery)
• Build Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Premium materials and excellent construction)
• Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Comprehensive connectivity options and software integration)
• Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Excellent performance for the price, though not budget-tier)

Conclusion

The EPZ TP35 PRO is an exceptional DAC, delivering great sound quality, premium build, and comprehensive features in a compact package. The dual CS43198 DAC implementation provides outstanding audio performance with support for high-resolution formats, while the thoughtful design elements enhance usability in various scenarios.

The device’s compatibility with the WalkPlay App for parametric EQ and other customizations adds another layer of versatility, allowing users to tailor the sound to their specific preferences. The support for both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs ensures compatibility with a wide range of headphones and IEMs.

Overall, the EPZ TP35 PRO stands as one of the best portable DACs currently available and represents the pinnacle of EPZ’s audio engineering to date. Whether you’re an audiophile seeking high-quality portable sound or a gamer requiring precise audio positioning, the TP35 PRO delivers exceptional performance that justifies its position as a top-tier portable DAC.