JCally JM20Pro USB-C Dongle

Compact USB-C Dongle with Powerful PEQ Capabilities

The JCally JM20Pro is a versatile USB-C dongle that offers impressive audio performance and functionality in a compact package. What sets this particular model apart is its parametric EQ (PEQ) capabilities through the Walkplay application, making it a valuable tool for audio enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their listening experience. It’s important to note that this model should not be confused with the standard JM20 (which lacks PEQ capabilities) or the JM20-Max (which offers more power but doesn’t include PEQ functionality).

This dongle was one of the main devices used to help develop and test the devicePEQ system, its reliability and consistent performance meant it was the one usb-c dongle I constantly used throughout the development. I purchased this particular unit from AliExpress for an impressive €20, making it an exceptional value proposition for anyone seeking a capable USB-C audio solution with PEQ functionality.

So let’s look at the unboxing experience first:

Unboxing and Build Quality

The JCally JM20Pro arrives in a compact, straightforward package that immediately conveys its no-nonsense approach to portable audio:

The back of the box provides key specifications and features:

Opening the box reveals the JM20Pro nestled securely inside with minimal but adequate packaging:

Inside the box, you’ll find:

• JCally JM20Pro USB-C dongle
• Documentation

The build quality of the JM20Pro is impressive for its €20 price point. The metal housing provides excellent durability while giving the dongle a premium feel that completely belies its budget-friendly cost. The cable appears well-reinforced at stress points, suggesting good longevity with regular use - an important consideration for a device that will likely see daily pocket duty.

The USB-C connector fits securely into devices without any wobble, ensuring a stable connection during use. The 3.5mm output jack is equally solid, with good grip on headphone plugs. Overall, the construction quality is exceptional for the price point, contributing significantly to its value proposition despite the existence of slightly cheaper alternatives that may compromise on build quality.

Features and Specifications

The JCally JM20Pro packs impressive technical specifications into its compact form factor, especially considering its €20 price point:

The standout feature of the JM20Pro is its compatibility with the Walkplay application, which unlocks parametric EQ capabilities. This functionality allows users to create custom sound profiles tailored to their preferences or to compensate for the characteristics of their headphones or IEMs.

It’s worth emphasizing that the JM20Pro should not be confused with other models in the JCally lineup:

• The standard JM20 lacks the PEQ capabilities found in the Pro model
• The JM20-Max offers more power output but doesn’t include the PEQ functionality

This positioning makes the JM20Pro particularly appealing for users who prioritize sound customization without sacrificing power output.

Sound Impressions

The JCally JM20Pro delivers a clean, detailed sound signature that serves as an excellent foundation for its PEQ capabilities.

Bass

The bass response is well-controlled and accurate, with good extension into the sub-bass region. There’s sufficient impact and weight to low frequencies without any muddiness or bloat. The JM20Pro doesn’t artificially boost the bass, instead providing a transparent window to the recording that can be customized through the PEQ functionality if desired.

Midrange

Vocals and instruments in the midrange come through with good clarity and natural timbre. There’s no noticeable recession or unnatural emphasis in this crucial frequency range, allowing for an engaging listening experience across various genres. The midrange presentation strikes a good balance between detail and warmth.

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 JM20Pro 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 compact dongle DAC, the JM20Pro 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.

PEQ Capabilities with Walkplay Application

The true value proposition of the JCally JM20Pro lies in its ability to customise the sound profile via either the Walkplay Application or now with my new Device PEQ capability.

Using both tools allows the following features:

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

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 JM20Pro from being just another budget dongle to a versatile audio tool that can significantly improve your listening experience across different headphones and IEMs. It was this capability that made the JM20Pro valuable during the development and testing of the devicePEQ system.

Comparisons

JCally JM20Pro vs. EPZ TP13

The EPZ TP13 is a natural comparison point as both devices offer PEQ capabilities through the Walkplay application. The JM20Pro offers slightly more power output than the TP13, potentially providing better performance with more demanding headphones. Both devices deliver clean, detailed sound, though the JM20Pro may have a slight edge in overall resolution and dynamics.

In terms of build quality, both devices feature metal housings that inspire confidence in their durability. The choice between them might come down to subtle differences in sound signature preference, power requirements for your specific headphones, or price considerations at the time of purchase.

JCally JM20Pro vs. JM20-Max

While the JM20-Max offers more power output than the JM20Pro, it lacks the PEQ capabilities that make the Pro model particularly versatile. For users who prioritize sound customization and have headphones of moderate sensitivity, the JM20Pro represents the better choice. However, those with power-hungry planar magnetic headphones might prefer the additional output of the Max model, even at the expense of PEQ functionality.

Rating

The JCally JM20Pro earns a 4-star Pragmatic Rating due to its excellent build quality, good sound performance, and standout PEQ functionality at an exceptional €20 price point, with only minor limitations preventing a perfect score.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Build Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Solid metal construction with excellent attention to detail for the price)
• Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Clean, detailed presentation with good dynamics and low noise floor)
• Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (PEQ capabilities through Walkplay and devicePEQ integration are standout features)
• Measurements: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Good technical performance with clean output and adequate power)
• Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Exceptional value at €20 - hard to find better features at this price point)

The JM20Pro is ideal for:

• Audio enthusiasts seeking a budget-friendly portable DAC with sound customization options
• Users who want to apply PEQ to compensate for headphone characteristics
• Anyone looking for a well-built, versatile audio solution for mobile devices
• Budget-conscious listeners who don’t want to compromise on features or build quality

Conclusion

The JCally JM20Pro is an exceptional choice if you want a capable dongle that goes far beyond basic DAC/AMP functionality, especially at its remarkable €20 price point from AliExpress. The combination of clean sound, adequate power for most headphones and IEMs, and comprehensive PEQ features makes it genuinely useful for anyone who wants flexibility in their portable audio setup without breaking the bank.

What makes the JM20Pro worth considering is how practical and affordable it is. The PEQ capabilities through both Walkplay and devicePEQ integration mean you can fix problem areas in your headphones or tune them to your preferences, the power output is sufficient for pretty much any IEM and most headphones you’d use on the go, and the build quality feels solid enough for daily use. At €20, it’s hard to find anything that offers this combination of features and build quality.

The technical performance is genuinely impressive for the price - that clean output and low noise floor make a real difference, especially with sensitive IEMs where background noise can be problematic. The CS43131 DAC chip provides excellent performance that rivals much more expensive dongles, making this an outstanding value proposition.

Its role in the development and testing of the devicePEQ system speaks to its reliability and consistent performance. When you need a dongle that just works, day after day, without any fuss or compatibility issues, the JM20Pro delivers.

For those trying to decide between the various JCally models, the JM20Pro hits the sweet spot for most users - offering more features than the standard JM20 and more versatility than the more powerful but PEQ-lacking JM20-Max. If you’re someone who appreciates being able to fine-tune your sound, needs decent power output, and wants something that’s built to last, the JM20Pro delivers on all those fronts at an unbeatable price.

At €20 from AliExpress, the JCally JM20Pro represents one of the best value propositions in portable audio today, earning it a strong recommendation for anyone serious about improving their mobile listening experience without spending a fortune.