ddHiFi TC44Pro E3

Exceptional Performance in the Smallest Package

The ddHiFi TC44Pro E3 is another great example of the advancements in portable audio technology. This diminutive USB dongle DAC delivers exceptional power output and premium sound quality in what might be the most efficient form factor of the portable DAC/amps I’ve encountered.

I’ve been testing the ddHiFi TC44Pro E3 for the past few weeks, and what impresses me most is the power-to-size ratio. With output power reaching up to 510mW from its balanced connection, this tiny dongle punches well above its weight class, making it one of the most impressive portable audio solutions I’ve tested.

Before diving into the technical details, let’s explore the unboxing experience and build quality:

Unboxing and Build Quality

The TC44Pro E3 (or Eye3 as it is also marketed as) arrives in elegant packaging that immediately sets expectations for a premium product:

The back of the box has the specifications:

Upon opening the box, you can see the product and accessories carefully arranged:

The the TC44Pro E3 is actually underneath rather than on top when opening:

The package includes:

• The TC44Pro E3 USB DAC
• USB-C cable with high-quality connectors
• User manual and warranty documentation

The included USB-C cable features solid connectors on either end, though they are very large:

The cable has clear branding on the side, reflecting the attention to detail:

For those interested, I see ddHifi also offer alternative cables with different angles - a very nice touch:

Premium Construction

The TC44Pro E3 features an impeccable all-metal construction with a beautiful silver finish accented by copper-colored elements. The build quality is exceptional, with the device feeling solid and durable despite its remarkably compact size.

The chassis has clean lines and precision-cut details that showcase ddHiFi’s commitment to quality manufacturing:

At just 44.3×17.5×11.6mm and weighing only 13.6g, the TC44Pro E3 is astonishingly compact. When compared to other dongles in my collection, its efficiency in packing substantial power into such a small form factor becomes even more impressive.

For example, next to the already tiny new Snowsky Melody, the Eye3 is even smaller:

Design and Features

Thoughtful Button Layout

One of the TC44Pro E3’s standout design elements is its intuitive control scheme featuring three front-facing buttons:

The volume up/down buttons are perfectly sized for easy blind adjustment, while the gain switch is positioned slightly apart to prevent accidental toggling. This layout enables effortless one-handed operation, a thoughtful design choice that enhances the user experience.

Button operations include:

• Volume Control: Short press the +/- buttons repeatedly to adjust volume, with 60 precise steps available
• Gain Switch: Short press to toggle high gain mode, with a yellow indicator light on the back illuminating when active

Innovative Indicator Light Placement

The TC44Pro E3 features indicator lights positioned on the back of the device rather than the top or front:

This design choice prevents uncomfortable direct light exposure during nighttime use, showing consideration for real-world user scenarios. The lights provide the following information:

• Blue: Indicates PCM decoding output
• Green: Shows native DSD decoding output
• Yellow: Indicates high-gain mode is active

When playing DSD files on an Android phone, you’ll need to enable USB exclusive mode in your music app and set the DSD output to “Native” to activate the DSD indicator.

Dual DAC Architecture

The TC44Pro E3 employs dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips, providing excellent audio performance with support for high-resolution formats:

• PCM decoding up to 32bit/384kHz
• Native DSD decoding up to DSD256

This dual DAC configuration ensures optimal channel separation and detailed sound reproduction throughout the frequency range.

Versatile Connectivity

The TC44Pro E3 offers both 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended outputs, providing flexibility for different headphone setups:

The two output ports are ingeniously placed close together to save space while maintaining full functionality. This design efficiency is part of what allows the TC44Pro E3 to maintain such a compact form factor without sacrificing connection options.

Sound Impressions

The ddHiFi TC44Pro E3 delivers impressive audio performance that belies its compact size with a impressive neutral transparent sound signature, especially from the balanced output:

Bass

The bass response is authoritative and well-controlled:

• Excellent extension into sub-bass regions with proper weight
• Tight, punchy mid-bass with clear definition
• Good textural detail that reveals layering in complex bass passages
• Clean transient response with natural decay

Test Tracks:

• “Daft Punk - Contact”: The powerful bass progression maintains excellent definition without bloat.
• “James Blake - Limit to Your Love”: The sub-bass drops are reproduced with impressive depth and control.

Midrange

The midrange presentation is natural and transparent:

• Clear, detailed vocal reproduction with appropriate body
• Excellent instrument separation and timbral accuracy
• Neutral tonality that neither emphasizes nor recesses the midrange
• Fine detail retrieval that enhances the listening experience

Test Tracks:

• “Norah Jones - Don’t Know Why”: Vocals are rendered with natural warmth and clarity.
• “Eagles - Hotel California (Live)”: The complex interplay of acoustic guitars shows excellent separation and detail.

Treble

The treble extends well with good air and detail:

• Smooth yet detailed high-frequency presentation
• Good sparkle without becoming harsh or fatiguing
• Excellent cymbal decay and micro-detail
• Well-integrated with the rest of the frequency spectrum

Test Tracks:

• “Dave Brubeck - Take Five”: The cymbal work shows excellent detail and natural shimmer.
• “Yosi Horikawa - Wandering”: High-frequency details are presented with excellent clarity and spatial positioning.

Soundstage & Imaging

For such a compact device, the TC44Pro E3 creates an impressive spatial presentation:

• Good width that extends beyond the headphone drivers
• Precise instrument positioning and imaging
• Decent depth perception that creates a convincing soundstage
• Excellent separation that prevents congestion in complex passages

Test Tracks:

• “Amber Rubarth - Sessions from the 17th Ward”: The binaural recording showcases the TC44Pro E3’s excellent spatial capabilities.
• “Pink Floyd - Time”: The clock sounds at the beginning are precisely placed within the soundstage.

Comparisons

To properly contextualize the ddHiFi TC44Pro E3’s performance, I’ve compared it with several other popular USB DAC dongles:

Power Output Comparison

The TC44Pro E3’s most impressive feature is arguably its power output relative to its size. With 510mW from the balanced output, it provides excellent driving capability for a wide range of headphones and IEMs.

Here’s a closer comparison with the some of the other dongles, highlighting the TC44Pro E3’s more compact dimensions:

Here’s how it stacks up against other dongles in my collection:

The TC44Pro E3 offers one of the best power-to-size ratios in this comparison, delivering substantial output from an incredibly compact chassis. While devices like the FiiO KA17 and QX13 offer more power with their desktop modes, they’re significantly larger and more expensive. Devices like the Fosi Audio DS2 are cheaper and have similar internals and therefore offer similar power but are bulkier devices.

Specifications and Measurements

The ddHiFi TC44Pro E3 (Eye3) boasts impressive technical specifications:

3.5mm Single-Ended Output (High-gain mode, 32Ω Load)

4.4mm Balanced Output (High-gain mode, 32Ω Load)

Audio Performance

Rating Explanation

I’ve given the ddHiFi TC44Pro E3 a pragmatic rating of 4/5 stars for several compelling reasons:

• Exceptional Power-to-Size Ratio: The 510mW output from such a tiny package is truly impressive and provides ample power for most headphones
• Premium Build Quality: The all-metal construction and attention to detail reflect excellent craftsmanship
• Thoughtful Design: The button layout, indicator light placement, and overall ergonomics show careful consideration of user experience
• Technical Performance: The dual CS43198 DACs deliver excellent sound quality with very low distortion

However, there are a few limitations that prevent a perfect score:

1. Battery Drain: The powerful output can deplete smartphone batteries fairly quickly
2. No App Support: Unlike some competitors, there’s no companion app for configuration
3. No PEQ: The lack of parametric EQ capability is becoming more noticeable as similar-priced dongles now include this feature

Ideal Users:

The ddHiFi TC44Pro E3 is perfect for:

• Audiophiles seeking maximum power in the smallest possible package
• Users who prioritize build quality and minimalist design
• Those who need a highly portable solution without compromising on power
• Listeners who prefer hardware controls over app-based adjustments

Conclusion

The ddHiFi TC44Pro E3 represents an impressive achievement in portable audio. By combining dual premium DAC chips, substantial power output, and thoughtful design in an incredibly compact package, ddHiFi has created a product that stands out in the increasingly crowded dongle market.

While it lacks some software features found in competitors like FiiO’s dongles with their companion apps, the TC44Pro E3 excels in its primary mission: delivering exceptional audio performance in the smallest possible form factor. The impressive 510mW balanced output provides enough power to drive most headphones with authority, making this tiny dongle a serious contender even against larger portable and desktop solutions.

For those who prioritize size-to-performance ratio and don’t need app-based features or PEQ, the TC44Pro E3 is an excellent choice that exemplifies the remarkable progress in portable audio technology.