DDHiFi TC35Air: USB-C Dongle DAC With a Clear Shell

The TC35Air was launched by DDHiFi in mainland China last Thursday (the 10th). The main feature of this new USB-C “dongle DAC” is its translucent housing, made of transparent polycarbonate (PC), which allows users to see its circuit board. With its cable-free design and low weight, the TC35Air can help reduce problems caused by poor electrical contact. Further details are provided below.

TC35Air features a transparent housing that reveals its internal hardware

Featuring a transparent polycarbonate (PC) housing, the TC35Air is a USB-C DAC and amplifier with a 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) output. DDHiFi selected this material to allow users to see the internal hardware of its new “dongle DAC.”

A T-shaped DAC/amp with an improved design

In 2020, DDHiFi became the first company to launch a T-shaped “dongle DAC” (portable DAC/amp). The Chinese audio accessory manufacturer intended to minimize mechanical stress on smartphone USB ports. The company also eliminated the cable from its device, thereby preventing problems caused by poor electrical contact.

The TC35Air is a refined version of DDHiFi’s original T-shaped design. Weighing just 6 g and measuring 28.8 × 25.4 × 10.4 mm, its housing is thinner and lighter than those of the models released six years ago.

Support for inline microphones and controls

Thanks to its support for the CTIA standard, the TC35Air is compatible with headphones featuring inline controls and microphones on cables with 3.5 mm plugs. This allows users to easily control music playback and volume, as well as answer calls on smartphones and laptops.

Support for the ddHiFi LINK app

The ddHiFi LINK app for Android mobile devices allows users to adjust various TC35Air settings. Below are some examples of features that can be controlled through DDHiFi’s app.

• Turn the LED on or off
• Select different filters
• Adjust the gain
• Create custom equalization profiles using an eight-band equalizer

RGB LED indicates the sample rate

The TC35Air features a small LED that indicates the sample rate range of the music being played. The meaning of each LED color is described below.

• Blue: PCM audio with a sample rate of 48 kHz or lower (e.g., 44.1 kHz).
• Green: PCM audio with a sample rate of 88.2 kHz or higher (e.g., 96 kHz, 192 kHz, or 384 kHz).
• White: Playback of DSD64, DSD128, or DSD256 music with the output configured for native DSD.

The DAC chip and amplification circuit used in the TC35Air

DDHiFi selected the Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chip for the TC35Air. The portable DAC/amp’s amplification circuit uses the SG Micro SGM8262 operational amplifier (op-amp).

Ample output power for most portable headphones

Delivering 210 mW into 32 Ω through its 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) output, the TC35Air can drive most IEMs (in-ear monitors) and flathead earbuds. Note that this DDHiFi “dongle DAC” does not have a 4.4 mm balanced output.

An alternative for those who prefer a metal housing

For users who prefer products with metal housings over plastic ones, DDHiFi launched an aluminum-alloy version of the TC35Air today (the 15th), called the TC35AL.

In addition to its more “premium” appearance, the TC35AL offers the advantage of greater attenuation of electromagnetic interference thanks to its metal housing.

No USB port for charging during use

Users should be aware that the TC35Air does not have a USB-C port for charging a smartphone’s battery while listening to music. The portable DAC/amp features only a 3.5 mm headphone output and a USB-C connector for connecting to laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The same applies to the TC35AL.

DDHiFi TC35Air and DDHiFi TC35AL: Specifications

• Amplification: SG Micro SGM8262 op-amp
• DAC chip: Cirrus Logic CS43198
• Dimensions: 28.8 × 25.4 × 10.4 mm
• Headphone outputs: One 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) output
• Housing material: Transparent polycarbonate for the TC35Air or AL6063 aluminum alloy for the TC35AL
• Maximum supported resolution: 24-bit/384 kHz
• Native DSD support: DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256
• Output power: 210 mW into 32 Ω
• Support for inline controls and microphones: Yes, through the CTIA standard
• Support for the ddHiFi LINK app: Yes, available for Android
• Weight: 6 g for the TC35Air and 8.6 g for the TC35AL

Release, pricing, and availability

The DDHiFi TC35Air and DDHiFi TC35AL are now available in mainland China for 298 yuan (approximately US$44.41). The TC35Air and TC35AL will be priced at US$45.99 in the international market, but an international release date has not yet been announced. This article will be updated as new information becomes available.