ddHiFi TC44Grip Review

  

Introduction:

ddHiFi introduces the TC44Grip, a thoughtfully engineered USB DAC/AMP that prioritizes both functionality and innovation. Priced at approximately $150, this compact device enhances smartphone audio by integrating directly with the phone, eliminating the inconvenience of dangling cables. Equipped with dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips, it supports high-resolution audio formats, including PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD256.

Tested with an Android phone paired with the ddHiFi Surface and MOONDROP Harmony IEMs, the TC44Grip delivers reliable performance for mobile listening scenarios, such as commuting or casual use. Lets take a closer look.

 

Disclaimer:

I’d like to thank ddHiFi for providing the TC44Grip sample for this review. I’m not affiliated with ddHiFi beyond this review, and the opinions here are my honest thoughts about the product.

 

Price & Availability:

Considering its features and unique design, the ddHiFi TC44Grip is competitively priced for mobile audiophiles. The device is currently available for around $159.99 through official channels. More information can be found at the link below:

• ddHiFi TC44Grip USB DAC/AMP ddiddHiFi dsddddTC44Grip

 

Package & Accessories:

The TC44Grip arrives in a compact package that includes the device itself, along with a set of accessories designed to enhance its primary function.

Notably, the kit contains a variety of magnetic pads with adhesive backing, including a durable aluminum alloy version and a more subtle leather option in two colors. These pads are the core of the device’s “Grip” concept, allowing it to securely attach to your smartphone. The inclusion of multiple options and colors demonstrates a thoughtful consideration for user preference and long-term use.

 

Design & Build Quality:

The ddHiFi TC44Grip’s design is a interesting departure from the traditional dongle form factor, engineered to provide a seamless, cable-free audio solution for smartphones. Its core principle is elegant in its simplicity: it attaches directly to the back of a phone, eliminating the “dangling” problem that plagues many portable DACs.

The device itself is a compact block of CNC-machined metal, feeling both solid and lightweight in hand. It features a streamlined aesthetic, with a clean surface that can be customized with the included leather or aluminum pads.

The cleverest part of the design is the integrated, bendable USB-C cable. This short pure silver shielded connection cable connects the main unit to the phone’s charging port, while a dedicated groove on the back of the chassis allows it to be neatly tucked away when not in use. This integration not only reduces clutter but also minimizes the mechanical stress on both the phone’s port and the DAC’s connector.

On one side, the TC44Grip houses both a 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced output. The placement of these ports allows the headphones to connect from the bottom of the phone, leaving the top and sides clear and making the phone easier to hold or place in a pocket without tangled wires.

An LED indicator provides visual feedback on the decoding format, glowing blue for standard PCM, green for high-resolution PCM, and white for native DSD playback.

The magnetic grip system, powered by the included “Attraction Pads,” is a major highlight. The aluminum alloy pad contains a strong, integrated magnet, making it ideal for prolonged and intensive daily use by providing a powerful attraction.

In contrast, the leather pads feature only an embedded ferromagnetic plate, resulting in a moderate magnetic strength that is suitable for occasional use. This variety ensures that the DAC stays firmly in place even with daily movement while catering to different user scenarios.

The ability to listen to music while simultaneously charging the phone via the passthrough USB-C port is a significant feature, mitigating the battery drain that is an expected trade-off for using a high-fidelity device.

This thoughtful design makes the TC44Grip a true companion for a mobile-first lifestyle, prioritizing practicality and an integrated user experience.

 

 

Technical Specifications:

• DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 chips
• AMP Chips: Dual SGM8262-2
• PCM Decoding: Up to 32bit/768kHz
• DSD Decoding: Up to DSD256
• Output: 4.4mm BAL + 3.5mm SE
• 3.5mm Output Power (32Ω): ≥80 mW
• 4.4mm Output Power (32Ω): ≥330 mW
• THD+N: ≤ 0.0004%
• SNR: ≥125dB
• USB-C Charging Input: Supports up to PD 60W

  

Hardware Features:

The TC44Grip is built around a powerful core that belies its small size. The dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs, paired with dual SGM8262-2 op-amps, form a balanced architecture that aims to deliver clean and powerful sound.

The driving power is one of the TC44Grip’s standout features. With a balanced output of over 330 mW at 32Ω, it provides more than enough power for most IEMs and even some sensitive portable headphones. To evaluate its capability, I paired it with the ddHiFi Surface and MOONDROP Harmon IEMs. The balanced output, in particular, provided ample headroom, ensuring that dynamic passages in complex tracks were handled without a hint of distortion. The single-ended output, while less powerful, is still capable of comfortably driving efficient gear.

A crucial consideration for any dongle DAC is noise performance. The TC44Grip demonstrates a commendably low noise floor. When paired with the sensitive ddHiFi Surface IEMs, I noticed no audible hiss or background noise during silent moments or at low volumes. This ensures a clean canvas for the music, allowing for an immersive listening experience without any unwanted artifacts.

Supported Sampling Rates:

The ddHiFi TC44Grip is a portable DAC/AMP that features dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips and dual SGM8262-2 op-amps. It is engineered to provide high-resolution audio decoding with support for PCM formats up to 32-bit/768kHz. The device also offers native decoding for DSD (Direct Stream Digital) audio, including DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256, ensuring a high-fidelity playback experience without conversion.

 

Connectivity:

The ddHiFi TC44Grip is broadly compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows PCs, Macs, Android devices, and iOS devices with Tye-C port. It operates on a plug-and-play basis for most modern systems, requiring no additional driver installation.

 

Unique Features:

The ddHiFi TC44Grip distinguishes itself from conventional portable DAC/Amps by integrating two innovative features that significantly enhance user experience: the simultaneous listening and charging capability, and the magnetic grip system. These elements go beyond mere audio performance to address common usability issues.

Simultaneous Listening & Charging:

This functionality solves a major inconvenience inherent in using most DAC dongles, which occupy the device’s charging port. By incorporating a separate USB-C input dedicated to Power Delivery (PD) charging, the TC44Grip allows a smartphone to receive power while actively decoding and amplifying audio. This is particularly beneficial for high-power headphones or during extended listening sessions, as it prevents the rapid battery drain that high-resolution audio processing can cause. The support for up to 60W PD fast charging is a notable advantage, as it ensures that even power-hungry devices like laptops can be charged effectively, transforming the TC44Grip from a simple audio accessory into a versatile hub. This feature provides a practical solution to the trade-off between battery life and audio quality, a common pain point for audiophiles on the go.

 

Magnetic Grip System:

The magnetic grip system is a thoughtful design choice that tackles the practical problem of portability. Instead of a dangling, cumbersome dongle that can put stress on a phone’s port, the TC44Grip’s “Grip-style” design allows it to attach securely and neatly to the back of a mobile device. The inclusion of two types of attraction pads, a robust aluminum pad for a strong hold and a subtle leather pad for a lighter connection, offers users a choice based on their needs and aesthetic preferences. This integrated design not only simplifies cable management with its shielded pure silver cable but also reduces the risk of damage to the USB port. The result is a more elegant and stable setup that feels like an extension of the phone itself, rather than an added accessory.

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• DAC’s            : ddHiFi TC44Grip
• USB Source  : Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, MSI Vector GP68 HX
• IEM’s              : ddHiFi Surface, MOONDROP Harmon 

 

Albums & Tracks Used for this Review:

Vocal Jazz / Smooth Jazz

• Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
• Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Sting – Englishman in New York (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Otto Liebert & Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)

Soul / R&B

• Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Prayer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Adele – My Little Love (Apple Lossless)
• George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)

Pop / Rock Classics

• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Elton John – Rocket Man (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Apple Lossless)

Electronic / Experimental

• Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Apple Lossless)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Apple Lossless)
• Toutant – Rebirth (Apple Lossless)

Alternative / Indie / Art Rock

• Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Lossless)
• Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Lossless)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Lossless)
• Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Bear McCreary – Valkyries (Apple Lossless)

Classical / Orchestral

• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturne No. 20 in C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Apple Lossless)
• Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Vivaldi – Le Quattro Stagioni “The Four Seasons” (Apple Lossless)
• Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)

Jazz / Instrumental

• Miles Davis – So What (Apple Lossless)

World / Traditional

• Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)

Metal / Progressive Rock

• Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Apple Lossless)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove It) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Rush – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Apple Lossless)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Apple Lossless)

 

The Sound:

The ddHiFi TC44Grip delivers a sound signature that is best described as neutral with a subtle touch of warmth, particularly in the midrange. This tuning ensures that the audio is both clean and highly detailed, while still offering a sense of musicality that makes for an engaging and effortless listening experience. I allowed for a brief break-in period before conducting my listening tests using the ddHiFi Surface and MOONDROP Harmon IEMs, noting how the sound matured and settled into its character.

Bass:

The bass response is notable for its exceptional control and definition, providing a solid and well-textured foundation while remaining appropriately balanced within the overall sound. It contributes significantly to the overall macro detail of the music, underpinning the sound with a powerful sense of authority and weight that feels both natural and impactful. The sub-bass extends with impressive depth and presence, delivering a satisfying rumble that is tight and well-defined, rather than a loose, boomy mess.

The mid-bass, in particular, carries a quick, dynamic punch that adds a welcome sense of drive and energy to rhythmic tracks. With the ddHiFi Surface, the TC44Grip’s low-end is articulated with a firm, fast character, ensuring that percussive hits are delivered with a clean impact and a quick decay. Meanwhile, the MOONDROP Harmon benefits from the device’s ability to reproduce subtle textural details in bass lines, adding a satisfying layer of warmth and organic body to the sound. This well-controlled and articulate approach to the low-end ensures excellent bass resolution even in the most complex arrangements.

 

 

Midrange:

The TC44Grip’s midrange presentation is a key strength, offering a forward, natural, and highly engaging quality that carries a subtle warmth. This tuning gives instruments and vocals a sense of full-bodied substance and presence. Male vocals sound rich and powerful, while female vocals are rendered with excellent definition and a smooth, lifelike timbre, revealing subtle emotional resonance and articulation. The layering and separation of individual instruments are handled with remarkable precision, allowing complex arrangements to remain clear and uncluttered.

I found that the TC44Grip excels at revealing fine micro details within the music, such as the subtle creak of a piano pedal or the gentle breath of a vocalist. When used with the ddHiFi Surface, the TC44Grip delivers a detailed and cohesive midrange, while the MOONDROP Harmon benefits from the device’s ability to reproduce subtle nuances and rich tones without a hint of harshness.

Treble:

The treble on the TC44Grip is both well-extended and remarkably clear, striking a good balance between brightness and smoothness. Its airy extension adds a sense of openness and space to the sound, without ever becoming sharp, metallic, or fatiguing, even during extended listening sessions. The resolution in the high frequencies is notable, revealing subtle micro details and delicate harmonics that add to the overall richness and clarity of the music. The decay of notes, such as cymbals and hi-hats, is natural and realistic, avoiding any artificial ring or abrupt cutoff.

This allows the treble to sound both energetic and refined. When paired with the ddHiFi Surface, the TC44Grip brings out the finer nuances in high-frequency elements, rendering them with a crisp yet natural timbre. With the MOONDROP Harmon, the device showcases its ability to handle complex, high-pitched notes with exceptional control, ensuring that flutes and string sections are presented with pinpoint precision and a touch of organic sparkle. This well-handled and refined treble provides a precise definition of high-end sounds, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the high-end without a hint of discomfort.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The soundstage of the TC44Grip offers a decent sense of space for a compact dongle DAC. It provides a spatial experience with a commendable sense of width and depth. The device offers clear instrument placement and separation, allowing for distinct layers to be perceived. The imaging is precise, ensuring that elements are positioned accurately within the stereo field. While not matching the expansive presentation of a dedicated desktop setup, the TC44Grip’s spatial performance is effective and provides a satisfying listening experience for its size and cost.

 

 

Conclusion:

The ddHiFi TC44Grip is an excellent and innovative device that provides a compelling audio upgrade for the mobile audiophile. Its unique magnetic attachment system and integrated cable successfully solve the common inconveniences associated with traditional dongle DACs, making it a joy to use on the go. The sound signature is a well-judged blend of neutrality and warmth, with a clean and detailed presentation that is versatile across various music genres. With ample power for IEMs and a low noise floor, it is a reliable and practical daily driver. While its output may not be sufficient for demanding high-impedance headphones, its overall performance, design, and thoughtful features make it a superb value for its price.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Clean, neutral-warm sound profile with a lovely midrange
• + Innovative magnetic design eliminates cable clutter
• + Simultaneous charging while listening
• + Ample power for most IEMs via the balanced output
• + Low noise floor, ideal for sensitive earphones
• + Durable and well-built with a focus on ergonomics

 

• – Lacks integrated volume control
• – No APP for customization
• – Soundstage is good but not expansive

 

Thank you for the Read!