ddHiFi TC100-COA USB-C to Digital Coaxial Converter Review
The early generations of DACs and AMPs have only the digital coaxial and optical input interfaces but do not feature a USB input. As a result, they could not directly interface with audio source devices that interface via the USB, mainly Android devices with the USB-C interface or phones with the Lightning interface. The TC100-COA provides these old devices with a new lease of life and allows them to interface via a USB connection.
TC100-COA can be used with iPhone or Android smartphones (and tablets of course), recommended using with Music APPs such as Apple Music, which provides lossless music with a sampling rate of up to 24 bit/192 kHz.
To ensure reliable and accurate transmission on the coaxial cable, the center conductor of the TC100-COA adopts a high-standard integrated design, with two lengths option of 35 cm / 65 cm. It also features a 99.9999 % high purity OCC copper conductor rated at 75 0hm impedance; its thicker wire diameter ensures impedance consistency which is also crucial for the transmission of coaxial signals.
Due to adopting a USB-C female connector as its input, allows for the use of an array of interfaces when the TC100-COA is connected to digital devices, not limited to USB-C, USB-A, and Lightning. One can select a suitable data cable to connect the digital device directly according to your need for different cable lengths.
Some USB-C high-speed data cables may not be compatible with TC100-COA.
When working with an iPhone, it is required to use the data cable with OTG functions. The conventional data cable without the OTG function won’t work.
For some inferior USB conversion devices, the ground of the USB is directly connected to one of the coaxial outputs or uses only one capacitor to create the isolation, as a result, this audio transmission would be unreliable. The TC100-COA adopts a DA101C digital audio transformer from Murata company, which balances the USB input and coaxial output circuits, to ensure high-quality digital audio transmission.
Specs
- Sample Rate Support: Up to 24 bit/192 kHz
- Cable: OCC 750 Coaxial Audio Cable
- Weight / Length: 45 g/ 35 cm, 65 g / 65 cm
- Interface Type: USB-C Connector, RCA Plug
- Price: $89 (35cm), $99 (65cm)
After some testing, I can easily say that the TC100-COA carries clean, articulate, and dynamic sound. It has a linear delivery with no particular emphasis on any region. It feels unsaturated and direct. Sounds defined, clean, and clear, carrying a good amount of detail (24 bit/192 kHz).
ddHiFi TC100SddHifi also launched the model TC100S with a detachable RCA cable.
Sum-Up
Another must-have audio gear from ddHiFi which we cable maniacs can’t miss. Connecting the past with the future, this one truly deserves a good place in my collection.