TRN TE PRO Review

The TE Pro has an OLED display to show settings and playback information. Control is via the buttons on the unit: a double press on the M button opens the menu, a short press on the “+” and “-” buttons switches tracks, and a long press increases or decreases the volume.

The TRN TE PRO DAC case is made of metal with a linear texture and a tempered glass back panel, providing a modern look. The dimensions of the device are 57mm x 23mm x 13mm and the weight is about 25g (without cable). The device provides a maximum output power of 2×125 mW (unbalanced output) and 2×240 mW (balanced output).

Features

• Flagship Dual-Chip Technology: The TE Pro features dual CS43198 DAC chips paired with a CT7601PR audio bridge controller.
• High-Resolution Audio: Supporting 32bit/768kHz and DSD256 decoding, the TE Pro ensures precise sound reproduction with superior frequency response, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio.
• Versatile Output with Dual Headphone Jacks: The TE Pro includes 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, offering flexibility for different devices and power requirements. The 3.5mm jack also supports S/PDIF output for enhanced playback when used with other decoders.
• OLED Display for Easy Navigation: The OLED display offers intuitive control through a setup menu and displays playback information, enhancing user interaction.
• Compact and Elegant Design: Crafted with precision, the TE Pro’s CNC metal body features a linear texture and a clear tempered glass rear cover, providing a sleek, metallic feel that fits comfortably in your hand.

Specifications

• DAC Chip: CS43198*2 Chip
• USB Type: Type-C USB2.0
• Supported Specifications: 32bit/768kHz, DSD256
• Dimensions: 57mm*23mm*13mm
• Weight: ≈25g (Cable not included)
• Screen: OLED Display
• Maximum Output Power: 2X125mW (RL=32Ω single-ended, THD+N≤1%); 2X240mW (RL=32Ω balanced, THD+N≤1%)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 125dB (32Ω/A-weighted/single-ended); 130dB (32Ω/A-weighted/balanced)
• Operating Voltage: 3.4V-5.3V
• Cable Impedance: ≤200Ω
• Channel Crosstalk: -68dB (RL=32Ω single-ended, 10mW); -117dB (RL=32Ω balanced, 10mW)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: -108dB (RL=32Ω single-ended, 100mW); -106dB (RL=32Ω balanced, 100mW)
• Price: $95.99

I would like to thank Shenzhenaudio for providing me with the review sample of the TRN TE PRO dongle DAC.

Unboxing

Menu

Sound

Neutral, crisp, and detailed. These are the 3 keywords to describe TRN TE PRO’s main objectives. It aims to reproduce the original sound in its most original form. As such, the TRN TE PRO comes off as neutral and highly resolving.

The TRN TE PRO comes off as a neutral-sounding DAC with a focus on providing clarity. It does not provide additional or less warmth to the sound.

The bass response is crisp with a great level of detail. Thus, this opens the mid-range and allows it to shine through the overall sound. The midrange is presented in a lush and highly resolving manner. Treble energy is very good and remains neutral without coloration.

That being said, the TRN TE PRO has a very black background and excellent dynamic range. Dynamic is superb, even more, so if you use the 4.4mm output, but through my listening, I found that TRN TE PRO narrowed the gap between the single-ended and balanced outputs. While the 4.4mm Pentaconn remains king in terms of spaciousness, on my FiiO FH19, the voices were equally natural, and well-controlled, on the 3.5mm plug.

Lows

The TRN TE PRO is capable of delivering impactful yet agile bass. The sub and mid-bass quantities are great. The TRN TE PRO can easily extend and reach when the track asks for it. It does not feel like it is lacking anybody in bass and shapes its response well according to the track’s requirements.

Pairing it with an equally capable in-ear monitor gets you a tight, fast bass with a great slam and that’s quite good at any price point. The extension is nice. Overall, the bass has adequate presence, carries a good amount of detail, and feels fast enough to feel dynamic. 

Mids

The midrange is clean, resolving, and articulate. The transition from bass to mids is smooth. The vocals feel articulate, clean, and natural. The stringed instruments do not lack body and their timbre feels great for a DAC that is sub $100. 

The upper mids are controlled yet expansive and they carry a good amount of detail also. The presentation feels airy and spacious partly due to the well-done tuning of this region. Hi-hats and cymbals never sound dull or too harsh as they carry a good amount of excitement while staying away from the sibilance.

Treble

The TRN TE PRO’s treble reproduction is impressive, just like its midrange. It offers a clean, extended, and controlled treble. It is not overdone, or it is not boosted to impose a false sense of resolution, it is rather well done and it does not feel aggressive or lacking in any way.

The bite is there when the track asks for it, and so is the extension. The treble sounds resolving, clean, and dynamic. It boosts the perceived sense of articulacy. TRN TE PRO has energetic, detailed yet natural treble responses.

Technicalities

From a technical standpoint, the TRN TE PRO has a great tonal balance, great clarity, and a spacious and airy presentation. It handles congestion well and multi-instrumented complex passages are easy dilemmas when paired with an equally capable IEM.

Soundstage-wise, the TRN TE PRO does not feel like it has the most expansive stage in the history of portable DAC AMPs. It is adequately proportioned. 

Sum-Up

The most impressive side of the TRN TE PRO is its tonal performance, no doubt. It feels coherent, and linear across the frequency spectrum. No overlapping, no dips, no peaks, no saturation. It supports high-resolution audio formats and offers an immersive listening experience with exceptional sound clarity and detail.

Oh and one last thing, the TE PRO is the most good-looking dongle DAC ever!