Short answer: the TRN Black Pearl. It ranks #3 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 4.4/5, at $35; the TANCHJIM Space ranks #5, rated 4.2/5, and costs $89.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
What the TRN Black Pearl does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It only takes USB-C input, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth.
What the TANCHJIM Space does well: Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, right at the level where noise and distortion become inaudible, so this dongle is effectively transparent. The catch: It rates below the FiiO KA15 for a similar price, and that rival publishes more than twice the power from its balanced output.
Buy the TRN Black Pearl. It is rated higher than the TANCHJIM Space and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| TRN Black Pearl | TANCHJIM Space | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35.00 | $89.99 |
| Ranked | #3 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #5 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 320 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 | 2 x CS43131 |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | Digital (buttons) |
| Equalizer | Yes (8-band, app) | - |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.9” x 0.5” (57 x 23 x 13 mm) | - |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (25 g) | - |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How TRN Black Pearl compares with other leading options:
- FiiO KA15 vs TRN Black Pearl
- E1DA 9039S vs TRN Black Pearl
- TRN Black Pearl vs Fosi Audio DS3
- TRN Black Pearl vs TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro
- TRN Black Pearl vs Fosi Audio DS2
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Amps and DACs In Full
TRN Black Pearl: $35.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 320 mW into 32 ohms from its 4.4 mm balanced output drives most headphones, and it adds a 3.5 mm output and an 8 band EQ app. It rates higher than the Chord Mojo 2 for a small fraction of the price.
Cons: It only takes USB-C input, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth. The FiiO KA15 rates higher and is rated for more balanced power, though it costs more.
Full TRN Black Pearl review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.9” x 0.5” (57 x 23 x 13 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (8-band, app) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 320 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (25 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
TANCHJIM Space: $89.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, right at the level where noise and distortion become inaudible, so this dongle is effectively transparent. A rated 230 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones, and it offers both a 3.5 mm jack and a 4.4 mm balanced output with dual CS43131 DAC chips. Button volume control lets you adjust level on the dongle itself.
Cons: It rates below the FiiO KA15 for a similar price, and that rival publishes more than twice the power from its balanced output. The TRN Black Pearl rates higher and measured cleaner for much less. The 230 mW figure suits most headphones but leaves little headroom for hard to drive planar magnetic models.
Full TANCHJIM Space review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons