TRUTHEAR SHIO: Power Overwhelming and Affordability.

"The single most important top-level trend is the shift to mobile."

–Max Levchin, Software Engineer and Co-founder of Paypal.

This is my second product review for TRUTHEAR and this time its a USB DAC Dongle. USB DAC dongles are becoming a staple device for a portable audio enthusiast. I'm quite aware of its possible relevance given that the 3.5mm headphone jack will go extinct in the future due to some trend on following such a "cult of courage" by a tech company declaring that analogue jack is obsolete and almost all phone manufacturers followed suit on it.

Like all audio companies, TRUTHEAR made a wise decision to jump on the opportunity and they also released a USB DAC dongle that will be more affordable and will give an appealing to be valuable proposition for audio improvements. Along with TRUTH HOLA, TRUTHEAR accompanied it with TRUTHEAR SHIO.

TRUTHEAR SHIO (Shio means salt in Japanese) is a USB DAC dongle device, it is the company's first attempt to release such a device. Like its name, It enhances the audio quality by decoding an audio file and delivers a more dynamic and even better sonic performance just like the salt seasoning that makes the flavour of dish taste more palatable to our tongue.

Like almost USB DAC dongles, SHIO takes an elongated rectangular appearance and it is made of lightweight, CNC-milled aluminium alloy that gives a decent solid build quality. Then it was laminated with a P-leather (Polyurethane) upholstery that seamlessly covered the metal shell chassis to give a sense of premium and sophistication on feeling. It also features a hardware key button for volume adjustment and manual gain switch which is quite tactile enough. On both sides of the ends, it has type-C for data synching from multimedia device sources like smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs then on the other opposite part is where the dual output interfaces were placed. It has a short detachable type-C OTG cable covered with nylon fabric mesh, this cable will ensure a better transmission of data.

These output interfaces consist of a 3.5mm unbalanced output jack and a 4.4mm balanced output which gives more choices and requirements beneficial for a portable audio enthusiast. Both jacks can deliver an impressive power output depending on your listening gears required amplification power.

I've tested the SHIO to some cans with planar transducers like from Hifimans, Fostex and Audeze which are notoriously known to be power hungry sets that needs a desktop grade DAC/Amps and amazingly, SHIO deliver a laudable performance to drive and amplifies those cans smoothly and efficiently.

Regarding its hardware keys buttons, it still relies on multimedia host's incremental volume level on amplitude scaling, specifically on music software apps that supports USB dongles like HiBy music player, UAPP and Onkyo, and unfortunately it doesn't have an independent volume of its own. But given that it has a hardware volume key button which gives me another option aside from doing some volume adjustment from my phone, it is quite helpful on my part. It also serves as a manual gain switch as I mentioned before by pressing the middle part of the button and there's a small LED indicator beside it to determine the colour-coded gain mode, Red for normal gain mode and yellow for high gain mode on PCM. DSD gain mode has different colour, Blue signifies low gain mode and Purple on high gain.

On SHIO'S internals, it has dual, flagship-grade CS43198 Cirrus Logic DAC/amp chips. I'm quite familiar with this DAC/amp model as this is one the latest generation of DAC/amp coming from Cirrus Logic that is very power efficient and has advanced digital interpolation filter modes. It has a DSD playback that can support up to DSD256 and sampling frequency up to 384KHz (x2 on SHIO since it is dual). It can support up to 600 Ohms with an impressive dynamic range of 130 dB. This DAC chip will definitely deliver a very high performance that is almost achievable from desktop grade DAC/Amps. The most notable devices that use the same DAC chip are A&K's SR15 and SR25 Mk.II, iBasso DX300 and Topping D30 PRO.

When it comes to playback, SHIO is compatible with all known lossless audio formats from FLAC to DSD. It is rated that it can decode a file format of lossless audio quality from 16/44.1KHz (CD-quality)  up to 32-Bit/768KHz (Hi-Res, Vinyl-grade) on PCM and up to DSD256 on DSD/DXD format.

The product packaging of TRUTHEAR SHIO is rather simple and yet still presentable despite few inclusions. It has a USB Pen drive chassis, a short type-C OTG cable and some paperworks like warranty card, instruction manual and a postcard with TRUTHEAR's mascot, Shiroi.

TRUTHEAR SHIO is compatible with all modern multimedia devices and software operating systems. It can be tethered on smartphones, Laptop,Tablets and PCs. On OS compatibility, it is suitable for Windows, Android, iOS (you need an OTG lightning adapter), MacOS and Linux which make the SHIO very versatile device.

Here are some technical details on power output rating of TRUTHEAR SHIO:

●3.5mm TRS: 1.4 Vrms (low gain), 2Vrms (high gain)

●4.4mm TRRS (Balanced) 2 Vrms (low gain), 4 Vrms (high gain)

●x2 150mW @ 32Ω

●x2  55mW @ 300Ω

When it comes to tonality, SHIO has a rather balanced-neutral sound profile which is quite unusual for a Cirrus Logic DAC/Amp  compared to other devices with Cirrus Logic DAC/Amp chips which are usually on a warmer sound quality. It is also crisper and transparent sounding compared to most CS devices that I've tested before, So SHIO even piques my interest on how TRUTHEAR did it.

LOWS/BASS:

Precise, tactile and punchy, those characteristics that give the cohesive profile of bass quality on SHIO. I discerningly hear those rumblings and reverbs clearly from the sub bass-focus instruments on synth-pop, classic rock and old school hip hop tracks like low tuned bass guitars, electric drums and synthesisers.

Mid bass has an ample dense texture to give a homogenous sound on bass guitars to have a resonant and a more hefty sound, a more deep, richer and smooth sound on bass-baritone vocals and then a sonorous and more "menacing" sound of a bass kick drum.

MIDRANGE:

For a balanced-neutral sound signature, the overall midrange presentation of SHIO is transparent, sterile, linear and has a sufficient warmth just to have a balanced texture on its note weight. In essence, it doesn't sound dry to me after all. Vocals on both genders deliver an acceptable cleanliness, with the sense of spaciousness and energy. Male vocals like baritones, countertenors and tenors have its distinct pitch quality to have this guttural, deep, power and fuller sound quality. On female vocals, first are contraltos, they have this soothing, angelic and smoky sound that are quite pleasing to my ears. next are the mezzo-sopranos which have this hypnotic, luscious and tender to give that cosy listening experience and the last were sopranos, these type of vocals and probably the most technical and complex have this bright, power, full-range timbre and agile (especially for coloratura ones) to give a provocative and regal sound.

As for instruments, it gives an almost accurate sound reproduction of each specific type of instruments, a buttery to lingering crisp sound of an acoustic and electric guitar, an austere to vibrant sound of a violin. Then a brassy, "heroic" and warmer sound on brass instruments like trombones and trumpets, a velvety and reedy sound of  a saxophone, a mellow and ethereal sound of a flute. Tom drums have this dark to sonorous sound while snare drums have this cracking and penetrating sound quality. Pianos have this warmer, broad to vividly bright sound that every strike on its keys gives us that mesmerising sense.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

Treble is rather neutral on this set, it has an adequate brightness to give a scintillating detail and at the same time it has this smoothness to even out some unwanted peaks that might cause harshness and sibilance in tracks.

Cymbals have the right amount of shimmer and sizzle while hi-hats have that shortened crisp sound to give the chick sound. It has a modest amount of sparkle and harmonics to give that airy, Hi-Fi feel.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

As I try to estimate the overall dimension proportion of its sound field, It has an above average extent on its sound/speaker stage width, with good height and a perceived distance in depth either from the front or rear. It really gives me a decent spatial awareness within my head room to give me an immersive feel.

It has good imaging capabilities that let me locate the placement of certain elements in the overall sonic field like instruments and vocals. As for separation and layering, it has a sufficient spacing and organises its specific dynamic and frequency layering of each element in an orderly that doesn't muddle up and sounds congested on more complex, multi-instrumental tracks.

Regarding resolution capability, SHIO performs very solid and cohesive on exhibiting macro-dynamics and a considerable sharp micro-details retrieval on defining nuances and overtones.

As for timbre, it sounds so natural and has this almost uncoloured that there is a very subtle hint of elevation of some frequency on its pitch black sonic canvas to give a crisp and neutral sound.

PEER COMPARISONS:

HIDIZS XO

■ They are quiet comparable from dimensions of its sizes to the overall build quality. XO has more solid metal alloy chassis and have more heft than SHIO. It also has larger RGB LED lighting panel which more appealing towards on current users like gamers. While it doesn't have volume key button but it has digital filter key button.

■ Both interfaces have dual output but XO's balanced output is of a 2.5mm instead of 4.4mm balanced which in my opinion is  better and logical than a bit fragile 2.5m. They have similar type-c for connectivity on their host devices.

■ Both are capable on doing decoding on lossless audio file format but XO has a lesser power out compare to SHIO as I need to crank up a substantial amount of volume level just achieve a proper amplitude level especially on planar cans but on less sensitive IEMs and earbuds, they both perform fine. XO has more warmer and more analogueish sound compare to more transparent and neutral sounding SHIO which really amazed me, like XO has a dual ESS DACs on its internal which is known ro na have tad brighter, transparent neutral sounding.

■ XO can only decode DSD format up to DSD128(DOP)  and has MQA unfolding up to 16x while SHIO has native support of DSD format up to 256 but it doesn't have MQA support.

HIDIZS S3 PRO

■ S3 PRO takes a circular shape form factor but it it has non-detachable type-C. It has a single interface output and it is a lone 3.5mm SE. The weight is somewhat similar to a SHIO which is on the lighter side.

■ S3 PRO has a flagship-grade ESS DAC, an es9281C in which can deliver a well-amplified sound quality. They have almost identical sound signature which is balanced-neutral but S3 PRO has tad brighter treble. Another feature that S3 PRO has was a full decoding and unfolding MQA support which SHIO doesn't have at all.

As I conclude my assessment about this product, This is my fourth review article on doing some thorough assessment on USB DAC dongles. I'm actually learning and gaining some insights about its inner workings on every dongle devices that I've reviewed upon. It really proves that the implementation and refinement of its circuitry of the DAC along its amplification by proper clocking for jitter sensitivity is main driving factor that make sound more of a high quality and TRUTHEAR SHIO is a testament of it.

For sure that it has perceptible lesser technical performance and less pristine sound compared to some more expensive midrange and TOTLs USB DAC dongles (depends of your preferred sound profile). Though with its very affordable pricing, good power output and a logical physical volume key button. TRUTHEAR SHIO is one of the forefront of such product that gives a propositional value to its users will be the common denominator of its versatility.

TRUTHEAR SHIO is now available on SHENZHENAUDIO. If you are interested about this product, check it out HERE*

(*Guaranteed non-affilated link)

HEAD GEAR TESTED:

◆ TRUTHEAR HOLA

◆ SEE AUDIO BRAVERY

◆ BQEYZ WINTER

◆ DUNU KIMA

◆ BQEYZ WINTER

◆ KINERA IDUN GOLDEN

◆ AUDIOSENSE DT300

◆ SEE AUDIO YUME

◆ HIFIMAN SUNDARA

◆ FOSTEX TR40RP MK.II

◆ DAN CLARK AUDIO EXPANSE

◆ AUDEZE LCD1

PROS:

△ It has lightweight metal alloy chassis and a faux-leather upholstery with its outer cover to give that premium feel.

△ A dual output jack on its interface.

△ Detachable Type-C OTG cable.

△ Flagship-grade Cirrus Logic DAC/Amp chip

△ Transparent and neutral sounding dongle.

△ Can decode native DSD format up to DSD256.

△ Has a quite powerful amplification can that able to drive even the most power-hungry planar cans out there.

△ Finally, a volume key button which also work as manual gain switch.

△ Very versatile on connectivity to most multimedia devices and OS compatibility is essentially very flexible to portable audio enthusiast like us either on desktop or mobile.

CONS:

▽ No MQA supports for MQA connoisseurs ▽ Until now, it remains to have some qualms on its build quality.(I hope I was wrong)

▽ Still needs some refinement on technical aspects and do some fine-tuned on tonality to reach the level of some flagships dongles.

▽ If you are familiar on typical Cirrus Logic devices which has thicker, warmer and more analogue sounding that you are quite familiar and use into it, this device might be odd and uncanny to you.(just my slight quibbling about it)

Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *

Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **

Mountain - Mississippi Queen *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*

Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *

New Order - Blue Monday *

The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *

The Madness- Buggy Trousers *

Metallica - Motorbreath **

Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *

Destiny's Child - Say My Name *

Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *

Mozart - Lacrimosa *

New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *

Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*

Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *

Exciter - Violence and Force *

Diana Krall - Stop This World **

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*

The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Lauren Christy – Steep *

Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to TRUTHEAR nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like send my gratitude to SHENZHENAUDIO and also to TRUTHEAR for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

UPDATE: TRUTHEAR release a software update on SHIO to fix some issues. You can check it out here.