Today’s feature is Thomas’s review of the ddHiFi M130B Coffee Cable, an integrated PCM 384kHz capable USB-C DAC and OCC cable for in-ear monitor owners. It is priced at $109.99.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links. I thank ddHiFi for their support.
You can read about previous ddHiFi products we have previously reviewed on Headfonics here.
This article follows our latest scoring guidelines which you can read here.
Upgrading your cable is a fantastic way to personalize your earphones. They can enhance their visual appeal and improve comfort and ergonomics.
Along with about a million other accessories, ddHiFi’s lineup includes a variety of upgraded cables, including the M130B Coffee Cable that we’re checking out today. What makes this cable special is the application of a Type-C connector with a standalone DAC and ES9603Q amplifier.
The M130B is one of ddHiFi’s mid-range cable upgrade options, but their top DAC-equipped model. It slots in above the M110C and M120B.
I’ve spent a few weeks with the M130B and have enjoyed using it with some of my favorite earphones. If you aren’t the type to cable-roll and prefer a simple, all-in-one setup, an upgrade to something like the M130B might be just the ticket.
Features
ddHiFi equipped the M130B with ESS’s reliable SABRE ES9603Q amplifier. This chip provides good audio quality with a clean background and enough power to drive most earphones comfortably.
The M130B supports lossless music formats and can decode up to 32bit/384kHz files. It also features an in-line single-button module supporting the CTIA standard. It replaces a traditional y-split.
Design
Hardware
ddHiFi has equipped the M130B with premium aluminum hardware from end to end. It looks fantastic and feels well-constructed and extremely durable.
Cylindrical Type-C and MMCX plugs with fluted sections to aid in gripping the cable are present and give the M130B an elegant appeal.
I wouldn’t mind if future iterations of this cable added knurling to the fluted section since the current design is smooth and can be tough to get a solid grip on when trying to detach from a tight port.
The y-split of the M130B is a rectangular prism with lightly rounded sides and partially tapered edges. The two ends of the split are separated by a slim division with one end containing a single control button and the other “Coffee Cable” etched into the aluminum.
The fit and finish of all these components are fantastic with no excess glue or misaligned parts, and the bronzed brown coloring is appealing. All channel markings, branding, and model details are etched into the metal, ensuring they won’t wear off over time.
In general, I am quite impressed with the quality of hardware ddHiFi used for the M130B. It’s a visual standout that doesn’t skim on material or build quality, though the firm top and bottom edges of the y-split tend to catch on clothing.
Cable
The cable portion of the M130B is no less impressive than the hardware, pulling directly from their high-end Nyx lineup. The braided 49-strand OCC core is combined with 112-strand OFC shielding to produce a dense, durable package.
The sheath is slightly on the stiff side but still offers decent flexibility. Memory of kinks and bends is minimal, but there is some transmission of cable noise that can interfere with your music.
A chin cinch is something that could help with reducing said noise, but the M130B omits this feature. I suppose you could make your own cinch in a pinch, but given the moderate amount of cable noise present, it’s not a must.
Lightweight preformed ear guides are present and do a great job of comfortably routing the cable up and around the ear. Even during intense movement, I found the cable to stay securely in place without any upward movement.
Packaging & Accessories
Following their current packaging trends, the M130B is packed in a recyclable cardboard box and outer sheath. It follows a white, Apple-adjacent color scheme which looks clean and tidy.
On the front of the sheath is ddHiFi branding with a simple wire-frame-style image of the M130B’s design for the plug and y-split, while the top and bottom contain model details.
Flipping to the back we find the product specifications. Sliding off the sheath reveals a plain box with an 8-bit inspired ddHiFi logo and the slogan, “Life and HiFi”.
Removing the lid reveals a foam insert covering the M130B tucked inside a recyclable plastic bag, a quality assurance certificate, a warranty card, and a silica packet. No other extras are included.
This is a sweet and simple unboxing experience that produces little waste.
Sound Impressions
Testing was done with the M130B paired with a Huawei P40, Shanling M1 Plus, and ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme. I listened to the Campfire Audio Clara, Meze Audio Rai Solo, and the Astrotec Lyra Nature LE.
Summary
Given it uses the same chipset as the TC35M2, I was not surprised to find the M130B sounds nearly identical. It has the same neutral-bright signature that works wonderfully when paired with warm, bassy products.
Signature
The M130B has a cooler, brighter signature that bumps emphasis in the upper mids and lower treble. This presentation can make earphones or headphones with a bright default signature edgy but conversely pairs brilliantly with darker or bass-biased products.
Detail and clarity in the upper regions are good with fine details being represented well. Notes attack and decay as they should, meaning the M130B doesn’t help or hinder these qualities, regardless of the earphones you choose to pair it with.
The midrange is where the M130B could stand to be improved most. Detail and clarity in this region are a step down from standalone DACs in the price range and pairing it with products that already have a weak midrange only highlights that further.
While the mids are not muffled or recessed, micro-details are smoothed over. This leaves vocals and instruments sounding less crisp and clear than they would through other DACs that perform better here.
Bass performance picks up some of the slack with a snappy, textured presentation that brings plenty of energy to the forefront. While some roll-off exists on extra deep notes, it’s not overly intrusive or hindering to the listening experience.
Staging & Dynamics
Staging out of the M130B is neither positive nor negative. The default vocal positioning is quite neutral and doesn’t push or pull this quality in any direction when pairing it with something that has an exceptional stage, like Campfire Audio’s Clara.
The same can be said for the remaining staging qualities. Imaging is smooth and accurate without any oddities present off-center or to the edges.
Instrument separation is effective and pending it’s possible with the earphones you’ve chosen, you can single out individual track elements easily.
Track layering is much the same, with the M130B providing a sense of depth when it’s a part of the track and something the chosen earphones can produce. The M130B doesn’t hinder these qualities at all.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparison.
