Synergy
The M130B’s low volume output is too high for super sensitive gear, and its maximum power output is too low to drive extremely hard-to-drive gear. For everything in between, the performance it provides is perfectly acceptable.
Efficiency
When pairing the M130B with picky gear like Campfire Audio’s Andromeda 2020 or more recent Clara, I expected the same amount of hiss I heard from the TC35M2.
I was pleasantly surprised when the M130B provided a cleaner sound with noise that could only be heard in a dead-silent environment and was easily masked by any volume of music.
Using it with gear with more average to demanding specifications like the Meze Rai Solo or Astrotec Lyra Nature LE, and the background cleans up entirely. It’s not hard to achieve a noise-free listening experience with the M130B.
Power
At 45mW @32Ω, the M130B’s moderate power output is enough for most portable audio products.
Challenging earphones like Astrotec’s Phoenix are a bit much for the M130B, however, since bringing it up to normal listening levels is a struggle.
When running the Phoenix, there is clear distortion when maxing the volume despite still being fairly quiet, the treble drivers are loose and splashy, and the bass driver lacks impact.
In contrast, it is too loud for low-volume listening with sensitive gear like the Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020. Since the M130B utilizes a Type-C connector, you can’t add an impedance adapter or adjacent products like iFi Audio’s iEMatch to drop the overall volume output.
Similar to the TC35M2, the M130B helps products like the HiBy R1 which has a pretty weak output. It makes up for the R1’s moderate volume levels, allowing it to be a more versatile DAP and a better daily driver.
Pairings
After testing the M130B with earphones of various signatures and specifications, I found it was most at home with earphones with average to less demanding specifications. It also worked best with signatures that were more neutral to bass-leaning.
With more average and tougher-to-drive gear, the M130B provided a clean, black background. Extremely tough-to-drive gear like the Astrotec Phoenix sounded anemic with a weaker-than-usual bass response and splashy treble.
Moving to bright earphones, that brightness was exaggerated resulting in unwanted aggression and harshness.
Conversely, pairing the M130B with darker or bassier earphones made them more balanced, mildly improving mid-range clarity and presence region detail without hindering their bass depth and impact.
Select Comparison
ddHiFi M120B
Technical
The M130B provides PCM decoding up to 384kHz at 32 bits. The M120B also provides PCM decoding up to 384kHz at 32 bits.
The M130B utilizes an ES9603Q chipset and the M120B uses an ALC5686. On the M130B, the power output is 45mW @32Ω and the M120B output is lower at 15mW @ 32Ω.
To compare the volume output, I set my Huawei P40’s volume to 50% and found the M130B was slightly louder at the same settings.
Design
The hardware used on these two cables is quite similar, save for different colorways. Both feature the same fluted designs for the plug and MMCX connectors but have different inline modules at the y-split, and the M130B’s Type-C plug is larger with improved fit and finish.
The M120B’s module has a single control button centered with an obvious microphone hole just above it. Flipping to the back, you see a small panel highlighting the multiple pieces that comprise the module.
The module on the M130B is more seamlessly integrated in that the seam is part of the design language. The M130B’s module is also slightly larger, though the difference isn’t immediately obvious.
The wiring is where the two products differ most with the M120B’s cabling being thinner, lighter, and more flexible with more intrusive microphonics.
One functional aspect of the design that is also visually appealing is the two slender silver-plated wires interwoven through the two main structures.
Adding these two little wires for the control module makes the M120B the more visually appealing product to my eyes. Another aspect of the design that elevates the M120B over the M130B is the lack of pre-formed ear guides.
Omitting this feature makes the M120B more versatile for my use case since I can pair it with my MMCX-modded AKG K404, adding a bit of style to what is otherwise a very understated headphone.
It’s a negative when pairing with earphones though, since the cable can bounce up and over the ear, something the M130B’s excellent guides prevent.
Performance
Both models are tuned with a neutral-bright signature that pairs best with neutral to bass-biased earphones. The difference in general performance is similar, with the M130B offering a slight improvement in technical areas.
Treble from both extends well with no notable roll-off, but the presentation out of the M130B is more refined and smoother overall. Detail and clarity is on par, with the improved chip in the M130B having improved note definition.
Dipping into the midrange the M130B has a warmer, fuller presentation that most benefits female vocalists. The M120B is more texture-rich giving it an advantage with gruff vocalists and more textured instruments.
Performance from the pair in the low end is good, with the M130B having a minor advantage in terms of extension, giving it a bit more rumble and visceral feedback. Texture once again sits in the M120B’s camp, with each having similarly strong note attack and natural decay qualities.
The sound stage of the M130B is a hint more spacious all-round, but the differences are minor and not something you’d notice unless you directly compare them with the same IEMs. Neither is anything special here, just perfectly competent.
Each cable does a good job with imaging, with channel-to-channel movement that is smooth and nuanced off-center and at the edges. Instrument layering and separation performance are also similar, but the M130B offers slight improvements that result in a more immersive experience.
Overall, the two are very similar, with the M130B lightly improving on the M120B in most facets, but is it enough to justify a $20 price difference?
Based on sound alone, it is probably not, but when accounting for the additional driving power and higher-quality wiring of the M130B, an extra $20 doesn’t sound so bad.
My Verdict
DAC-equipped upgrade cables are a niche market with a small audience, and I love that ddHiFi is catering to it.
While the M120B and TC35M2 cater better to my use case scenarios, I have no issues recommending the M130B if it’s something you think looks interesting or useful.
It is a stylish cable with good-looking hardware and fantastic build quality. The DAC they selected performs well too, pending you avoid pairing it with earphones on the extremes of drivability.
The sheath is reasonably flexible with good memory resistance, the pre-formed ear guides work brilliantly, and the inline control built into the y-split was a great idea.
A chin cinch would be a nice upgrade on a future iteration of the M130B if only to help quell the minor amounts of microphonics present.
ddHiFi has another quality product on its hands, one that will surely satisfy someone whose lifestyle and needs fit into the M130B’s niche.
ddHiFi M130B Coffee Cable Technical Specifications
- Plug: USB-C
- Connector: MMCX or 0.78mm 2-pin
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Amplifier Chip: ES9603Q (stand-alone)
- Output Power: L + R ≥ 45mW + 45mW (32Ω / THD + N <1%)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ≥ 112dB (32Ω load / A-weight)
- Dynamic Range: >120dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.008% (32Ω load)
- Noise floor: <3μV (A-weighted)
- PCM Decoding Support: Up to 32bit/384kHz
- In-Line Controls: CTIA standard
- Conductor: 25.6AWG OCC (Core) + 23.6AWG OFC (shielding)
- Cable Structure: 0.06mm x 49 strands x 2 strands (core)
- Cable Length: 120cm
- Weight: About 26g
