Tempotec Sonata BHD
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Overall rating: 3/5
Aesthetic:
- Build Quality: 2.5/5
- Design: 3/5
- Accessories: 3/5
Sound Rating:
- Timbre: 3.5/5
- Bass: 3/5
- Midrange: 3/5
- Treble: 3/5
- Technicalities: 3/5
DISCLAIMER
- This is a review unit sent by Tempotec Official in exchange for a review session. Regardless, all opinions remain original ideas, thus there is zero influence from any 3rd party or external opinions.
- No EQ or filter presets were used during the entire review period.
- Sound evaluations are kept neutral and does not include 3rd party accessories (ie; eartips, cable, reversible mods).
- Burn-in was done for 80 hours prior to review.
Purchase Link for Russian audiophiles (Non-affiliated) : https://www.ozon.ru/.../tempotec-sonata-bhd-portativnyy.../
Purchase link in AliExpress (Non-affiliated):
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006195974359.html
Introduction:
Tempotec is not some strangers in the chi-fi world. Back in 2020, they released the Tempotec Sonata HD and fast forward to late 2023, they refreshed the Sonata series with a brand-new BHD. Since the Pro version has better ratings and names, how does it perform to compete against its rivals?
Unboxing and Accessories:
The unboxing is quick and straightforward. Tempotec names in front of the box, spec sheets at the back. Open up the box will see the DAC is showing at glance. What else in the box?
- Tempotec Sonata BHD
- A braided USB Type C cable in copper finish
- USB-C to USB-A adapter
- Fabric storage bag
- User manuals and warranty card
Build Quality and Design:
It has people’s attention with that glass sandwich on front and back to elevate its overall build quality. The sides are rounded and the body of the DAC is made of aluminum alloy with matte finish. There is a rose gold gain button on the side. Overall build quality is top notch and it stays lightweight.
Front of the DAC is keeping it minimal that shows only two things, which is the model’s name and an LED signal ring. On the back it is the brand logo, pretty easy. On top you get the type-C input and bottom is the 3.5mm SE and 4.5mm balanced output.
Functionality:
The one side of the DAC has the volume rocker, which is like 16 steps from 0 to max which is kind of limited. It is better than none, I guess. The gain switch has 3 gain modes, which is low, medium and high, that can be indicated by the LED ring at the front face.
LED indicator is as shown below:
Yellow: Low gain
Purple: Medium gain
Cyan: High gain
With 32 volume steps on each gain, the totaled volume steps for the Sonata BHD will be 96 steps, ensure that all the IEMs with different impedances will be driven properly. There is no sample rate indication sadly, but from my point of view, I do not think that will be bothering.
Drivability:
There is no issue driving any IEM with the Tempotec Sonata BHD. I have tested with planar IEMs such as Tangzu Zetian Wu and the notoriously hard to drive KZ PR2, to open back headphones like the Philips SHP9500 for this testing. All of them can be driven properly and with ample of headspace left. However, I cannot say the same for harder to drive headphones like planar magnetic headphones.
One benefit of this Tempotec Sonata BHD is that it won't be a hand warmer. The DAC remained cool after testing it with several hours and that can reduce battery consumption of your device.
Specification:
- DAC Chip: 2x Cirrus Logic CS43131
- SNR: SNR: 131dB
- 3 Gain Level
- THD+N: 0.00012% (@32ohm, 1kHz 0dB signal)
- OUTPUT LEVEL: 4 VRMS@4.4mm/32Ω, 2 VRMS@3.5mm/32Ω.
- OUTPUT POWER: 280mW@4.4mm/32ohm
- Frequency: 0-40KHZ /+- 0.5dB
- RGB light: indicates working status
- PCM: up to 32Bit/384kHz DSD256(NATIVE)
- DSD: up to DSD256
- Volume Control: hardware buttons
- Platform support: Windows PC,MACOS and Android
- USB Audio driver: Win7,Win8 Win10 & Exclusive ASIO driver for windows system
(This review I will be using my reference benchmark, Moondrop SSR for the sound impression)
Sound Impression:
The sound of Tempotec Sonata BHD is something that I can expect from a CS43131 chip: smooth and warm, comes with good levels of details and imaging. Unlike other CS43131 dongle dacs, Tempotec Sonata BHD has slightly better presence and dynamics. This shows that Tempotec is still the real deal that they have came a long way since the beginning of the chi-fi DAC competition.
The bass of the Sonata subtly warm, comes with good ol’ rumbles and tight punches that is slightly more colored than the rest of the CS43131 DACs. Nevertheless, it still renders good textures and maintain the IEM prowess but at the same time aided some bright sets to sound warmer and more balanced with the slight bass boost. The rest of the tuning stayed neutral to make sure the IEM align to its sound signature.
Technicalities:
The soundstage of Tempotec Sonata BHD is never boosted, so it depends on how the IEM sounded. The separation and layering of it is quite average, as I have never found them impressive or have a very holographic headspace. The dynamics of it is good though, I can hear the different intensity of instruments played in the score.
Comparison:
Fiio KA13
The first CS43131 chips driven dongle DAC that I have reviewed in my page, and it still stands as one of the best budget DAC in the chi-fi competition. Fiio has implemented their signature clean and neutral sound into this dongle DAC, and it is still the fan favourite.
Compared to the Tempotec Sonata BHD, the Fiio sounds noticeably brighter especially when it is in Desktop mode. The bass of KA13 is tighter, vocals are slightly cleaner, and treble is a bit snappier.
Technicality wise, they both have similar soundstage but the dynamics of tempotec is slightly better to enhance the presence. Both are tuned differently so pick your poison according to your music genre.
Shanling UA4
On the other side of the Cirrus Logic lineups, Shanling has gone with ESS Sabre’s ES9069Q DAC chip for the Shanling UA4. However, it is tuned to be as warm as it can be which is unlike all the previous ESS Sabre DACs. Compared to the Tempotec Sonata BHD, it still sounds slightly closer to neutral. The bass is slightly warmer on the Sonata BHD but UA4 has slightly faster treble roll offs, which tames the treble a bit.
In terms of Technicalities, the Tempotec Sonata BHD has slightly better dynamics but UA4 has a more expansive soundstage and better separations. Detail retrievals is slightly better in Shanling UA4. Moreover, you have a mini-LED screen with the UA4 which I can see it as the clear winner in this competition.
Conclusion:
Tempotec Sonata BHD is impressive with its performance to price ratio, especially with the quality build, and its versatile musicality that can suit with every music genre. A perfect combo with bright tuning IEMs.
Aesthetic:
- Build Quality: 2.5/5
- Design: 3/5
- Accessories: 3/5
Sound Rating:
- Timbre: 3.5/5
- Bass: 3/5
- Midrange: 3/5
- Treble: 3/5
- Technicalities: 3/5
DISCLAIMER
- This is a review unit sent by Tempotec Official in exchange for a review session. Regardless, all opinions remain original ideas, thus there is zero influence from any 3rd party or external opinions.
- No EQ or filter presets were used during the entire review period.
- Sound evaluations are kept neutral and does not include 3rd party accessories (ie; eartips, cable, reversible mods).
- Burn-in was done for 80 hours prior to review.
Purchase Link for Russian audiophiles (Non-affiliated) : https://www.ozon.ru/.../tempotec-sonata-bhd-portativnyy.../
Purchase link in AliExpress (Non-affiliated):
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006195974359.html
Introduction:
Tempotec is not some strangers in the chi-fi world. Back in 2020, they released the Tempotec Sonata HD and fast forward to late 2023, they refreshed the Sonata series with a brand-new BHD. Since the Pro version has better ratings and names, how does it perform to compete against its rivals?
Unboxing and Accessories:
The unboxing is quick and straightforward. Tempotec names in front of the box, spec sheets at the back. Open up the box will see the DAC is showing at glance. What else in the box?
- Tempotec Sonata BHD
- A braided USB Type C cable in copper finish
- USB-C to USB-A adapter
- Fabric storage bag
- User manuals and warranty card
Build Quality and Design:
It has people’s attention with that glass sandwich on front and back to elevate its overall build quality. The sides are rounded and the body of the DAC is made of aluminum alloy with matte finish. There is a rose gold gain button on the side. Overall build quality is top notch and it stays lightweight.
Front of the DAC is keeping it minimal that shows only two things, which is the model’s name and an LED signal ring. On the back it is the brand logo, pretty easy. On top you get the type-C input and bottom is the 3.5mm SE and 4.5mm balanced output.
Functionality:
The one side of the DAC has the volume rocker, which is like 16 steps from 0 to max which is kind of limited. It is better than none, I guess. The gain switch has 3 gain modes, which is low, medium and high, that can be indicated by the LED ring at the front face.
LED indicator is as shown below:
Yellow: Low gain
Purple: Medium gain
Cyan: High gain
With 32 volume steps on each gain, the totaled volume steps for the Sonata BHD will be 96 steps, ensure that all the IEMs with different impedances will be driven properly. There is no sample rate indication sadly, but from my point of view, I do not think that will be bothering.
Drivability:
There is no issue driving any IEM with the Tempotec Sonata BHD. I have tested with planar IEMs such as Tangzu Zetian Wu and the notoriously hard to drive KZ PR2, to open back headphones like the Philips SHP9500 for this testing. All of them can be driven properly and with ample of headspace left. However, I cannot say the same for harder to drive headphones like planar magnetic headphones.
One benefit of this Tempotec Sonata BHD is that it won't be a hand warmer. The DAC remained cool after testing it with several hours and that can reduce battery consumption of your device.
Specification:
- DAC Chip: 2x Cirrus Logic CS43131
- SNR: SNR: 131dB
- 3 Gain Level
- THD+N: 0.00012% (@32ohm, 1kHz 0dB signal)
- OUTPUT LEVEL: 4 VRMS@4.4mm/32Ω, 2 VRMS@3.5mm/32Ω.
- OUTPUT POWER: 280mW@4.4mm/32ohm
- Frequency: 0-40KHZ /+- 0.5dB
- RGB light: indicates working status
- PCM: up to 32Bit/384kHz DSD256(NATIVE)
- DSD: up to DSD256
- Volume Control: hardware buttons
- Platform support: Windows PC,MACOS and Android
- USB Audio driver: Win7,Win8 Win10 & Exclusive ASIO driver for windows system
(This review I will be using my reference benchmark, Moondrop SSR for the sound impression)
Sound Impression:
The sound of Tempotec Sonata BHD is something that I can expect from a CS43131 chip: smooth and warm, comes with good levels of details and imaging. Unlike other CS43131 dongle dacs, Tempotec Sonata BHD has slightly better presence and dynamics. This shows that Tempotec is still the real deal that they have came a long way since the beginning of the chi-fi DAC competition.
The bass of the Sonata subtly warm, comes with good ol’ rumbles and tight punches that is slightly more colored than the rest of the CS43131 DACs. Nevertheless, it still renders good textures and maintain the IEM prowess but at the same time aided some bright sets to sound warmer and more balanced with the slight bass boost. The rest of the tuning stayed neutral to make sure the IEM align to its sound signature.
Technicalities:
The soundstage of Tempotec Sonata BHD is never boosted, so it depends on how the IEM sounded. The separation and layering of it is quite average, as I have never found them impressive or have a very holographic headspace. The dynamics of it is good though, I can hear the different intensity of instruments played in the score.
Comparison:
Fiio KA13
The first CS43131 chips driven dongle DAC that I have reviewed in my page, and it still stands as one of the best budget DAC in the chi-fi competition. Fiio has implemented their signature clean and neutral sound into this dongle DAC, and it is still the fan favourite.
Compared to the Tempotec Sonata BHD, the Fiio sounds noticeably brighter especially when it is in Desktop mode. The bass of KA13 is tighter, vocals are slightly cleaner, and treble is a bit snappier.
Technicality wise, they both have similar soundstage but the dynamics of tempotec is slightly better to enhance the presence. Both are tuned differently so pick your poison according to your music genre.
Shanling UA4
On the other side of the Cirrus Logic lineups, Shanling has gone with ESS Sabre’s ES9069Q DAC chip for the Shanling UA4. However, it is tuned to be as warm as it can be which is unlike all the previous ESS Sabre DACs. Compared to the Tempotec Sonata BHD, it still sounds slightly closer to neutral. The bass is slightly warmer on the Sonata BHD but UA4 has slightly faster treble roll offs, which tames the treble a bit.
In terms of Technicalities, the Tempotec Sonata BHD has slightly better dynamics but UA4 has a more expansive soundstage and better separations. Detail retrievals is slightly better in Shanling UA4. Moreover, you have a mini-LED screen with the UA4 which I can see it as the clear winner in this competition.
Conclusion:
Tempotec Sonata BHD is impressive with its performance to price ratio, especially with the quality build, and its versatile musicality that can suit with every music genre. A perfect combo with bright tuning IEMs.
