Tempotec Sonata BHD

TempoTec Sonata BHD: the little one of the Sonata’s family



Intro

"Ya probaste el chiquito, ahora proba el grandote" (in english: "You've tried the small one, now try the big one") said the advertisement for a well-known Argentine alfajor. In this case, it will be the other way around, as thanks to TempoTec, I will be testing the Sonata BHD, a dongle that hit the market at $46 USD, after having reviewed its older brother: the Sonata BHD Pro, which left me with very good impressions. Let's see how good this little member of the Sonata family is.


If you wish to read this review in Spanish, click here

Check out previous reviews here (or in spanish here)


Disclaimers:

• Many thanks to the people at TempoTec for sending me this product to give my honest opinion.
  • You can find the Sonata BHD here: TempoTec Official Website - TempoTec Official Page on Aliexpress
• Analysis over 4 days – sessions of approximately 2 to 4 hours each
• All music is lossless (Qobuz & Tidal > 16bit – 44.1kHz)
• Equipment used: Samsung S23 FE – Personal PC

Unboxing, Build & Accessories





TempoTec Sonata BHD: TempoTec builds most of its latest dongles with a similar size, only changing some of the materials (dimensions: 58mm long, 23mm wide, and 11mm high). Both the front and the back are made of a kind of rigid plastic with the model inscriptions on the front section and the brand inscriptions and some specifications on the back area. Also, on the front is a LED light that helps us know the current gain level of the dongle (Yellow: low gain – Purple: middle gain – Cyan: high gain).



Regarding its perimeter, it is made of an aluminum alloy, boosting the dongle’s durability. On the left side, we will find the three buttons needed to control the device. The buttons for raising and lowering the volume are black, while the button for changing the gain is bronze, and the aforementioned LED light reflects the change of gain when this button is pressed.





At what can be considered the top of the device, there is a USB-C output, and at the bottom, TempoTec provides us with two types of outputs: a 3.5mm and a 4.4mm for more power.



As for accessories, we find an OTG cable from USB-C to USB-C to use with our smartphone, plus a USB-C to USB-A adapter to connect the dongle to a PC or notebook. Another nice touch is a small bag to store the dongle and its accessories.



Specifications



TempoTec used a pair of CS43131 chips for the Sonata BHD, and the dongle is capable of delivering up to 280mW@32ohms through the 4.4mm output. More importantly, its output levels are 4 VRMS on the 4.4mm output and 2 VRMS on the 3.5mm output, both measurements at 32 ohms. In terms of resolution, the Sonata BHD offers up to 32Bit/384kHz and also decodes DSD codecs up to DSD 256. Unlike its older brother (BHD Pro), it does not support MQA format decoding.



Sound Signature

This is not a neutral dongle despite using the same chips that many other models from this brand also have. The pair of CS43131 chips offer a warm listening experience, moderately enhancing the subbass and bass regions without excessively affecting the other frequencies. Naturally, this signature alters the reproduction of the treble, which are gently attenuated. This can be appreciated by some listeners but always at the cost of losing some microdetails when listening to a song analytically.



Functionality and Performance

The Sonata BHD was tested using two headphones: a slightly demanding IEM, the HZSound Heart Mirror, and a high-impedance over-ear, the Sennheiser HD58X Jubilee. I did not test the Hifiman HE400SE since its older brother, the BHD Pro, couldn't power them adequately, so it didn't make sense for the smaller model to handle them properly.

To start, the Heart Mirror has always been known as a somewhat demanding IEM, although its specifications don't necessarily reflect this (Impedance: 32 ohms – Sensitivity: 106 dB/mW). It clearly benefited when I used the high gain setting (cyan light) on the Sonata BHD. The power provided by the dongle through its 3.5mm output was more than sufficient and gave good dynamism to the Heart Mirror's driver. Additionally, it complemented these IEMs well by boosting their bass, which is somewhat lacking in these older earphones. It's worth noting that using the 4.4mm output did not make a significant difference in how the HZSound IEMs performed in this case.



I proceeded with the Sennheiser over-ears, which required a bit more volume to get the most out of them, but the Sonata BHD managed well using the high gain setting to bring these headphones to life. However, the 58X can open up a bit more with some additional power, as I've experienced with my more powerful amplifiers like the iFi Air ZEN CAN. Therefore, it would be advisable to use the 4.4mm plug with this particular dongle. Additionally, since the 58X naturally have a bass-focused signature, it can become somewhat "boomy" with the Sonata BHD, making it a combination I wouldn't recommend.

Regarding the functionality of the BHD, it is plug & play on both Android and Windows, which is always a positive point. It has a memory function for different devices, so it remembers the volume used on your phone even after disconnecting the dongle.

One of the best parts, which I saved for last, is that the noise floor is practically non-existent and very well achieved in this unit. Even in the quietest passages, I couldn't perceive any background noise that the dongle might have generated.

There are only two things that didn't fully convince me regarding functionality: the few volume steps offered by the Sonata BHD, being only 16, which can make adjusting the volume somewhat tedious at times, and that the device can get slightly warmer than average during use. This last point is not a concern but rather a note, as compared to other dongles, I think the Sonata BHD emits a bit more heat during sound playback.



Battery Consumption

Test Conditions

• Smartphone: Samsung S23 FE with 70% battery and screen locked, using Tidal
• Sonata BHD at maximum (16 steps) with high gain and 40% volume on the S23 FE
• WiFi on
• Headphones: Sennheiser HD58x Jubilee

Results

• Battery consumption in 1 hour = less than 12% (approximation)

vs Whizzer DA1

This might not seem like a fair comparison since the Sonata BHD is closer to $50 USD, while the DA1 was sold for less than $30 USD (currently not available on its official page or Aliexpress). However, the comparison is more about the fact that the sound signature offered by both dongles is similar, making the Sonata BHD a reasonable upgrade path for people who prefer a bit of coloration with a bass boost.



To be relatively brief, there is a noticeable, though not overly significant, improvement in sound quality between the two, but the most relevant aspect is the power level the Sonata BHD can offer. Being twice as powerful as the DA1 through its balanced output allows the TempoTec dongle to be much more versatile, with the ability to be used with a greater variety of headphones, including not overly demanding or high-sensitivity over-ears.

Despite these favorable points, not everything is in favor of the Sonata BHD. The DA1 has a more robust and compact build, making it less cumbersome for portable use. Additionally, the DA1 offers a greater number of volume steps, allowing for more precise sound level adjustments, as well as less heat concentration in the device. What I do find annoying about the DA1 is its non-removable cable, which makes me question its durability.



Conclusion



From experience, most users would prefer a neutral dongle, allowing the headphones to showcase their different signatures rather than having the dongle or another device alter the sound. However, despite its somewhat colored sound signature, I believe the Sonata BHD is a well-executed product positioned at a competitive price point. It is a solid choice for those looking to complement budget-friendly setups with good power, as 4 VRMS on its balanced output is quite substantial. Additionally, the Sonata BHD is very clean in transmitting sound signals, which I greatly value in each of my DACs. Therefore, it earns a well-deserved four stars.

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.