The $129 TempoTec March III M3 is a versatile natural sounding and powerful balanced DAC/amp (wired, BT) that drives even 300 Ω headphones well. It runs on 5V from your computer, the stock power supply, or a fancy third party one.

The TempoTec March III M3 was kindly provided by the manufacturer for my analysis, and I thank them for that. You find more information on the TempoTec website.

Introduction

TempoTec are a Chinese company established by audiophiles. They claim to have a multinational team from China, Taiwan, Korea, and Germany. The company originally made a name for itself by budget dongle DACs…cheap, ok, great value, but not necessarily high end. This, unfortunately, stuck with them for the longest time.

Lately, the company left the starting blocks and released impressive “midfi” products that convinced by innovative quality features at attractive prices.

First was the TempoTec V6, a very good sounding digital analog player at an incredible $300. Next came their $269 Serenade X, a desktop streamer with essentially unlimited features. And last but not least, there is the forthcoming IM05 4+1 earphone, their first…but it is a good one.

The March III M3 is TempoTec’s first DAC/amp, which once again undercuts its competition in price, but not in quality.

TempoTec are becoming serious competitors to brands such as Topping, SMSL, and possibly FiiO. But in contrast to these companies, TempoTec are confident to score with one model of each: streamer, dap, DAC/amp…instead of offering us the same in multiple different flavours. A very positive sign.

Let’s have a good look at the March II M3’s specs. What makes the device special?

Specifications TempoTec March III M3

Physical Things

In the package are the unit, a 5V/2A power supply, 2 USB-A-C cables, and the paperwork. The device and all buttons are made of metal, the front is almost completely covered with glass. The March III M3 is rather small and relatively light – easy to be carried around on travel and to be used in hotel rooms or the office.

Technology

The March III M3 sports an Asahi Kasai DAC chip (most competitors use ES Tech Sabre chips) for decoding, and 4 OPA1688 operational amps by Texas Instruments for amplification. For readers who dwell on DAC chips making the sound: they don’t. This combination of quality DAC and opamps costs you and me around $15 USD, and is probably much cheaper in bulk [ES Tech chips are not much different]. TempoTec does not give us details on the other components.

The March III M3 comes with a 5V/2A power supply with USB-A port. Alternatively, you can power the device from your computer or a power bank, or a fancy third-party power supply such as the $99 ifi Audio iPowerX or the $59 Allo Nirvana or the $43 BRZ.

Replacing the stock power supply with the iPowerX enriches the sound, it adds body…though it may be a cost prohibitive upgrade. Just try all the 5V power supplies that came with your tablet or phone. The lowest current I used in my test was 1.2A for the BRZ.

Front Panel

The front contains all control and monitoring functions: the two headphone sockets (3.5 mm single ended and 4.4 mm balanced), the on/off/volume knob, an OLED screen (small but crisp) and three buttons: Mode (wired/BT), Gain (low/high), and Bass (on/off). Most of the front panel is glass. The brandname “TempoTec” is nowhere to be found.

Back Panel: I/O

In the back are two USB-C ports (one for 5 V power, the other for connecting a music source), analog RCA outputs (for powered speakers), and digital SPDIF out (coaxial, optical)

Functionality and Operation

The TempoTec March III M3 is an unusually versatile device.

It does

• play music into headphones from different sources (Phone/tablet, computer)
• accepts digital music wired or per BT
• output an analog signal through its balanced and single-ended circuits into headphones
• output an analog signal per RCA into powered loudspeakers
• output a digital signal into another DAC via SPDIF (coaxial, optical)
• works as a BT receiver

It does not

• drive most unpowered speakers
• power the hungriest planar magnetic headphones

The unit is switched on and off by pushing and holding down the volume knob. The Mode button toggles between wired and BT operations, the gain can be adjusted to low and high (use low gain as much as possible as any high gain compresses dynamics), and bass button adds…you got it…bass.

And the added bass totally contorts the timbre. It is awful and you better leave it off….unless you need some serious “boom boom”. Actually, even without the bass button, there is more than plenty of bass, naturally.

Wired

You can operate headphones through the two headphone jacks. The balanced 4.4 m circuit is much more powerful and provides an overall better sound. Only use the 3.5 mm one, if you don’t have a headphone with a 4.4 mm plug.

If you have powered near-field speakers, they are connected to the RCA ports in the back.

If you can’t be bothered with the DAC/amp functionality at all, you have the option to connect the March III M3 to an external amp. This is a truly rare feature in this price category.

Bluetooth

The March III M3 is also a Bluetooth receiver. It features the latest Bluetooth 5.2 and handles all common codecs (SBC 328 kbps, AAC 256 kbps, LDAC 990 kbps). It operates over a distance up to 30 m. This is useful when the unit is used with powered speakers when the headphone cable is longer than one’s arms. The M3 never lost reception while I was walking with my iPhone music source all over the two floors of my 2000 sq ft house.

It becomes really interesting when the March III M3 is connected via a different DAC to a room-filling stereo system. In this case, the device’s own DAC and amp are disabled and it works as a BT receiver only.

Amplification

Power is not measured but always calculated from voltage, current, and resistance. TempoTec list a power of 630 mW @ 4 V/32 Ω for the balanced circuit, and 310 mW @ 2 V/32 Ω. But 630 mW power require a voltage of 4.5 V, at 4 V, it is only 500 mW (accordingly, the SE power should be 250 mW). Therefore, either the given voltage or power are wrong…which does not matter in the end.

The March III M3’s volume scale goes from 0 to 100. In practical use, the device drives the 300 Ω Sennheiser HD 600 on high gain at a volume of up to 95 (for quiet recordings); it needs a volume of 80 to be loud for average recordings, and 65 for moderate level on the balanced circuit. This is pretty impressive considering the headphone’s sound quality is not suffering at high volumes. The sensitive Final Sonorous III gets away with a volume of 30. The HD 600 don’t run well on the weaker single ended circuit.

Most iems need about 30 on balanced and 40 on single ended. Unless you have a hungry planar magnetic, the March III M3 handles the rest.

Sound

The March III M3’s sound quality is actually surprising(ly good): it is not harsh and analytical as many of its budget peers’, but rather…erm…”musical” with well rounded notes. Many would claim that the lack of “Sabre glare” is ascribed to the Asahi Kasai AK4493SEQ chip, but life ain’t that easy, friends.

The overall tonality is slightly warm with an elevated low end, similar to TempoTec’s V6 dap.

Bass is indeed lifted a bit and not the fastest. It may occasionally smear into the midrange, which is probably the M3’s weakest point – but it is not dramatic. Transparency is otherwise good. The stage is wide and tall but not very deep.

The balanced circuit adds power and also depth to the image. The single-ended image is more two dimensional…and BT operation removes a bit of richness and extension on both ends, but is overall still pretty good.

In order to characterize the March III M3 in more detail, let’s compare it to the $250 EarMen TR-Amp, a battery operated DAC/amp with a single-ended circuit only. The TR-Amp does not offer BT and has slightly weaker amplification. At twice the price, you’d expect better components in the EarMen, and therefore better sound quality.

Both do indeed sound different. The TR-Amp is less bassy, has a crisper attack, better note definition (“sounds sharper”), better resolution and transparency, and better 3-D reconstruction overall. The March III M3 has softer notes, a wider but shallower stage, and lags the TR-Amp in terms of separation and layering.

The TR-amp is technically and analytically better but the March III M3 is more soulful and sweeter sounding…at half the price. I enjoy both.

Concluding Remarks

With the March III M3, TempoTec has pulled another white rabbit out of their hat. It it a complete, good-sounding and attractive looking DAC/amp and BT receiver that works well with most full-sized headphones and essentially all iems. What sets is apart from its immediate competition are its low price and digital outputs.

I cannot think of a comparable competitive device below $200. I really like this little rascal a lot. It is right up my alley.

The March III M3 joins the V6 dap and the Serenade X as a great, enjoyable product at a reasonable price.

Until next time…keep on listening!

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The $265 TempoTec Serenade X “Full Balance Designed Integrated Network Streaming Music Player” is a fabulous all-in-one mid-fi player that successfully marries functionality and sound. A complete package and a true pleasure on all fronts using it. Plays even lossless via Apple AirPlay 2...

The TempoTec Serenade X was kindly provided by the manufacturer, and I thank them for that. You find more information on the TempoTec website.

Introduction

TempoTec are a Chinese company that have come a long way recently. Previously best known for their budget DACs, they stepped into the limelight with their excellent V6 Digital Analog Player, a wonderfully tuned device at around a (very attractive) $329.

I became interested in the TempoTec Serenade X because I wanted to find out what it could do for us. After all, it is an unusually looking device. In short, it can do A LOT…it streams…per internet from the usual subscription services (Tidal, Qobuz etc.), per Bluetooth from your tablet/phone, per USB from the computer, external hard drive, or simply a USB stick…and per coax or Toslink (or USB) from your CD player. Did I forget anything?

The Serenade X excels through its functionality while having a decent however standardized, prefabricated sound through 2 standard SoCs.

Specifications TempoTec Serenade X

Physical Things

In the package are the device, a screw-on Bluetooth antenna, the 12V power supply, a USB-A to USB-C cable, 1 HiBy 4.4 mm (female) to 3.5 mm (male) adapter, 1 GB USB-thumb drive, a microfibre cleaning cloth, and the usual paperwork.

The TempoTec Serenade X is an unusually shaped device and appears like the love child of a tablet computer and a RC Battery Charger.

The chassis is made of metal and the whole top is reflective glass. The latter contains a relatively small 3.2″ touch screen of intermediate resolution – which does the job for me. The build quality is fine. What may be confusing, initially, is that most functionality is handled by the touch screen, but some (for example volume) by a set of physical buttons.

The Serenade’s X footprint is rather small (12 x 10 x 4.5 cm) and all you need is a wall socket. This makes it attractive for small desks and even hotel rooms.

Technology/Architecture

The Serenade X sports a dual ESS9219C chipset (“System on Chip” or “SoC”) for a fully balanced design. This means DAC and amp are on the same chip. This saves space however creates a somewhat prefabricated sound and amplification.

And since DAC and amp cannot be separated, it is not possible to create a digital output. All outputs are therefore analog.

All functionality is controlled by a FPGA digital management circuit. Volume is controlled digitally by hardware button and by the HiByLink mobile app.

Firmware can be downloaded from the TempoTec website and easily updated via a USB stick.

Interface

Top Panel

Contains all control functions via the touch screen and a button panel. Operation is intuitive.

Back Panel: I/O

All inputs are digital, the outputs are analog. You can connect CD players, daps, DACs, and computer via S/PDIF (coax, optical), USB-A and USB-C. On the receiving end you can connect 4.4 mm plugs (headphone or amp) for balanced operation, and RCA interconnects for single-ended amplifiers.

Functionality and Operation

The Tempotec Serenade X is an incredibly versatile device.

It does

• play music through balanced headphone circuits and balanced or single ended external amplifier
• play music from wireless sources: Tidal & Qobuz (Wifi), Apple AirPlay 2 (“Apple Music”) & Bluetooth (“Spotify”) etc. (from computer, phone)
• play music from wired sources: coaxial & S/PDIF (CD player, DAC, dap), USB-A & USB-C (computer, dap, internal HiBy player)
• feature the HiBy player that can be controlled from your phone via the free HiByLink app
• let you tweak the sound with HiBy’s very smart MSEB parametric equalizer
• let you update the Firmware through a set of files downloaded directly or through a computer from the TempoTec website.

It does not have

• integrated Spotify (can be mitigated by streaming from phone/computer via Bluetooth)
• Roon capabilities
• digital outputs (cannot connect to an external DAC)
• a microSD card slot (can be mitigated by a USB adapter)

Whilst this list is somewhat overwhelming, the menu is intuitive and self explanatory. I will explain the most important features and workarounds as follows.

Menu System

The touch screen displays a compact menu that lets you access and choose the various inputs including streaming services, wireless connectivities, settings, the HiBy music player, and the MSEB (which stands for “Mage Sound 8-ball”). MSEB is a parametric, very intuitive EQ.

Wireless Options

Apple AirPlay 2 vs. Bluetooth 5.0 vs. Wifi

The Serenade offers these three wireless input possibilities.

Wifi: does not allow for direct streaming, it just transfers data to a connected drive.

Bluetooth & Apple AirPlay 2: you can play music from your computer/phone via Bluetooth (all current codecs) or Apple AirPlay 2. Both work differently.

Bluetooth uses a direct connection whereas AirPlay 2 connects via the network. This allows for bigger data streams including images so that AirPlay 2 can play lossless, Bluetooth cannot. Apple users frolic.

Streaming Services

Tidal, Qobuz: you can connect to and control Tidal and Qobuz via Wifi through the Serenade’s interface.

Apple Music: streams lossless from your phone or Mac with Apple AirPlay 2. Album art shows on Serenade X’s screen.

Spotify: There is no Spotify option in the menu, which you can stream via Bluetooth from your phone or computer. The downside is “no cover art”, just a generic screen on the Serenade X’s display.

Wired Options

Toslink/optical: CD-players, DACs, and my old Questyle QP1R dap have optical line outs.

Coaxial: works with most DACs and CD players.

USB-A, USB-C: connect your thumb drive, SSD, or similar with your music library on it.

No micro-SD card slot? Not a problem. Use a USB memory-card reader.

Integrated Option: The HiBy 3.0 Music Player with HiBy Link Remote

The Serenade X features a built-in HiBy music player which you also find in many digital analog players. It is sourced by an external drive. I use a 128 GB thumb drive. The free HiByLink app turns your phone into a remote (if your headphone cord is longer than your arms).

The HiBy music player is also on the TempoTec V6 and the Hidisz AP80 Pro-X (and many more). It is intuitive, offers lots of tweaks (for example an MSEB), and it sounds better than Apple’s Music player on my iPhone.

Sound and Amplification

As mentioned, the Serenade X features 2 standard SoCs, that is DAC and amp are on the same ESS chip. This creates a standard sound and output power as experienced, for example, in the Qudelix-5K, Hidizs XO, FiiO BTR5, a few Shanlings, and the Hidizs AP80 Pro-X dap. The amplification (see specs) is powerful enough to drive my 300 Ω  Sennheiser HD 600 with ease.

The audio engineer cannot manipulate the analog output stage and the amp, and only has the option to put fllters and/or components at the end of it, as done in the Questyle M15. I assume the latter was the case as the Serenade X sounds livelier and faster than other devices using these SoCs.

As with the peers, the sound is still off analyical-neutral into very slight colour, with good extension at both ends. What’s improved over the standard sound is better transparency and a more vivid, crisper presentation. The balanced circuit makes for an especially large headroom. I also find the resolution very good. There is no hint of stridency and the timbre is very good. I picked the finest details out of a transcribed Mozart oboe concerto.

So whilst audio snobs may role their eyes, the combination of balanced and AirPlay 2 make for a well-rounded, enjoyable listening experience.

Serenade X vs. Dongles and DAPS

After we have explored all input and out options, a compact functionality comparison with DAPs and phones with dongles is warranted.

Concluding Remarks

I usually don’t give recommendations, but this is an easy one if the special funcionality and “balanced sound quality” fits your needs. I really enjoy using the Serenade X simply because of its versatility and have done so for hours and hours: it is a small, intelligent, and reasonably powerful all-in-one device.

Until next time…keep on listening!

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Pros — Rich, mature, refined sound; decent screen; dedicated line outs for balanced and single-ended; drives full-sized cans easily; huge 4500 mAh battery; great haptic; complete accessories; excellent value.

Cons — Does not pair well with with fringe iems (“current hogs”); only 16 GB onboard storage and a single SD card slot; volume knob a bit flimsy; computer performance mediocre.

Introduction

Tempotec has been delighting us with budget dongles in the past. The $40 TempoTec HD Pro may have stuck out as the best accessorized budget DAC/amp with all cables included (including Lightning cable for Apple devices). We also analyzed their BHD and Sonata HD II/Sonata E35 budget models.

The $279 (early bird; MRSP $399) TempoTec Variations V6 DSD512 Android HIFI Music Player is the company’s first mid-price digital analog player “dap”, and it is surprisingly way above the company’s usual budget realm. This raises the question whether the TempoTec can design a mature mid-tier player without the usual toothing issues.

What we don’t want to hear is reviewers saying “it is a good first effort, I am looking forward to the follow-up”…which would mean: stay away, save your $$$, and wait for something better.

Fortunately, this is not the case. The V6 is good, very good to be concise…and certainly good enough for me.

Specifications TempoTec V6

Physicals and Features

I am not known for my love of window dressing but the TempoTec V6 is presented impressively. In the box are:

1 x TempoTec V6 Digital Audio Player
1 x USB Type A to USB Type-C Cable
1 x Leather Case
1 x Screen Protectors
1 x Paperwork (Warranty card, Quick Start Guide, Manual, etc.)

A second screen protector is already (flawlessly) installed. Take this, Apple! The quality leather case is thick and robust, but a cut out above the microSD card slot would have been handy.

The player feels substantial in my hand. Great haptic, just like a much more expensive device. The button mechanisms are solid, just the combined on/off and volume knob has a bit of play owing to its spring mechanism.

Functionality and Operation

What it does

• plays music through single-ended and balanced headphone circuits
• has dedicated line outs for both single-ended and balanced circuits
• works as wired DAC with computer and cellphones
• features bi-directional Bluetooth 5.0
• accepts one micro SD card up to 2 TB
• offers unique sound adjustments through “MSEB”
• supports 3rd party apps

What it does not

• 16 GB onboard storage is small
• has no 2nd microSD card slot

Hardware

The TempoTec Variations V6 DSD512 Android HIFI Music Player is essentially a phone without sim card, microphone, and loudspeaker, but with an audio component on steroids. The company scaled the computer part back in order to keep cost down. It features a basic Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 CPU and a 4.2″ 720 dpi screen.

The CPU is more than good enough for playing music, but not for playing games. The screen is fine for its intended use, too. It has a slightly warm tinge and is easy on the eye. The V6 features an accurate digital clock for removing phase noise in order to optimize sound quality.

In terms of DAC chips, the V6 sports two AK4493SEQ (no, the chips do not tell us anything about the sound, despite what the echo chamber in the blogosphere claims). The sound is produced by the DAC’s output stage and the amplifier.

TempoTec were initially not happy with the bass response and raised mid bass – which produces a slight bass boost and deviated the sound from neutral to mildly warm, still with good transparency.

The two dedicated line outs, one for balanced and the other for single-ended are a great feature that is usually reserved for expensive daps. I could handily connect the V6 to my desktop amp.

Software (Android 8.1; HiBy 3.0…)

Since the TempoTec V6 is essentially a small computer hosting the Android operating system, it can run (almost) any app from the Google Play store (and other sources). Due to the limitation imposed by the HiBy 3.0 player, the V6 runs 5-year old Android 8.1, whereas the current version is 12.

This could cause compatibility issues with some current apps, which is a problem for essentially ALL digital analog players – including the expensive ones. Another common problem is the lack of compatibility between Android and Apple. Mac users like me struggle with data transfer.

Bi-directional Bluetooth 5.0 is up to speed. As an internet device, the V6 was a bit slow on my mesh network (50 mbps download speed out of 150 possible on the 5 GHz band, Kazi reports 100/100 mbps on his single router; it also works at 50 mbps in the 2.4 GHz band) but this would be still more than adequate for streaming.

The HiBy 3.0 app is one of the standards across the board. Unique to HiBy is the MSEB, which stands for “Mage Sound 8-ball”. It is a parametric, very intuitive EQ. The OS also includes a standard EQ. Other remarkable features of the HiBy OS are low/high gain selection, crossfade, and antialiasing in the play settings.

Battery Performance

The TempoTec V6 hosts a 4500 mAh battery, bigger than in most phones. Interpreting battery drain is difficult as it depends on many factors additional to music playing, such as gain (high/low), equalizer use, volume, screen use, internet, Bluetooth, volume etc. After 12 hrs of continuous play with the 16 ohm/105 dB sensitivity Sonorous III headphone (low gain, with internet and Bluetooth switched off) at medium volume, there was 12% of battery capacity left.

I then charged it – and forgot – when checking after 4 hours the device was fully charged. After being switched off for almost a week, the charge was still at 98%.

Sound

The TempoTec’s sound can be characterized as slightly coloured, triggered by its somewhat boosted mid bass and its rather smooth, mellow/polite attack – which results in an analogish sonic perception with a timbre as close to natural as it gets.

Its balanced circuit delivers a big stage with a rather large headroom and an astonishing spatial reconstruction. The signature is very forgiving to aggressive recordings. I found the mature and balanced, well-dosed sound impressive from the first minute independent of pricing. It shows that TempoTec have obviously invested in their tuning.

The mid bass has more body than, let’s say, the discontinued $950 Questyle QP1R, but the V6 does not have that crisp leading edge. The V6’s notes are better rounded in comparison, the QP1R’s notes are better defined. The Questyle also offers more microdetail and better microdynamics.

In turn, the TempoTec V6 beats the QP1R in terms of staging and imaging. Which player is better is difficult to say as both are different beasts. Compared to cheaper alternatives, the V6 plays a league above my beloved $220 Sony NW-A55 and $180 Hidisz AP80 Pro-X in terms of refined presentation.

Where the V6 has problems is with “marginal” iems, such as current-hungry Final E5000, which results in a rather uncontrolled, muddy bass performance. Testing the TempoTec’s 4.4 mm balanced circuit with the 300 ohm Sennheiser HD 600 yielded great results. Swapping the HD 600 between V6 and MacBook Air/Fidelia player with Questyle M15 (balanced, high gain) came very close, sound wise.

Comparing the V6’s and QP1R’s DACs using the Burson Funk as amplification reveals the V6’s limits. The Questyle sounds more articulate with sharper notes, the V6 plays richer but not as detailed…though still pretty good.

In summary, the TempoTec V6 sounds enjoyable to my ears and we may have to pay a lot more to top it.

Concluding Remarks

The TempoTec V6 is a mature and impressive product. It is a fully fledged Android (internet) device, essentially a phone without sim card, speaker, and microphone. It may have a somewhat basic computer performance (to keep cost down), but it sounds very good, has impressive audio features (including dedicated line outs), and comes with complete accessories (e.g. quality leather case, installed screen protector).

At its very modest price, the TempoTec V6 is in its own class and will sell like hotcakes.

Until next time…keep on listening!

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The Tempotec V6 was provided unsolicited by the company – and I thank them for that. You can buy it from Kickstarter.com. This is not an affiliate link.

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INTRO

The DAC dongle jungle continues to add contenders such as the Moondrop Dawn. Built off the CS43131 Cirrus logic DAC chip they give us a balanced output only model at $70 or a single-ended 3.5mm option at $65. It’s hard not to be a Moondrop fan as they crank out excellent earphones and now they are branching out to include some DACs. The 4.4 balanced version is a wonderfully neutral and powerful dongle with some specific requirements for use.

Disclaimer: This was provided graciously free of charge and without influence for review from HifiGo.

GOOD TRAITS

• Powerful 
• Neutral 
• No sharp edges
• Output voltage setting for Android users

NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

• Power hungry 
• Smart phone might require HiBy app, works better with computer seems to be power consumption related
• Fixed input cable

PACKAGE CONTENTS

The Moondrop Dawn requires an USB-C connection, but it also comes with an adapter for USB-A. The fixed cable could be considered a pro or con as fixed means less of a chance of losing the cable and it should be more reliable. Others might claim they prefer a replaceable cable in the event of failure. I bet by the time anything fails there will be something new to entice us anyway.

COMMENTARY

Upon first connection to my LG G8, the Moondrop Dawn seemed to exhibit extra noise at lower volume similar to resampling noise. I was using Poweramp with developer options enabled and output set to 44.1khz. I tried various output settings with no improvement. This happens to all the dongles I have to be fair.

Instead I switched over to the HiBy music app and once I enabled full control the noise went away and everything cleared up. I suspect maybe a power limitation was causing it because even at louder volumes it was still adding noise. After full control was enabled the phone indicated it was in high drain mode and noise was nonexistent.

Other features supported by the Moondrop include PCM 32bit decoding up to 768khz and DSD 256. Note that it can be used with a usb-c lightning adapter for an Iphone but you are limited to 1V/31.25mW output. There is also a stated high/low gain setting from within the software app called Moondrop Link only available for Android phones. The Link app allows users to change the 5 filter settings on the dongle, switch between 2V and 4V output, and turn the indicator light on or off as well as updating firmware.

Moondrop Dawn SOUND

Tested using my LG G8 and computer with the Moondrop Kato and Kinera IDUN 2.0

As music poured out of the Moondrop Dawn everything sounded wonderfully controlled and powerful. Almost too powerful for sensitive IEMs because it only takes a few clicks to reach comfortable listening levels.

The signature is neutral and well defined. Bass is strong, midrange has excellent blackness and clarity. The treble sounds even and un-colored with excellent resolution. The improved crosstalk isolation of the balanced output seems to add a bit of separation between instruments.

In comparison to my LG G8 built in Hifi dac, the Moondrop Dawn has improved bass control and an overall cleaner less gritty feeling on the midrange and treble. Compared to the similar DAC dongle TempoTec Sonata E35, the Moondrop Dawn sounds more even and a fuller bass. The Tempotec Sonata E35 on the other hand seems to have a slight emphasis in the midrange to treble section, and a smidget thinner bass. It would be interesting to compare the more similar Tempotec BHD (2.5mm balanced) that was previously reviewed or the even more similar Tempotec E44.

FINAL REMARKS

The Moondrop Dawn requires a bit of specific settings to properly use it, and there is additional power drain on a phone. It does tend to run cooler than the similar single-ended Tempotec Sonata E35, and bass feels a bit stronger as well for the Moondrop Dawn.

It is one of the few dongles that offers a output voltage gain setting only for Android users giving it a leg up on the competition. It also requires the use of a 4.4 mm balanced earphone only if that is your jam. There is a 3.5 mm single-ended option for $5 less if that fits your desires instead. I dig it.

SPECIFICATIONS

• DAC Chips: Dual CS43131.
• DNR: 132dB.
• THD+N: 0.00017%.
• Decoding: PCM up to 32-Bit/768kHz, Native DSD256.
• Output Power: 230mW@32Ω, 54mW@300Ω.
• Line-Out: 4Vrms(High-Gain), 2Vrms(Low)
• Purchase Link: HifiGo

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About my measurements.

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Cons — Interference could be an issue with certain mobile phones or signals; SE output takes such a hit in dynamics and resolution vs balanced that it might be a waste for many users; power consumption via balanced is likely high.

Summary

The EarMen Sparrow is a flexible (balanced or single-ended), powerful USB DAC/amp dongle with great sound quality, being particularly dynamic from its balanced output. However, it can be susceptible to interference when run from a mobile phone.

Sonics and Comparisons

I listened to the EarMen as part of a comparison of a few USB DAC/amp dongles old and new. Listening to all was mainly done with the Drop+JVC HA-FDX1 single dynamic-driver IEMs using the Mee Audio MMCX balanced cable (SPC), with a 2.5 bal. to 3.5 SE adapter where necessary to minimize possible cable differences. Being an Android user, I sent audio (mostly 16/44.1 FLAC files) to the Sparrow with USB Audio Player Pro.

Balanced: From the balanced output, performance is impressive: macrodynamics, note definition & weight, instrument separation, and transient resolution are all excellent, making for a very ‘technical’ package. Tonal balance is good too, no particular part of the range seeming over- or under-emphasized.

While I liked it, the dynamic and fast presentation from the balanced output might become fatiguing after a while with revealing and dynamic transducers like the JVCs and especially with very ‘technical’ multi-balanced-armature IEMs. Matching with smoother ‘phones, or switching to the SE output, might be preferable for long listening sessions.

Single-ended: There’s a notable hit in macrodynamics and low-level resolution from the 3.5mm SE output vs balanced, and note definition, particularly in the bass, is weaker, leading to a much more relaxed presentation.

As mentioned above, depending on the transducers the EarMen Sparrow is paired with, this might not be a bad thing. The contrast however is very pronounced, especially when comparing with others: The Tempotec Sonata BHD, for example – a balanced-only unit – is itself pretty revealing but is notably less dynamic than the Sparrow’s balanced output and notably more dynamic than it’s SE output. And the latter is more relaxed than the single-ended Shanling UA1, and – except notably in the bass – than the single-ended Helm Bolt (which uses the same ES9281Pro SoC as the EarMen Sparrow).

Non-Sound Stuff

Here’s what might be a deal-breaker for some: when playing from the balanced output, the EarMen Sparrow can pick up interference when it’s close to a phone. This has been discussed on internet forums, and EarMen to their credit tried to address it by replacing the original cable with a longer, better shielded one.

I replaced the original with another that was reported to help, the OEAudio OEOTG, which improved the issue but didn’t completely solve it. If you can keep the dongle away from your phone, if you only use it in airplane mode, or if your phone/carrier/local signal doesn’t give you this problem (Jürgen tells me he didn’t experience it with his iPhone SE), great – but it might be a lottery.

For me (Nokia 4.2) it’s much reduced (or absent) from the SE output, but present enough to be annoying at listening levels from balanced when everything’s jumbled together in a pocket.

Minor considerations: unlike with other dongles, sometimes the EarMen Sparrow doesn’t play right away from UAPP when hot-swapped in after another dongle, requiring a re-boot of the player. This doesn’t happen every time, though, and I suspect a recent UAPP update might have cured the problem entirely; I haven’t seen it in the last couple of weeks.

Also, the EarMen Sparrow gets very warm in balanced mode – you can tell it’s putting out some power! This is good, but will come with a pretty high battery drain. Jürgen found the drain when using SE to be in the higher half of his tested units; be aware that balanced use will drain your battery faster still.

More Comparisons & Conclusion

The most obvious comparison among the units I have here – because it’s the only other one with a balanced output – is the dual-CS43131 Tempotec Sonata BHD. Compared to the EarMen Sparrow this has tonal emphasis in the upper mids, a splashier/hashier treble, a more rounded bass, and transients which apart from in the bass are similar in speed to the Sparrow but lesser in weight. However, the Sonata BHD is currently under 1/3 the price of the Sparrow.

The Earstudio HUD100 Mk2 (currently $120), a favorite of Jürgen’s which I haven’t heard, could make for an interesting comparison because although being single-ended, has two outputs, one with high power. Comparisons with other, non-balanced units should be seen in terms of price – and not having heard similarly priced SE units, I can’t usefully comment. 

Overall, I’m impressed with the EarMen Sparrow. The flexibility and differences in sound signature offered by the choice of outputs, and the absolute performance of the balanced output, make it a great contender in the dongle space. The interference issue however, is a serious one.

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Disclaimer

This is the same unit reviewed by Jürgen here, which was supplied to him by EarMen upon request.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

The post EarMen Sparrow Dongle DAC/Amp – Brief Second Opinion appeared first on Music For The Masses.

• Small and light, good build.
• 3 modes for more versatility – music, gaming and movie modes.
• Innovative detachable magnetic cable system.
• Plug and playable, compatible with desktops/laptops, apple and android phones (there is an option to get Lightning versus USB C connectors).
• Very low output impedance, suitable for low impedance IEMs. No hiss.
• Neutralish, with a slight bass boost to add some fun.
• Volume controller.

Cons

• Gets slightly warm.
• Volume may jump when switching between modes – best to mute device/lower volume first.

Executive Summary

The IKKO Zerda ITM01 is a swiss army knife of the budget dongle DAC/AMP arena. It has a music, gaming and movie mode, making it quite versatile. It also has volume controls and boasts a very innovative magnetic cable system. There is good power on tap, yet this set can still drive low impedance type IEMs because of its low output impedance.

Specifications

• DAC uses ESS’s high-performance ESS9298 chip
• PCM supports up to 16Bit/384kHz
• DSD supports up to DoP128
• Adopts ikko’s custom anti-interference magnet thread connection method
• SNR: 118dB@32Ω (A-weight)
• Frequency response range: 20Hz-40kHz (-0.5dB)
• Output impedance: <0.8Ω
• Adaptation impedance: adaptive 16ohm – 600ohm
• Output level: 2V @ 32Ω (125mW @ 32Ω)
• Distortion: < 0.001%
• Decoding ability: Simulation (multiple sound optimizations)
• Size: 58x22x11mm
• Output: 3.5 mm
• Tested at $59 USD

Accessories

• 1x Ikko ITM01 Dongle
• 1x USB A cable
• 1x Type C or lightning cable (you can choose either option at order).

The USB A cable is very long, so no worries of a too short cable limiting your usage. In fact I found it too long and dangly, and had to tie up the cable when using it with my laptop. This cable is cloth braided and there is an included faux leather strap to tie the USB A cable.

A second cable is included, this is either a Lightning or USB Type C connector, depending on which one you choose at ordering. Well that depends if you are of the Apple or Android persuasion, but this cable is very much shorter.

These 2 included cables feature a very nifty and innovative magnetic connector to attach the cable to the DAC/AMP device. The magnetic end of the cable locks on easily and can be used in either direction; this may lessen wear and tear for frequent cable changing.

Contrary to the impressions that a magnetic connector can cause an easy dislodgement of the cable from the DAC/AMP, it is actually not easy to remove this magnetic clamp once the cable is inside, and I had no issues with dislodging the cable on the go.

This cable is unfortunately proprietary. I do appreciate that this DAC/AMP dongle’s cable is detachable, as a non-detachable one may be a point of failure down the line. In this current year of 2021, it is really not excusable to have a non-detachable cable for these dongles (unless we are talking about an ultra-budget set), as a non-detachable cable is one awkward yank away from being a white elephant.

Build

The ITM01 is made of plastic, but is sturdy yet light. As mentioned above, the detachable cable definitely should prolong its lifespan.

Measuring in at 58 x 22 x 11 mm, this set can easily fit into a jeans pocket on the go.

This set has a 3.5 mm output (single ended) and has no balanced option.

Functionality

The IKKO Zerda ITM01 is a plug and play set, and is compatible with desktops/laptops, apple and android phones (depending on the cable type you order), without any need to install drivers.

Disclaimer: I am not an Apple fanboy and do not own any Apple products, so I opted for the USB C version and tested this set on Android phones and a Windows laptop. Please check with others who have bought the Lightning version if they have any issues with Apple products.

The volume buttons work as advertised on the IKKO Zerda ITM01, they can be pressed down with a satisfactory click. I appreciate that the volume steps in the ITM01 are quite fine, unlike the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, which have huge volume levels in between each volume step.

Pressing the middle button once (short press) pauses or starts the music. This middle button also controls the mode if pressed for 3 seconds: music (yellow LED), movie (blue LED) and game mode (purple LED).

Technical Aspects

The IKKO Zerda ITM01 can support PCM up to 16Bit/384kHz and DSD up to DoP128.

I did not note any RF interference when putting the IKKO Zerda ITM01 through its paces. Neither did I hear any hiss nor clicking with changing tracks midway. There is a bit of a clicking noise however, when changing modes.

On the music mode (yellow LED), the IKKO Zerda ITM01 essentially is neutralish with a slight bass boost. This keeps it from sounding sterile and adds a little bit of fun to the equation. The background is pitch dark with highly sensitive IEMs.

In fact with the advertised <0.8Ω output impedance, this set is perfect for multi driver low impedance IEMs (rule of eights in audiophile teachings). I’ve tried some 9ish ohm low output impedance sets like the Audiosense T800 and TRI Starsea on this DAC/AMP without any issues.

With very high impedance earbuds and cans eg ~ 300 ohms, the IKKO Zerda ITM01 faired well and could drive such gear adequately. When paired with some power hungry IEMs, eg KBEAR BElieve/Final E3000 (low sensitivity) and TRI I3 (planar tribid), these all sounded good, with a lot more headroom to spare.

On the movie mode (blue LED), the soundstage was compressed a tinge, with a boost in the upper mids region, giving more clarity to voices. This gave a spherical blob of soundstage with the head as the reference point, and there was some loss in instrument separation.

I didn’t get a “surround sound” vibe with this mode though. The volume cap is also much higher here than on the music mode, and the volume levels may jump from the music mode when playing an equivalent track (so beware).

On the gaming mode (purple LED), the soundstage became unnaturally wide (it may not be suited for music listening as such), but this might aid in placement of gun shots and footsteps, especially for FPS players. Instrument separation does take a hit compared to the music mode.

Likewise, the volume cap here is also much more than on the music mode, and the volume can also jump suddenly compared to the music mode, while on the same test track.

Hence, when changing modes to the gaming/movie mode, as they have a different volume level/cap, my advise is to mute the volume of your device and put the source (eg phone/laptop) volume to zero, and slowly increase incrementally, in case of any sudden jumps in volume between the modes.

The IKKO Zerda ITM01 does get a bit warm with prolonged usage, but I’ve definitely had other dongle DAC/AMPs that go much hotter.

Comparisons

Compared to the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, the ITM01 has about comparable sound quality, but the ITM01 is more fun sounding in view of a bass boost, compared to the rather neutral Sonata HD Pro; the Sonata HD Pro can sound a bit more boring as such.

The Sonata HD Pro also has weaker driving power, and can’t drive some more demanding gear, eg 300 ohm cans. Having said that, there are some mods (eg BHD firmware mod, or using a 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm adapter) to get the Sonata HD Pro to output more juice, but the volume steps on the Sonata HD Pro are also bigger, so fine tuning volume levels on the Sonata HD Pro isn’t as reliable.

Compared to the E1DA 9038D, the ITM01 has poorer soundstage and technicalities, but that is not surprising considering the E1DA 9038D is around double the price (the 9038D is not better by twice for sure).

Driving power on both sets are good for a single-ended dongle, but the E1DA 9038D drains more battery and gets noticeably warmer. The E1DA 9038D is also very neutral and may sound more boring and analytical than the ITM01.

Conclusions

The IKKO Zerda ITM01 is a swiss army knife of the budget dongle DAC/AMP arena. It has a music, gaming and movie mode, making it quite versatile. It also has volume controls and boasts a very innovative magnetic cable system. There is good power on tap, yet this set can still drive low impedance type IEMs because of its low output impedance.

This DAC/AMP dongle (on the music mode) features a neutral signature with some slight bass boost to add a bit of fun to the music. Soundwise, the ITM01 definitely holds its own at the budget segment, and at $59 USD, has really quite good price to performance ratio. Recommended!

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Disclaimer

I would like to thank Rebecca from IKKO for providing this review unit. It can be purchased here: https://www.ikkoaudio.com/products/ikko-zerda-itm01-portable-audio-dac-detachable-magnetic-cable-adapter

Our generic standard disclaimer.

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

The post IKKO Zerda ITM01 Review (1) – Swiss Army Knife appeared first on Music For The Masses.

21-11-21 Jürgen

Our Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/audioreviews finally cleared 9,800 members. It was established on 1 Jan 2020 and its growth has been stalling lately. Will we have 10,000 members by Christmas?

21-11-19 Jürgen

More drama ahead? I published me take on the $5 VE Monk Pro earbud. They finally got the impedance down from 64 ohm to 32 ohm to present a truly “portable” earbud. I think my writeup is reasonably entertaining.

21-11-19 Jürgen

We have been playing with Google Adsense in order to try out whether Google prefers their clients in their listings. We put the settings on “autopilot”…after 203 days, this angry guys showed up. Sign of things to come? We’ll monitor this.

21-11-17 Jürgen

This “drama” over this Facebook post generated quite some outrage. What some people did not understand was that I don’t see a relationship between the hype and the quality of this iem. If you read between the lines, you’ll see my subtle criticism of peer pressure and compulsive buying triggered by pied pipers. 8000 views: goal achieved :).

21-11-17 Jürgen

Durwood posts his review of the $1500 Questyle CMA Twelve DAC/amp combo…endgame for many.

21-11-15 Jürgen

Loomis publishes his Sennheiser CX 400BT review.

21-11-13 Jürgen

Baskingshark’s IKKO Zerda ITM1 review now published. I see some KZ reviews being presently worked on. In the immediate line-up are a Sennheiser TWS and a premium Questyle amp.

21-11-13 Kazi

Received the Fearless Barcelona recently for review. It is the cheapest Fearless IEM till now and the design belies the price tag. I love how they’ve designed the face-plate here.

Sadly, they sound horrible. Not recommended at all. Too much bass, highly recessed mids, zero treble extension. Get something else this holiday.

21-11-12 Alberto

Yesterday I received my new/old Cowon Plenue 2 and of course the very first impression is imprinted over my experience with QP1R. At first listen the P2 on its balanced output is quite nice, nicely extended and with a very good note weight. While less clean / revealing / detailed compared to the QP1R (whose single ended output is a quite good proof of why balanced is more a marketing name for decent quality output than anything else) on the other hand it offers a huge host of sound finetuning options, commencing from selectable reconstruction filters, to a very good “tweakable” graphical EQ module (not a true PEQ but close) and some further DSPs. Connectivity options are null / nil / zero – like QP1R. There’s not even BT – and that’s perfectly fine

21-11-12 Jürgen

Singles day is over…as the name implies, I didn’t buy a single thing. Our blog stats are surprising: 70% of our traffic stems from Google searches, and only 15% from Facebook. It is therefore not worth posting across FB groups…which is uncool anyway.

21-11-11 Jürgen

Today is 11/11 Asian Singles day. Not many exciting deals as far as I can see…but our blog experiences lots of views. In the meantime we published reviews of the FIIL CC2 and Oneodio Pro C reviews.

21-11-07 Jürgen

Burson Funk review out now. A fantastic headphone amp it is.

21-11-04 Jürgen

Working on the Burson Funk amp to hit the weekend deadline. Fantastic, powerful amp that works for headphones and speakers alike.

21-11-03 Jürgen

Published the Tin Hifi T2 EVO review. Kazi and I ordered a Final A3000 as found on our Wall of Excellence.

21-11-02 Jürgen

Re-dressed the blog’s right sidebar and added useful information. Meet your 8 authors, Wall of Excellence etc. Just look to the right.

21-11-01 Jürgen

Alberto’s iBasso IT04 review published. 283 iem reviews altogether now. Solved a caching problem, which affected our Google indexing. Thanks to the support of rankmath.com SEO plugin.

21-10-31 Jürgen

Finally got the Shanling UA1 review published. It is currently in Biodegraded’s hands for a 2nd review. Will have to finish the NiceHCK T2 EVO next week, and work on the Astell & Kern PEE51 dongle.

21-10-30 Alberto

Got my Hip Dac 2 review loaner unit in yesterday. First thing I noticed it came equipped with firmware 7.3 installed. The odd part is that on IFI’s website the 7.3 firmware is not listed under Hip Dac 2’s eligible downloads. Which means I could not recupe any “release info” about what’s different in 7.3 vs 7.2

While I was there, I also checked under Micro iDSD Signature’s section, and apparently firmware version 7.x has been removed from there too. Odd, at least. I put a question into IFI to get more info.

21-10-29 Jürgen

Published my Venture Electronics BIE Pro review on the blog. Submitted link to VE Clan Facebook group, where it got stuck in censorship, but was eventually posted after approval. That was only intermittent, I think I was tacitly expelled from that group after mentioning censorship. Be prepared that VE Clan Facebook group is manipulative as it presents cherry-picked information.

On another note, Loomis Johnson submitted his review of the Sennheiser CX-400BT True Wireless Earphones for publication.

21-10-28 Kazi

Received KZ ZEX. Their naming convention is making me go bad. Graphed it and labeled the graph wrong because these names all sound similar (ZAX/ZEX/ZSX). Either way, not too impressed with the sound. Kinda peaky in the mid-treble. Graphs show that as well.

21-10-27 Jürgen

Behind with some reviews, e.g. Unique Melody 3DT and Tin Hifi T2 Evo.

21-10-26 Jürgen

Blog received a few more tweaks, including a new site map.

21-10-25 Jürgen’s 10 Day Roundup

In the last 2 weeks, we published reviews of 2 totally underrated Final Audio headphones (Sonorous II+III) including some update earpads.

We identified some good TWS iems for the office in the Elevoc Clear.

We further think the Moondrop Kato is a winner (but need a second set for our European crew).

And we had a couple of second opinions of the GeekWold GK10, Tforce Yuan Li, SeeAudio Bravery, and Tanchjim Tanya.

We currently offer 281 earphone reviews.

21-10-25 Kazi

Received the iFi Hip DAC2 today, and the copper colorway will surely steal some glances. The sound isn’t changed much from the original Hip DAC (if at all) but it didn’t need to since the OG was one of the best DAC/Amps out there under $200. Full review in the works.

21-10-25 Jürgen

Worked on search engine optimization “SEO” all weekend after some trouble with Google. Also subscribed to webmaster tools of Bing and Yandex search engines. You can analyze the SEO of your own site here: https://rankmath.com/tools/seo-analyzer/

21-10-24 Kazi

Slow weekend, nice weather. Went out mostly to enjoy the fall colors. Also did some random photoshoot for the upcoming reviews. Also received the VE Monk SM recently. Not a fan. Shrill, sharp sound and technicalities are middling even for the $20 price bracket. At least it looks and feels nice in hand.

In other news, A&K released the SR25 mk. 2. Not a fan of the design at all. The tilted makes no usability sense. Also it’s basically the original SR25 with just a 4.4mm jack added. Meh.

21-10-23 Jürgen

Our blog has currently problems with Google indexing. I re-created the sitemaps. It would help if you linked to it from your site. Thanks.

21-10-23 Jürgen

The ongoing power crisis in China has led to increased operating costs as well as to price hikes of raw materials. Expect delays and price increases for your Christmas shopping.

Have not heard of 11/11 deals this year…strange.

21-10-22 Jürgen

Coming next on the blog (tonight my time) is Baskingshark’s review of the SeeAudio Bravery. We have a few more ready ones such as a tech article on “System on Chip” (SoC), that is dac and amp on the same chip. Another tech post will be an elaboration on the 1/8 rule on the example of the Apogee Groove.

Alberto will be offering reviews of the iBasso IT04, the Kinera Leyding earphone cable, and the Tanchjim Tanya in the very near future. These are ready. He is still working on a couple of Fearless models among others.

Also almost ready to go are reviews of the Shanling UA1 dongle, the VE Bonus Pro iem, and the VE Monk Go.

21-10-21 Biodegraded

Behind in evaluating various dongles sent by Jürgen for second opinions: Helm Bolt, Shanling UA 1, Earmen Sparrow, Tempotec Sonata BHD. So far, I’m surprised by the contrast between the Bolt and UA 1 (both use the same ESS DAC/Amp chip but yes, they sound a lot different) and by the bal vs SE contrast from the Sparrow. Comparisons will be made to the Audioquest DragonFly Black and ifi nano iDSD Black Label.

I’m also considering a winter project building this Pass Labs class A solid-state headphone amp to complement my tube hybrid and little USB- or battery-powered desktop/portable things. Much swearing will no doubt ensue. Right now though, have to clean the scratchies from the volume pot of an integrated amp that needs to be moved on.

2021-10-21 Kazi

Have had quite a hectic October, so couldn’t manage to publish anything. However, look forward to the “Review Extravaganza” over the coming two weeks or so. At least four articles are in the works and shall be published withing quick succession including:

• FIIL CC2 (a pretty good TWS)
• Moondrop Quarks
• Campfire Audio Holocene
• Campfire Audio Honeydew
• Final A4000
• Shanling Q1
• Cayin Fantasy

And just to close out, one of the photos I shot today (I think it came out pretty good). See you on the other side.

2021-10-21 Jürgen

Sitting currently on review units of Burson Funk amp and two Allo power supplies that may take some time. Almost ready is a review of the Unique Melody 3DT iem whereas the IKKO OH10 still needs some work. Overdue are reviews of several VE Electronics items as well as some ddHiFi accessories.

That famous Hidizs S9 Pro Copper edition dongle (limited to 500 copies) has been on its way from Calgary to Bologna for a good week now. Let’s see how fast Air Mail is.

Currently looking for a second Moondrop Kato review unit for our European chapter. After all, a single opinion is not sufficient for an item to qualify for our Wall of Excellence.

2021-10-21 Jürgen

This page was established to report our progress (but also some observations and opinions) within audioreviews.org. All our authors with WordPress accounts have access.

2021-10-20 Jürgen

Android Brick alas audioreviews.news is using our good name to attract traffic to his fake reviews. This may be legally correct but it is not ethical. He was shamed and left our Facebook group.

Beware of imitations!

This is https://www.audioreviews.org/news/

No marketing!

No sugarcoating!

Just genuine analyses!

The post Our News appeared first on Music For The Masses.

DAC Dongles never really aroused me that much since LG was making phones that were excellent in terms of ease of good portable audio. However, now that LG is exiting the phone business the options for carrying around one device to do everything including good audio has now dried up. So reluctantly, the dongle now looks attractive for folks that don’t want to go down the DAP rabbit hole.

Tempotec seems to be mentioned everywhere these days when someone is recommending a budget friendly option either with the Tempotec Sonata HD or Tempotec Sonata HD Pro. They have recently expanded options to include balanced output versions, and general upgrades to later DAC chips. These dongles have come a long way from being cheapo band-aides of the $10 variety and Tempotec has found a way to give us what we need, transparent sound from portable devices for minimal cost.

GOOD TRAITS

NOT SO HOT

PACKAGE CONTENTS

• Dongle
• USB to USB-C adapter
• Hi-Res sticker
• Extra device protector (E35 only)

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW

These all-in-one buffet style all you can eat DAC chips include the necessary amplification, so the only thing that is supplied external to the DAC chip itself is power supply, USB interface, and clocking for sampling rate and some capacitors.

Most of these include a class H or G headphone amplifier that is a class A/B design with essentially two voltage rails +1.8V and +3.3V. These designs allow for how much voltage should be used to power the amplifier section to keep it efficient and not eat up precious battery turning it into a small pocket heater.

It is hard to remove expectation bias from these types of reviews, for example my bias is that I do not expect a huge difference between lots of these devices. There is programming that can be done to “tune” how it compensates for noise and harmonic distortion. This is most likely what you see for example when they say it is tuned by some well known brand.

This is boring stuff except for the propeller heads. There are also analog amps at the end of these DAC dongles that can react differently when loaded or at frequency band low/high ranges, but they are still a built-in part of the DAC chip itself on most of these dongle devices.

Also, it is strongly recommended to make sure what ever device these are connected to have the proper sampling rate selected. On LG Android devices, this requires certain players be utilized otherwise everything gets resampled to 48Khz which really jacks with low listening levels.

I noticed it does not exactly stay put when un-plugging and re-plugging these devices at least in Poweramp, but it only changed on me once and not sure why. No big deal, simple enough to change back in the Poweramp settings.

TEMPOTEC SONATA HD II SOUND

Why buy one? It’s small, uses about 4.9% battery per hour so approximate 20 hours of use depending on battery size, and sounds clean and mostly transparent. It is an upgrade to the Tempotec Sonata HD with a few more dB of dynamic range and DSD capability. With 16 bit music files, it should be mostly transparent. I say mostly, because it has a slight midrange emphasis.

Noise-wise it exceeds the 96db dynamic range of 16bit files. Bass is a bit soft and lower mids and treble sound smoothed over on details in comparison to the Sonata E35. The LG V30 sounds a bit more raw and warmer in comparison. Volume steps are quite large at only 15 variations of volume.

This is perfectly acceptable given the price and purpose of a small and simple USB dongle. It was plug an play on my PC, but my LG V30 has to be tricked into using it through a USB OTG adapter. This is a known Android issue on some devices, but I blame another dongle that may have crippled my USB-C port at one point. Same goes for the Tempotec Sonata E35.

TEMPOTEC SONATA E35 SOUND

Why should you upgrade to this over the HD II? If you have an HD Pro already, I think no reason to buy this one. It is the same as the HD pro with a dual DAC chip used to boost SINAD values as these dongles race to have bragging rights on how noise free they measure. Power output is only marginally increased as well from 60mW to 80mW.

The bass sounds cleaner with more definition over my LG V30. The LG V30 sounds a bit warmer despite I know it measures flat. Others might call this sterile vs warm, or it could also be called transparent (E35) vs colored (V30). My noted battery usage was about 9%/hr with my LG V30 3500mah battery so I would expect about 10hr of use- YMMV.

The Tempotec Sonata E35 also includes a rocker button for 30 steps of volume control INDEPENDENT of the source volume. On an Android phone, the source gives you 15 steps, so at each step then you have 30 more fine adjustment options. While semi complicated, I do find it useful as a coarse plus fine adjustment method. It does pull off a better three dimensional soundstage as well. Butter my biscuits, I was truly thinking I would not notice a difference. It’s ok powering the HD6XX, but doesn’t have the required headroom to really bring them to life.

TEMPOTEC SONATA E35 DESIGN CHOICES

When comparing the Tempotec Sonata E35 to the predecessor Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, gone are the external cables. The downside is the Tempotec HD Pro had a micro USB to lightning adapter, where the Sonata E35 only has USB-C. This does not prevent usage since it should work with an Apple lightning to USB adapter sold separately, but I was unable to verify. For those that still think that external cables allow for easy replacement if something were to happen.

I also originally thought that was an annoying change, but let me re-frame this in a different light. With a dongle that has a headphone jack plus a USB connection right at the dongle, this might be an annoyance in your pocket since the length of the dongle increases into something awkward and you might end up looking like you are playing pocket pool to reposition. The Temptotec Sonata E35 instead folds around like a snake and the cables are extremely flexible. This might have been a necessary design choice also to make room due to the extra DAC chip.

OUTRO

I think they are both great devices to have. So which one should you pick? For me the answer is simple, if you are planning on more active mobility use, go with the Tempotec HD II. It’s tiny, uses minimal battery, great sounding and the extra staging capabilities of the Tempotec Sonata E35 would be lost on someone out and about.

For those that plan on traveling with, but end use is stationary listening I recommend the Tempotec Sonata E35. It will give you more volume refinement and better technical abilities. For those that prefer balanced output options, the Sonata BHD or the Sonata 4.4 are also available. My personal pick is the Sonata E35, I enjoy the cleaner and more holographic sound over the LG V30.

SPECIFICATIONS

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DISCLAIMER

Tempotec provided these to me but you can Get the both from their store here.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

The post Tempotec Sonata HD II vs. Tempotec Sonata E35 – Excitement for Your Pocket appeared first on Music For The Masses.

Cons — Midrange attenuation; high battery drain from phone.

Executive Summary

The Shanling UA2 is a slightly off-neutral, rather natural sounding, and very powerful portable DAC/amp with good dynamics that features single-ended and balanced outputs at a budget pice. Compared to some of its much more expensive rivals, the UA2 has a leaner midrange while being competitive in terms of power.

Introduction

Shanling is a Chinese HiFi company established in 1988. They hit the western markets in the early 2000s with premium amplifiers at very competitive prices. At the time, while working in China, I talked to them about getting a 110 V version of one of their famous tube CD-players manufactured. This, unfortunately, failed because of export regulations.

More than half a generation later – Shanling has long established itself as a quality player and brand name around the world – I finally try my first Shanling product, the UA2 Portable USB DAC/Amp. And TL;DR, it is a good one.

Shanling is currently joining an army of companies populating the market with portable dac/amps that turn you phone into a dap. In this ever more crowded field, where the potential buyer cannot try before buying, reviewers like me have to provide the overview. But since it is impossible to test all interesting products, you have to check out a few qualified opinions before pulling the trigger.

Specifications

Physical Things and Usability

In the box are the UA2, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter. The UA2 body is made of metal and its coating feels smooth and appealing between my fingers.

In contrast to most other dongles does the UA2 offers two different circuits: a single-ended output through a standard 3.5 mm socket and a balanced output through a 2.5 mm socket. Both outputs/sockets work simultaneously. And it is the balanced output that makes the UA2 particularly attractive.

The two headphone sockets are on end, a USB-C port on one the other: the 3.5 mm single-ended socket is reinforced with a thick metal ring in expectation of the higher usage of the two.

There is a little LED light between them indicating sampling rate and connection to a gaming console.

Functionality and Operation

A summary of what it does

• Can be connected to Windows/Mac computers or Android/iOS sources
• Works as a pre-amplifier or dac when connected to a dedicated headphone amplifier
• Features two circuits: 3.5 mm single ended and 2.5 mm balanced
• Drives two earphones/headphones simultaneously through its two outputs
• Drives small loudspeakers through its 3.5 mm output
• Handles even power-hungry headphones well, imo up to 300 Ω

…and of what it does not

• …needs no battery; draws power from source…and lots of it
• …is not driverless: needs a USB driver for Window computer (download)
• …needs an Apple camera adapter or other third-party lightning cable for connecting to an iOS device

The Shanling UA2 has only a single button that serves the purpose of enabling a connected gaming console. It is powered and operated from the source device and decodes Hi Res up to 32 bit/768 kHz and DSD 512.

Shanling are offering their free Eddict player companion app that allows fine tuning the UA2 (and other Shanling products) with Android and iOS devices.

Amplification and Power Management

The Shanling UA2 is powerful. It delivers 125mW @ 32 ohm (single ended) and 195mW @ 32 ohm (balanced) according to the manufacturer. Even the single-ended circuit drives my 300 ohm Sennheiser HD 600 reasonably well.

But the UA2 consumes a lot of battery – twice as much as the AudioQuest DragonFly Black/Red. This makes it less beneficial for mobile use. You certainly need a big battery.

Power Consumption Test: Parameters and Results

I tested the power consumption of several portable headphone amps connected to my iPhone 5S. The conditions were as identical as possible: 3 h test, volume calibrated to 85 dB  ± 0.5 dB white noise with Dayton microphone, no sim card, BT off, no other apps open; network on, 32 ohm Blon BL-03 iem, Genesis’s Supper’s Ready (from the Seconds Out album) played in an endless loop.

The iPhone’s battery was fully charged at the start of the test and the remaining charge was measured thereafter. The result is shown in the table below. Since the tests were performed at different times and considering the ongoing battery deterioration, the results have to be seen with a grain of salt.

[collapse]

But hold the horses. This is not as bad as you think. Co-blogger Alberto Pittaluga actually likes this drain. But why? For him it is a matter of choices. The Shanling UA2 pushes more current than its competition, which drives low-impedance and low-sensitivity headphones and iems better. After all, transducers are moved by current.

Sound

Equipment used: Macbook Air/iPhone SE first generation; Sennheiser HD 600 / HD 25, Shozy Form 1.4, Meze RAI Solo, BQEYZ Summer.

The Shanling UA2 offers a relatively natural, well rounded, dynamic, appealing sound, but could deserve a richer midrange.

Its sound is slightly off linear and off neutral by a slight bass boost that improves the sound of anemic earphones/headphones, keeps the sound away from sterile, and it adds depth. But, in some earphones, it can also narrow the soundstage and smear into the lower midrange/vocals, which adversely affects separation. The bass rumble becomes weaker under higher impedance loads.

What distinguishes the UA2 from its more expensive competition is not its amplification power…it is its attenuated, recessed, thin and occasionally sharp midrange (in comparison) that is evident in both single-ended and balanced circuits.

Vocals are set back in the UA2 but they are also a bit lean and pointy, they could be smoother, richer, and more intimate. This attenuation may exacerbate shoutiness in some earphones and moves the bass into focus.

But this is very-high level criticism with perfection as reference. The overall sound is dynamic with a good punch, it is not edgy at the upper end and comes off as pleasant during normal recreational listening (I was listening “analytically” for this review).

I assign good musicality and liveliness to the Shanling UA2, it is not technical, sterile, or boring sounding. Overall, the UA2 is more homogenous and natural sounding than the $40 Tempotec Sonata HD PRO or the $70 Tempotec BHD.

The UA2’s balanced circuit does not only deliver more power than the single-ended one, but also a marginally wider and deeper soundstage, improved dynamics and separation, and more intimacy. But it is still affected by the lean midrange.

When comparing the UA2 – I only had more expensive models available – they all rank sonically according to their price. The $120 Earstudio HUD 100 was more linear and cleaner at the bottom end with a wider stage and a headroom similar to the UA2’s balanced circuit’s. This also applied to the $199 EarMen Sparrow (balanced circuit) and $199 Audioquest DragonFly Red but with improved resolution added. The DragonFly Red reproduced voices richer, cleaner, and more intimate.

None of the higher-priced models with single-ended outputs has less headroom than the UA2’s balanced circuit – but also not necessarily more power. This also applies to the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt, the smoothest and most natural of them all. More in this video:

Concluding Remarks

To pack my testing results in a single sentence: the $85 Shanling UA2 is a $200 dongle with a thinner midrange. No it does not quite rival, let’s say, the more homogenous DragonFly Red or the EarMen Sparrow sonically, but it offers better value while still sounding very good.

I heard it. Can’t get anything better for $85. Larry Fulton, co-blogger.

Considering the current uber offer of portable DAC/amps in the $100 category, I surely will be asked how the UA2 compares to X, Y, and Z at a similar price. While I cannot answer this question, I speculate its sound quality is hard to beat in its class, and claim that the UA2 is a great choice.

It feels good, is well accessorized, sounds organic, it has two powerful circuits – and also works with portable gaming consoles. And it is a brand-name product with R&D behind it. Is it the new $100 one to beat? Time will tell.

Until next time…keep on listening!

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Disclaimer

The UA2 was provided by Shanling and I think them for that. Shanling also kindly included a third-party USB-C to lightning adapter.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

The post Shanling UA2 Portable USB DAC/Amp Review – Crazy For You appeared first on Music For The Masses.

Cons — None.

INTRODUCTION

I love adapters. Yes, you are reading correctly. I have boxes of them…see photo at the bottom. But when I recently received a couple of German premium earphone review loaners with a combined worth exceeding $5000, they came with an adapter. And guess wh

at, it was a ddHifi branded one. A Chinese adapter on a German premium earphone cable? Must be of good quality. And it was. In fact it worked so well that I purchased three versions of it way before I received the actual two units for this review.

One of them, the ddHifi TC25i let’s one connect a 2.5 mm mm balanced cable to an iPhone’s lightning port. The other one, ddHifi TCI28i, turns the iPhone’s lightning adapter into a USB-C port. I will explain the practicality of these devices in the following – also get some idea from the images throughout and at the bottom of this article.

SPECIFICATIONS TC25i

• ddHiFi 
• Apple Lightning to 2.5 mm headphone jack adapter
• Material: CNC-machined 316 stainless steel unibody shell
• Supports in-line control on CTIA standard earphones
• Supports full functionality for Apple earphones
• Supports iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch models running iOS 10.0 or later
• THD+N: < -92 db
• DNR: > 110 db
• SNR: > 120 db
• Dimensions: 0.74 x 0.44 x 0.4 in (18.8 x 11.2 x 10.2 mm)
• Weight: 0.2 oz (6 g)
• Tested at: $40
• Product page: ddHifi

SPECIFICATIONS TC28i

• Input: Lighting
• Output: USB-C
• Material: Aluminum alloy
• Dimensions: 0.7 x 0.4 x 0.5 in (18.5 x 9.5 x 13.5 mm)
• Tested at: $30
• Product page: ddHifi

PHYSICAL THINGS AND USABILITY/FEATURES

The TC25i and TC28i are robust, sturdy, small, and light – and made of metal. Build and haptic are excellent.

What do these adapter do? I’ll discuss this as follows. Note: the reviewed versions will only work with iPhones and iPads, even if these devices are mantled with the thickest possible cases. And – in order to give you some idea what these adapters can be used for, I appended a set of images of my own applications below.

TC25i Lightning to 2.5mm Headphone Adapter: is essentially the equivalent to the Apple lightning audio adapter (which I reviewed in great detail), but with a 2.5 mm output. Although all 2.5 mm cables are “balanced”, the TCi25 is not. Its sister adapter TC35i features a 3.5 mm adapter and serves the same purpose as the Apple lightning adapter.

The TCi25i/TC35i have a lot of technology packed into that small enclosure: a microscopic stereo digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a stereo headphone amplifier, a microphone preamplifier, and monophonic analog-to-digital converter (ADC) – and power converters to run this all.

Considering that any connector is a sonic bottleneck and that the wire in the Apple Audio adapter is the limiting factor for any premium cable, cable aficionados are better off with the TCi25.

TC28i Lightning to USB Type C Adapter: is simply a connector for dongles. It essentially serves the purpose of the Apple lightning camera adapter. When connecting your iPhone to a dongle via the Apple adapter, you create a rather long chain. The TC28i shortens this “snake” and makes it more portable.

There is a big difference, however, between Apple and ddHifi in that the former has the traditional USB-A connector whereas the ddHifi TC28i features the smaller USB-C connector.

This is no problem as most dongles come with either connectivity. And if everything fails, there are cheap USB-C to USB-A connectors.

TONALITY AND TECHNICALITIES OF THE TCI25i

First test of the ddHifi TC25i lightning to 2.5 mm adapter against the iPhone 5S’s internal dac/amp (which is essentially identical to the Apple audio adapter for later iPhones).

The iPhone 5S is a formidable audio player: https://www.kenrockwell.com/…/iphone-5s-audio-quality.htm. Result: no noticeable difference found in terms of sound quality and amplification power.

So what does the TC25i sound like? I agree with the Headphone Collector also analyzed the Apple audio adapter [here]…as said, the ddHifi TC25i sounds essentially identical . He writes: “…Neutral, clear, clean and very precise. Basically as audibly transparent, good-sounding and clean-sounding to my ears as it gets. Precise and tight bass reproduction with sensitive multi-BA in-ears.

VALUE

TC25i Lightning to 2.5mm Headphone Adapter, although identical sounding as the Apple Lightning Adapter, may appear expensive at four times the price.

But: Apple does not offer a 2.5 mm adapter and their dongle is plastic/rubber with a cable that is prone to fray. The TC25i is made of metal (and has therefore the much better haptic and durability), is much less conspicuous because of its smaller size, and is extremely practical as you don’t have to earphone change cables when switching between devices.

It is also classy compared to the Apple. And it is particularly useful when deploying cables with the unreliable MMCX connectors. It may save you money in the long run by not ripping your MMCX connectors apart.

The TC28i Lightning to Type C Adapter costs about the same as the Apple camera adapter. Again, the ddHifi product is smaller, more rugged, and has the better haptic. The difference between the two – that is USB-A for the Apples and USB-C for the ddHifi – is somewhat unimportant as most peripherals come with both-type cables – and if not, there are cheap quality adapters, the best from UGREEN.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

I love adapters and the ddHifi adapters are on top of my list. They are high-quality and therefore good enough to be used with the most premium equipment, they look and feel good, they are priced right, and they are extremely practical.

While these two units had been provided by dHifi, I purchased other ddHifi adapters for my pleasure so impressed was I. You will see ddHifi adapters all over this blog. Check it out for yourself:

https://www.audioreviews.org/?s=ddHifi

Until next time…keep on listening!

Contact us!

DISCLAIMER

These ddHifi adapters were provided by ddHifi – and I thank them for that.

Get them from ddHifi.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

EXAMPLES OF APPLICATIONS…

The post ddHiFi TC25i Lightning to 2.5mm Headphone Adapter And TC28i Lightning to USB-C Adapter Review – Connect Your iPhone appeared first on Music For The Masses.

Cons — 2.5 mm balanced only/USB-C only limits connectivity on either end.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Tempotec Sonata BHD is a neutral, sleek, crisp, and transparent sounding 2.5 mm balanced dac/amp that offers a substantial sonic update over phone/computer dacs/amps when used with iems. One of my favourite products in 2021. A personal favourite.

NOTE

I did not test the Sonata BHD with headphones owing to the lack of a balanced cable. Considering its power, the Sonata BHD is much better suited for iems. I also did not test DSD and MQA, as I do not have the required subscriptions. And I think the Sonata BHD is more tailored towards mobile units than towards computers.

INTRODUCTION

Chinese manufacturer Tempotec made quite a dent with their Sonata HD Pro in 2019. At $40, it comes with all possible adapters and you can connect it to essentially everything: Android devices, Apple devices, and computers. Not bad at the price of essentially an Apple lightning adapter. Unsurprisingly, the Sonata HD Pro has been a favourite in terms of audioreviews.org blog views since, made it into my “Gear of the Year 2020“, and remains highly recommended.

The Tempotec Sonata HD Pro features a single-ended output, whereas, in the meantime, companies like Earmen offer two outputs in their Sparrow dongle: 3.5 mm single-ended, and 2.5 mm balanced. And while I thought “balanced” was just another gimmick, it is truly not: everything sounds bigger and clearer with balanced in a direct comparison. But the Earmen Sparrow comes at a price of $200. Tempotec responded to the market’s demand for “balanced” output with their Sonata BHD, a sleek and powerful dongle at $70.

To answer you burning questions right away: does the Sonata BHD sound better than the Sonata HD Pro? Yes, it does. Does it sound as good as the Earmen Sparrow? No, not quite, but it still sounds impressive.

THE IDEA OF BALANCED AUDIO

Balanced audio is a method of connecting audio equipment using balanced lines [Wikipedia]. Such lines reduce susceptibility to external noise caused by electromagnetic interference. This is particularly beneficial for recording studios, which use kilometres of lines. For our purpose of portable audio, reduced interference results in a clearer, cleaner signal. Headphonesty compared “balanced and unbalanced” audio connections in this article.

SPECIFICATIONS

Product Name: Sonata BHD
DAC Chip: Two CS43131
Output Impedance: NA
SNR: 129 dB
HP Out : 120MW/32ohms 20MW/600ohms
Level: 2VRMS
THD+N: -113dB
Crosstalk: greater than 118dB (32 ohms) *
PCM: up to 32bit/384kHz
DSD: to DSD256 (NATIVE) DSD128 (DOP)
Hiby Music APP: Support exclusive
PC: Exclusive ASIO driver
Volume control: independent hardware volume control
Purchase Link: Tempotec Official Store

Tested at: $66

PHYSICAL THINGS AND USABILITY

The Sonata BHD comes with a fixed USB-C cable, a USB-C female to USB-A adapter, and a pleather case. It does not feature the detachable cables of the Tempotec Sonata HD and is aiming to be connected to USB-C and USB-A devices such as Android phones, and Windows and Mac computers. It can be connected to iPhones/iPads using either the Apple camera adapter or the much sleeker ddHifi TC28i adapter. Therefore, adding a third-party adapter makes the Sonata BHD as versatile as the Sonata HD Pro with source devices.

In terms of dimensions, the Sonata BHD is slimmer and higher than most dongles. And like the Sonata HD Pro, the housing is made of metal with rather sharp corners. Tempotec increased the often criticized spacing between the two volume buttons compared to the Sonata HD Pro – what they have not addressed is the volume steps when pushing the buttons (which are identical to the source’s volume buttons). The button mechanism is exquisite and precise – with a great soft rebound – so that is is almost fun pushing them. All connections and connectors work precisely, too.

Internally, the Sonata BHD features the same chip as the Sonata HD Pro, however TWO of them (one for each line), which explains the price difference.

FUNCTIONALITY

The Tempotec Sonata BHD has no internal battery and is driven by the music source. This is great in that there is no planned obsolescence (the device will still work in, let’s say, 10 years), but it drains your mobile source faster. As to the drain rate, I did not explicitly test it – but battery consumption appeared to be within reason.

The Sonata BHD is plug ‘n’ play with phones and tablets, and it requires selecting the device in my Mac’s sound panel (probably similar in Windows).

When playing, the Sonata BHD relies on the source volume. I typically set the computer/phone volume at 80%, although I am not sure whether I can turn it up to 100% without (more) distortion. After removing the Sonata BHD from my phone, it recognizes the volume setting upon reconnecting.

AMPLIFICATION

There is a paradox: a balanced output is typically more powerful than a single-ended output – and iems, on average, require less power than headphones: however balanced cables for headphones are harder to get and more expensive than for earphones. As a rule of thumb, external amplification is needed for headphones/iems with an impedance above 50 Ω. While most headphones exceed this number, most iems run at 32 Ω or lower. Iems above 50 Ω typically feature electrostatic or piezoelectric drivers. I don’t have any balanced-headphone cables but could test the Sonata BHD with power-hungry iems such as the Vision Ears Elysium, Triaudio I3, and NiceHCK NX7 Mk3. And they were all driven very well by the Sonata BHD.

I could not test the Sonata BHD with headphones – I don’t have one with a 2.5 mm cable – but was told it is not that powerful. I would therefore be careful with any headphone above an impedance of 70 Ω.

As to specs, the Sonata BHD delivers 120 mW into 32 Ω (and 20 mW into 600 Ω). This is twice as much as the original Sonata HD Pro offers.

TONALITY AND TECHNICALITIES

My tonal preference and testing practice

My test tracks explained

Equipment used: iPhone SE (1st generation) and MacBook Air; various earphones, mainly the Shozy Form 1.4.

The Tempotec Sonata BHD is a strictly neutral and sleek but never sterile or over-analytical sounding dac/amp that enhances the sound characteristics of the attached earphone/headphone. It is not only useful for running power-hungry earphone/headphones, it also improves the sound of easy-to-drive iems. Let’s take, for example, the excellent sounding, well reviewed Apple Audio Adapter that works well with my 16 Ω Shozy Form 1.4 iems. The Tempotec Sonata BHD simply adds midrange clarity and definition, opens up the soundstage, and increases headroom. And it adds pizaz to the sound…yep, it is rather punchy. These improvements over my phone are quite pronounced – and much bigger than with the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro.

Replacing the Tempotec HD Pro with the Tempotec Sonata BHD is like adding sour cream to your gravy: smoother, better balance, much bigger stage, better three-dimensionality, the sound is simply more appealing. Connecting my >50 Ω earphones added body, cleanliness, and smoothness on top of power.

WHO NEEDS THE SONATA BHD?

IMO, the Sonata BHD serves two specific purposes:

• Play power hungry iems (such with an impedance of > 50 ohm)
• Improve the sound quality of any iem, even at low volumes

First, there should be no problem playing a, let’s say, 70 Ω headphone such as the Sennheiser HD 25 with the Sonata, however it may be cost prohibitive to get a 2.5 mm balanced cable for headphones. Second, the Sonata BHD is not an ornament as so many other dongles. Any earphone sounds better on my iphone with the Sonata BHD compared to the Apple Audio Adapter or the ddHifi TC25i adapter (which is technically and sonically essentially identical with the Apple Audio Adapter). In comparison, the Sonata BHD adds clarity and definition, slims down the sound, and opens up the stage including headroom.

But I doubt that you will be able to drive full-sized 300 Ω cans with the Sonata BHD well.

TEMPOTEC SONATA BHD COMPARED

As said before, the Tempotec Sonata BHD upgrades the sound of the Apple Audio Adapter as well as their own Tempotec Sonata HD single-ended dongle. It does, however, not live up to the balanced circuit of the $200 EarMen Sparrow that excels in its more analog, fuller sound with an even better headroom. Nevertheless do I like both for their merits and one cannot replace the other. Similar to the different models in my earphone collection, both dongles hits different moods of the listener and I really enjoy them both very much.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The Sonata BHD provides a huge sonic upgrade to your phone and is another winner from Tempotec. Is sounds better and is more powerful than their famous Sonata HD Pro, but is a bit more limited by its ootb connectivity. Adding a second dac chip has increased the price, which benefits the sound greatly. The Sonata BHD is not only good for amplification but also for improved the sound quality of easy-to-drive earphones and headphones. It is not an ornament as so many others. Once again, a superb device and great bang for your buck. As simple as that…I said it before.

Until next time…keep on listening!

Contact us!

DISCLAIMER

The Tempotec Sonata BHD dac/amp was provided by Tempotec upon my request. Thank you very much. You can buy it at the Tempotec Official Store.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

About my measurements.

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

PHOTOS..

The post Tempotec Sonata BHD Headphone Amplifier (Dual CS43131 Balanced Output) Review – Snakebite appeared first on Music For The Masses.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The EarMen Sparrow is a $200 battery-less warm-neutral sounding dac/amp with dual output: single ended 3.5mm and the more powerful 2.5 mm balanced. It is class leading in terms of both power and sound quality. The EarMen Sparrow supports playback from iPhones, Android smartphones, MacOS and Windows computers. It also plays all 32bit/384kHz formats: PCM, DoP, DSD64, DSD128 and MQA. It is the best dongle I have come across (in the $200 category) and was on my personal favourite gear list of 2020.

INTRODUCTION

Do all dongles sound equal? Are most dongles just ornaments? Should we rather go for a desktop dac/amp instead to get more value for money? All of the above have been mentioned in discussions lately. For years I have had a single dongle dac/amp, the Audioquest Dragonfly Black. I mainly used it with my iPhone and life was good. Until…

To make this clear a priori: the EarMen Sparrow is the best-sounding dongle I have tested too far…but also the most expensive one. And it is not an ornament.

EarMen is a company registered in in the US, where most of its stakeholders are located – and from where they focus on the North American market. EarMen are a subdivision of premium audio gear producer Auris Audio. The production is in Krusavec, Serbia [video of production facilities]: Made in Europe.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: 42*22*8 mm

Purchase Link: EarMen Shop

PHYSICAL THINGS AND USABILITY

In the box is the EarMen Sparrow, the warranty card, and two cables: USB-C to USB-C, and USB-C to USB-A. This allows the Sparrow to connect to Android phones/tablets, and any Windows/Mac computer. It features the ESS Sabre ES9281PRO dac chip – which is well implemented.

The EarMen Sparrow also works with iOS devices but requires the Apple Camera Adapter, which adds to a “monster snake”. The $30 ddHifi TC28i adapter offers the same funcionality but cuts the snake’s length enormously.

The actual EarMen Sparrow is a sturdy and filigree CnC machined aluminium construction with top and bottom covered by glass…although I wished it had come with a sheath to protect it from being scratched.

In contrast to most other dongles does the EarMen Sparrow offers two different circuits and sockets: a single-ended output through a standard 3.5 mm socket and a balanced output through a 2.5 mm socket. Both outputs/sockets work simultaneously. And it is the balanced output that makes the EarMen Sparrow particularly attractive.

The logo is illuminated depending on input:

• White – Connected
• Green – PCM/DXD/DSD
• Magenta – MQA
• Red – Not Connected

THE IDEA OF BALANCED AUDIO 

Balanced audio is a method of connecting audio equipment using balanced lines [Wikipedia]. Such lines reduce susceptibility to external noise caused by electromagnetic interference. This is particularly beneficial for recording studios, which use kilometres of lines. For our purpose of portable audio, reduced interference results in a clearer, cleaner signal. Headphonesty compared “balanced and unbalanced” audio connections in this article. And yes, it works.

FUNCTIONALITY

The EarMen Sparrow contains no battery and is powered by the source device. It works plug ‘n’ play with computers, tablets, and phones (Windows/Mac/Android/iOS). And it requires adjusting the respective sound panel settings in Mac and Windows computers. Volume is controlled from the source device – there are no buttons on the EarMen Sparrow. It is as easy as that. The EarMen Sparrow decodes all 32bit/384kHz formats: PCM, DoP, DSD64, DSD128 and MQA. 

AMPLIFICATION

The EarMen Sparrow is one of the most powerful dongle dac/amps on the market according to AudioScienceReviews.com. Its 2.5 mm balanced output delivers 2.0 Vrms into 32 Ω and 4.0 Vrms into 600 Ω. This results in a power of 125 mW and 20 mW, respectively. The 3.5 mm single-ended output is 1.4 Vrms into 32 Ω and 2.0 Vrms into 600 Ω, which translates to 61 mW and 7 mW, respectively.

I don’t have a balanced cable for my 300 Ω Sennheiser HD 600 Pro, however the single-ended output drives them “ok”. The balanced circuit delivers enough power to drive the 70 Ω Sennheiser HD 25 on my Mac, which indicates that this is good enough for any iem. In fact, imo the EarMen Sparrow drives even the most power-hungry earphones very well with my Mac.

A bit of an enigma is the dependency of the EarMen Sparrow on my sources: it provides way more power when sourced by my Mac, but appears to be throttled by my iPhones 5s and SE (1st generation). I speculate this is caused by the Sparrow’s power consumption. Sound quality is not compromised and power-hungry earphones such as the TRI I3 are still driven sufficiently well. Newer phones and Android devices may not throttle the EarMen Sparrow’s power. The Sparrow, like most powerful dongles, appears to be a bit of a battery drain on phones.

UPDATE June 2021: Power Consumption Test: Parameters and Raw Results

I tested the power consumption of several portable headphone amps connected to my iPhone 5S. The conditions were as identical as possible: 3 h test, volume calibrated to 85 dB  ± 0.5 dB white noise with Dayton microphone, no sim card, BT off, no other apps open; network on, 32 ohm Blon BL-03 iem, Genesis’s Supper’s Ready (from the Seconds Out album) played in an endless loop.

The iPhone’s battery was fully charged at the start of the test and the remaining charge was measured thereafter. The result is shown in the table below. Since the tests were performed at different times and considering the ongoing battery deterioration, the results have to be seen with a grain of salt.

[collapse]

TONALITY AND TECHNICALITIES

My tonal preference and testing practice

My test tracks explained

The EarMen Sparrow is a neutral-warm sounding dac/amp (more neutral than warm), and therefore offers the best of both worlds. Whereas a warm dac/amp (such as ifi Audio products) harmonizes best with neutral earphones/headphones (e.g. JVC HA-FDX1, neutral amps (e.g. Earstudio HUD 100) pair best with warm iems (e.g. Sennheiser IE PRO series). Neutral amp with neutral iem may sound like metal on metal – and warm with warm may come across as thick and syrupy lacking clarity and transparency. The EarMen Sparrow appears to strike the right temperature balance to harmonize with most kinds of earphones. The other trait is its good extension in both directions and its full body and natural dynamics. The Sparrow has this quasi-analog sound.

And while the sound through the single-ended output is good, it is fantastic through the balanced output. The difference in sound quality is mindboggling (I A/B-ed a balanced cable between both sockets – with a 2.5 mm female to 3.5 mm male adapter for single ended). Apart from the power gain in the balanced circuit, headroom and clarity opens up substantially…the midrange comes out nicely…this worked even for the ~$3000 Vision Ears Elysium. After several months of using the EarMen Sparrow on my Mac, I conclude that the balanced output is as good as a desktop amp for iems – on a computer.

EARMEN SPARROW COMPARED

The neutral sounding $70 Tempotec Sonata BHD dac/amp with its balanced output is an impressive sounding device. The EarMen Sparrow, however, offers a richer, more analog sound, a larger headroom, and more power. It is also more versatile with its additional 3.5 mm single-ended output. The less powerful Sonata BHD has a leaner, sleeker but less creamy/soft/weighty sound with more clarity.

VALUE – IS THE EARMEN SPARROW FOR YOU?

Is the EarMen Sparrow worth its $200? Any answer has to be subjective. For people who regularly deal with >$300 earphones without blinking: yes, no questions asked. Simply makes them sound better.

For the rest of us: yes, but for any or all of these three specific purposes – from my perspective: for the balanced output that sets the EarMen Sparrow sonically and power wise apart from its competition. Second, it is best used with iems or less power-demanding headphones. And third, for use mainly with a computer, where the Sparrow flexes its muscles best.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

I have used the EarMen Sparrow for a few months now. It took me so long to publish my review because I didn’t know what to write – it just worked great for me, and I used it a lot for earphone testing. The Sparrow is the best sounding dongle I have listened to so far (up to $200), albeit also the most expensive.

What sets it apart from the competition are sound quality and power of its balanced circuit. I don’t think one needs anything “bigger” to drive earphones – it was good enough for the $3000 Vision Ears Elysium. And since it does not have a battery, there is no planned obsolescence – the Sparrow will last for a long long time.

It is the balanced output that makes the Sparrow fly high: first it opens up the headroom and then it makes it a most powerful dongle – ahead of the competition. The EarMen Sparrow is just a very fine dac/amp. One of my favourite devices of 2020…and likely 2021, also. Basta!

Until next time…keep on listening!

Contact us!

DISCLAIMER

The EarMen Sparrow was provided by EarMen upon my request. I thank them and also the audiofool who had established the contact. The audiofool has reviewed the Earmen Sparrow here.

You can purchase the EarMen Sparrow from the Earmen Shop.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

About my measurements.

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

PHOTOS…

The post EarMen Sparrow USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp, Review – Super Trouper appeared first on Music For The Masses.

Cons — None at this price.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Tempotec Sonata HD Pro is as versatile a dongle as it gets: works well with iPhones/iPads, Android devices, Macs and PCs, with no additional purchases necessary.

INTRODUCTION

I don’t know much about Tempotec but heard a lot of good things about the Sonata HD PRO. Apparently, the Sonata HD PRO has the same inner workings as the Hidizs S8 at twice the price. As I am always after a bargain, I was keen to check the Sonata out.

SPECIFICATIONS

Tested at: $42

Purchase link: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000328408705.html

PHYSICAL THINGS AND USABILITY

The content comes in a fancy metal box. Apart from the actual device, a high-res logo sticker, the following accessories are included:

1. micro-USB to Lightning cable
2. micro USB to USB-C OTG cable
3. adapter (female USB-C to male USB-A)

Either cable is connected via micro-USB to the Tempotec, and the whole dongle is attached to iPhones/iPads with the lightning cable, and to USB-C ports on Android devices and current MacBooks (with the OTG cable). Adding the adapter to the OTG cable, the dongle works with USB-A devices such as Windows computers and older Macs. The build quality is spotless, the Tempotec Sonata HD Pro is made of metal.

OPERATION

…is self explanatory. Simply plug the Sonata HD PRO into your phone or computer with the included cables/adapter – and bingo. You may have to set the sound preferences of your computer, but it works with the iPhone right away. The volume controls on the top of the box are spaced enough from each other for easy operation – and you feel the minus-sign and plus-sign shaped buttons well even in the dark. Good, because they are not illuminated by an LED. No LED on this one. I tested the Sonata HD Pro with the 300 Ω Sennheiser HD600 headphone connected to my MacBook Air, and several 32 Ω earphones on my iPhone SE (2016).

AMPLIFICATION POWER

When connected to my MacBook Air (and the Mac’s output on full), the Sonata HD PRO drives the 300 Ω Sennheiser HD600 still somewhat ok. It handles the volume but the sound can get a bit bumpy and out of balance – with slightly muffled lower mids and shouty upper mids while lacking energy. The Tempotec Sonata HD PRO works best with earphones below 50 Ω impedance and phones/computers with mediocre audio components.

RELATIVE PHONE-BATTERY POWER CONSUMPTION

Just like many dongles the Tempotec Sonata HD PRO does not have an internal battery but draws power from the source, which only matters when connected to a phone – but not when operated from a computer.

I let the fully charged iPhone SE (2016 model) (screen off, only “Music” app running…identical conditions for each dongle) play a song in a three hour loop at the same audio volume (calibrated with white noise at 85 dB through a Dayton microphone) also with the Hilidac Atom Pro, Apple audio adapter, Earstudio HUD100, and the Audioquest Dragonfly Black v1.5, attached again to the Blon BL-03 earphone at 32 Ω. I ran some of the tests twice. The remaining charge in the iPhone after three hours was:

• Apple Audio Adapter: 93%
• Audioquest Dragonfly Black v1.5: 82% and 82%
• Tempotec Sonata HD PRO: 75%
• Earstudio HUD100: 64% and 61%
• Hilidac Atom Pro: 62% and 61%

This puts the Tempotec Sonata HD PRO in the middle of the pack, behind the “brandnames”, but first in the Chi-Fi category. I would call the battery consumption “acceptable” but not great. Be aware that the absolute numbers listed above are meaningless, what alone counts is the differences between the dongles. After all, the iPhone SE has a relatively small battery (1500-1600 mAh).

TONALITY AND TECHNICALITIES

My tonal preference and testing practice

My test tracks explained

In order to describe the Tempotec’s sound, I use the recently reviewed Apple Audio Adapter as reference. The Apple may not be the most powerful of dongles, but it is a complete “microscopic stereo digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a stereo headphone amplifier, a microphone preamplifier, and monophonic analog-to-digital converter (ADC) – and power converters to run this all.” It is a champion of neutral reproduction, clarity, and transparency, and hence a well-suited uncoloured standard.

Comparing the two, the Apple is crisper, cleaner, and more transparent through a more elevated upper midrange. It may appear more refined but is simply just sharper. The Tempotec Sonata HD PRO is a tad warmer and richer, more organic, it has less attack and bite (“sonic edge”), and it sacrifices clarity for intimacy. Which of the two signatures is better remains in the eye of the beholder, but the Tempotec has more “beef”. While the power differences are substantial, the sonic differences are relatively small. The Apple audio adapter cannot drive the 300 Ω Sennheiser HD600 satisfyingly. In normal music operation, I did not notice a hiss or noise floor.

QUIRKS & ODDITIES

When changing the volume using the Sonata HD PRO’s power controls, this does not move the volume slider in the iPhone or my MacBook Air. The volume control in the iPhone and Mackbook operate independently from the Sonata PRO’s. This means, one has to put the volume slider in phone/notebook on full in order to get the maximum output of the Tempotec.

The other quirk is that the Tempotec’s controls are not very sensitive: the volume change for each button push is quite big, comparable to the buttons on the side of the iPhone.

TEMPOTEC SONATA HD PRO COMPARED

It does not sound quite as homogeneous as the Earstudio HUD100 [review], and may lack a tad of transparency, but it comes rather close, even with the Sennheiser HD600. Considering it is 1/3 of the price, this is pretty impressive. Where the HUD100 is well ahead is power. The $115 Cozoy Takt-C plays a bit leaner, cleaner, yet more rounded than the Tempotec but it has a fixed cable and therefore has limited connectivity options: you can choose between USB-C or lightning versions. There is not much between the $70 Audirect Hilidac Atom Pro [review] sound wise but the latter has a fixed cable and is therefore not very versatile.

Quite frankly, I did not see the Tempotec Sonata HD PRO sound wise or power wise (far) behind any of the much more expensive dongles, but ahead of all of them in terms of connectivity/functionality as all possible cables and adapters are in the box.

WHAT WOULD I DO DIFFERENTLY?

Definitely nothing tonally, at this price, but I would round off the corners of the Sonata HD PRO, which are quite sharp.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The Tempotec Sonata HD PRO is my personal (budget) king: it does absolutely everything, does it well, and it does not break the bank. It is as simple as that.

Until next time…keep on listening!

Contact us!

DISCLAIMER

The Tempotec Sonata HD PRO dac/amp was supplied by Tempotec upon my request. Thank you very much. You can buy it at the Tempotec Official Store.

Our generic standard disclaimer.

About my measurements.

You find an INDEX of our most relevant technical articles HERE.

MORE VISUALS…

The post Tempotec Sonata HD Pro Dac/Amp Review (1) – King Of Rock ‘N’ Roll appeared first on Music For The Masses.

All our DAC & Amp Related Articles

ALL OUR REVIEWS (headphones, earphones, dacs/amps, daps, bluetooth, clean power & USB, microphones, cables/adapters, eartips, earpads, noise insulation): here

Model labelled with “*” are on our Wall of Excellence.

Integrated DAC/amps

Simplified Guide to Small Portable DAC/amps (Jürgen Kraus)

Apple Computer’s Internal Audio Circuit [iMac, MacBooks] (Jürgen Kraus)

Apogee Groove* (Alberto Pittaluga)

Apogee Groove: Technical Considerations (Jürgen Kraus)

Apogee Groove Anniversary Edition (Alberto Pittaluga)

Apple Audio Adapter* (Jürgen Kraus)

Appleオーディオアダプタ（Lightning版、USB-C版とも）* (Jürgen Kraus)

Apple Kopfhöreranschluss Adapter* (Jürgen Kraus)

Astell & Kern PEE51 (Jürgen Kraus)

Audirect Atom 2 (Loomis Johnson)

AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt* (1) (Jürgen Kraus)

AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt* (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)

AudioQuest DragonFly Red (Jürgen Kraus)

BGVP T01s (Loomis Johnson)

Colorfly CDA-1MP (Durwood)

Colorfly CDA-M2 (Jürgen Kraus)

Conexant (CX-Pro) CX31993 (Loomis Johnson)

Cozoy Takt-C (1) (Jürgen Kraus)

Cozoy Takt-C (2) (Durwood)

E1DA 9038SG3 and 9038D (Alberto Pittaluga)

ddHifi TC35i (Jürgen Kraus)

EarMen Angel (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)

EarMen Eagle (Jürgen Kraus)

EarMen Sparrow* (1) (Jürgen Kraus)

EarMen Sparrow* (2) (Biodegraded)

EarMen TR-Amp* (Jürgen Kraus)

Earstudio HUD100 (Jürgen Kraus)

Helm Audio Bolt (Jürgen Kraus)

Helm Bolt and Shanling UA1 compared (Biodegraded)

Hidizs S2 (Loomis Johnson)

Hidizs S3 Pro (Loomis Johnson)

Hidisz S-9, Cozoy Takt-C and Meizu MasterHifi USB Dac/Amps (Loomis Johnson)

Hidizs S9 PRO (Jürgen Kraus)

Hidizs XO (1) (Jürgen Kraus)

Hidizs XO (2) (Durwood)

Hidizs XO (3) (Loomis Johnson)

Hilidac Audirect Atom Pro (Jürgen Kraus)

Hilidac Audirect Beam 2SE (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)

iBasso DC-05 DAC/amp (Loomis Johnson)

ifi Audio Go bar (1) (Alberto Pittaluga)

ifi Audio Go bar (2) Jürgen Kraus)

ifi Audio Go bar (Deutsch) Jürgen Kraus)

ifi Audio GO blu (Alberto Pittaluga)

ifi Audio GO link (1) (Alberto Pittaluga)

ifi Audio GO link (2) (Jürgen Kraus)

ifi Audio Gryphon (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)

ifi Audio hip-dac* (Jürgen Kraus)

ifi Audio hip-dac2 (1) (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)

ifi Audio hip-dac2 (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)

ifi Neo IDSD2 (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)

iFi Audio Micro iDSD Signature* (Alberto Pittaluga)

ifi Audio nano iDSD Black Label (Alberto Pittaluga)

ifi Audio Neo iDSD (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)

iKKO Heimdalir ITB03 (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)

IKKO ITM1 Zerda (1) (Baskingshark)

IKKO ITM1 Zerda (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)

IKKO ITM02 Zerda (Loomis Johnson)

Khadas Tone2 Pro (Jürgen Kraus)

Moondrop Dawn (Durwood)

Questyle CMA Fifteen* (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)

Questyle CMA Twelve (Durwood)

Questyle M15* (1) (Jürgen Kraus)

Questyle M15* (2) (Alberto Pittaluga)

Questyle M15* (3) Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir

Qudelix-5K* (Jürgen Kraus)

Shanling UA1 (Jürgen Kraus)

Shanling UA1 and Helm Bolt compared (Biodegraded)

Shanling UA2 (Jürgen Kraus)

Shanling UA2 Plus (1) (Durwood

Shanling UA2 Plus (2) (Loomis Johnson)

Shanling UA3 (Durwood)

Shanling UP4 (Durwood)

SMSL C200 (Durwood)

SMSL DO400 (1) (Loomis Johnson)

SMSL DO400 (2) (Durwood)

TempoTec March III M3 (Jürgen Kraus)

TempoTec Serenade X Digital Desktop Player (Jürgen Kraus)

Tempotec Sonata BHD (Jürgen Kraus)

Tempotec Sonata HD Pro (1) (Jürgen Kraus)

Tempotec Sonata HD Pro (2) (Baskingshark)

Tempotec Sonata HD II vs Tempotec Sonata E35 (Durwood)

TRI TK-2 (KopiOkaya)

Truthear SHIO (1) (Durwood)

Truthhear SHIO (2) (Loomis Johnson)

Venture Electronics Odyssey HD (Jürgen Kraus)

Xumee USB-C DAC (Loomis Johnson)

Digital Analog Converters (DACs)

EarMen Tradutto (Jürgen Kraus)

EarMen Tradutto (Deutsch) (Jürgen Kraus)

SMSL C100 (Loomis Johnson)

SMSL DO100 (Durwood)

SMSL DO200 MKII (Jürgen Kraus)

SMSL DO300 (Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)

SMSL SU-6 (Loomis Johnson)

SMSL SU-9 DAC/Preamp I (Loomis Johnson)

SMSL SU-9 DAC/Preamp II (Durwood)

Headphone/Power Amplifiers

Ampapa A1 (Durwood)

Burson Funk (Jürgen Kraus)

Burson V6 Classic (vs. V6 Vivid) opamps (Jürgen Kraus)

Cayin C9 Portable Amplifier (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)

EarMen CH-Amp (Jürgen Kraus)

EarMen CH-Amp (Deutsch) (Jürgen Kraus)

Fosi Audio BT30D Pro (Durwood)

Fosi Audio P3 (Durwood)

Fosi Audio TB10D (upgraded) (Durwood)

Fosi V3 Amplifier (1) (Durwood)

Fosi V3 Amplifier (2) (Loomis Johnson)

Fosi Audio ZA3 (Durwood)

Helm DB12 AAAMP Portable Headphone Amp (Jürgen Kraus)

ifi Audio Zen Can Amplifier (Kazi Muhbab Mutakabbir)

ifi Audio Zen Can Amplifier (Alberto Pittaluga)

ifi Audio Zen Phono RIAA Preamplifier (Biodegraded) 

Pairing the JVC HA-FDX1 earphone with the Earstudio HUD100, ifi Hip Dac, and Tempotec Sonata HD PRO

SMSL AO200MKII (Loomis Johnson)

SMSL A300 Power Amplifier (Loomis Johnson)

SMSL HO100 (Durwood)

SMSL SH-6 (Loomis Johnson)

SMSL SH-9 Balanced Headphone Amp (1) (Loomis Johnson)

SMSL SH-9 Balanced Headphone Amp (2) (Durwood)

The post Our 118 DAC & Amp Reviews appeared first on Music For The Masses.