Short answer: the FiiO KA15. It ranks #1 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 4.6/5, at $99.99. The TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro ranks #6, rated 4.2/5, at $69.90, $30.09 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The FiiO KA15 is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 115 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: The headline power figure needs the balanced output in desktop mode, and it falls to 78 mW into 300 ohms, so high-impedance headphones may run short.
The case for the TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: Its SINAD is lower than most rivals here, and the TRN Black Pearl rates higher with 117 dB and more rated power for less.
Buy the FiiO KA15. It is rated higher, and the $30.09 you would save on the TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| FiiO KA15 | TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $69.90 |
| Ranked | #1 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #6 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 560 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced, desktop mode) | 280 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 78 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C |
| Outputs | Coaxial S/PDIF (shared 3.5 mm jack) | - |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43198 | 2 x CS43131 |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | Digital (buttons) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 2” x 1” x 0.4” (52 x 25 x 11 mm) | - |
| Weight | 0 lbs (21 g) | 0 lbs (18 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to FiiO KA15:
- FiiO KA15 vs E1DA 9039S
- FiiO KA15 vs TRN Black Pearl
- FiiO KA15 vs Fosi Audio DS3
- FiiO KA15 vs TANCHJIM Space
- FiiO KA15 vs Fosi Audio DS2
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
FiiO KA15: $99.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 115 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Its rated 560 mW into 32 ohms from the balanced output in desktop mode is unusually strong for a dongle, enough for most full-size headphones. It adds a 10-band parametric EQ, a 4.4 mm balanced jack and a coaxial digital output, and it rates higher than the Fosi Audio DS3 for the same price.
Cons: The headline power figure needs the balanced output in desktop mode, and it falls to 78 mW into 300 ohms, so high-impedance headphones may run short. The TRN Black Pearl measures slightly cleaner for much less. Volume is set with buttons rather than a knob.
Full FiiO KA15 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43198 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2” x 1” x 0.4” (52 x 25 x 11 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 78 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 560 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced, desktop mode) |
| Outputs | Coaxial S/PDIF (shared 3.5 mm jack) |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (21 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro: $69.90 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, clean for nearly all listening. A rated 280 mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4 mm balanced output drives most headphones, and a 3.5 mm output is also included. At 18 g it is easy to keep attached to a phone, and it costs less than the Fosi Audio DS3.
Cons: Its SINAD is lower than most rivals here, and the TRN Black Pearl rates higher with 117 dB and more rated power for less. There is no EQ listed and volume is button controlled. The rated power figure applies to the balanced output only.
Full TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 280 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (18 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs TANCHJIM Space
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs Fosi Audio DS2
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs Fosi Audio DS3
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs JCALLY JM20MAX
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs FiiO KA11
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs TRN Black Pearl
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs E1DA 9039S
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs Fosi Audio DS1
- See all 10 comparisons