Short answer: the Fosi Audio DS3. It ranks #4 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 4.3/5, at $99.99. The TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro ranks #6, rated 4.2/5, at $69.90, $30.09 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
What the Fosi Audio DS3 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: Its rated 220 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones but leaves less headroom than the FiiO KA15, which costs the same and rates higher.
Why pick 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 Fosi Audio DS3. 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
| Fosi Audio DS3 | TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $69.90 |
| Ranked | #4 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #6 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 220 mW (manufacturer rated) | 280 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 |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M | 2 x CS43131 |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | Digital (buttons) |
| Equalizer | Yes (32-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (55 x 20 x 11 mm) | - |
| Weight | 0 lbs (16 g) | 0 lbs (18 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Fosi Audio DS3 compares with other leading options:
- FiiO KA15 vs Fosi Audio DS3
- E1DA 9039S vs Fosi Audio DS3
- TRN Black Pearl vs Fosi Audio DS3
- Fosi Audio DS3 vs TANCHJIM Space
- Fosi Audio DS3 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
Fosi Audio DS3: $99.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A 32-band parametric EQ gives unusually fine tuning control for a dongle, and it offers both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs. At 16 g and 55 mm long, it is very light to carry.
Cons: Its rated 220 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones but leaves less headroom than the FiiO KA15, which costs the same and rates higher. The TRN Black Pearl also rates higher and measures slightly cleaner for much less. Volume is button controlled.
Full Fosi Audio DS3 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2025 (11 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (55 x 20 x 11 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (32-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 220 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (16 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 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
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs FiiO KA15
- See all 10 comparisons