Short answer: the TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro. It ranks #6 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 4.2/5, at $69.90. The FiiO KA11 ranks #9, rated 3.8/5, at $32.99, $36.91 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: Its SINAD is lower than most rivals here, and the TRN Black Pearl rates higher with 117 dB and more rated power for less.
The case for the FiiO KA11: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: There is only a 3.5 mm output, with no balanced jack.
Buy the TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro. It is rated higher, and the $36.91 you would save on the FiiO KA11 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro | FiiO KA11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.90 | $32.99 |
| Ranked | #6 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #9 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 280 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C (Lightning version also sold) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 | CS43131 |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | - |
| Weight | 0 lbs (18 g) | 0 lbs (8.5 g) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Dimensions | - | 1.8” x 0.4” x 0.4” (44.5 x 9.7 x 10.5 mm) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro:
- FiiO KA15 vs TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro
- E1DA 9039S vs TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro
- TRN Black Pearl vs TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro
- Fosi Audio DS3 vs TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro
- TANCHJIM Space vs TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro
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
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 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
FiiO KA11: $32.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. A rated 200 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones, impressive from an 8.5 g USB-C stick, and a Lightning version is also sold for older iPhones. It costs less than the JCALLY JM20MAX for the same rating.
Cons: There is only a 3.5 mm output, with no balanced jack. Power falls to a rated 22 mW into 300 ohms, too little for high impedance headphones, and the Fosi Audio DS2 rates higher with a balanced output and lower measured distortion for more money.
Full FiiO KA11 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| DAC Chip | CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 1.8” x 0.4” x 0.4” (44.5 x 9.7 x 10.5 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C (Lightning version also sold) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (8.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons