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 JCALLY JM20MAX ranks #8, rated 3.8/5, at $39.99, $29.91 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
The TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro is the better-sounding option. 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 JCALLY JM20MAX: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its ability to drive harder headphones is unknown.
Buy the TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro. It is rated higher, and the $29.91 you would save on the JCALLY JM20MAX does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro | JCALLY JM20MAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.90 | $39.99 |
| Ranked | #6 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #8 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 280 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 | CS43131 |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | - |
| Weight | 0 lbs (18 g) | 0 lbs (6.5 g) |
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 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
JCALLY JM20MAX: $39.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. At 6.5 g it is a tiny USB-C dongle that adds a 3.5 mm jack to a phone or laptop for little money.
Cons: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its ability to drive harder headphones is unknown. There is no balanced output, and the Fosi Audio DS2 rates higher with a 4.4 mm balanced jack, while the FiiO KA11 matches its rating for less.
Full JCALLY JM20MAX review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (6.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons