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 Periodic Audio Rhodium ranks #14, rated 1.6/5, at $49, $20.90 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
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 Periodic Audio Rhodium: It is extremely small and light at 0 lbs (4.4 g), adding a 3.5 mm headphone jack to any USB-C device with volume set from the phone or computer. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 82 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive in-ear monitors will reveal as hiss or noise.
Buy the TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro. It is rated higher, and the $20.90 you would save on the Periodic Audio Rhodium does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro | Periodic Audio Rhodium | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.90 | $49.00 |
| Ranked | #6 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #14 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 82 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 280 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 31 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 |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 | - |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (18 g) | 0 lbs (4.4 g) |
| Dimensions | - | 0.4” x 0.3” x 4.6” (10.8 x 6.9 x 117 mm) (overall length incl. cable) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to 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 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
Periodic Audio Rhodium: $49.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: It is extremely small and light at 4.4 g, adding a 3.5 mm headphone jack to any USB-C device with volume set from the phone or computer.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 82 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive in-ear monitors will reveal as hiss or noise. It is rated for just 31 mW into 32 ohms, which suits in-ear monitors and easy headphones only. The Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter rates higher and measures cleaner for less.
Full Periodic Audio Rhodium review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 0.4” x 0.3” x 4.6” (10.8 x 6.9 x 117 mm) (overall length incl. cable) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 31 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 82 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (4.4 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons