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 Rode AI-Micro ranks #13, rated 2.1/5, and costs $79, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: 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 Rode AI-Micro: It doubles as a small audio interface, with two 3.5 mm microphone inputs alongside its headphone jack, and weighs just 0 lbs (13 g). The catch: Audio Science Review measured only 80 dB SINAD, a level where noise and distortion can be audible, especially with sensitive in ear monitors.
Buy the TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro. It is rated higher than the Rode AI-Micro and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro | Rode AI-Micro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.90 | $79.00 |
| Ranked | #6 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #13 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 80 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 280 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 125 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, 2 x 3.5 mm TRS/TRRS microphone |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 | - |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | - |
| Weight | 0 lbs (18 g) | 0 lbs (13 g) |
| Dimensions | - | 1.6” x 1.5” x 0.4” (40 x 38.2 x 11.1 mm) |
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
Rode AI-Micro: $79.00 B&H Photo eBay
Pros: It doubles as a small audio interface, with two 3.5 mm microphone inputs alongside its headphone jack, and weighs just 13 g. A rated 125 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones. It rates higher than the Periodic Audio Rhodium.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured only 80 dB SINAD, a level where noise and distortion can be audible, especially with sensitive in ear monitors. There is no balanced output. The FiiO KA11 rates far higher with much cleaner measurements for less.
Full Rode AI-Micro review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 1.6” x 1.5” x 0.4” (40 x 38.2 x 11.1 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, 2 x 3.5 mm TRS/TRRS microphone |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 125 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 80 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (13 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons