Short answer: the TRN Black Pearl. It ranks #3 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 4.4/5, at $35; the TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro ranks #6, rated 4.2/5, and costs $69.90, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The case for the TRN Black Pearl: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It only takes USB-C input, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth.
Why pick the TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro: 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.
Buy the TRN Black Pearl. It is rated higher than the TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro 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
| TRN Black Pearl | TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35.00 | $69.90 |
| Ranked | #3 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #6 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 320 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 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 | 2 x CS43131 | 2 x CS43131 |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | Digital (buttons) |
| Equalizer | Yes (8-band, app) | - |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.9” x 0.5” (57 x 23 x 13 mm) | - |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (25 g) | 0 lbs (18 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to TRN Black Pearl:
- FiiO KA15 vs TRN Black Pearl
- E1DA 9039S vs TRN Black Pearl
- TRN Black Pearl vs Fosi Audio DS3
- TRN Black Pearl vs TANCHJIM Space
- TRN Black Pearl 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
TRN Black Pearl: $35.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 320 mW into 32 ohms from its 4.4 mm balanced output drives most headphones, and it adds a 3.5 mm output and an 8 band EQ app. It rates higher than the Chord Mojo 2 for a small fraction of the price.
Cons: It only takes USB-C input, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth. The FiiO KA15 rates higher and is rated for more balanced power, though it costs more.
Full TRN Black Pearl review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.9” x 0.5” (57 x 23 x 13 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (8-band, app) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 320 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (25 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 Fosi Audio DS3
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs JCALLY JM20MAX
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs FiiO KA11
- 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