TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro Portable DAC & Amp Review

[Jimbob54]

Hi, which usb cable are you using here with the BHD Pro? Can you share the link?

That was a pic I found online so I'm afraid I have no idea. Sorry

 

[gnus0022]

USB-C cable tester - C2C caberQU

Measure what transmission modes are available for a USB-C to USB-C cable: USB 2.0/1.1; USB 3.0/3.1/4; Power delivery, Audio adapter accessory mode, Alternate mode, ...

caberqu.com

There actually is an updated version launching and it seems much better suited for things like this: https://ble.caberqu.com/

Any thoughts on its usefulness?

 

[Magicmastja]

Having had this dongle for about a month now I feel like I should throw a minor cautionary word of warning regarding headphone selection for anyone deciding to try to use this dongle for pulling double duty as both portable and desktop DAC/AMP like I am. Despite being a portable unit, implicitly being aimed at battery based devices where you are more likely to be voltage limited than current limited, this unit seems to favor higher impedance headphones over lower impedance units. Which is a problem if you intend to use these with a set of cans like the Edition XS at 18ohms + low-ish sensitivity 92db like me.

The official Tempotec website didnt list a recommended impedance range that I could find but I did see one on an Aliexpress listing of 32-54ohms IIRC, which would line up on my issues with clipping/distortion when trying to compensate for a hefty negative-gain pre-amp in Equalizer APO. I find it sort of odd this thing wasnt built for higher current handling given its mobility-centered form factor but I suppose given that the USB PD 3.0 and 3.1 specs pushed larger increases in voltage values over current maybe dongle DAC-AMPS are following to match that power trend. Less of a drop over the cable, generally easier wear on the battery.

 

[modder-6]

Hi. I connected the BHDpro to a desktop computer running linux using a normal phone charging usb-c cable and it worked for some minutes but suddenly it stopped working. I connected it using the original and very short cable again, and it worked fine. What kind of cable can I use if I need a longer one?. Does anyone know how can I build a cable, i mean what are the differences between the original cable and a normal usb-c one?. I asked to tempotec staff but radio silence until now.
Thanks.

 

[mc.god]

Hi. I connected the BHDpro to a desktop computer running linux using a normal phone charging usb-c cable and it worked for some minutes but suddenly it stopped working. I connected it using the original and very short cable again, and it worked fine. What kind of cable can I use if I need a longer one?. Does anyone know how can I build a cable, i mean what are the differences between the original cable and a normal usb-c one?. I asked to tempotec staff but radio silence until now.
Thanks.

I'm regularly using a Sonata BHD (non Pro) on a Linux laptop with an old mini usb cable + usb-c adapter with no issue, so no special usb-c cable should be needed other than it's not an only charging cable. Make sure your cable is not damaged, did you try another one other than the original?

 

[modder-6]

I have another one but I didn't dare to try it because I thought it could damage the dongle. The cable is the one I use to charge the phone, so no it's not damaged as far as I know. My idea is to build a desktop version putting it over a peace of wooden board and add some legs etc., because it's hanging from the usb port and I guess it's damaging the connections due to the weight of the headphones cable. Thanks for your answer.

 

[mc.god]

I have another one but I didn't dare to try it because I thought it could damage the dongle. The cable is the one I use to charge the phone, so no it's not damaged as far as I know. My idea is to build a desktop version putting it over a peace of wooden board and add some legs etc., because it's hanging from the usb port and I guess it's damaging the connections due to the weight of the headphones cable. Thanks for your answer.

maybe the cable is ok for charging but has gone bad in some of the data transmission wiring, you can check connectig your phone to the pc and enabling data transfer mode instead of charge only. The dongle requires data transmission to turn up other than power so if data wiring is broken it wouldn't turn on at all.
If the problem happened just once and you didn't ever try again it could even be a one time failure of usb drivers and not a sistematic issue.
Giving the dongle a resting support is surely a good idea overall, hanging connectors will certainly fail sooner or later.

 

[modder-6]

I tried the same cable again connecting it to a back usb port and now is working fine (?). I only wanted to be sure any usb-c cable wouldn't damage the unit, and maybe Tempotec people don't answer dumb questions . Thanks a lot for your advice, mc.god.