Ever since Apple Music started supporting Hi-Res lossless audio streaming, for the same subscription price – I haven't used any other audio streaming service. Every day, there will definitely be a song I will play through Apple Music. On the iPhone, it can stream audio with Dolby Atmos. But for me, that's not satisfying enough.
Due to Apple Music supporting the ALAC codec at 24-bit/192kHz, I began testing a variety of IEM-type earphone sets and various portable amplifier accessories. I've tested Tin HiFi IEMs, FiiOs and even portable amplifiers to ensure my listening experience is immersive, satisfying and immersive.
Recently I tested an amplifier dongle which is DAC/AMP by Tempotec Sonata E44. This dongle uses a balanced type 4.4 audio jack port to provide more natural, clean and clear audio. The selling price of this amplifier dongle is around RM400, is it worth having?
Read: Trying Apple Music Lossless Audio Streaming With DACs And IEMs From FiiO And Tin HiFi
Specifications And Design
This dongle comes in a small design with a body made of iron and glass. This small size makes it easy to carry anywhere. The Sonata E44 has a Cirrus Logic CS43131 dual-core built-in DAC chip. The connection port is a balanced 4.4mm audio jack, capable of playing audio up to 32-bit/384kHz. The internal wire is 8-core silver coated copper.
The Sonata E44 supports multiple platforms, uses anti-tangle cable protection and uses the plug and play concept. A physical button to adjust the audio is also built into this dongle. The Sonata E44 also supports a high rate SNR of up to 120dB and an output power of 175mW at 32ohm resistance.
In the box
For a set of amplifier dongles made in China, this offer in the price of RM400 is quite worth it. Every purchase the user will receive;
1x Sonata E44
1x USB-C to USB-A adapter
1x Hi-Res logo sticker
1x 4.4mm balanced male to 3.5mm female cable
Function
As I said earlier, the Sonata E44 is an amplifier dongle with a built-in DAC. By using this dongle on a computer or smartphone, it bypasses the connection of the earphone set or headphone set connected to the device and goes directly to this dongle. Indirectly, this allows the resulting audio to sound clearer, cleaner and more pleasant to listen to with less distortion. Hissing problem may also be solved if using this dongle.
Usage Experience
In my tests using this dongle, I tested with a set of IEM FiiO FH3 earphones, Moondrop Aria Snow and also a set of Sennheiser HD 598 CS headphones. Each test is also different with some using a direct connection to a computer and some directly to a smartphone.
What I realized by using this dongle is, vocals will be given more focus and can be heard more clearly. This provides a more interesting listening experience because the singer's voice is clearer. For bass, it depends on the computer or phone. On the computer it has a deeper bass which is interesting for bass fans but on the phone it can be a little underpowered.
Read: Moondrop Aria Snow Review – IEM As Beautiful As Snow Velvet Soft Audio
For high-pitched audio, it sometimes becomes overpowering to the point of being too loud. But this depends on the set of earphones that are matched, because the highs produced can also be controlled and pleasant to enjoy regardless of the music. The audio isolation is quite wide and has good instrument detail, which is one of the reasons why I need this dongle to listen to music.
Then this Sonata E44 can also change any set of earphones and headphones to have audio that is many times clearer, cleaner and attractive. This dongle is like a controller that controls how the connected IEM outputs audio. It's quieter, has fairly wide audio staging but isn't free.
Conclusion
This Tempotec Sonata E44 is a pretty good DAC/AMP dongle. It may not be for everyone, but those who want clearer, cleaner audio and have a smoother flow this dongle may be one of the best on the market.
This dongle can be obtained from online stores such as Ali Express at a price of around RM350-RM400 depending on currency exchange and delivery method. For audio enthusiasts, a dongle like this at this price is actually quite worth having. But for the average user, this RM400 is better spent directly on other suitable audio accessories.
Pro
Portable, compact and light.
Offers many connection options.
Compatible with Android, Windows and mac.
Premium build quality.
The resulting audio is cleaner.
Cons
Not widely marketed.
Quite a high price for just a dongle.
Not iPhone friendly.