The Balanced Blaze

 

Ratings

 

 

Pros

 

• Very powerful balanced output for low impedances.
• Brighter display.
• Better accessories: leather case and impedance adapter.
• Better behaviour of the volume control.
• Physical playback control buttons on the main face.
• Remarkable bass performance and recreation.
• Slightly warm, but energetic profile.
• Good battery life.
• Despite its size and weight it is relatively ergonomic.
• Size of display and fonts.
• Comes with two pairs of screen protectors and rear face shields as accessories.
• Location of the micro-SD memory card safe as it is deeper than usual.
• Very good sound quality in DAC mode and via TIDAL.
• The display is quite explicit in terms of information.

 

Cons

 

• It’s not entirely more powerful than the V3.
• The design is simple.
• Weight and size somewhat high.
• The covers could be presented in a larger size.
• Sepia/yellowish screen, colours are not the most natural.
• The appearance of the icons is not very stylish.
• The buttons do not respond as well when the V3 Blaze is in the case.
• Heats up when used at maximum volume.

 

Purchase Link

 

https://www.tempotec.net/collections/new/products/tempotec-v3-blaze
https://es.aliexpress.com/item/1005008582344168.html

 

Link to the Store & WEB

 

https://www.tempotec.net/
https://es.aliexpress.com/store/4377041

 

Introduction

 

Not long ago TempoTec released a new DAP called V3. A few months later, TempoTec is back with an update of this DAP called TempoTec V3 Blaze. The difference between the two models lies in the pyramidal analogue amplifier circuit for each channel. If the previous model consisted of 2 AK4493SEQ DACs (one per channel) + 2 OPA1652s (one per channel) + 4 OPA1688s (two per channel), the new Blaze consists of 2 AK4493SEQ DACs (one per channel) + 2 OPA1652s (one per channel) + 4 SGM8262s (two per channel). As you can see, the difference is in the amplification section. The two SGM8262s per channel improve the audio signals filtered by amplification, better match the connected impedances and also improve noise suppression. The processor used in the V3 Blaze is the X1600E, a high-performance, low-power embedded processor. It maintains the other features of the V3, improving the output power per BAL to 825mW for 32Ω. The battery is a 3500mAh lithium battery, the touch screen is 3.2’, the dimensions are 100x65x17mm, with a weight of 166.5g. Another thing that has changed is the screen itself, whose menus have a slightly more yellowish colour, not as white as on the previous V3. In this review we will try to find all the differences in this new release from TempoTec.

 

 

Specifications

 

• DAC: Dual AK4493SEQ.
• Dimensions: 100x65x17mm.
• Weight: 166.5g.
• Material: Aluminium.
• Bluetooth: Two-way v5.1.
• 3.2 inch touch screen.
• Micro SD: 1TB.
• Firmware Update: USB, OTA.
• 3500mAh lithium battery.
• Compatible with e-book reading.
• FM signal included: No.
• Battery life: 10-20 hours.
• Audio formats supported: MP3, WAV, WMA, OGG, ASF, APE, FLAC, MP1, MP2, APE, ALAC, DSD, Aiff, AAC. DSD512 Native, MQA 8X, DXD, PCM 32bit/768khz.
• Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz.
• Bluetooth 5.1: LDAC, AAC, APTXHD, APTX, SBC.
• Stream Media APP: TIDAL,Qobuz.
• Support for AirPlay, DLNA, HIBYLINK.
• Support for USB DAC.
• HIBY OS: Custom HIFI audio system.
• SNR: 124dB.
• THD+N: SE 3.5mm, 0.0004%, BAL 4.4mm, 0.00026%.
• Crosstalk: 84dB/32Ω/3.5, 116dB/32Ω/4.4.
• Output power: 245mW/32Ω/3.5mm, 825mW/32Ω/4.4mm.
• Output level: 2VRMS/3.5, 4VRMS/4.4.
• Starting price: $199.

 

 

Packaging

 

The Tempotec V3 Blaze comes in a mostly black cardboard box, dimensions 160x115x54mm, on the main side you can see a picture of the DAP diagonally on a background of dark, flaming stones. In the upper left corner is the brand logo and on the right corner are the Hi-Res AUDIO and Hi-Res AUDIO WIRELESS logos. At the bottom of the box is the model name followed by a red flame. The back is predominantly black and carries a summary of warnings for use, as well as the brand name. Removing the cardboard reveals a black box with a red flame above the V3 text in the same colour in the centre. After lifting the lid, the DAP can be seen in a black foam mould with a screen protector. Underneath the mould is a leather case wrapped in clear plastic and a black cardboard box containing the rest of the accessories. In summary, the complete contents are as follows:

 

• The DAP Tempotec V3.
• One black leather case.
• One USB Type-C to USB Type-A long cable.
• One USB Type-C to USB Type-C short cable.
• One 75Ω impedance adapter.
• One screen protector.
• One back face protector.
• Instruction manual.
• Quality certificate.
• Warranty card.

 

It’s worth noting that the DAP comes with a screen and back protector in place, with its protective coating.
TempoTec has improved the external design of the packaging with respect to the previous V3, creating a much more eye-catching and not so generic outer case. One welcome feature is that the leather-like case comes as standard, unlike the previous V3. A small USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable and a 75Ω impedance adapter are also included. With these new accessories, the quality of the V3 has clearly improved.

 

 

Construction and Design

 

The DAP is a piece of aluminium measuring 100x65x17mm, with a weight of 166.5g. The shape is not very complex. It is a tablet whose edges on the left side are equally bevelled. On the right side, the bevel is much more accentuated, while the bevel on the same side, but on the back side, is much lighter. In some ways, this shape is reminiscent of the V6. The touchscreen is 3.2’ in size. At the bottom, on the left side, there is a small part that is flush with the screen, which is inscribed with the V3 model. On a lower and adjacent part, still below the screen, there are 3 control buttons: back, play/pause and forward. On the right side, at the top, is the on/off button. Underneath is an RGB LED indicating status and format. Underneath are two more buttons for volume control. On the bottom side are the connections, on the left the 4.4mm BAL output, in the middle the USB Type-C socket and on the right the 3.5mm SE output. The rear face has the typical glazed material with the brand name, some logos and the certifications it supports. The big difference is on the back: below the brand logo, the flame icon appears again in the centre. On the left side, at the top, is the slot to insert the micro-SD. It is worth noting that this slot is quite sunken and it is not easy to insert or remove the memory for this reason.
The screen has changed, it now has a very faint sepia/yellowish tone. This colour influences the whole colour range and is not very true to life. But it has improved in brightness compared to the previous V3. Text seems subtly thicker as well. Icons and lettering look acceptable, with a good size. The font size can be chosen. The look of the icons is a bit basic and squat, which gives a rather unrefined feel. The same goes for the design. The V3 Blaze is the same as its predecessor in form and looks much more functional than stylish or attractive. But, I must confess, I like those playback control buttons on the front face a lot. I’m also a fan of volume control buttons as opposed to potentiometers, as long as they work in one step at a time, which isn’t always the case with the V3 Blaze.
Internally, the V3 Blaze uses a dual DAC AK4493SEQ, two OPA1652s and four SGM8262s. Also a professional FPGA digital circuit with a dual crystal oscillator and an X1600E processor.
The firmware used at the time of the review is v1.1.

 

 

Connectivity

 

The Tempotec V3 Blaze has HiBy Link connectivity, uses two-way Bluetooth v5.1, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, AirPlay and DLNA. It supports TIDAL and Qobuz. It can also be used as a USB DAC.
Of course, it seems to support micro-SD flash memory card up to 1TB. I have tested it with a 256GB micro-SD card with no problems.

 

 

Operativity

 

The Tempotec V3 Blaze has a 3.2’ touchscreen which, again, has a more yellowish/sepia tone. Otherwise, everything is the same as the previous V3. It has 6 buttons, 3 of them on the front face, at the bottom (back, play/pause and forward). The other 3 buttons are on the right side, above the on/off button, volume up and volume down. In the middle is an RGB LED that indicates the status.
The menus of the V3 are the classic HiBy OS menus. On the first screen you can choose between 6 menus: Music, Stream Media, Wireless, Books, System and About. If you go to Music you can browse through folders, albums, artists, genres and album artist. There is also a favourites star, a search magnifying glass and the settings icon that allows you to enter the audio options, MSEB, equaliser, update DB, gapless, maximum volume, gain, crossfade, balance, Soundfield, digital filter and other navigation options.
On the Stream Media screen, the Tidal and Qobuz applications can be accessed. To access Tidal, a QR is used to link from the account itself. The use of Tidal is spartan, you have to search via a keyboard that shares letters 3 by 3, like the old keypad mobile phones, which makes it quite tedious. Still, the streaming sound has surprised me. Although I still think that the memory card playback gives it a plus of strength.
The playback screen is the classic HiBy screen, but with somewhat stubby icons that make it look a little more basic, less stylish. Of course, you can choose the playback mode, access the playlist, add to favourites, timeline, on-screen playback control, as well as using the buttons. At the top is the volume, audio output used, time and battery percentage. By dragging the top menu you can access the options for wireless connection, line output and gain selection (low, medium and high). This menu can contain up to 8 options, which can be chosen in a special menu for this purpose, from 12 quick functions. There is also the option to rotate the display.
For tuning enthusiasts, the V3 Blaze has a 10-band EQ, HiBy’s famous MSEB and 6 digital filters.
Of course, the V3 Blaze has gapless playback, crossfade, ReplayGain, as well as other classic options of this type.
Back in the main menu, the Wireless option allows access to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HyBy Link, Import Music via Wi-Fi, DLNA and AirPlay. Three buttons remain for Books, System Settings and About. You can update the firmware from the card, downloading the firmware from the WEB or via OTA.
Again, I was surprised by the use and sound via TIDAL, while navigation is not as slow as I thought it would be. It’s true that it takes a few seconds to access the songs, but it’s quite good.
Using the SD card is no problem, as I am very familiar with the HiBy OS. Just to repeat that I find the appearance of the icons very basic and that the scrolling through the list of songs is not as fast as in a HiBy’s own DAP.
They seem to have solved some negative points of the previous V3. The volume control via the buttons is more precise, working in a normal way and jumping one at a time. I still think the picture of the disc covers could be bigger. The unpleasant clicks when turning the DAP on/off with headphones plugged in seem to have been reduced.
The TempoTec logo is now in colour when displayed when the DAP is switched on.
Battery life is still quite good, much better than other DAPS I own. But the charging time is slow, even when using fast chargers. On the other hand, this is usually a common thing with dark DAPS.
In terms of ergonomics and size, the V3 Blaze is larger than the HiBy R3 Pro, which is perhaps the most appropriate size for a portable DAP in this segment. The Hidizs AP80 PRO-X is very small, but the V3 Blaze exceeds the portability of this range. It’s a bevelled-edge tablet where the most striking feature is the physical buttons on its main face. It’s also certainly heavy, at 166.5g. While the most beneficial of the whole design and construction is the battery life and the screen size, which allows the use of larger fonts, very appropriate for those of us who no longer see well up close, like me.
It’s worth noting that to turn the device off you have to hold down the off button until the countdown from 3 to 0 comes to an end, something that prevents unwanted shutdowns.
Finally, as I start writing this review the firmware has been updated to version 1.1 via OTA.

 

 

Measures

 

Firmware version v1.1 has 3 gain modes (L, M, H).
All values used below are RMS.
During measurement tests at maximum volume the V3 Blaze heats up clearly.
The output impedance per SE is 0.31Ω.
The output impedance per BAL is 0.36Ω.

 

 

SE No load

 

No load, at low gain per SE, the maximum output voltage is 0.928V.
No load, at medium gain per SE, the maximum output voltage is 1.854V.
No load, at high gain per SE, the maximum output voltage is 2.620V.
No load, at high gain per SE, the maximum undistorted output voltage over the entire frequency range is 2.617V.

 

 

SE 15Ω High Gain

 

With a 15Ω load, at high gain per SE, the maximum undistorted output voltage over the entire frequency range is 1.367V. That’s 120mW of power and a spectacular 91mA of current.
I tried forcing the output and allowed a little distortion. This way I was able to go up to 2.041V.
The maximum power measured for 15Ω at 1kHz is 280mW and a current of 140mA.

 

 

SE 33Ω High Gain

 

With a 33Ω load, at high gain per SE, the maximum undistorted output voltage over the entire frequency range is 2.066V. Here, too, the volume can be turned up further to 2.6V between 1kHz and 20kHz but with slight distortion.
The undistorted power over the entire frequency range for 33Ω is 130mW and a current of 62.6mA.
The maximum power measured for 33Ω at 1kHz is 200mW and a current of 79mA. The specifications say that the maximum power for SE at 32Ω should be 245mW. This would require 2.8V, which is absurd because the maximum no-load output is 2.6V.

 

 

SE 100Ω High Gain

 

With a 100Ω load, at high gain per SE, the maximum undistorted output voltage over the entire frequency range is 2.465V. This happens with the volume at 99 steps. The undistorted power over the entire frequency range for 100Ω is 61mW and a current of 24mA.
Going up to 100 steps shows some distortion. The maximum voltage is 2.6V and the maximum power is 67mW at 26mA.

 

 

BAL No load

 

No load, at low gain per BAL, the maximum output voltage is 1.855V.
No load, at medium gain per BAL, the maximum output voltage is 3.725V.
No load, at high gain per BAL, the maximum output voltage is 5.260V.

 

 

BAL 15Ω High Gain

 

With a 15Ω load, at high gain per BAL, the maximum undistorted output voltage over the entire frequency range is 2.142V. Here, too, the volume can be turned up further to 2.709V between 1kHz and 20kHz without visible distortion. On the other hand, this voltage is not possible at frequencies of 20Hz and 100Hz, as visible distortion is evident.
The distortion-free power over the entire frequency range for 15Ω is 310mW and a current of 140mA.
The maximum power measured for 15Ω at 1kHz is 490mW and a current of 180mA. Immense values for a DAP of $200.

 

 

BAL 33Ω High Gain

 

With a 33Ω load, at high gain per BAL, the maximum undistorted output voltage over the entire frequency range is 4.632V. Here, too, the volume can be turned up further to 5.208V between 1kHz and 20kHz without visible distortion. On the other hand, this voltage is not possible at frequencies of 20Hz and 100Hz, as visible distortion is evident.
The distortion-free power over the entire frequency range for 33Ω is 650mW and a current of 140mA.
The maximum power measured for 33Ω at 1kHz is 820mW and a current of 160mA.
The specifications say that the maximum output power for 32Ω per BAL should be 825mW, something that should be achieved with a voltage of 5.14V. As I checked, in my measurements I did not reach that value for the standard 1kHz frequency without visible distortion.

 

 

BAL 100Ω High Gain

 

With a 100Ω load, at high gain per BAL, the maximum undistorted output voltage over the entire frequency range is 5.241V. In this case the maximum volume of 100 steps is reached.
The undistorted power over the entire frequency range for 100Ω is 270mW and a current of 52mA.

 

 

Power Output	SE 3.5mm/32Ω	BAL 4.4mm/32Ω
V3	330mW	610mW
V3 Blaze	445mW	825mW

 

Output voltage SE 3.5mm No Load	Low Gain	Medium Gain	High Gain
V3	1.22V	2.44V	3.47V
V3 Blaze	0.928V	1.854V	2.620V

 

Output voltage BAL 4.4mm No Load	Low Gain	Medium Gain	High Gain
V3	2.45V	4.92V	6.49V
V3 Blaze	1.855V	3.725V	5.260V

 

Voltage/Power SE 15Ω	No Distortion	Maximum
V3	1.134V/86mW	2.2V/340mW
V3 Blaze	1.367V/120mW	2.041V/280mW

 

Voltage/Power SE 33Ω	No Distortion	Maximum
V3	2.424V/180mW	2.9V/250mW
V3 Blaze	2.066V/130mW	2.596V/200mW

 

Voltage/Power SE 100Ω	No Distortion	Maximum
V3	3V/94mW	3V/94mW
V3 Blaze	2.465V/61mW	2.609V/68mW

 

Voltage/Power BAL 15Ω	No Distortion	Maximum
V3	1.25V/100mW	2.4V/380mW
V3 Blaze	2.142V/310mW	2.709V/490mW

 

Voltage/Power BAL 33Ω	No Distortion	Maximum
V3	2.71V/220mW	4.08V/500mW
V3 Blaze	4.632V/650mW	5.208V/820mW

 

Voltage/Power BAL 100Ω	No Distortion	Maximum
V3	5.82V/340mW	5.82V/340mW
V3 Blaze	5.241V/270mW	5.241V/270mW

 

The conclusion is that the V3 model is more powerful for all impedances per SE, while the V3 is more powerful for low impedances per BAL. However, the V3 seems to have a lower level of distortion, which can be seen in the measurement graphs.

 

 

Sound

 

In my opinion, differentiating between sources used with the same headphones is always the most complex task. Normally, the sources have a flat frequency response and the differences are minor, sometimes only distinguishable by their technical differences. But what happens when the two sources are the same and only differ in the amplification section? This is what happens between the TempoTec V3 and the TempoTec V3 Blaze. The result is that the differences are even smaller, or indistinguishable. For the comparison tests I use an output switcher, the same audio tracks at the same volume and the same headphones.
Starting with the very low frequency pure tone test, the change between one model and the other is indistinguishable, despite switching without stopping the sound, both sources reproduce the LFOs in the same way, I am not able to distinguish any difference. In dirty and unfiltered bass tests the same thing happens, the reproduction of my test tracks reveal no difference whatsoever.
The V3’s bass is medium-dark and slightly rough, with good punch, physical feel and a subtly visceral behaviour that gives it a slightly more violent and fun character that is great for playing electronic genres. In the complex and dirty bass department the V3s have a slight tendency to simplify the passages, but without losing control or demonstrating technical weakness. In this aspect the execution of this type of bass is very competent, effective and never minimalistic, but rather tries to show a remarkable descriptive ability, layering, distance and separation between bass lines.
The mids of the V3 possess a point of warmth, clarity and transparency. Perhaps it doesn’t possess the darker or cleaner bottom end as superior or refined DAPS, like its older V6 sibling. Again, the differences between the V3 and V3 Blaze are nil in the mids and only the difference in power is what differentiates one sound from the other, while the behaviour and technical ability between the two is difficult to distinguish.
At the micro detail level both DAPS are quite resolute, being able to present the smallest details quite clearly, but without generating a cold or analytical sound. Looking for technical differences between the two DAPS I have not found different capabilities either. The micro detail performance of both DAPS is hardly distinguishable, my blind tests corroborate this. They are both equally resolute, detailed and present the nuances with the same tone and timbre, as well as the same transparency. Perhaps there may be some difference in the impression of dynamics, but this difference may be caused by the fact that the volume cannot be adjusted equally on both DAPS.
In the high end the V3s have a good amount of sparkle, offer sufficiently crisp treble with headphones that present it that way and don’t try to smooth out the high notes. The high end presentation is not as soft and mellow as the ‘Velvet Sound’ of the AKM DACs might suggest, but has a certain slightly incisive and penetrating character. It is not as refined and delicate as its older V6 sibling.
Again, blind tests between the two DAPS for the high end generate very, very small differences, while the overall sound of the upper range remains very similar.
The same is true for scene, imaging and speed, with no appreciable differences. The V3s do not present a very large or overly surrounding scene. But it is quite coherent, realistic and natural in its presentation. In this aspect, its natural character and presentation is noticeable and it does not seek to generate a forced unrealistic effect that presents the music out of the head.

 

 

Conclusion

 

This time TempoTec has caught me by surprise by releasing a new model based on the successful V3. I expected it to be an evolution. But actually, the V3 Blaze is an upgrade as a more powerful source for low impedance headphones because of its balanced output. Previously, TempoTec released a digital version of the V3, called the V3-D, with Mini AES, 3.5mm coaxial/optical outputs, which behaves like a pure player with no analogue output. This time, the V3 Blaze features a new screen that is brighter but with a more yellowish colour balance. The other difference is in the guts, where it replaces the amplifier section consisting of four OPA1688s with four SGM8262s. Although I have tried hard I have not found any sonic differences between the two V3 and V3 Blaze. And it was only in the power performance that I found the disparity, beyond the screen. If our use is mainly for the 3.5mm SE output, the previous V3 is more powerful and gets more voltage for the whole impedance range. On the other hand, for lower impedances, the balanced output of the V3 Blaze is the obvious choice with 650mW without distortion for 33Ω, a far cry from many DAPS in this segment. Otherwise, TempoTec has improved the packaging by adding an impedance adapter and a leatherette case as standard, which is very welcome as the case alone costs around $20 on the market and was not an accessory on the previous model.
The V3 has already become my go-to DAP for relaxed, everyday use, most of the time when I need good battery life, great sound and the combined ease of use of control and touch buttons, plus a HiBy-based interface that I like so much. Today TempoTec is adapting to the trend of more standardised use of the 4.4mm balanced output by adding more power and a brighter display. You don’t have to look for differences in sound because both V3s already sound very good for their price. But TempoTec has undoubtedly made a big splash when it comes to pure power per BAL for low-impedance headphones.

 

 

Earphones Used During Analysis

 

• Hidizs MK12 Turris.
• BQEYZ Wind.
• LetShuoer Mystic 8.
• Letshuoer S15.
• LetShuoer DX1.
• NF ACOUS NA20.
• Kiwi Ears Astral.
• Kiwi Ears KE4.
• Kiwi Ears Aether.
• ZiiGaat Arcanis.
• NiceHCK Himalaya.
• NiceHCK EBX25Ti.
• Simgot EA1000 Fermat.
• Simgot SuperMix 4.
• Simgot ET142.
• 7Hz Timeless II.
• Yanyin Canon Pro.
• Apevoix Grit.