How big is the difference from a Tempotec Sonata HD II Dongle DAC to an iFi Zen DAC?

Equipment / Electronics / Gear / Accessories DACs
1

I’m currently using a Grado SR80x with a Tempotec Sonata HD II Dongle DAC. While I did see a difference upgrading to a Tempotec Sonata HD II from a laptop or phone alone, I’m not really sure if my itch to upgrade to a Zen DAC be that significant. My reason for this upgrade to a Zen DAC was to warm the sound of the Grado - not that I hate its sound - and also to future proof some possible future upgrades.

My source is usually Tidal and FLAC.

2

Unless the headphones are actually underpowered, amp/dac upgrades are minimal to placebo in my experience but the zen dac does come with bass boost and a nice knob though, so you objectively get that at least and a bit more headroom for future upgrades