Today, we have Lynn’s review of the TempoTec V3 Blaze, an upgraded digital audio player with enhanced output power and up to DSD512 and LDAC decoding. It is currently priced at $199.
Disclaimer: I received this sample in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links. I thank TempoTec for their support.
Click here to learn more about TempoTec products previously reviewed on Headfonics.
This article follows our latest scoring guidelines, which you can read in more detail here.
Following the TempoTec V3 and earlier flagship V6 reviews, I was left with mixed impressions, some good and some OK.
The sound coming from both was good, but functionality left a bit to be desired until I realized that both followed more along the lines of a transport rather than a fully-fledged DAP.
Approaching the V3 Blaze in this way might provide a new perspective on the unit’s abilities and perhaps an appreciation for the design technology TempoTec has employed.
One note is that TempoTec listened to us, the users and critics, making the V3 Blaze a more powerful and potentially functional unit all-around.
Laden with abilities to run “apps” such as HiBy Music and its excellent functionality, the V3 Blaze was off to a good start.
Features
The TempoTec V3 Blaze uses a dual AK4493SEQ DAC chipset and is capable of native DSD512 and PCM 32-bit/768kHz. The V3 Blaze also supports wireless two-way Bluetooth 5.1 up to LDAC, with AAC, and aptX support.
Running only 2.4GHz WiFi is a let-down, especially these days when 1GB is essentially the norm for WiFi speeds. However, the connection was seamless and easy, no matter what the listening device, which countered the slower speed.
The V3 Blaze delivers 825mW+825mW of balanced output power balanced on a 32Ω load (490mW single-ended), which is an upgrade over what the V3 provides.
Using it as a USB-DAC means you can send this to a desktop amplifier for use with an external application of a two-channel system. Switching the PO to LO allows for maximum application of the V3s DAC.
The LPF uses 2 OPA1652, feeding into 4 SGM8262 (two for each channel) operational amplifier chips, powering the V3 Blaze to a maximum of 1650mW.
With an X1600E processor and a professional FPGA digital technology, matched with a custom-made dual crystal oscillator system (45.158 & 49.152 frequencies), providing a low phase noise, gives an “ultra-high quality” digital source for the system.
A battery with 3500mAh allows for long listening sessions, and excellent standby characteristics (better than the FiiO JM21, and as good as the HiBy R4).
Design
Following the steps of the V3, the Blaze does not change. Using the same size and functionality, the V3 Blaze will feel familiar to those who use the TempoTec architecture. While the Blaze (and V3) feel a bit chunky in hand, the fit gives a good reassurance of durability.
The case fits extremely tightly, and if I had my way, I’d run without the case due to the tactility with which the buttons function inside the case. Tight for good protection, but a definite lack of functionality without effort.
The back has a nice tempered glass panel, which is subject to fingerprints and scratching without the case. I do like the design, with the functionality buttons on the right, and connections on the bottom. Made for right-handed people, I was able to use it with my left hand without issue.
The all-black look does carry a classic aura to it, and the black, anodized shell helps with durability. The top section, though, did not line up properly, and I could feel the seams on both sides. Screen protectors on the front and back helped to absorb any potential abuse that may have occurred.
I/O
The V3 Blaze bottom I/O ranges from 4.4mm balanced, USB-DAC (and charging), and 3.5mm single-ended jacks left to right. The V3 Blaze can be used as a USB-DAC through the port, allowing you to connect to a similar USB-C unit, or USB-C to RCA inputs (or others).
Using this option, I hooked the V3 Blaze to the SMSL PA-X Gallium Nitride I just reviewed through my KEF Q150s, with success. I was also able to use the 3.5mm to RCA cable as an option.
The left side has a single micro-SD slot (up to 1TB), without a cover. Anymore, I feel a cover is unnecessary, especially when the unit is kept inside a case.
Controls
Above the jacks, on the inset portion of the front (bottom portion), lie the play/pause, FF, and REW buttons.
Without the case, the three buttons work well, but since they are inset, when placed inside the case, they become almost unusable. A hard press is needed to activate any of the three inside the case.
The right side has the power button, LED operation light (and corresponding decoding rate), and volume up & down. Thankfully, the volume buttons are separated from the power button by that LED, making functionality easier.
Software Impressions
TempoTec uses HiByOS as its operating system, sharing much of the sound hardware with the recently reviewed V3 and V6.
Changes from the V3 include the addition of AirPlay as an option and replacing Books with WiFi. This is a very basic OS that includes the necessary items to play music and stream, but not much more.
Battery Life
The 3500mAh battery inside is somewhat larger than expected, and according to the specifications, it allows for up to 10-20 hours of playback.
I verified this through four uses, averaging over 10 hours, depending on usage. While streaming one day further away from my router, usage time dropped to 8 hours, and the same is true for streaming YouTube or football matches, as mentioned above.
I also found that latent discharge was much better than the V3, with nary a percentage point overnight. Updated firmware and internal magic helped correct the V3 battery discharge “problem.”
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth
Connection to the Noble FoKus Apollo TWS headphones was seamless and quick through the BT5.1 connectivity.
Latency was hard to judge, since the V3 Blaze is a player-only. However, when running AirPlay from my MacBook Pro to the V3 Blaze, there was little to no latency, depending on the video being played.
WiFi
Having only 2.4GHz as an option may seem limiting, but the V3 Blaze never stumbled, playing seamlessly, and allowed for side-loading music through the “Import Music via Wi-Fi” option. Once connected, streaming Tidal or Qobuz from my iPhone 16 Pro Max was seamless, too.
DLNA and AirPlay functioned as expected. Using my MacBook Pro, AirPlay allows me to watch videos from YouTube and stream through Tidal and Qobuz.
HiBy Music
Pairing the V3 Blaze with my iPhone allowed me to utilize my Apple Music collection through the HiBy app. There was a slight delay when changing volumes or play/pause, FF/REW, but this was to be expected.
All of the WiFi sources provided excellent sonic characteristics, adding to my appreciation of the V3 Blaze.
Wired Connectivity
USB-DAC
Hooking the V3 Blaze into the SMSL PA-X through the USB-C out (RCA in) allowed me to connect to my KEF speakers with good results. Any device with a USB-C-in option can be used this way. I hooked the V3 Blaze to my MacBook Pro this way, as well as the xDuoo TA-32.
The V3 Blaze was turning out to be more versatile than first expected. And I was looking for even more options, but settled on those listed above.
Line Out
Used primarily while sending a signal through the USB-DAC, the maximum volume is allowed for versatility across the sources that are fed. I did find that I could not raise the volume very much on the SMSL PA-X, and experimented with sending the sound using PO.
This gave more versatility in tuning to me, but while using LO, the sound was still quite tunable.
Packaging & Accessories
The smaller, mostly-black box that the V3 Blaze comes in has a simple, tasteful imagery of the unit and other information on the sides.
Sliding the sleeve off, you find the V3 Blaze tucked under a top-lidded box, set within a paperboard-topped hard foam insert. Tucked under the V3 Blaze are the other included items, ranging from the case to the warranty card and charging cable (USB-A to USB-C).
A SHORT USB-C to USB-C cable is also included for connecting to sources such as a laptop. Extra screen protectors are included, as well as the pair that is already mounted.
The case has an extremely tight fit, with good protection. But that tight fit comes at the expense of the front button functionality. I find the three buttons to be nearly unusable with the case mounted, much like with the V3.
Other than that, the case affords excellent protection and has a sturdy build guiding that protection.
Sound Impressions
Impressions were made using the Noble Audio Knight and the Campfire Audio x Drop Dark Star. Additional tools included my iPhone 16 Pro Max, MacBook Pro, the xDuoo TA-32, and the SMSL PA-X through KEF’s Q150s.
Summary
The TempoTec V3 Blaze carries an overall vibrancy to it that comes across with alacrity. Not overly speedy as can occur sometimes, instead the V3 Blaze carries note weight commensurate with the music. This adds a vibrancy affording good girth, without being drippy or melancholic, and indeed vibrant.
This seemingly organic natural tendency comes across with good lilt, and that weight is similar to an old standby of the past, the xDuoo T10 transport. The V3 Blaze does take on the character of the source, changing with each input used, as mentioned above.
That would lead you to believe it is headed towards a nearly neutral signature, but that effervescent character gives a good account of itself overall.
Timbre
The TempoTec V3 Blaze comes across as clean, crisp, and vibrant while carrying a nearly neutral signature. The energy comes from more power certainly, but the AK chips help to provide a tinge of warmth while presenting the crispy signature coming forth.
The upper range shows signs of a slight dizziness on some tracks through vocals or high-end cymbal hits, though. This does allow the signature to extend nicely, spreading out the signature across the full spectrum.
That upper-end push did not bother me due to that extension-enhancing effect. The low-end carried on with a taut control that added good amounts of grunt down while adding some verve to the signature.
The equally accurate and plush nature of the lower bass helps to add some color to the signature, without adding too much blush or lack of accuracy.
Tying the ends, the mids allow for that slightly colored nature to shine with very good placing of instruments in this range, as well as a robust nature that does not become plush or out of control. Hence, the tonality comes across as total rather than succinct parts.
This can lead to an overall lack of detail retrieval while staying musical. The organic, vibrant character combines well with the melding of the signature to make a thoroughly listenable signature.
Staging & Dynamics
As mentioned above, the dynamic nature of the V3 Blaze carries risks that hinder its overall lack of clarity while staying musical. Those looking for top-notch detail retrieval may be disappointed, but those who favor a musical, engaging signature will relish the tonality from within.
That lack of detail retrieval also hinders the soundstage by limiting the three dimensions, making for a more intimate setting. I do wish for a more expansive stage, which I feel would make for better separation across the board. But this would hinder the overall musicality, in my opinion.
The soundstage does feel a bit pinched in width, which, while favoring the overall timbre, leaves the signature a bit confining. Or rather intimate if you prefer.
I cannot fault the overall character of the V3 Blaze, for it presents more merits than faults. Especially if you prefer a more organic character with the aforementioned vibrant tonality.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
