Summary
The Variations V1 is a recently released budget digital audio player from TempoTec, priced at $110, but it seems to be on permanant discount at around 80$. The V1 is an attractive, handy little audio player a similar size to a big dongle dac. Internally the V1 is based around a dual CS43131 dac chip configuration. Tonally this sounds similar to other CS dac based players, with a neutral, balanced sound signature with subtle added smoothness in the upper frequencies. Technical sound wise, it also performs decent. Other aspects like build quality, design, accessories are also decent and satisfactory. Overall user experience was pretty solid. Final verdict is, I recommend this dap, specially at the discounted price. If you are looking to get a feature packed little budget audio player, this is a very good option.



Intro
Hey guys, whats up
Today I am checking out the Variations V1 from Tempotec. This is a recently released budget audio player with very attractive specs and features, priced at 110$ but they seem to be on discount since launch for 80$ to 90$. So where does it stand in the budget space? Lets discuss…

About the brand
First, lets get to know the brand, Tempotec is a papular ChiFi source manufacturer, mostly known for their budget source gears. I have used a couple Tempotec devices over the years, the first ever one was the Tempotec Sonata dongle dac, which was a pretty popular dac dongle way back in the day. I only reviewed one tempotec product quite a while back, the V3, which was a popular budget audio player in the sub 200$ price range. Nevertheless, lets get back to the V1, starting off with specs.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Tempotec for providing this product but please note that this review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion. I strive for transparency in all my reviews, whether the product is self-purchased, a free sample, loaned or received at a discount.



Specs
> Colors: Black,
> Software: Hiby OS
> Display: 2"/ 240*320 touch screen
> DAC: Dual CS43131
> Storage support microSD card up to 2TB
> Bluetooth: two way bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC, aptX, AAC codacs
> Playback Format support up to DSD 256 and PCM 394khz
> Outputs: 3.5mm single-ended/4.4mm balanced
> Output Power @32ohms (per channel): 123mW SE, 215mW BAL
> SNR: 128db SE, 131db BAL
> THD+N: 0.00035% SE, 0.00031% BAL
> Battery: 1400mAh
= PRICE: 110$, but they seem to on discount at 80$ since launch

Packaging
Starting off with the packaging of the V1, it comes in a minimalistic yet well designed box with V1 text and orange accent. Opening the box you will see the player itself, nicely presented in a foam insert. Below that you will find a foam pocket containing an USB charging cable, short C to C cable, screen protector and some papers. Simple yet to the point unboxing, but I really appreciate them including a short C to C, specially at this price. I also received another box, which contains the case, I believe this has to be purchased separately from the player itself.
List of box contents.

• DAP
• USB Cable
• Short C to C cable
• Screen protector
• Papers

Build and Design
The Tempotec V1 is a well designed, handy little audio player. I personally like the shape and sizing of this, as this is very similar to a big size domgle dac or a bluetooth dac similar to the Fiio BTR series. The design on V1 is attractive, this has a hyper car like carbon fiber textured design on the back with an expose screw and orange accent. The front houses the screen and LED indicator. Initially I was a bit amazed that they went for such a small screen only covering half of the front. But with more use, I realized this was not as much of an issue I anticipated, I will talk more about the display later in the display section. General build quality of the player is standard, with glass front and plastic body, but yes I would have preferred to see some use of metal instead of plastic. Finger prints were not much of an issue in my use case, but scuffs and scratches might be an issue down the line because of the plastic build. Layout wise, the 3.5mm and 4.4mm output jacks are on the top, the type C port on the bottom, the power button and playback controls on the right and left side houses the volume controls and micro SD card slot.


Buttons and controls
For controls you get 6 buttons in total. The buttons are textured and labeled, so its easy to identify. The power button and the playback control buttons (play/ pause, next track, prev track) are on the right side. And the volume up and down buttons are on the left. I must say I quite appreciate them providing a proper “previous track” button, I dont understand the trend of ditching the prev track button in many cheap audio players.

Internals
The V1 uses one of the most popular DAC chip configuration at this budget range. This uses a dual CS43131 set up.

Inputs and Outputs
For inputs we get a USB type C port for both data and charge. For outputs we get a 3.5mm and 4.4mm port.

Storage
For storage the V1 uses micro SD cards and supports up to 2TB micro SD.

Connectivity
The V1 can be used as both a bluetooth transmitter and receiver to connect to wireless earphones or headphones, or to source devices to use wired earphones or headphones wirelessly. You can also connect to WiFi to use the streaming option. Talking about wired connectivity, the V1 can also be used as a wired dac or for data transfer.

Streaming
The V1, since it uses the Hiby OS, streaming is another option to listen to music. This supports Tidal and Qobuz for streaming.

Power Output
The V1 provides decent level of power output. At 32ohms in single ended (3.5mm) you get 123mw per channel and in balanced (4.4mm) you get 215mw per channel.



The Case
The case for the V1 seems to be a separate purchase and I am not a fan of it. Although this is a budget dap, I wish Tempotec included the case in the box. Generally, this is a bare bone plastic back shell with clip. Since I am unsure whether it is included as a bundle, so please do make sure about it, if you do decide to purchase it.

In the sub $100 range, competition among audio players is quite limited. As a result, most companies tend to rely on the same commonly used specs. While this can feel a bit repetitive or boring, budget audiophiles or even seasoned audiophiles primarily look for reliability and practicality at this price point.
When it comes to audio players in general, the user experience plays the more important role in my opinion, even more than sound. After all, the sound quality is expected to meet a certain baseline, it the over all user experience paired with the sound that sets every dap apart, even the V1.

Software experience and User Interface
The V1 runs the Hiby OS as its operating system, personally I appreciate them going for a reliable and easy to use software. If you are familiar with the Hiby OS, you will know the over all UI (user interface) is very user friendly and easy to use. The UI skin or theme is very minimalistic, which I quite like. Interacting with the player is quite responsive. All in all, the software user experience is on point and well done.

Display
Tempotec has gone for a rather unusual approach and used a much smaller display compared to the overall size of the player. Initially I was quite skeptical of the performance and user experience of the 2inch display, but with more use I realized how it was a better decision from them. The V1 has a small foot print, and when holding it my thumb tends to rest on the area where the display is, so it is very easy to navigate the entire display with just my thumb, without changing the holding position. Moreover, I appreciate them providing a rather high quality display regardless of size. The brightness is fantastic, I am able to view it perfectly in sunlight, viewing angles are also good. Colors and sharpness are also good. Text and overall visibility, surprisingly enough is quite, legible.

Battery
The battery life on the V1 is decent. I get around 8 to 10 hours of constant playback in higher mid volume in balanced, and a bit above 10 hours if I only use single ended. I did not find any battery life rating on their web page, but my result is pretty standard in my opinion for such a small player. Please do keep in mind, your result may vary depending on various factors like volume, gain, output, etc.

Playback Options
The V1 as a digital audio player, primarily plays music from your local music library from the micro SD card. But additionally Tempotec allows more options to enjoy music. The V1 can stream music from popular music streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz. The V1 also can be used as a dac to play music from a different source. This can be used wired with the C to C or the USB cable, similar to a dongle dac. This can also be used as wireless dac using bluetooth or airplay. In my use case, I most used it as independent audio player, and sometimes as a wired dac on my PC.


Please Note: Listening impressions are highly subjective and can vary based on the equipment you are using, your music library, and personal preferences. Your experience may differ from mine. When it comes to audio sources, changes in sound are typically subtle or not that significant, they will not drastically change the sound of your current gear but rather will add some flavor to it. I personally always use and test all my gear in various setups to get a generalized idea on it. You can find my “tested with” info below.

Now most importantly sound, Tempotec’s tuning with the V1 leans toward a neutral and balanced presentation, with a slight emphasis on smoothness in the upper frequencies. This tonality is reminiscent of the Cirrus Logic signature, which prioritizes a natural, fatigue free audio experience.
The bass is controlled, delivering sufficient layering and note definition without unnecessary emphasis. While the bass performance does not exceed expectations for the segment, it avoids the common flaws of muddiness or excessive forwardness.
The midrange is marginally forward, providing a touch of claraty and musicality that enhances vocal presence and instrument timbre. Despite this coloration, it retains coherence within the overall balanced signature, avoiding unnatural emphasis.
The upper mids and treble adopt a smoother and fatigue free approach. The smooth nature is similar to many budget CS dac based players.

The tonal changes, as mentioned, are fairly subtle among most budget CS dac based players, but the technical sound usually has a more significant change. When it comes to the V1, soundstage extend slightly above average, with acceptable width though limited depth. Imaging is accurate but not exceptionally holographic. Resolution and instrument separation reach a respectable level, sufficient for separating detail in complex congested tracks. Dynamics is fine, providing adequate contrast between softer and louder frequencies.

All in all, while it does not push boundaries in any single area,lacking the punch and nuance of higher end devices, its combination of a balanced, well finished sound with above average technical performance positions the V1 as a solid performer within its price class.

Tested with:
IEMS: Dunu SA6 MK2, Thie Audio Hype 4, Kiwi Ears Aether, Simgot EA500LM, Kefine Klean
Headphones: Aune AR5000, Sennheiser HD600, Koss KPH30i, Koss Porta Pro, Kiwi Ears Ellipse



So to conclude the review, do I recommend this set and who is this for?
Yes, I recommend this player, if you are looking to get your first dap, or in general a budget dap, this is a really good option. This provides a compact and attractive design, feature packed specs and decent sound at a budget friendly price point.


I hope, I was able to provide some idea about this product and help you make a purchase decision.
Props to Tempotec for making a solid little audio player.
And huge thanks to you all for sticking around, see yall in the next one.