Elite Performance Meets Exceptional Value 

We at Audiomonsta have always made an effort to provide news in the audio segment, particularly portable audio, and always on the look out for hidden gems that are fairly priced. Recently I have come upon a brand that fits all these criterias, introducing the Time Ear from China with their flagship bluetooth dongle without the flagship price, the BTE9. It is a beast of an audiophile bluetooth receiver that is packed with audio goodies like the Cirrus Logic CS43198 chipset with 2 Sabre ESS9603 amplification, LDAC support, Qualcomm QCC5125, CVC 8.0 algorithm, an informative OLED screen and a whopping 18.5 hours of battery life, all these in under 100USD (bought at RM378 with leather casing and enamel white version). One might think that they skipped the build quality and you will be surprised by the BTE9 as it feels like a true premium product. So let’s dive into the Time Ear BTE9.

We are not affiliated nor taken any monetary exchange for these products and the review is an honest take which is an opinionated view.

Functions & Specifications

Before we start the review, here’s Time Ear company’s history;

https://timeear.com/pages/about-us

Here are the specifications of the Time Ear BTE9;

• Weight: 60g
• DAC: Cirrus Logic CS43198
• Amplification: 2 x Sabre ESS9063
• Bluetooth Chipset: Qualcomm QCC5125
• Battery : 1000mah (18.5hours on LDAC)
• Microphones: 2 dual-microphone array with Qualcomm CVC8.0 noise reduction voice technology to
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio(SNR): 117dB
• Total Harmonics Distortion(THD+N): 0.0068%
• Signal Distance: up to 30-meter transmission distance
• Input: Bluetooth (LDAC, AAC, Aptx-HD), USB C (Charging and digital input)
• Output: 3.5mm and 4.4mm

Others specifications

• Informative OLED Screen 
• Gain switch
• Multifunctional On/off switch, volume switches 
• LED indicators
• Glass front with aluminum body in grey, blue or enamel white(+6USD)
• Leather case (+7USD bundled or 9.9USD casing only)

The Time Ear BTE9 can be purchased at AliExpress on their official store and other platforms worldwide as well as their official site.

https://timeear.com

https://a.aliexpress.com/_c30yorVT

Packaging & Accessories

The packaging here is pretty generic with a professional look that mimics the BTE9 design and they come in a small box. Nothing spectacular in regards to the packaging but it does include Time Ears patented low profile USB C cable, the TEC B1(angled to straight). The cable is actually my favorite USB C to C cable for audio usage and I previously bought the TEC B2 which is the angled version that I have been religiously using ever since. Some paperworks and manuals are included but there is an informative video on YouTube regarding the BTE9 usage.

Straight forward, simple device.

There is a high quality leather case with an addition of just 6USD when bundled with the BTE9 or 9.9USD if bought separately.

Design

The design here is simple, minimalistic and clean with their rectangular body without any majorly sharp edges, glass front and CNC 6 series aviation grade aluminum alloy body. With a slight addition of around 7USD, users can opt for a baked white enamel body that in my opinion is a better option as it prevents scratches better and looks cooler. Weighing in at 60 grams, it is not too heavy nor too light and it does give the BTE9 a solid and premium feel on hand.

At the bottom of the unit we have a USB C port for charging and can work as a digital input for USB DAC mode with PC or smartphones. The USB C digital input has priority when connected to a source and charging can’t be disabled. There is only USB 1.0 mode and the maxes out at 24/48khz.

The audio output of the BTE9 is located at the top with a 4.4mm balanced and a 3.5mm single-ended output.

One the side is 3 circular buttons: a power button doubles as play/pause, volume buttons (long press volume up for next track, long press volume down for previous track) and a gain slider. The buttons do feel high quality as they are clicky with a rather protruding style making clicking easier but a little prone to accidental clicks in pocket. It has an independent 63 steps volume control.

Internally, the BTE9 is equipped with Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC packaged with an independent crystal oscillator with 2 Sabre ESS9063 amplifier chips churning out 240mW at 32ohms on balanced out which is pretty powerful. Battery size on the BTE9 is rated at 1000mAh and they are able to churn out a respectable 18.5 hours even on LDAC and up to 20 plus hours on SBC doubling the run time of most of the competitions. It also has 800hours on standby and all these are great for portability without needing to charge almost on a daily basis.

There are 2 high quality microphones where the top microphone of the BTE-9 functions as a voice pickup microphone, while the side microphone serves as an ambient sound pickup microphone. Together with Qualcomm’s CVC8.0 noise reduction algorithm, they enable high-definition vocal call reproduction and they really work superbly in real time even in noisy environments.

The OLED screen is simple yet informative that is quite bright, easy to read, though a little small and it is usable even in bright daylight. The information shown are numbers of devices connected(up to 2), bluetooth format, bitrate, gains, transmitter/source volume, device volume and battery percentage.

There is also a choice for users to choose the template when the device is booted. Just send the template to Time Ear upon ordering and they will do it for you free of charge. I have chosen ‘Audiomonsta’ for my device. Very thoughtful indeed.

They are equipped with the flagship Qualcomm QCC5125 chipset with a custom large FOC antenna for a maximum 30 metres connectivity which is another big plus for the BTE9. Time Ear has also an app for PEQ settings and firmware updates that isn’t perfect but it works.

Gears Used for Comparisons

Songs list

Tone and Presentation

The tone of the BTE9 has the characteristics of the CS43198 possessing a warm sound signature with thick, full bodied sound that is lush and inviting. These aren’t a clinical sounding type of source, instead a velvety smooth signature that doesn’t skip on their technicalities. Details here are full and there is a good dollop of energy on the low end with treble that is balanced to give the overall sound a touch more clarity. The CS43198 paired with the Sabre ES9068 amplification chips give a boost of technicalities preventing them from sounding overly warm and coloured which is a good balancing act.

Soundstage

The soundstage of the BTE9 is decent as they are able to give a good width and height in their presentation along with a rather holographic feel but due to their thickish overall sound, the perceived soundstage is masked by a small margin. They are capable of providing adequate air especially in the low region and having a spacious headroom that is free of any boxiness effect. For their price range, their soundstage is very competitive and well worth their asking price.

Separation and Timbre

Separation on the BTE9 is great and having separate amplifier chips for each channel does give out a well separated sound that has good dynamic range and the reproduction of the music has a good stereo effect. The imaging here is great and every layer in music is presented without any major congestion. Timbre is best described as rich, full-bodied, warm and breathy with some mild colouration producing a jovial sound that is inoffensively inviting.

Drivability

The BTE9 have superb driving power in their class as they are able to drive any in-ears and some low impedance headphones with ease but the power needed for full sized high impedance, low sensitivity headphones, they aren’t sufficient although having adequate loudness. Driving power is indeed bigger on 4.4mm balanced out and with the gain controls switch, impedance pairing is done with ease. Overall, for their size and portability, they are a powerful bluetooth receiver and more than enough for portable gears surpassing other receivers above their retail price.

The Bass (Low)

Bass of the BTE9 is a linear bass that has a mild boost in the overall region that gives a touch of energy in the lows without being overwhelming or overpowered. They are great for IEMs that have a lean bass providing them with a meatier bass without degradation in the sound quality. There is a slight mid bass lift here and the bass is still considered as tight and energetic with a decent pace that handles busy tracks without being muddy. Details here are average but they have a good clarity in the reproduction of bass notes that has no bloat nor bleed into the other frequencies. Bass texture is good and the slam is clean, allowing them to produce a low region with great accuracy. The sub-bass amount is slightly above neutral that matches well with the mid-bass lift and it blends well into the overall low region without any gaps or hollowness. Transparency here is rather average but they are able to give a highly resolving bass that is vivid and clear.

The Mids

The midrange the BTE9 brings here is a neutral to warm mids that has a good thickness with a rich, full-bodied midrange that is luscious and soulful. It has great clarity with a slight forwardness in their presentation making music feel a little more intimate. It has great macro details with average micro detailing but possesses a clear midrange that doesn’t sound hazy. There is a touch of colour present here that gives a sweeter tinge but for critical listeners, they may lack accuracy and clinicalities. Vocals are pushed slightly forward, giving out an intimate, sweet and lush vocal that is rather balanced suiting male or female vocals alike. The upper mids have a smooth transition into the high range with a mild brilliance added for a slightly livelier sound but the amount here isn’t suitable for those who want a bolder, bigger bite in the midrange’s brilliance.

The Highs

The high end in the BTE9 has a well balanced, neutral flat signature that is smooth, inoffensive yet being quite present in their presentation. The high range amount is rather balanced and isn’t too laid-back as they possess a good amount of sparkle that is lively with a mild crispness. Preferentially, I would prefer a crisper decay in the sparkle but the velvety smooth high range here is fatigue free, suitable for an extended listening session. Sibilance are technically absent, suiting high sensitivity gears that may pick up noise or hiss and the BTE9 may mitigate harshness of  certain overly bright gears marginally. The high range does extend decently that gives the high range a good presence with decent air. Treble here has a balanced tone that juggles well between being a tad laid-back yet having some treble presence that brings decent clarity preventing the sound from being dull or too polite.

Comparisons

VS FiiO BTR7

The FiiO ex-flagship bluetooth receiver that is highly regarded and being my favourite bluetooth DAC at the time of their release. Being equipped with 2 ES9219C and 2 THX AAA-28 amplifier chips, they are a beast of a bluetooth receiver but now succeeded by the newer BTR17. They do cost more than twice the asking price of BTE9 but they do have a colour OLED screen with better companion apps. Both are sized practically the same with the BTR7 having a longer body but the battery life of the BTE9 has an extra 10 hour advantage alongside a slightly larger driving power at 500mw versus 320mv for the BTR7. Built on both are solid but the baked white enameled body of the BTE9 is more durable and scratch resistant.

The High region on the BTE9 has a more relaxed tone but treble amount is similar.  Details are on par with each other but the BTR7 has a slight edge in clarity. Extension on the BTE9 is slightly better with a tad more air in their presentation.

Midrange on the BTE9 is thicker and lusher with greater intimacy. bTR7 has a more neutral mids that is cleaner and slightly more clinical in their presentation. Vocals on the BTR7 are more well balanced with less coloration and more space but the BTE9 sounds lusher. Resolution on the BTR7 is better with greater transparency marginally.

Bass on the BTE9 sounded fuller with better extension in the sub-bass region. The BTR7 has better details and sounded cleaner in their mid bass. Slam is tighter on the BTR7 but bass on the BTE9 is meatier and has a bigger authority.

The soundstage on the BTR7 is wider, deeper and taller by a small margin partly due to the thicker sound of the BTE9.

Verdict: Sound technicalities does go to the BTR7 but in a very small margin and the value of the BTE9 alongside a bigger driving power with twice the battery life is undeniable.

VS 7HZ Artemis39

The 7HZ Artemis39 is a rarely mentioned bluetooth receiver that is priced similarly to the BTE9 but without the informative screen and the exact battery life is rather hard to get a hold on. The Artemis39 does have an extra rocker for track selection which is great but the buttons are rather thin and aren’t as clicky as the BTE9. The Artemis39 has filter selection but the sound changes are minor. Battery life maxed out at 8 hours which again gives the advantage to the BTE9 with their 18 hours battery life. Built on the Artemis39 is good with a slimmer body but the BTE9 does feel more solid all around.

Bass on both is similar with a mild boosted bass that is meaty and authoritative. Extension on the BTE9 is deeper especially on the sub-bass while Artemis39 has a clearer bass.

Midrange on BTE9 has more body, details and a more vivid resolution while transparency is slightly on the Artemis39 side. The Artemis39 has a more neutral approach with a slightly brighter signature. Details and clarity are on par with each other. Vocals on the BTE9 are lusher and more intimate while the Artemis39 has a tad more space.

High range on the BTE9 is smoother but the Artemis39 does sound a touch livelier. The Artemis39 does have a crisper sparkle but the amount on both are similar. Extension on the BTE9 is airer.

Soundstage on both is quite similar but the Artemis39 has a bigger headroom.

Verdict: The BTE9 does sound more intimate with a lusher sound and bigger bass while the Artemis39 has better balance but given the build quality, better battery life and bigger driving power on the BTE9, the value is again on their side.

Synergy

The bass-dominant sound of the BTE9 matches well with bright-to-neutral balanced gears while not going very well with bassy gears as bass might suffer from being overpowering or bloaty. Their smooth, inoffensive sound does match well with balanced armatures, mitigating the timbre into a more natural tone for better accuracy. The dark background of the BTE9 is also suitable for hiss prone gears providing a silent background noise for cleaner sound. Their great driving power suits even 600ohms open earbuds and even portable headphones but certainly not for power hungry headphones like my HD800s. The inclusion of 2 microphones also makes the BTE9 a perfect partner for gaming and for conference calls and their QCC5125 chipset with Aptx-HD has a rather low latency that will suit even movies as well. For usage scenarios, they are a true multi functional, swiss army knife of a product.

Genre selections

Suits: Jazz, EDM, hip-hop, classicals, modern pop, pop, rock, metal etcetera

Not suitable: Acoustics, ACG, female vocals

Who Is It For?

Suiting a vast range of users, the Time Ear BTE9 suits audiophiles to casual users that want portability without sacrificing audio quality in bluetooth form. The price is certainly reachable for most users and the value it brings is off the charts. It is also suited for gaming and calls for their superb microphone array while movies for their immersive, low latency sound. For monitoring, they aren’t the purpose of this device as the sound does lean towards a warmer side of the spectrum that isn’t neutral and bluetooth compression is still audible. As usage for a dongle, the BTE9 might not be a great one as their charging status can’t be stopped and the maximum bitrate limits at only 24/48khz.

Final words

While many may not yet be familiar with Time Ear, the brand’s expertise and ambition are unmistakably on display in the BTE9. This isn’t just another Bluetooth receiver, it’s a mature, thoughtfully engineered product that delivers precisely what the discerning listener seeks.

From its solid, intuitive design to its generous array of features, the BTE9 exceeds expectations at every turn. But it’s the sound quality that truly sets it apart: detailed, balanced, and powerful, offering performance that easily rivals devices costing far more. Add to that an impressive 18-hour battery life is arguably the standout feature in real-world use and you have a complete package that excels in both form and function.

Well-priced, well-built, and thoroughly impressive sound, the BTE9 earns my wholehearted recommendation. Time Ear has arrived and they’re clearly here to compete.

5 stars product and a recommended product.

Pros

• Amazing build quality with superb design
• Spectacular battery life
• Highly resolving, warm and smooth sound
• Quiet background noise
• Inoffensive sound signature
• Plenty of features and LDAC support
• Informative, user friendly OLED screen
• Solid connection range
• Great overall clarity and details
• Boosted bass with no bloat or bleed
• Intimate, lush midrange
• Smooth yet lively high range
• Balanced treble amount
• Powerful enough for most portable gears
• Nice leather case (bought separately or bundled)
• Superb value with inclusion of TEC-B2 cable

Cons

• Soundstage a little intimate
• Not for clinical users or monitoring
• Average USB audio quality (subjective)
• Buttons a little too protruding (nit-pick)
• Bass isn’t neutral in amount (subjective)