17 amps and DACs have a built-in equalizer, either on the device or in its companion app. That lets you apply a headphone EQ preset once, in hardware, so it works with every source: phone, console or computer, with no EQ app needed on each one. Most headphone pages on this site include a parametric EQ preset that brings the headphone closer to the Harman target.
Every one is also rated on its SINAD as measured by Audio Science Review plus its rated output power, so a higher rating means a cleaner, more capable unit.
This is every match, grouped by type and sorted by rating.
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Quick Navigation
| Select to compare | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FiiO KA15 | $99.99 | 115 dB | 560 mW | Yes | USB-C dongle | |
| 3 | TRN Black Pearl | $35.00 | 117 dB | 320 mW | Yes | USB-C dongle | |
| 4 | Fosi Audio DS3 | $99.99 | 116 dB | 220 mW | Yes | USB-C dongle | |
| 4 | Topping DX5 II | $299.00 | 122 dB | 6,400 mW | Yes | DAC and headphone amp | |
| 6 | Topping DX1 II | $119.00 | 121 dB | 1,000 mW | Yes | DAC and headphone amp | |
| 9 | JDS Labs Element IV | $549.00 | 118 dB | 3,200 mW | No | DAC and headphone amp | |
| 12 | Fosi Audio ZH3 | $199.99 | 113 dB | 2,570 mW | Yes | DAC and headphone amp | |
| 21 | Chord Mojo 2 | $566.86 | 110 dB | 600 mW into 30 ohms | - | DAC and headphone amp | |
| 26 | Fosi Audio K7 | $199.99 | 116 dB | - | Yes | DAC and headphone amp | |
| 30 | Luxsin X8 | $699.00 | 120 dB | - | Yes | DAC and headphone amp | |
| 32 | Qudelix T71 | $229.00 | 110 dB | - | Yes | DAC and headphone amp | |
| 33 | Neutron HiFi DAC V1 | $177 | 111 dB | - | No | DAC and headphone amp | |
| 39 | NAD C 658 | $2,299.00 | 90 dB | - | Yes | DAC and headphone amp | |
| 17 | Fosi Audio SK01 | $79.99 | 85 dB | 2,400 mW | No | Headphone amp | |
| 1 | Topping D50 III | $229.00 | 123 dB | - | Yes | DAC | |
| 2 | Topping D900 | $1,799.00 | 122 dB | - | Yes | DAC | |
| 19 | Topping Centaurus | $869.00 | 113 dB | - | Yes | DAC |
USB-C Dongle DACs
Ranked #1 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs - FiiO KA15: $99.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 115 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Its rated 560 mW into 32 ohms from the balanced output in desktop mode is unusually strong for a dongle, enough for most full-size headphones. It adds a 10-band parametric EQ, a 4.4 mm balanced jack and a coaxial digital output, and it rates higher than the Fosi Audio DS3 for the same price.
Cons: The headline power figure needs the balanced output in desktop mode, and it falls to 78 mW into 300 ohms, so high-impedance headphones may run short. The TRN Black Pearl measures slightly cleaner for much less. Volume is set with buttons rather than a knob.
Full FiiO KA15 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43198 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2” x 1” x 0.4” (52 x 25 x 11 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 78 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 560 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced, desktop mode) |
| Outputs | Coaxial S/PDIF (shared 3.5 mm jack) |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (21 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #3 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs - TRN Black Pearl: $35.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 320 mW into 32 ohms from its 4.4 mm balanced output drives most headphones, and it adds a 3.5 mm output and an 8 band EQ app. It rates higher than the Chord Mojo 2 for a small fraction of the price.
Cons: It only takes USB-C input, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth. The FiiO KA15 rates higher and is rated for more balanced power, though it costs more.
Full TRN Black Pearl review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.9” x 0.5” (57 x 23 x 13 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (8-band, app) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 320 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (25 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #4 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs - Fosi Audio DS3: $99.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A 32-band parametric EQ gives unusually fine tuning control for a dongle, and it offers both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs. At 16 g and 55 mm long, it is very light to carry.
Cons: Its rated 220 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones but leaves less headroom than the FiiO KA15, which costs the same and rates higher. The TRN Black Pearl also rates higher and measures slightly cleaner for much less. Volume is button controlled.
Full Fosi Audio DS3 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2025 (11 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (55 x 20 x 11 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (32-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 220 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (16 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
DAC and Headphone Amp Combos
Ranked #4 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos - Topping DX5 II: $299.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 6.4 W into 32 ohms and 990 mW into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, through 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4 pin XLR outputs. It adds a 10 band parametric EQ, Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, and RCA and XLR line outputs, matching the rating of the SMSL DO400 for less.
Cons: The Topping DX1 II shares its rating for well under half the price and still delivers about 1 W into 32 ohms, which is plenty for most headphones. Its full size chassis takes more desk space than compact all in ones.
Full Topping DX5 II review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 1.7” x 6.1” (190 x 44 x 155 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 990 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (945 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #6 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos - Topping DX1 II: $119.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 1,000 mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4 mm balanced output handles most planar magnetic headphones, and a 10-band parametric EQ and a 3.5 mm headset jack with mic support are included. It rates the same as the D&A Alpha Pro for a fraction of the cost.
Cons: Inputs are limited to USB-C and optical, with no coaxial or Bluetooth. Its 230 mW into 300 ohms is modest beside the Topping DX5 II, which rates the same with far more power but costs more. No volume knob is listed.
Full Topping DX1 II review and specifications →
| Released | May 2026 (5 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 1.3” x 3.9” (100 x 32 x 100 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm (TRRS headset with mic), 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, 4.4 mm balanced line out, optical |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #9 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos - JDS Labs Element IV: $549.00 JDS Labs eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so the DAC and amp are transparent. A rated 3,200 mW into 32 ohms drives nearly any headphone, and a built in 12 band parametric equalizer lets you correct headphone response without software. It takes USB-C and optical inputs and has RCA outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It has no balanced headphone output, and the 4.4 mm jack is only available as a build option replacing the 6.35 mm jack. The Topping DX5 II rates higher with more rated balanced power for less.
Full JDS Labs Element IV review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5.8” x 1.6” x 5.8” (147 x 41 x 147 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (12-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm (4.4 mm available as a build option in place of 6.35 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (discrete optical encoder) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (570 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #12 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos - Fosi Audio ZH3: $199.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening. A rated 2,570 mW into 32 ohms from the balanced output handles most planar magnetic headphones, with 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced jacks. USB, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs plus RCA and XLR outputs let it double as a preamp, and bass and treble controls are built in.
Cons: The Topping DX1 II rates higher and measures cleaner at 121 dB for less money, though with less rated power. It has no Bluetooth input, and its SINAD trails most of the top-rated units in this group.
Full Fosi Audio ZH3 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| DAC Chip | AK4493SEQ |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Equalizer | Yes (bass and treble) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,570 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #21 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos - Chord Mojo 2: $566.86 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 110 dB, which is clean for nearly all listening. A rated 600 mW into 30 ohms is enough for most planar magnetic headphones, unusual muscle for something this portable. It takes USB-C, Micro-USB, optical and coaxial inputs, offers both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm outputs, and includes built-in DSP tone control.
Cons: It costs far more than the TRN Black Pearl, which rates higher and measured cleaner at 117 dB. The Fosi Audio DS3 also matches its rating for much less. At 185 g it is much bigger and heavier than a typical dongle, so it is less convenient to carry with a phone.
Full Chord Mojo 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.3” x 2.4” x 0.9” (83 x 62 x 22.9 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (UHD DSP tone control) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, Micro-USB, optical, coaxial |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 90 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 600 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (185 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #26 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos - Fosi Audio K7: $199.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It is unusually flexible for the money, with USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth inputs (SBC, aptX HD, aptX LL), RCA line out, a 4.4 mm balanced headphone jack, a microphone input and bass and treble knobs.
Cons: Fosi Audio doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its headroom for hard to drive headphones is unclear. The SMSL DS20 rates higher for a little less, and the Fosi Audio SK02 rates slightly higher for much less. Its Bluetooth lacks AAC and LDAC.
Full Fosi Audio K7 review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD, aptX LL |
| DAC Chip | AK4493SEQ |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Equalizer | Yes (bass and treble knobs) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm mic |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #30 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos - Luxsin X8: $699.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 120 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It is packed with features: 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR headphone outputs, USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi inputs, a touchscreen, and parametric EQ with headphone correction through an app.
Cons: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its headroom for demanding headphones is unknown. The SMSL DS20 rates higher with a published 500 mW for far less, and at 2,750 g it is a very large desktop unit.
Full Luxsin X8 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2026 (9 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| DAC Chip | 8 x CS43198 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.3” x 2.5” x 9.3” (236.8 x 64 x 236 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (parametric EQ and HP-EQ headphone correction via app/web) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (touchscreen, app, optional IR remote) |
| Weight | 6.1 lbs (2,750 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #32 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos - Qudelix T71: $229.00 Qudelix eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, clean enough for nearly all listening. A built in 20 band parametric or graphic equalizer lets you tune your headphones, and it offers 3.5 mm plus 2.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs. Its battery runs 4 to 10 hours, and it weighs 75 g.
Cons: The maker does not publish a 32 ohm power figure, so it is hard to judge how well it drives demanding headphones. USB-C is the only input. The Loxjie D30 rates higher and measured cleaner for less.
Full Qudelix T71 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (2.5 mm, 4.4 mm) |
| Battery Life | 4 to 10 hours |
| DAC Chip | 4 x ES9219C |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.3” x 1.6” x 0.6” (84 x 40 x 16 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (20-band parametric/graphic) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 2.5 mm balanced, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.2 lbs (75 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #33 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos - Neutron HiFi DAC V1: $177 Neutron HiFi eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening, and at 13 g it is a tiny USB-C dongle. Its built-in parametric equalizer with 10 to 40 bands lets you correct a headphone’s frequency response without software on your phone or computer.
Cons: Neutron doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, and it has only a 3.5 mm output with no balanced option. The Loxjie D30 rates higher and measured cleaner for less.
Full Neutron HiFi DAC V1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9219Q |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (50 x 19.9 x 9.6 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10 to 40-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (13 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs Qudelix T71
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs Loxjie D30
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs SMSL M10
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs Loxjie D40
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs Fosi Audio K7
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs HiFime UDA38Pro
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs SMSL D12
- See all 9 comparisons
Ranked #39 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos - NAD C 658: $2,299.00 Upscale Audio eBay
Pros: It is a full streaming preamp with Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with aptX HD, two optical and two coaxial inputs, analog RCA inputs and an MM phono stage. Dirac Live room correction, stereo subwoofer outputs and XLR preamp outputs make it a flexible hub for a speaker system.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured only 90 dB SINAD, so sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise. NAD doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure for the headphone jack, and the SMSL M10 rates higher for far less.
Full NAD C 658 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 17.1” x 3.9” x 15.9” (435 x 100 x 405 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (Dirac Live room correction, bass and treble) |
| Headphone Outputs | Headphone jack |
| Inputs | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, 2 x line RCA, MM phono |
| Outputs | RCA preamp, XLR preamp, stereo subwoofer |
| SINAD | 90 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Headphone Amplifiers
Ranked #17 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers - Fosi Audio SK01: $79.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A rated 2,400 mW into 32 ohms gives plenty of drive for most headphones, including many planars, from 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm outputs. Bass, mid and treble tone controls let you adjust the balance without software. It is compact at 121 mm wide and costs little.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 85 dB, a real audible weakness that can show up as noise or hiss, especially with sensitive in-ears. It accepts only a 3.5 mm analog input, so it needs a separate source and has no balanced output. The Loxjie D30 rates higher and measures far cleaner for a little more.
Full Fosi Audio SK01 review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 4.8” x 2” x 1.7” (121 x 51 x 43 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (bass, mid, treble tone controls) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 3.5 mm analog |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,400 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | 3.5 mm line out |
| SINAD | 85 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (290 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
DACs
Ranked #1 of 30 in DACs - Topping D50 III: $229.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It packs USB-C, optical, coaxial and LDAC Bluetooth inputs, a remote controlled volume, 10 band parametric EQ and balanced TRS outputs into a compact chassis for an amp or powered speakers. It matches the rating of the Topping D900 for a small fraction of the price.
Cons: Balanced output uses 6.35 mm TRS jacks rather than XLR, so XLR gear needs adapter cables. Bluetooth lacks aptX and AAC, offering only SBC and LDAC.
Full Topping D50 III review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 4.9” x 1” x 5.2” (125 x 26 x 131 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, 6.35 mm TRS balanced |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (joystick, remote) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #2 of 30 in DACs - Topping D900: $1,799.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It has a huge input set, including USB, two optical, two coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, plus a volume knob, 10 band parametric EQ and an XLR preamp output for powered speakers.
Cons: The Topping D50 III matches its rating with slightly higher measured SINAD for a small fraction of the price. Outputs are XLR only with no RCA, and at 2,520 g it is a large unit.
Full Topping D900 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | Discrete PSRM 1-bit module |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 13” x 2.2” x 8.3” (330 x 57 x 210 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical x2, coaxial x2, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | XLR (line out), XLR (preamp out) |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 5.6 lbs (2,520 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #19 of 30 in DACs - Topping Centaurus: $869.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening and very good for an R2R design. It has a 10 band parametric EQ built in and accepts USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, with RCA and balanced XLR outputs.
Cons: Its 113 dB SINAD trails most DACs in its group, and the SMSL SU-2 matches its rating and measured cleaner at 123 dB for a small fraction of the price. The Topping D70 Pro SABRE rates higher for less. Volume is set with buttons rather than a knob.
Full Topping Centaurus review and specifications →
| Released | Dec 2024 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | Discrete 8-channel R2R |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (222 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs (1,130 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons