The D&A Alpha ranks #2 out of 43 total DAC and Headphone Amp Combos for sound quality. See all Headphone Amps and DACs rankings for every top pick.
Brand: D&A
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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#2 D&A Alpha: $399.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. A rated 9 W balanced into 32 ohms and 1.1 W into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, planar magnetics included, and it adds optical, coaxial and LDAC Bluetooth inputs with XLR line outputs for powered speakers. It matches the rating of the SMSL DO400 for less.
Cons: It is a large, heavy desktop box at 1,650 g, so it is no fit for a cramped desk or travel. The Topping DX5 II rates the same with similarly huge balanced power for less, and the 9 W figure applies only to the 4.4 mm balanced output.
| Released | Jan 2026 (9 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.7” x 2.2” x 8.2” (195 x 55 x 208 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,100 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 9,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Analog volume IC (NJU72315) |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs (1,650 g) |
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