Short answer: the Topping DX3 Pro+. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#10 and #11 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the Topping DX3 Pro+ costs $199 against $319 for the Aune X1s GT, with the ratings tied, the lower price decides it.
The case for the Aune X1s GT: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, which keeps noise and distortion clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: It costs more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates the same with higher measured SINAD and more rated power.
What the Topping DX3 Pro+ does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: There is no balanced headphone output, only a 6.35 mm jack.
Buy the Topping DX3 Pro+. Both are rated the same, and it costs $120 less than the Aune X1s GT.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Aune X1s GT | Topping DX3 Pro+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.00 | $199.00 |
| Ranked | #11 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #10 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 1,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, 10 MHz clock (BNC) | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA line out, RCA pre out | RCA |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | - | ES9038Q2M |
| Dimensions | - | 4.7” x 1.6” x 6.5” (120 x 40 x 165 mm) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Topping DX3 Pro+ compares with other leading options:
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Topping DX3 Pro+
- Topping DX5 II vs Topping DX3 Pro+
- Topping DX1 II vs Topping DX3 Pro+
- Topping G5 vs Topping DX3 Pro+
- SMSL DL100 vs Topping DX3 Pro+
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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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Aune X1s GT: $319.00 Aune official store eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, which keeps noise and distortion clean for nearly all listening. Aune rates it at 1,200 mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4 mm balanced jack, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and it takes USB, optical and coaxial inputs plus an external 10 MHz clock. RCA line and preamp outputs let it feed powered speakers too.
Cons: It costs more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates the same with higher measured SINAD and more rated power. The SMSL RAW-MDA1 rates higher for less, and there is no Bluetooth input.
Full Aune X1s GT review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, 10 MHz clock (BNC) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA line out, RCA pre out |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Topping DX3 Pro+: $199.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Topping rates it at 1,800 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and it accepts USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth with SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD and LDAC, plus an RCA line output.
Cons: There is no balanced headphone output, only a 6.35 mm jack. The Topping DX5 II rates higher, measured cleaner and is rated at far more balanced power for a bit more.
Full Topping DX3 Pro+ review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 4.7” x 1.6” x 6.5” (120 x 40 x 165 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons