Short answer: the Benchmark DAC3 HGC. It ranks #13 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.6/5, at $2,399. The Ayre Codex ranks #43, rated 1.6/5, at $1,950, $449 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Benchmark DAC3 HGC is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: It costs many times more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates higher and measures cleaner.
The case for the Ayre Codex: It combines a DAC and headphone amp with USB and optical inputs, RCA and XLR line outputs, and a 6.35 mm jack plus a pair of 3.5 mm jacks usable as a balanced headphone output. The tradeoff: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 68 dB, a level of noise and distortion that is a real audible weakness, especially with sensitive in-ear monitors.
Buy the Benchmark DAC3 HGC. It is rated higher, and saving $449 with the Ayre Codex does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Benchmark DAC3 HGC | Ayre Codex | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 | $1,950.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #43 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 68 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,250 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm | 6.35 mm, 2 x 3.5 mm (pair usable as balanced) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (dual 3.5 mm, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, 2 x RCA analog | USB-B, optical |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO | - |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized, remote) | Hardware knob (digital, 1 dB steps) |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 1.8” x 8.5” (249 x 44.5 x 216 mm) | 2.2” x 5.4” x 9.1” (55 x 137 x 230 mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) | 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Benchmark DAC3 HGC:
- D&A Alpha Pro vs Benchmark DAC3 HGC
- Benchmark DAC3 HGC vs Yulong DA10
- Benchmark DAC3 HGC vs SPL Phonitor x
- Benchmark DAC3 HGC vs Chord Hugo 2
- Benchmark DAC3 HGC vs Chord DAVE
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Benchmark DAC3 HGC: $2,399.00 Benchmark Media Systems eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, clean for nearly all listening. It has USB, two optical, two coaxial and two analog inputs, RCA and XLR outputs, and a motorized volume knob with remote control. Its headphone outputs are rated for 1,250 mW into 30 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones.
Cons: It costs many times more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates higher and measures cleaner. The two headphone jacks are both 6.35 mm, so there is no balanced headphone output.
Full Benchmark DAC3 HGC review and specifications →
| Released | 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 1.8” x 8.5” (249 x 44.5 x 216 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, 2 x RCA analog |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,250 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized, remote) |
| Weight | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ayre Codex: $1,950.00 Ayre eBay
Pros: It combines a DAC and headphone amp with USB and optical inputs, RCA and XLR line outputs, and a 6.35 mm jack plus a pair of 3.5 mm jacks usable as a balanced headphone output. The volume knob steps in precise 1 dB increments.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 68 dB, a level of noise and distortion that is a real audible weakness, especially with sensitive in-ear monitors. Ayre does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown. The Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital rates higher and measures far cleaner for much less.
Full Ayre Codex review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (dual 3.5 mm, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 5.4” x 9.1” (55 x 137 x 230 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 2 x 3.5 mm (pair usable as balanced) |
| Inputs | USB-B, optical |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 68 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (digital, 1 dB steps) |
| Weight | 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons