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 Chord Hugo 2 ranks #17, rated 4.5/5, and costs $2,595, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the Benchmark DAC3 HGC: 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.
What the Chord Hugo 2 does well: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening, and Chord rates it at 740 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones. The catch: It costs far more than the SMSL DS20, which rates the same and measured higher SINAD.
Buy the Benchmark DAC3 HGC. It is rated higher than the Chord Hugo 2 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Benchmark DAC3 HGC | Chord Hugo 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 | $2,595.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #17 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) | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,250 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated) | 740 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm | 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, 2 x RCA analog | Micro USB, optical, coaxial (3.5 mm), Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA |
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO | Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA (Chord pulse array) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized, remote) | Digital (1 dB steps) |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 1.8” x 8.5” (249 x 44.5 x 216 mm) | 3.9” x 0.8” x 5.1” (100 x 21 x 130 mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) | 0.8 lbs (365 g) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 94 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Battery Life | - | 6 hours |
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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
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
Chord Hugo 2: $2,595.00 Headphones.com eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening, and Chord rates it at 740 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones. It is a battery powered portable unit with about 6 hours of play, Bluetooth with aptX, and optical, coaxial and USB inputs. RCA outputs let it double as a home DAC.
Cons: It costs far more than the SMSL DS20, which rates the same and measured higher SINAD. There is no balanced headphone output, the USB port is the older micro USB type, and battery life is short at about 6 hours.
Full Chord Hugo 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Battery Life | 6 hours |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| DAC Chip | Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA (Chord pulse array) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 0.8” x 5.1” (100 x 21 x 130 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | Micro USB, optical, coaxial (3.5 mm), Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 94 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 740 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (1 dB steps) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (365 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons