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 NAD C 658 ranks #39, rated 2.8/5, at $2,299, $100 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Benchmark DAC3 HGC is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: It costs many times more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates higher and measures cleaner.
Why pick the NAD C 658: 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. The catch: Audio Science Review measured only 90 dB SINAD, so sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise.
Buy the Benchmark DAC3 HGC. It is rated higher, and the $100 you would save on the NAD C 658 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Benchmark DAC3 HGC | NAD C 658 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 | $2,299.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #39 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) | 90 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 | Headphone jack |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, 2 x RCA analog | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, 2 x line RCA, MM phono |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA preamp, XLR preamp, stereo subwoofer |
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO | ESS Sabre |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized, remote) | - |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 1.8” x 8.5” (249 x 44.5 x 216 mm) | 17.1” x 3.9” x 15.9” (435 x 100 x 405 mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX HD |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (Dirac Live room correction, bass and treble) |
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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
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