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 Sennheiser HDV 820 ranks #34, rated 3.6/5, at $1,999.95, $399.05 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Benchmark DAC3 HGC is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: It costs many times more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates higher and measures cleaner.
What the Sennheiser HDV 820 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 108 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: Sennheiser doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so it is hard to judge how well it drives low impedance planar headphones.
Buy the Benchmark DAC3 HGC. It is rated higher, and the $399.05 you would save on the Sennheiser HDV 820 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Benchmark DAC3 HGC | Sennheiser HDV 820 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 | $1,999.95 |
| Ranked | #13 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #34 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) | 108 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, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, 2 x RCA analog | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA, XLR |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | XLR |
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO | ES9028PRO |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized, remote) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 1.8” x 8.5” (249 x 44.5 x 216 mm) | 8.8” x 1.7” x 12” (224 x 44 x 306 mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) | 5.3 lbs (2.39 kg) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Benchmark DAC3 HGC compares with other leading options:
- 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.
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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
Sennheiser HDV 820: $1,999.95 Sennheiser eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 108 dB, clean for nearly all listening. It has 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4-pin XLR balanced headphone outputs, and accepts USB, optical, coaxial, RCA and XLR inputs, so it can also serve as a standalone amp for another DAC.
Cons: Sennheiser doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so it is hard to judge how well it drives low impedance planar headphones. The Loxjie D40 rates higher and measured much cleaner for a small fraction of the price.
Full Sennheiser HDV 820 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 1.7” x 12” (224 x 44 x 306 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA, XLR |
| Outputs | XLR |
| SINAD | 108 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.39 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons