Short answer: the Benchmark DAC3 HGC. Both are rated 4.6/5 (#13 and #15 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the Benchmark DAC3 HGC costs $2,399 against $3,200 for the SPL Phonitor x, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
What the Benchmark DAC3 HGC does well: 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.
The case for the SPL Phonitor x: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: Its USB, coaxial and optical inputs require an optional DAC module, so digital playback costs extra.
Buy the Benchmark DAC3 HGC. Both are rated the same, and it costs $801 less than the SPL Phonitor x.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Benchmark DAC3 HGC | SPL Phonitor x | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 | $3,200.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #15 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) | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,250 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, single-ended 6.35 mm; balanced XLR rated 700 mW) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (4-pin XLR headphone, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, 2 x RCA analog | XLR, RCA; USB-B, coaxial, optical with optional DAC768xs module |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | XLR, RCA |
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO | AK4490 (optional DAC768xs module) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized, remote) | Hardware knob (motorized Alps pot, IR remote learnable) |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 1.8” x 8.5” (249 x 44.5 x 216 mm) | 10.9” x 3.9” x 11.8” (278 x 100 x 300 mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) | 9.7 lbs (4,400 g) |
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 Chord Hugo 2
- Benchmark DAC3 HGC vs Chord DAVE
- Benchmark DAC3 HGC vs Woo Audio WA11 Topaz
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
SPL Phonitor x: $3,200.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening. It is rated for 1,000 mW into 32 ohms from the 6.35 mm jack and 700 mW from its 4-pin XLR balanced output, enough for most planar magnetic headphones. It adds XLR and RCA inputs and outputs, a motorized volume knob and a learnable IR remote.
Cons: Its USB, coaxial and optical inputs require an optional DAC module, so digital playback costs extra. It costs far more than the JDS Labs Element IV, which rates higher, measures cleaner and has more rated power.
Full SPL Phonitor x review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR headphone, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | AK4490 (optional DAC768xs module) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 3.9” x 11.8” (278 x 100 x 300 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA; USB-B, coaxial, optical with optional DAC768xs module |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, single-ended 6.35 mm; balanced XLR rated 700 mW) |
| Outputs | XLR, RCA |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized Alps pot, IR remote learnable) |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4,400 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons