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 Woo Audio WA11 Topaz ranks #27, rated 4.1/5, at $1,099, $1,300 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. Watch for: It costs many times more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates higher and measures cleaner.
The case for the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz: It is a portable DAC and headphone amp with a 6 hour battery, USB-C and 4.4 mm balanced analog inputs, and 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs. Watch for: The Khadas Tone2 Pro rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests for a small fraction of the price.
Buy the Benchmark DAC3 HGC. It is rated higher, and saving $1,300 with the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Benchmark DAC3 HGC | Woo Audio WA11 Topaz | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 | $1,099 |
| Ranked | #13 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #27 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) | 101 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,250 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated) | 1,200 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, 2 x RCA analog | USB-C, 4.4 mm balanced analog |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO | ESS Sabre (model not specified) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized, remote) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 1.8” x 8.5” (249 x 44.5 x 216 mm) | 6.1” x 3.3” x 1.1” (155 x 85 x 27 mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) | 0.9 lbs (426 g) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| 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
Woo Audio WA11 Topaz: $1,099 Headphones.com eBay
Pros: It is a portable DAC and headphone amp with a 6 hour battery, USB-C and 4.4 mm balanced analog inputs, and 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs. Woo Audio rates it at 1,200 mW into 30 ohms balanced, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 101 dB, clean for nearly all listening.
Cons: The Khadas Tone2 Pro rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests for a small fraction of the price. Battery life is short at 6 hours, and the 1,200 mW figure applies to the balanced output.
Full Woo Audio WA11 Topaz review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 6 hours |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre (model not specified) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 6.1” x 3.3” x 1.1” (155 x 85 x 27 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C, 4.4 mm balanced analog |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 101 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (426 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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