Short answer: the Yulong DA10. Both are rated 4.6/5 (#14 and #13 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the Yulong DA10 costs $1,092 against $2,399 for the Benchmark DAC3 HGC, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Why pick 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.
The case for the Yulong DA10: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: The Fosi Audio ZH3 rates higher with slightly better measured SINAD for much less.
Buy the Yulong DA10. Both are rated the same, and it costs $1,307 less than the Benchmark DAC3 HGC.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Benchmark DAC3 HGC | Yulong DA10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 | $1,092.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #14 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) | 3,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, 2 x RCA analog | USB, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO | AK4497 |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized, remote) | Digital (99 steps) |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 1.8” x 8.5” (249 x 44.5 x 216 mm) | 9.8” x 2.4” x 8.3” (248 x 60 x 210 mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) | 8.8 lbs (4 kg) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 460 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
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 SPL Phonitor x
- 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
Yulong DA10: $1,092.00 Apos Audio eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. Yulong rates it at 3,000 mW into 32 ohms and 460 mW into 300 ohms from the balanced 4-pin XLR jack, enough for nearly any headphone, and it accepts USB, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical with RCA and XLR outputs.
Cons: The Fosi Audio ZH3 rates higher with slightly better measured SINAD for much less. It is a large, heavy 4 kg box with no Bluetooth input.
Full Yulong DA10 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | AK4497 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 2.4” x 8.3” (248 x 60 x 210 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 460 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (99 steps) |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs (4 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons