Short answer: the Fosi Audio SK01. Both are rated 3.2/5 (#17 and #16 of 19 headphone amplifiers), and the Fosi Audio SK01 costs $79.99 against $4,320 for the Chord Alto, with the ratings tied, the lower price decides it.
What the Chord Alto does well: Chord rates it at 2,100 mW into 32 ohms and 281 mW into 300 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones and high impedance models alike. The catch: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 85 dB, a real audible weakness, especially with sensitive headphones.
Why pick the Fosi Audio SK01: A rated 2,400 mW into 32 ohms gives plenty of drive for most headphones, including many planars, from 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm outputs. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 85 dB, a real audible weakness that can show up as noise or hiss, especially with sensitive in-ears.
Buy the Fosi Audio SK01. Both are rated the same, and it costs $4,240.01 less than the Chord Alto.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Chord Alto | Fosi Audio SK01 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,320.00 | $79.99 |
| Ranked | #16 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #17 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 85 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 85 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,100 mW (manufacturer rated) | 2,400 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 281 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm analog |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | 3.5 mm line out |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | - |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 1.8” x 8.5” (200 x 44.5 x 215 mm) | 4.8” x 2” x 1.7” (121 x 51 x 43 mm) |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg) | 0.6 lbs (290 g) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (bass, mid, treble tone controls) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Chord Alto compares with other leading options:
- Violectric HPA V550 PRO vs Chord Alto
- Benchmark HPA4 vs Chord Alto
- Little Labs Monotor vs Chord Alto
- Chord Alto vs Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
- Fosi Audio SK01 vs Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
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
Chord Alto: $4,320.00 Headphones.com eBay
Pros: Chord rates it at 2,100 mW into 32 ohms and 281 mW into 300 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones and high impedance models alike. It has 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4-pin XLR balanced headphone outputs, plus RCA, XLR and 4.4 mm inputs and RCA and XLR outputs for use as a preamp.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 85 dB, a real audible weakness, especially with sensitive headphones. It costs far more than the Sennheiser HDV 820, which rates higher and measured much cleaner, and its inputs are all analog, so you need a separate DAC for digital sources.
Full Chord Alto review and specifications →
| Released | 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 1.8” x 8.5” (200 x 44.5 x 215 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 281 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,100 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 85 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Fosi Audio SK01: $79.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A rated 2,400 mW into 32 ohms gives plenty of drive for most headphones, including many planars, from 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm outputs. Bass, mid and treble tone controls let you adjust the balance without software. It is compact at 121 mm wide and costs little.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 85 dB, a real audible weakness that can show up as noise or hiss, especially with sensitive in-ears. It accepts only a 3.5 mm analog input, so it needs a separate source and has no balanced output. The Loxjie D30 rates higher and measures far cleaner for a little more.
Full Fosi Audio SK01 review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 4.8” x 2” x 1.7” (121 x 51 x 43 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (bass, mid, treble tone controls) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 3.5 mm analog |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,400 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | 3.5 mm line out |
| SINAD | 85 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (290 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons