Short answer: the Chord DAVE if measured performance matters most, the Luxsin X9 if price matters most. The Chord DAVE ranks #18 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos, rated 4.5/5, at $14,900. The Luxsin X9 ranks #29, rated 4.0/5, at $1,099, $13,801 cheaper.
The Chord DAVE is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 110 dB, so noise and distortion stay clean for nearly all listening. The catch: It costs vastly more than the Fosi Audio ZH3, which rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests.
The case for the Luxsin X9: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: Luxsin doesn’t publish an output power figure into 32 ohms.
Buy the Chord DAVE when measured performance outweighs the price for you, and the Luxsin X9 when the price outweighs measured performance instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Chord DAVE | Luxsin X9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14,900.00 | $1,099.00 |
| Ranked | #18 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #29 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,400 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 154 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 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-B, 4 x coaxial (BNC), 2 x optical, AES/EBU | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, RCA, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR, RCA subwoofer |
| DAC Chip | Custom FPGA (Xilinx Spartan 6) | AK4191EQ + AK4499EX |
| Volume Control | Digital (rotary encoder, remote) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 13.2” x 3.1” x 6” (335 x 78 x 152 mm) | 11.8” x 2.6” x 8.1” (300 x 65 x 206 mm) |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) | 8.2 lbs (3,720 g) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Chord DAVE compares with other leading options:
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- SPL Phonitor x vs Chord DAVE
- Chord DAVE vs Chord Hugo 2
- Chord DAVE 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
Chord DAVE: $14,900.00 Audio46 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 110 dB, so noise and distortion stay clean for nearly all listening. Chord rates it at 1,400 mW into 33 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and it doubles as a full DAC preamp with USB, four coaxial, two optical and AES/EBU inputs plus RCA and XLR outputs. A remote and digital volume control make it easy to run as the hub of a desktop or speaker system.
Cons: It costs vastly more than the Fosi Audio ZH3, which rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests. Its only headphone jack is a single 6.35 mm socket with no balanced headphone output, and at 5 kg it is a large desktop unit.
Full Chord DAVE review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | Custom FPGA (Xilinx Spartan 6) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 13.2” x 3.1” x 6” (335 x 78 x 152 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB-B, 4 x coaxial (BNC), 2 x optical, AES/EBU |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 154 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,400 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (rotary encoder, remote) |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Luxsin X9: $1,099.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Its input list is unusually broad, covering USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, RCA and Bluetooth, with RCA, XLR and a dedicated subwoofer output that suit a TV or desktop speaker system. Headphone outputs include 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4-pin XLR.
Cons: Luxsin doesn’t publish an output power figure into 32 ohms. It costs several times more than the Loxjie D40, which rates the same and measures slightly cleaner. Bluetooth tops out at AAC, and at 3,720 g and 300 mm wide it is large and heavy.
Full Luxsin X9 review and specifications →
| Released | 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| DAC Chip | AK4191EQ + AK4499EX |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 11.8” x 2.6” x 8.1” (300 x 65 x 206 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, RCA, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, RCA subwoofer |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs (3,720 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons