Short answer: the Chord DAVE if measured performance matters most, the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz if price matters most. The Chord DAVE ranks #18 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos, rated 4.5/5, at $14,900. The Woo Audio WA11 Topaz ranks #27, rated 4.1/5, at $1,099, $13,801 cheaper.
The Chord DAVE is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 110 dB, so noise and distortion stay clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: It costs vastly more than the Fosi Audio ZH3, which rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests.
What the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz does well: 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. The tradeoff: The Khadas Tone2 Pro rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests for a small fraction of the price.
Buy the Chord DAVE when measured performance outweighs the price for you, and the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz when the price outweighs measured performance instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Chord DAVE | Woo Audio WA11 Topaz | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $14,900.00 | $1,099 |
| Ranked | #18 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 | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 101 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,400 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) | 1,200 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 154 mW (manufacturer rated) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-B, 4 x coaxial (BNC), 2 x optical, AES/EBU | USB-C, 4.4 mm balanced analog |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | - |
| DAC Chip | Custom FPGA (Xilinx Spartan 6) | ESS Sabre (model not specified) |
| Volume Control | Digital (rotary encoder, remote) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 13.2” x 3.1” x 6” (335 x 78 x 152 mm) | 6.1” x 3.3” x 1.1” (155 x 85 x 27 mm) |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) | 0.9 lbs (426 g) |
| 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
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
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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