Short answer: the Chord Hugo 2 for better measured performance, the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz for the lower price. The Chord Hugo 2 ranks #17 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos, rated 4.5/5, at $2,595. The Woo Audio WA11 Topaz ranks #27, rated 4.1/5, at $1,099, $1,496 cheaper.
The Chord Hugo 2 is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening, and Chord rates it at 740 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones. The catch: It costs far more than the SMSL DS20, which rates the same and measured higher SINAD.
Why pick 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 Chord Hugo 2 if measured performance is the priority over the price, or the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz if the price is the priority over measured performance.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Chord Hugo 2 | Woo Audio WA11 Topaz | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,595.00 | $1,099 |
| Ranked | #17 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) | 740 mW (manufacturer rated) | 1,200 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 94 mW (manufacturer rated) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | No | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | Micro USB, optical, coaxial (3.5 mm), Bluetooth | USB-C, 4.4 mm balanced analog |
| Outputs | RCA | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Battery Life | 6 hours | 6 hours |
| DAC Chip | Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA (Chord pulse array) | ESS Sabre (model not specified) |
| Volume Control | Digital (1 dB steps) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 0.8” x 5.1” (100 x 21 x 130 mm) | 6.1” x 3.3” x 1.1” (155 x 85 x 27 mm) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (365 g) | 0.9 lbs (426 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Chord Hugo 2 compares with other leading options:
- Benchmark DAC3 HGC vs Chord Hugo 2
- Yulong DA10 vs Chord Hugo 2
- SPL Phonitor x vs Chord Hugo 2
- Chord DAVE vs Chord Hugo 2
- Chord Hugo 2 vs Luxsin X9
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Chord Hugo 2: $2,595.00 Headphones.com eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening, and Chord rates it at 740 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones. It is a battery powered portable unit with about 6 hours of play, Bluetooth with aptX, and optical, coaxial and USB inputs. RCA outputs let it double as a home DAC.
Cons: It costs far more than the SMSL DS20, which rates the same and measured higher SINAD. There is no balanced headphone output, the USB port is the older micro USB type, and battery life is short at about 6 hours.
Full Chord Hugo 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Battery Life | 6 hours |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| DAC Chip | Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA (Chord pulse array) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 0.8” x 5.1” (100 x 21 x 130 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | Micro USB, optical, coaxial (3.5 mm), Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 94 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 740 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (1 dB steps) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (365 g) |
- 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
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Gustard A20H
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Luxsin X9
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Luxsin X8
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Chord Mojo 2
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Sennheiser HDV 820
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Chord DAVE
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs SPL Phonitor x
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Yulong DA10
- See all 9 comparisons