Short answer: the D&A Alpha Pro. It ranks #5 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.9/5, at $699; the Benchmark DAC3 HGC ranks #13, rated 4.6/5, and costs $2,399, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The D&A Alpha Pro is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It costs far more than the Topping DX1 II, which rates the same and measures the same 121 dB SINAD.
Why pick the Benchmark DAC3 HGC: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: It costs many times more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates higher and measures cleaner.
Buy the D&A Alpha Pro. It is rated higher than the Benchmark DAC3 HGC and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| D&A Alpha Pro | Benchmark DAC3 HGC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 | $2,399.00 |
| Ranked | #5 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #13 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,000 mW (manufacturer rated) | 1,250 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth, RCA | USB, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, 2 x RCA analog |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO | ES9028PRO |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob (motorized, remote) |
| Dimensions | 8.9” x 2.2” x 7.8” (225 x 55 x 199.3 mm) | 9.8” x 1.8” x 8.5” (249 x 44.5 x 216 mm) |
| Weight | 3.9 lbs (1,760 g) | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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- D&A Alpha Pro vs SMSL DO400
- D&A Alpha vs D&A Alpha Pro
- D&A Alpha Pro vs JDS Labs Element IV
- D&A Alpha Pro vs Yulong DA10
- D&A Alpha Pro vs SPL Phonitor x
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
D&A Alpha Pro: $699.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 6,000 mW into 32 ohms and 700 mW into 300 ohms will drive nearly any headphone, including demanding planars, through 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced or 4-pin XLR outputs. It doubles as a full desktop hub with USB, optical, coaxial, RCA and Bluetooth inputs (LDAC, aptX HD, AAC) plus RCA and XLR outputs.
Cons: It costs far more than the Topping DX1 II, which rates the same and measures the same 121 dB SINAD. The SMSL DO400 also matches its rating for less while measuring slightly cleaner. At 1,760 g and 225 mm wide, it needs real desk space.
Full D&A Alpha Pro review and specifications →
| Released | May 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.9” x 2.2” x 7.8” (225 x 55 x 199.3 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth, RCA |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,000 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 3.9 lbs (1,760 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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