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 SPL Phonitor x ranks #15, rated 4.6/5, and costs $3,200, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
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.
The case for the SPL Phonitor x: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: Its USB, coaxial and optical inputs require an optional DAC module, so digital playback costs extra.
Buy the D&A Alpha Pro. It is rated higher than the SPL Phonitor x and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| D&A Alpha Pro | SPL Phonitor x | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 | $3,200.00 |
| Ranked | #5 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #15 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) | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,000 mW (manufacturer rated) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, single-ended 6.35 mm; balanced XLR rated 700 mW) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | Yes (4-pin XLR headphone, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth, RCA | XLR, RCA; USB-B, coaxial, optical with optional DAC768xs module |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | XLR, RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO | AK4490 (optional DAC768xs module) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob (motorized Alps pot, IR remote learnable) |
| Dimensions | 8.9” x 2.2” x 7.8” (225 x 55 x 199.3 mm) | 10.9” x 3.9” x 11.8” (278 x 100 x 300 mm) |
| Weight | 3.9 lbs (1,760 g) | 9.7 lbs (4,400 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for D&A Alpha Pro:
- 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 Benchmark DAC3 HGC
- D&A Alpha Pro vs Yulong DA10
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
SPL Phonitor x: $3,200.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening. It is rated for 1,000 mW into 32 ohms from the 6.35 mm jack and 700 mW from its 4-pin XLR balanced output, enough for most planar magnetic headphones. It adds XLR and RCA inputs and outputs, a motorized volume knob and a learnable IR remote.
Cons: Its USB, coaxial and optical inputs require an optional DAC module, so digital playback costs extra. It costs far more than the JDS Labs Element IV, which rates higher, measures cleaner and has more rated power.
Full SPL Phonitor x review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR headphone, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | AK4490 (optional DAC768xs module) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 3.9” x 11.8” (278 x 100 x 300 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA; USB-B, coaxial, optical with optional DAC768xs module |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, single-ended 6.35 mm; balanced XLR rated 700 mW) |
| Outputs | XLR, RCA |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized Alps pot, IR remote learnable) |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4,400 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons