Short answer: the D&A Alpha. It ranks #2 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.9/5, at $399. The Aune X1s GT ranks #11, rated 4.8/5, at $319, $80 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
What the D&A Alpha does well: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The catch: It is a large, heavy desktop box at 3.6 lbs (1,650 g), so it is no fit for a cramped desk or travel.
The case for the Aune X1s GT: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, which keeps noise and distortion clean for nearly all listening. The catch: It costs more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates the same with higher measured SINAD and more rated power.
Buy the D&A Alpha. It is rated higher, and the $80 you would save on the Aune X1s GT does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| D&A Alpha | Aune X1s GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 | $319.00 |
| Ranked | #2 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #11 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 9,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,100 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, 10 MHz clock (BNC) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA line out, RCA pre out |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | - |
| Volume Control | Analog volume IC (NJU72315) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 7.7” x 2.2” x 8.2” (195 x 55 x 208 mm) | - |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs (1,650 g) | - |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for D&A Alpha:
- D&A Alpha vs SMSL DO400
- D&A Alpha vs SMSL RAW-MDA1
- D&A Alpha vs Topping DX5 II
- D&A Alpha vs D&A Alpha Pro
- D&A Alpha vs Topping G5
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
D&A Alpha: $399.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. A rated 9 W balanced into 32 ohms and 1.1 W into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, planar magnetics included, and it adds optical, coaxial and LDAC Bluetooth inputs with XLR line outputs for powered speakers. It matches the rating of the SMSL DO400 for less.
Cons: It is a large, heavy desktop box at 1,650 g, so it is no fit for a cramped desk or travel. The Topping DX5 II rates the same with similarly huge balanced power for less, and the 9 W figure applies only to the 4.4 mm balanced output.
Full D&A Alpha review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2026 (9 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.7” x 2.2” x 8.2” (195 x 55 x 208 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,100 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 9,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Analog volume IC (NJU72315) |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs (1,650 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Aune X1s GT: $319.00 Aune official store eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, which keeps noise and distortion clean for nearly all listening. Aune rates it at 1,200 mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4 mm balanced jack, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and it takes USB, optical and coaxial inputs plus an external 10 MHz clock. RCA line and preamp outputs let it feed powered speakers too.
Cons: It costs more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates the same with higher measured SINAD and more rated power. The SMSL RAW-MDA1 rates higher for less, and there is no Bluetooth input.
Full Aune X1s GT review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, 10 MHz clock (BNC) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA line out, RCA pre out |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons