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 JDS Labs Element IV ranks #9, rated 4.8/5, and costs $549, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the D&A Alpha: 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.
Why pick the JDS Labs Element IV: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so the DAC and amp are transparent. The catch: It has no balanced headphone output, and the 4.4 mm jack is only available as a build option replacing the 6.35 mm jack.
Buy the D&A Alpha. It is rated higher than the JDS Labs Element IV and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| D&A Alpha | JDS Labs Element IV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 | $549.00 |
| Ranked | #2 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #9 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) | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 9,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 3,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| 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 available as a build option in place of 6.35 mm) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB-C, optical |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | - |
| Volume Control | Analog volume IC (NJU72315) | Hardware knob (discrete optical encoder) |
| Dimensions | 7.7” x 2.2” x 8.2” (195 x 55 x 208 mm) | 5.8” x 1.6” x 5.8” (147 x 41 x 147 mm) |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs (1,650 g) | 1.3 lbs (570 g) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (12-band parametric) |
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- D&A Alpha vs Topping DX5 II
- D&A Alpha vs D&A Alpha Pro
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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
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
JDS Labs Element IV: $549.00 JDS Labs eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so the DAC and amp are transparent. A rated 3,200 mW into 32 ohms drives nearly any headphone, and a built in 12 band parametric equalizer lets you correct headphone response without software. It takes USB-C and optical inputs and has RCA outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It has no balanced headphone output, and the 4.4 mm jack is only available as a build option replacing the 6.35 mm jack. The Topping DX5 II rates higher with more rated balanced power for less.
Full JDS Labs Element IV review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5.8” x 1.6” x 5.8” (147 x 41 x 147 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (12-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm (4.4 mm available as a build option in place of 6.35 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (discrete optical encoder) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (570 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons