Short answer: the Essence HDACC II-4K. It ranks #37 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 3.2/5, at $649; the NAD C 658 ranks #39, rated 2.8/5, and costs $2,299, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Essence HDACC II-4K is the better-sounding option. It accepts four HDMI inputs with pass-through plus USB, optical, coaxial and analog, making it a hub for TV and console audio. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured 99 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones but sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal hiss.
The case for the NAD C 658: It is a full streaming preamp with Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with aptX HD, two optical and two coaxial inputs, analog RCA inputs and an MM phono stage. The catch: Audio Science Review measured only 90 dB SINAD, so sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise.
Buy the Essence HDACC II-4K. It is rated higher than the NAD C 658 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Essence HDACC II-4K | NAD C 658 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $649.00 | $2,299.00 |
| Ranked | #37 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #39 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 99 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 90 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm | Headphone jack |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | 4 x HDMI, USB-B, optical, coaxial, 3.5 mm analog | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, 2 x line RCA, MM phono |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, optical, coaxial, HDMI pass-through | RCA preamp, XLR preamp, stereo subwoofer |
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO | ESS Sabre |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob, remote | - |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 1.9” x 5.7” (223 x 48 x 145 mm) | 17.1” x 3.9” x 15.9” (435 x 100 x 405 mm) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (886 g) | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX HD |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (Dirac Live room correction, bass and treble) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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- Chord Mojo 2 vs Essence HDACC II-4K
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- xDuoo XA-10 vs Essence HDACC II-4K
- SMSL M10 vs Essence HDACC II-4K
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
Essence HDACC II-4K: $649.00 Essence Electrostatic eBay
Pros: It accepts four HDMI inputs with pass-through plus USB, optical, coaxial and analog, making it a hub for TV and console audio. RCA and balanced XLR outputs, digital outputs and a remote controlled volume knob add flexibility.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured 99 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones but sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal hiss. Essence doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, there is only a 6.35 mm headphone jack, and the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 rates higher for much less.
Full Essence HDACC II-4K review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 1.9” x 5.7” (223 x 48 x 145 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 4 x HDMI, USB-B, optical, coaxial, 3.5 mm analog |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, optical, coaxial, HDMI pass-through |
| SINAD | 99 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob, remote |
| Weight | 2 lbs (886 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
NAD C 658: $2,299.00 Upscale Audio eBay
Pros: It is a full streaming preamp with Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with aptX HD, two optical and two coaxial inputs, analog RCA inputs and an MM phono stage. Dirac Live room correction, stereo subwoofer outputs and XLR preamp outputs make it a flexible hub for a speaker system.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured only 90 dB SINAD, so sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise. NAD doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure for the headphone jack, and the SMSL M10 rates higher for far less.
Full NAD C 658 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 17.1” x 3.9” x 15.9” (435 x 100 x 405 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (Dirac Live room correction, bass and treble) |
| Headphone Outputs | Headphone jack |
| Inputs | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2 x optical, 2 x coaxial, 2 x line RCA, MM phono |
| Outputs | RCA preamp, XLR preamp, stereo subwoofer |
| SINAD | 90 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons