Short answer: the Fosi Audio ZD3. It ranks #15 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $179.99; the Soncoz LA-QXD1 ranks #21, rated 4.6/5, and costs $219, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The case for the Fosi Audio ZD3: Audio Science Review measured 117 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. Watch for: Its SINAD is a few dB behind similarly rated DACs like the SMSL D-6S, though both are transparent.
What the Soncoz LA-QXD1 does well: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: It is a DAC only with no headphone output and no Bluetooth input.
Buy the Fosi Audio ZD3. It is rated higher than the Soncoz LA-QXD1 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fosi Audio ZD3 | Soncoz LA-QXD1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $219.00 |
| Ranked | #15 of 30 in DACs | #21 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR, coaxial |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M | - |
| Volume Control | Digital preamp (remote) | Digital (buttons) |
| Dimensions | - | 5.9” x 1.5” x 3.4” (149.3 x 37 x 87 mm) |
| Weight | - | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Fosi Audio ZD3:
- Topping D50 III vs Fosi Audio ZD3
- Fosi Audio ZD3 vs SMSL D-6S
- Fosi Audio ZD3 vs SMSL D200
- Fosi Audio ZD3 vs SMSL SU-2
- Fosi Audio ZD3 vs SMSL SU-6
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
Fosi Audio ZD3: $179.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 117 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It has unusually broad connectivity, with USB, HDMI ARC from a TV, optical, coaxial and aptX HD Bluetooth inputs, plus RCA and XLR outputs and a remote controlled digital preamp for driving powered speakers directly. It matches the rating of the SMSL D-6S for a bit less.
Cons: Its SINAD is a few dB behind similarly rated DACs like the SMSL D-6S, though both are transparent. Bluetooth lacks LDAC, which the SMSL D-6S includes.
Full Fosi Audio ZD3 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Inputs | USB, HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital preamp (remote) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Soncoz LA-QXD1: $219.00 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. It accepts USB, optical and coaxial and connects to an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs, with digital volume control for driving speakers directly.
Cons: It is a DAC only with no headphone output and no Bluetooth input. The SMSL SU-2 rates higher with better measured SINAD for less.
Full Soncoz LA-QXD1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 1.5” x 3.4” (149.3 x 37 x 87 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, coaxial |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons