Short answer: the Fosi Audio ZD3. It ranks #15 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $179.99. The Sonnect SoundWire ranks #30, rated 2.4/5, at $165, $14.99 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
The Fosi Audio ZD3 is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured 117 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The tradeoff: Its SINAD is a few dB behind similarly rated DACs like the SMSL D-6S, though both are transparent.
What the Sonnect SoundWire does well: It turns a USB-C phone or computer into a source with two transformer isolated XLR line outputs, which suits connecting directly to powered speakers, mixers or PA systems. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 85 dB, a level of noise and distortion that is an audible weakness.
Buy the Fosi Audio ZD3. It is rated higher, and saving $14.99 with the Sonnect SoundWire does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fosi Audio ZD3 | Sonnect SoundWire | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $165.00 |
| Ranked | #15 of 30 in DACs | #30 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 85 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, HDMI ARC, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB-C |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | 2 x XLR (transformer-isolated) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M | - |
| Volume Control | Digital preamp (remote) | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Weight | - | 0.3 lbs (140 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to 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
Sonnect SoundWire: $165.00 Sonnect eBay
Pros: It turns a USB-C phone or computer into a source with two transformer isolated XLR line outputs, which suits connecting directly to powered speakers, mixers or PA systems.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 85 dB, a level of noise and distortion that is an audible weakness. It has no headphone output and no volume control of its own. The Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter measures cleaner and rates higher for far less, although it lacks XLR outputs.
Full Sonnect SoundWire review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Outputs | 2 x XLR (transformer-isolated) |
| SINAD | 85 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs (140 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons