Short answer: the Fosi Audio ZH3. It ranks #12 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.7/5, at $199.99; the Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC ranks #19, rated 4.4/5, and costs $239, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Fosi Audio ZH3 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: The Topping DX1 II rates higher and measures cleaner at 121 dB for less money, though with less rated power.
What the Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 109 dB with the Mesh DAC fitted, clean enough that noise and distortion stay out of the way for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: There are no balanced outputs and the only digital input is USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth.
Buy the Fosi Audio ZH3. It is rated higher than the Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fosi Audio ZH3 | Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $239.00 |
| Ranked | #12 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #19 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 109 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,570 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 2,500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | - |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA | USB-C, RCA |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA (preamp) |
| DAC Chip | AK4493SEQ | Schiit Mesh (optional internal DAC) |
| Equalizer | Yes (bass and treble) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 415 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | - | 5” x 1.3” x 3.5” (127 x 32 x 89 mm) |
| Weight | - | 2 lbs (907 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Fosi Audio ZH3:
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Fosi Audio ZH3
- Topping DX1 II vs Fosi Audio ZH3
- SMSL DL100 vs Fosi Audio ZH3
- Topping DX3 Pro+ vs Fosi Audio ZH3
- Fosi Audio ZH3 vs SMSL DS20
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
Fosi Audio ZH3: $199.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening. A rated 2,570 mW into 32 ohms from the balanced output handles most planar magnetic headphones, with 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced jacks. USB, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs plus RCA and XLR outputs let it double as a preamp, and bass and treble controls are built in.
Cons: The Topping DX1 II rates higher and measures cleaner at 121 dB for less money, though with less rated power. It has no Bluetooth input, and its SINAD trails most of the top-rated units in this group.
Full Fosi Audio ZH3 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| DAC Chip | AK4493SEQ |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Equalizer | Yes (bass and treble) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,570 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC: $239.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 109 dB with the Mesh DAC fitted, clean enough that noise and distortion stay out of the way for nearly all listening. Schiit rates it at 2.5 W into 32 ohms and 415 mW into 300 ohms, enough for power hungry planar magnetic and high impedance headphones, and its RCA preamp outputs can also feed powered speakers.
Cons: There are no balanced outputs and the only digital input is USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth. The Topping DX3 Pro+ rates higher for less and adds those extra inputs.
Full Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | Schiit Mesh (optional internal DAC) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5” x 1.3” x 3.5” (127 x 32 x 89 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, RCA |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 415 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA (preamp) |
| SINAD | 109 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons