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 SMSL DS20 ranks #16, rated 4.5/5, at $189.99, $10 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
What the Fosi Audio ZH3 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: The Topping DX1 II rates higher and measures cleaner at 121 dB for less money, though with less rated power.
Why pick the SMSL DS20: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: It only accepts USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth input, and volume is set with buttons.
Buy the Fosi Audio ZH3. It is rated higher, and the $10 you would save on the SMSL DS20 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fosi Audio ZH3 | SMSL DS20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $189.99 |
| Ranked | #12 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #16 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) | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,570 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA | USB-C |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | - |
| DAC Chip | AK4493SEQ | 4 x CS43131 |
| Equalizer | Yes (bass and treble) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (buttons) |
| Dimensions | - | 2.8” x 4.7” x 0.7” (71 x 118.5 x 17 mm) |
| Weight | - | 0.6 lbs (275 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to 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 Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC
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
SMSL DS20: $189.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 500 mW into 32 ohms and 120 mW into 300 ohms drives most headphones, through 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm balanced outputs. At 17 mm thick and 275 g, it is slim enough to sit on a desk or travel in a bag.
Cons: It only accepts USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth input, and volume is set with buttons. The Topping DX1 II rates higher, measures cleaner and adds optical input for less. The Fosi Audio ZH3 offers far more rated power for a similar price.
Full SMSL DS20 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 4 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 4.7” x 0.7” (71 x 118.5 x 17 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (275 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons