Short answer: the Gustard A20H. It ranks #25 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.2/5, at $752; the Luxsin X9 ranks #29, rated 4.0/5, and costs $1,099, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
Why pick the Gustard A20H: A rated 2.4 W balanced into 32 ohms and 264 mW into 300 ohms is enough for planar magnetic and high impedance headphones alike. The tradeoff: Its 103 dB SINAD trails many cheaper rivals, and the Tanchjim Luna rates higher with cleaner measurements for a small fraction of the price.
The case for the Luxsin X9: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: Luxsin doesn’t publish an output power figure into 32 ohms.
Buy the Gustard A20H. It is rated higher than the Luxsin X9 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Gustard A20H | Luxsin X9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $752 | $1,099.00 |
| Ranked | #25 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #29 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 103 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 264 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Balanced Output | Yes (balanced headphone output, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, I2S (HDMI), AES/EBU, coaxial, optical | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, RCA, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR, RCA subwoofer |
| DAC Chip | 2 x AK4497EQ | AK4191EQ + AK4499EX |
| Volume Control | Relay attenuator (60 steps) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 13” x 2.6” x 10.2” (330 x 65 x 260 mm) | 11.8” x 2.6” x 8.1” (300 x 65 x 206 mm) |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) | 8.2 lbs (3,720 g) |
| Headphone Outputs | - | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Gustard A20H:
- D&A Alpha Pro vs Gustard A20H
- Yulong DA10 vs Gustard A20H
- Chord Mojo 2 vs Gustard A20H
- Gustard A20H vs Woo Audio WA11 Topaz
- Gustard A20H vs Luxsin X8
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
Gustard A20H: $752 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: A rated 2.4 W balanced into 32 ohms and 264 mW into 300 ohms is enough for planar magnetic and high impedance headphones alike. Inputs include USB, I2S over HDMI, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical, with RCA and XLR line outputs and a 60 step relay volume control. Audio Science Review measured 103 dB SINAD, clean enough for nearly all listening.
Cons: Its 103 dB SINAD trails many cheaper rivals, and the Tanchjim Luna rates higher with cleaner measurements for a small fraction of the price. There is no Bluetooth input, and at 6 kg it is a very large and heavy unit for what it delivers.
Full Gustard A20H review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (balanced headphone output, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | 2 x AK4497EQ |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 13” x 2.6” x 10.2” (330 x 65 x 260 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, I2S (HDMI), AES/EBU, coaxial, optical |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 264 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 103 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Relay attenuator (60 steps) |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Luxsin X9: $1,099.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Its input list is unusually broad, covering USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, RCA and Bluetooth, with RCA, XLR and a dedicated subwoofer output that suit a TV or desktop speaker system. Headphone outputs include 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4-pin XLR.
Cons: Luxsin doesn’t publish an output power figure into 32 ohms. It costs several times more than the Loxjie D40, which rates the same and measures slightly cleaner. Bluetooth tops out at AAC, and at 3,720 g and 300 mm wide it is large and heavy.
Full Luxsin X9 review and specifications →
| Released | 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| DAC Chip | AK4191EQ + AK4499EX |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 11.8” x 2.6” x 8.1” (300 x 65 x 206 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, RCA, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, RCA subwoofer |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs (3,720 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons