Short answer: the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#4 and #8 of 30 DACs), and the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 costs $699.99 against $749 for the Gustard X18, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Why pick the Gustard X18: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: The Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches its rating and measured slightly cleaner for less, and the SMSL D-6S matches its rating for a fraction of the price.
What the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, among the cleanest results available, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for a fraction of the price, and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches its 123 dB SINAD for less.
Buy the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1. Both are rated the same, and it costs $49.01 less than the Gustard X18.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Gustard X18 | SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $749.00 | $699.99 |
| Ranked | #8 of 30 in DACs | #4 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB-B, I2S (HDMI), AES/EBU, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth | USB-C, USB-B, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO | ES9039MSPRO |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | - |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 2” x 6.7” (220 x 50 x 170 mm) | 10” x 1.9” x 8” (254 x 48 x 203 mm) |
| Weight | - | 4.2 lbs (1,900 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1:
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs Topping D90 III Sabre
- SMSL D400 Pro vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
- SMSL DO200 Pro vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
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 X18: $749.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It has nearly every input you could want, including USB, I2S over HDMI, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX HD. It feeds an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs, with a volume knob for direct control.
Cons: The Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches its rating and measured slightly cleaner for less, and the SMSL D-6S matches its rating for a fraction of the price. Its full width chassis takes up more desk space than compact DACs.
Full Gustard X18 review and specifications →
| Released | Dec 2021 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 2” x 6.7” (220 x 50 x 170 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-B, I2S (HDMI), AES/EBU, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1: $699.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, among the cleanest results available, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It connects to powered speakers or an amp through RCA and balanced XLR outputs. Inputs are unusually complete, including USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC.
Cons: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for a fraction of the price, and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches its 123 dB SINAD for less. The packet lists no volume control. At 1,900 g it is a large box.
Full SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2024 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 10” x 1.9” x 8” (254 x 48 x 203 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, USB-B, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs (1,900 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons