Short answer: the Gustard X18. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#8 and #16 of 30 DACs), and the Gustard X18 costs $749 against $999 for the SMSL VMV D2R, with the ratings tied, the lower price decides it.
Why pick the Gustard X18: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: 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.
The case for the SMSL VMV D2R: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It is the priciest DAC in its group yet only matches the rating of the SMSL D-6S, which costs a fraction as much and measured cleaner.
Buy the Gustard X18. Both are rated the same, and it costs $250 less than the SMSL VMV D2R.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Gustard X18 | SMSL VMV D2R | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $749.00 | $999.00 |
| Ranked | #8 of 30 in DACs | #16 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 117 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, optical, coaxial, AES, 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 | BD34301EKV |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 2” x 6.7” (220 x 50 x 170 mm) | 11” x 1.7” x 9.3” (280 x 43 x 235.5 mm) |
| Weight | - | 7.1 lbs (3,200 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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- Gustard X18 vs SMSL SU-10
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- Gustard X18 vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- Gustard X18 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- Gustard X18 vs Topping D90 III Sabre
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 VMV D2R: $999.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It offers USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, plus RCA and balanced XLR outputs and a hardware volume knob for use as a preamp.
Cons: It is the priciest DAC in its group yet only matches the rating of the SMSL D-6S, which costs a fraction as much and measured cleaner. The Topping D70 Pro SABRE also measured cleaner at 123 dB for much less. At 3.2 kg it is large and heavy.
Full SMSL VMV D2R review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | BD34301EKV |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 11” x 1.7” x 9.3” (280 x 43 x 235.5 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3,200 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons