Short answer: the Topping D70 Pro SABRE. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#6 and #8 of 30 DACs), and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE costs $599 against $749 for the Gustard X18, with the ratings tied, the lower price decides it.
The case for 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.
The case for the Topping D70 Pro SABRE: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, among the cleanest results available, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Gustard X18 lacks. The catch: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for far less, so the extra cost mostly buys inputs and features rather than audible gains.
Buy the Topping D70 Pro SABRE. Both are rated the same, and it costs $150 less than the Gustard X18.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Gustard X18 | Topping D70 Pro SABRE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $749.00 | $599.00 |
| Ranked | #8 of 30 in DACs | #6 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, optical, coaxial, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO | ES9039SPRO |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 2” x 6.7” (220 x 50 x 170 mm) | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) |
| Weight | - | 2.3 lbs (1,050 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
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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
Topping D70 Pro SABRE: $599.00 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 feeds powered speakers or an amp via RCA or balanced XLR, with a volume knob for direct control. Inputs include USB, optical, coaxial, AES and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD and AAC, and it costs less than the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 with the same SINAD.
Cons: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for far less, so the extra cost mostly buys inputs and features rather than audible gains. At 222 mm wide and 1,050 g, it needs a full-size spot on the desk or rack.
Full Topping D70 Pro SABRE review and specifications →
| Released | May 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039SPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs (1,050 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons