Short answer: the Gustard X18. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#8 and #7 of 30 DACs), and the Gustard X18 costs $749 against $899 for the Topping D90 III Sabre, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles 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.
Why pick the Topping D90 III Sabre: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Gustard X18 lacks. Watch for: The Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches both its rating and its 123 dB SINAD for much less, and the SMSL D-6S matches its rating for a fraction of the price.
Buy the Gustard X18. Both are rated the same, and it costs $150 less than the Topping D90 III Sabre.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Gustard X18 | Topping D90 III Sabre | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $749.00 | $899.00 |
| Ranked | #8 of 30 in DACs | #7 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, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO | 2 x ES9039SPRO |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob and Bluetooth remote |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 2” x 6.7” (220 x 50 x 170 mm) | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (220 x 45 x 160 mm) |
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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 D90 III Sabre: $899.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It accepts USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, and drives an amp or powered speakers over RCA or balanced XLR. A volume knob and Bluetooth remote let it work as a preamp.
Cons: The Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches both its rating and its 123 dB SINAD for much less, and the SMSL D-6S matches its rating for a fraction of the price. It has no headphone output.
Full Topping D90 III Sabre review and specifications →
| Released | Dec 2023 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039SPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (220 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob and Bluetooth remote |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL D400 Pro
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL SU-10
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs Topping D900
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL M400
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL VMV D2R
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs Topping Centaurus
- See all 9 comparisons