Short answer: the Khadas Tone2 Pro. It ranks #22 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.2/5, at $159; the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 ranks #33, rated 3.7/5, and costs $177, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Khadas Tone2 Pro is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: Khadas rates it at 211 mW into 32 ohms on the balanced output, enough for most headphones but short of what many planar magnetic models want.
What the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening, and at 0 lbs (13 g) it is a tiny USB-C dongle. The catch: Neutron doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, and it has only a 3.5 mm output with no balanced option.
Buy the Khadas Tone2 Pro. It is rated higher than the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Khadas Tone2 Pro | Neutron HiFi DAC V1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $177 |
| Ranked | #22 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #33 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 211 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 83 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C, coaxial, Bluetooth (with optional BT Magic dongle) | USB-C |
| Outputs | RCA, balanced RCA | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M | ES9219Q |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | - |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (10 to 40-band parametric) |
| Dimensions | - | 2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (50 x 19.9 x 9.6 mm) |
| Weight | - | 0 lbs (13 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to Khadas Tone2 Pro:
- SMSL DS20 vs Khadas Tone2 Pro
- Tanchjim Luna vs Khadas Tone2 Pro
- Khadas Tone2 Pro vs SMSL D12
- Fosi Audio SK02 vs Khadas Tone2 Pro
- Khadas Tone2 Pro vs Fosi Audio K7
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Khadas Tone2 Pro: $159.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It offers 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs, RCA and balanced RCA line outputs, USB-C and coaxial inputs, and optional Bluetooth through an add-on dongle, and it rates higher than the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz for far less.
Cons: Khadas rates it at 211 mW into 32 ohms on the balanced output, enough for most headphones but short of what many planar magnetic models want. The Fosi Audio SK02 matches its rating with much more balanced power for less, and Bluetooth requires buying the separate dongle.
Full Khadas Tone2 Pro review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C, coaxial, Bluetooth (with optional BT Magic dongle) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 83 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 211 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, balanced RCA |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Neutron HiFi DAC V1: $177 Neutron HiFi eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening, and at 13 g it is a tiny USB-C dongle. Its built-in parametric equalizer with 10 to 40 bands lets you correct a headphone’s frequency response without software on your phone or computer.
Cons: Neutron doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, and it has only a 3.5 mm output with no balanced option. The Loxjie D30 rates higher and measured cleaner for less.
Full Neutron HiFi DAC V1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9219Q |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (50 x 19.9 x 9.6 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10 to 40-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (13 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons