Short answer: the SMSL D12. Both are rated 4.2/5 (#23 and #22 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the SMSL D12 costs $149.59 against $159 for the Khadas Tone2 Pro, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Why pick the Khadas Tone2 Pro: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: 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.
Why pick the SMSL D12: Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, which puts its noise and distortion at the point of being inaudible. The tradeoff: It has only a 6.35 mm output with no balanced jack and no optical or coaxial input.
Buy the SMSL D12. Both are rated the same, and it costs $9.41 less than the Khadas Tone2 Pro.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Khadas Tone2 Pro | SMSL D12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $149.59 |
| Ranked | #22 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #23 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) | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 211 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 300 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 83 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C, coaxial, Bluetooth (with optional BT Magic dongle) | USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, balanced RCA | RCA |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M | AK4493S |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | - |
| Dimensions | - | 5.5” x 1.3” x 4” (139 x 33 x 102.5 mm) |
| Weight | - | 0.8 lbs (355 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Khadas Tone2 Pro:
- SMSL DS20 vs Khadas Tone2 Pro
- Tanchjim Luna vs Khadas Tone2 Pro
- Fosi Audio SK02 vs Khadas Tone2 Pro
- Khadas Tone2 Pro vs Fosi Audio K7
- Khadas Tone2 Pro vs Loxjie D40
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
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
SMSL D12: $149.59 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, which puts its noise and distortion at the point of being inaudible. SMSL rates it at 300 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most headphones, and it adds Bluetooth alongside USB C plus RCA outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It has only a 6.35 mm output with no balanced jack and no optical or coaxial input. The Tanchjim Luna rates higher with similar SINAD for less, and 300 mW is not enough for demanding planar magnetic headphones.
Full SMSL D12 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | AK4493S |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 1.3” x 4” (139 x 33 x 102.5 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 300 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (355 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons