Short answer: the Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #40 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 2.5/5, at $239; the HiFime UDA38Pro ranks #42, rated 1.6/5, and costs $249, so there is little reason to consider the other one. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 43 DAC and headphone amp combos, so if measured performance matters, consider the SMSL RAW-MDA1 instead, ranked #3 at $279.99.
The Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII is the better-sounding option. It is a portable battery powered DAC and amp with micro USB, optical, coaxial and 3.5 mm analog inputs, lasting 10 hours from digital sources and 30 hours in analog mode. The catch: It is rated for only 55 mW into 32 ohms with its stock op amp, which suits in-ear monitors and easy headphones only, and sensitive in-ears may reveal hiss at 94 dB SINAD.
The case for the HiFime UDA38Pro: It combines a DAC and headphone amp with USB and optical inputs and an RCA line output in a small 0.5 lbs (220 g) box. The tradeoff: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 70 dB, a real audible weakness that can show up as noise or distortion.
Buy the Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII. It is rated higher than the HiFime UDA38Pro and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII | HiFime UDA38Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $239 | $249.00 |
| Ranked | #40 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #42 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 70 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 55 mW (manufacturer rated, stock AD8610 op-amp; 140 mW with AD8620) | 125 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, external 9 V supply; 70 mW on USB power) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 40 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | Micro USB, optical, coaxial, 3.5 mm analog | USB-B, optical |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (USB/digital), 30 hours (analog) | - |
| DAC Chip | Cirrus Logic CS4398 | ES9038PRO |
| Volume Control | Analog | Digital (58 steps) |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 0.8” x 4.2” (70 x 20 x 106 mm) | 3.9” x 3.1” x 1.2” (100 x 80 x 30 mm) (as listed, axis order unstated) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (170 g) | 0.5 lbs (220 g) |
| Headphone Outputs | - | 3.5 mm |
| Outputs | - | RCA |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII compares with other leading options:
- Loxjie D40 vs Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII
- Qudelix T71 vs Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII
- Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital vs Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII
- Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII vs xDuoo DM-01
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
Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII: $239 Leckerton Audio eBay
Pros: It is a portable battery powered DAC and amp with micro USB, optical, coaxial and 3.5 mm analog inputs, lasting 10 hours from digital sources and 30 hours in analog mode. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 94 dB, fine for most headphones.
Cons: It is rated for only 55 mW into 32 ohms with its stock op amp, which suits in-ear monitors and easy headphones only, and sensitive in-ears may reveal hiss at 94 dB SINAD. It has no balanced output and still uses micro USB. The Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital rates higher and measures cleaner, though it costs more.
Full Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 10 hours (USB/digital), 30 hours (analog) |
| DAC Chip | Cirrus Logic CS4398 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 0.8” x 4.2” (70 x 20 x 106 mm) |
| Inputs | Micro USB, optical, coaxial, 3.5 mm analog |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 40 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 55 mW (manufacturer rated, stock AD8610 op-amp; 140 mW with AD8620) |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Analog |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (170 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
HiFime UDA38Pro: $249.00 HiFime eBay
Pros: It combines a DAC and headphone amp with USB and optical inputs and an RCA line output in a small 220 g box. HiFime rates it at 125 mW into 30 ohms with its external 9 V supply, which drives most headphones.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 70 dB, a real audible weakness that can show up as noise or distortion. Power drops to 70 mW on USB power alone, there is only a 3.5 mm output with no balanced option, and the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital rates higher and measured far cleaner.
Full HiFime UDA38Pro review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 3.1” x 1.2” (100 x 80 x 30 mm) (as listed, axis order unstated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-B, optical |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 125 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, external 9 V supply; 70 mW on USB power) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 70 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (58 steps) |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (220 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons