Short answer: the Loxjie D40. It ranks #28 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.0/5, at $209.99; the HiFime UDA38Pro ranks #42, rated 1.6/5, and costs $249, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Loxjie D40 is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: Loxjie doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, and its headphone output is a single 6.35 mm jack with no balanced headphone option.
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. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 70 dB, a real audible weakness that can show up as noise or distortion.
Buy the Loxjie D40. It is rated higher than the HiFime UDA38Pro and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Loxjie D40 | HiFime UDA38Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $209.99 | $249.00 |
| Ranked | #28 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 | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 70 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES, Bluetooth | USB-B, optical |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9068AS | ES9038PRO |
| Dimensions | 9.4” x 1.7” x 7.7” (240 x 43 x 195 mm) | 3.9” x 3.1” x 1.2” (100 x 80 x 30 mm) (as listed, axis order unstated) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1,100 g) | 0.5 lbs (220 g) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | - | 125 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, external 9 V supply; 70 mW on USB power) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (58 steps) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Loxjie D40 compares with other leading options:
- Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC vs Loxjie D40
- Khadas Tone2 Pro vs Loxjie D40
- SMSL D12 vs Loxjie D40
- Fosi Audio K7 vs Loxjie D40
- Loxjie D40 vs Loxjie D30
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
Loxjie D40: $209.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It packs USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES and Bluetooth inputs with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, plus RCA and balanced XLR line outputs for powered speakers or a separate amp.
Cons: Loxjie doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, and its headphone output is a single 6.35 mm jack with no balanced headphone option. The SMSL DS20 rates higher for a little less, and at 1.1 kg in a wide chassis it is bulky for a desk.
Full Loxjie D40 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9068AS |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.4” x 1.7” x 7.7” (240 x 43 x 195 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1,100 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