Short answer: the Luxsin X8. It ranks #30 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.0/5, at $699. The Essence HDACC II-4K ranks #37, rated 3.2/5, at $649, $50 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
The Luxsin X8 is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured 120 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The tradeoff: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its headroom for demanding headphones is unknown.
What the Essence HDACC II-4K does well: It accepts four HDMI inputs with pass-through plus USB, optical, coaxial and analog, making it a hub for TV and console audio. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured 99 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones but sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal hiss.
Buy the Luxsin X8. It is rated higher, and the $50 you would save on the Essence HDACC II-4K does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Luxsin X8 | Essence HDACC II-4K | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 | $649.00 |
| Ranked | #30 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #37 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 99 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | 4 x HDMI, USB-B, optical, coaxial, 3.5 mm analog |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR, optical, coaxial, HDMI pass-through |
| DAC Chip | 8 x CS43198 | ES9028PRO |
| Volume Control | Digital (touchscreen, app, optional IR remote) | Hardware knob, remote |
| Equalizer | Yes (parametric EQ and HP-EQ headphone correction via app/web) | - |
| Dimensions | 9.3” x 2.5” x 9.3” (236.8 x 64 x 236 mm) | 8.8” x 1.9” x 5.7” (223 x 48 x 145 mm) |
| Weight | 6.1 lbs (2,750 g) | 2 lbs (886 g) |
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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
Luxsin X8: $699.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 120 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It is packed with features: 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR headphone outputs, USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi inputs, a touchscreen, and parametric EQ with headphone correction through an app.
Cons: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its headroom for demanding headphones is unknown. The SMSL DS20 rates higher with a published 500 mW for far less, and at 2,750 g it is a very large desktop unit.
Full Luxsin X8 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2026 (9 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| DAC Chip | 8 x CS43198 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.3” x 2.5” x 9.3” (236.8 x 64 x 236 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (parametric EQ and HP-EQ headphone correction via app/web) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (touchscreen, app, optional IR remote) |
| Weight | 6.1 lbs (2,750 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Essence HDACC II-4K: $649.00 Essence Electrostatic eBay
Pros: It accepts four HDMI inputs with pass-through plus USB, optical, coaxial and analog, making it a hub for TV and console audio. RCA and balanced XLR outputs, digital outputs and a remote controlled volume knob add flexibility.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured 99 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones but sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal hiss. Essence doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, there is only a 6.35 mm headphone jack, and the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 rates higher for much less.
Full Essence HDACC II-4K review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 1.9” x 5.7” (223 x 48 x 145 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 4 x HDMI, USB-B, optical, coaxial, 3.5 mm analog |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, optical, coaxial, HDMI pass-through |
| SINAD | 99 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob, remote |
| Weight | 2 lbs (886 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons