Short answer: the Luxsin X8. Both are rated 4.0/5 (#30 and #29 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the Luxsin X8 costs $699 against $1,099 for the Luxsin X9, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Why pick the Luxsin X8: Audio Science Review measured 120 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. Watch for: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its headroom for demanding headphones is unknown.
Why pick the Luxsin X9: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: Luxsin doesn’t publish an output power figure into 32 ohms.
Buy the Luxsin X8. Both are rated the same, and it costs $400 less than the Luxsin X9.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Luxsin X8 | Luxsin X9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 | $1,099.00 |
| Ranked | #30 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #29 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) | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, RCA, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR, RCA subwoofer |
| DAC Chip | 8 x CS43198 | AK4191EQ + AK4499EX |
| Volume Control | Digital (touchscreen, app, optional IR remote) | Hardware knob |
| 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) | 11.8” x 2.6” x 8.1” (300 x 65 x 206 mm) |
| Weight | 6.1 lbs (2,750 g) | 8.2 lbs (3,720 g) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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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
Luxsin X9: $1,099.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Its input list is unusually broad, covering USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, RCA and Bluetooth, with RCA, XLR and a dedicated subwoofer output that suit a TV or desktop speaker system. Headphone outputs include 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4-pin XLR.
Cons: Luxsin doesn’t publish an output power figure into 32 ohms. It costs several times more than the Loxjie D40, which rates the same and measures slightly cleaner. Bluetooth tops out at AAC, and at 3,720 g and 300 mm wide it is large and heavy.
Full Luxsin X9 review and specifications →
| Released | 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| DAC Chip | AK4191EQ + AK4499EX |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 11.8” x 2.6” x 8.1” (300 x 65 x 206 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, RCA, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, RCA subwoofer |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs (3,720 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons