Short answer: the Luxsin X9. It ranks #29 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.0/5, at $1,099; the Sennheiser HDV 820 ranks #34, rated 3.6/5, and costs $1,999.95, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Luxsin X9 is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: Luxsin doesn’t publish an output power figure into 32 ohms.
The case for the Sennheiser HDV 820: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 108 dB, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: Sennheiser doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so it is hard to judge how well it drives low impedance planar headphones.
Buy the Luxsin X9. It is rated higher than the Sennheiser HDV 820 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Luxsin X9 | Sennheiser HDV 820 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099.00 | $1,999.95 |
| Ranked | #29 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #34 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 108 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, HDMI ARC, RCA, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA, XLR |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, RCA subwoofer | XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| DAC Chip | AK4191EQ + AK4499EX | ES9028PRO |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 11.8” x 2.6” x 8.1” (300 x 65 x 206 mm) | 8.8” x 1.7” x 12” (224 x 44 x 306 mm) |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs (3,720 g) | 5.3 lbs (2.39 kg) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Luxsin X9:
- Yulong DA10 vs Luxsin X9
- Chord Hugo 2 vs Luxsin X9
- Chord DAVE vs Luxsin X9
- Chord Mojo 2 vs Luxsin X9
- Gustard A20H vs Luxsin X9
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 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
Sennheiser HDV 820: $1,999.95 Sennheiser eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 108 dB, clean for nearly all listening. It has 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4-pin XLR balanced headphone outputs, and accepts USB, optical, coaxial, RCA and XLR inputs, so it can also serve as a standalone amp for another DAC.
Cons: Sennheiser doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so it is hard to judge how well it drives low impedance planar headphones. The Loxjie D40 rates higher and measured much cleaner for a small fraction of the price.
Full Sennheiser HDV 820 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 1.7” x 12” (224 x 44 x 306 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA, XLR |
| Outputs | XLR |
| SINAD | 108 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.39 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons