Short answer: the Neutron HiFi DAC V1. It ranks #33 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 3.7/5, at $177; the HiFime UDA38Pro ranks #42, rated 1.6/5, and costs $249, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Neutron HiFi DAC V1 is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening, and at 0 lbs (13 g) it is a tiny USB-C dongle. The catch: Neutron doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, and it has only a 3.5 mm output with no balanced option.
Why pick 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 catch: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 70 dB, a real audible weakness that can show up as noise or distortion.
Buy the Neutron HiFi DAC V1. 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
| Neutron HiFi DAC V1 | HiFime UDA38Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $177 | $249.00 |
| Ranked | #33 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 | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 70 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-B, optical |
| DAC Chip | ES9219Q | ES9038PRO |
| Equalizer | Yes (10 to 40-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (50 x 19.9 x 9.6 mm) | 3.9” x 3.1” x 1.2” (100 x 80 x 30 mm) (as listed, axis order unstated) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (13 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) |
| Outputs | - | RCA |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (58 steps) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to Neutron HiFi DAC V1:
- Khadas Tone2 Pro vs Neutron HiFi DAC V1
- SMSL D12 vs Neutron HiFi DAC V1
- Fosi Audio K7 vs Neutron HiFi DAC V1
- Loxjie D40 vs Neutron HiFi DAC V1
- Loxjie D30 vs Neutron HiFi DAC V1
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
Neutron HiFi DAC V1: $177 Neutron HiFi eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening, and at 13 g it is a tiny USB-C dongle. Its built-in parametric equalizer with 10 to 40 bands lets you correct a headphone’s frequency response without software on your phone or computer.
Cons: Neutron doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, and it has only a 3.5 mm output with no balanced option. The Loxjie D30 rates higher and measured cleaner for less.
Full Neutron HiFi DAC V1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9219Q |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (50 x 19.9 x 9.6 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10 to 40-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (13 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