Short answer: the Qudelix T71. It ranks #32 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 3.8/5, at $229; the HiFime UDA38Pro ranks #42, rated 1.6/5, and costs $249, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Qudelix T71 is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, clean enough for nearly all listening. Watch for: The maker does not publish a 32 ohm power figure, so it is hard to judge how well it drives demanding headphones.
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. The tradeoff: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 70 dB, a real audible weakness that can show up as noise or distortion.
Buy the Qudelix T71. It is rated higher than the HiFime UDA38Pro and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Qudelix T71 | HiFime UDA38Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $229.00 | $249.00 |
| Ranked | #32 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 | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 70 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 2.5 mm balanced, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (2.5 mm, 4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-B, optical |
| Battery Life | 4 to 10 hours | - |
| DAC Chip | 4 x ES9219C | ES9038PRO |
| Equalizer | Yes (20-band parametric/graphic) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.3” x 1.6” x 0.6” (84 x 40 x 16 mm) | 3.9” x 3.1” x 1.2” (100 x 80 x 30 mm) (as listed, axis order unstated) |
| Weight | 0.2 lbs (75 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) |
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How Qudelix T71 compares with other leading options:
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- SMSL D12 vs Qudelix T71
- Fosi Audio K7 vs Qudelix T71
- Loxjie D40 vs Qudelix T71
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
Qudelix T71: $229.00 Qudelix eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, clean enough for nearly all listening. A built in 20 band parametric or graphic equalizer lets you tune your headphones, and it offers 3.5 mm plus 2.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs. Its battery runs 4 to 10 hours, and it weighs 75 g.
Cons: The maker does not publish a 32 ohm power figure, so it is hard to judge how well it drives demanding headphones. USB-C is the only input. The Loxjie D30 rates higher and measured cleaner for less.
Full Qudelix T71 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (2.5 mm, 4.4 mm) |
| Battery Life | 4 to 10 hours |
| DAC Chip | 4 x ES9219C |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.3” x 1.6” x 0.6” (84 x 40 x 16 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (20-band parametric/graphic) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 2.5 mm balanced, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.2 lbs (75 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