Short answer: the Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC. It ranks #19 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.4/5, at $239. The Loxjie D40 ranks #28, rated 4.0/5, at $209.99, $29.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
The Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 109 dB with the Mesh DAC fitted, clean enough that noise and distortion stay out of the way for nearly all listening. Watch for: There are no balanced outputs and the only digital input is USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth.
The case for the Loxjie D40: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: Loxjie doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, and its headphone output is a single 6.35 mm jack with no balanced headphone option.
Buy the Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC. It is rated higher, and saving $29.01 with the Loxjie D40 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC | Loxjie D40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $239.00 | $209.99 |
| Ranked | #19 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #28 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 109 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,500 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 415 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Inputs | USB-C, RCA | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA (preamp) | RCA, XLR |
| Balanced Output | No | Yes (XLR line out) |
| DAC Chip | Schiit Mesh (optional internal DAC) | 2 x ES9068AS |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | - |
| Dimensions | 5” x 1.3” x 3.5” (127 x 32 x 89 mm) | 9.4” x 1.7” x 7.7” (240 x 43 x 195 mm) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) | 2.4 lbs (1,100 g) |
| Headphone Outputs | - | 6.35 mm |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC:
- Topping DX3 Pro+ vs Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC
- Fosi Audio ZH3 vs Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC
- SMSL DS20 vs Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC
- Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC vs Fosi Audio K7
- Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC: $239.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 109 dB with the Mesh DAC fitted, clean enough that noise and distortion stay out of the way for nearly all listening. Schiit rates it at 2.5 W into 32 ohms and 415 mW into 300 ohms, enough for power hungry planar magnetic and high impedance headphones, and its RCA preamp outputs can also feed powered speakers.
Cons: There are no balanced outputs and the only digital input is USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth. The Topping DX3 Pro+ rates higher for less and adds those extra inputs.
Full Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | Schiit Mesh (optional internal DAC) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5” x 1.3” x 3.5” (127 x 32 x 89 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, RCA |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 415 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA (preamp) |
| SINAD | 109 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Loxjie D40: $209.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It packs USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES and Bluetooth inputs with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, plus RCA and balanced XLR line outputs for powered speakers or a separate amp.
Cons: Loxjie doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, and its headphone output is a single 6.35 mm jack with no balanced headphone option. The SMSL DS20 rates higher for a little less, and at 1.1 kg in a wide chassis it is bulky for a desk.
Full Loxjie D40 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9068AS |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.4” x 1.7” x 7.7” (240 x 43 x 195 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1,100 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons