Short answer: the Singxer SA-1, if you are buying new. The Topping A90 measures as well as it (#8 vs #3 of 38 headphone amplifiers, 4.8/5 vs 4.8/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Singxer SA-1 is still sold new. The Topping A90’s replacement, the Topping A90 Discrete, is rated 4.8/5 at $599.
Why pick the Singxer SA-1: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and it is transparent in practice. The tradeoff: It weighs 4 lbs (1.8 kg) and is a large desktop box, so it is not something you move around.
The case for the Topping A90: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and it is effectively transparent. Watch for: Discontinued and replaced by the Topping A90 Discrete.
Buy the Singxer SA-1 if you want one new; the Topping A90 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Singxer SA-1 | Topping A90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | - | Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 38 in Headphone Amplifiers | #8 of 38 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,480 mW (manufacturer rated) | 6,400 mW |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR) | Yes |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA | RCA, XLR |
| Outputs | XLR, RCA (preamp out) | - |
| Volume Control | Analog knob, 2 gain levels | - |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 1.8” x 6.7” (234 x 46 x 170 mm) | - |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 1,000 mW |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Singxer SA-1 compares with other leading options:
- SMSL SH-8S vs Topping A90
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A50 III
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A50 III vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A90 Discrete
Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 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
Singxer SA-1 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and it is transparent in practice. Singxer rates it at about 6.5 W into 32 ohms, enough to drive nearly any headphone including hard planar magnetic models, with 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4 pin XLR balanced outputs. Balanced XLR and RCA inputs plus a preamp output and two gain levels make it easy to fit into a desktop system.
Cons: It weighs 1.8 kg and is a large desktop box, so it is not something you move around. The Topping A50 III matches its rating and measured SINAD for less, and it needs a separate DAC since it has only analog inputs.
Full Singxer SA-1 review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR) |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 1.8” x 6.7” (234 x 46 x 170 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,480 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | XLR, RCA (preamp out) |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Analog knob, 2 gain levels |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Topping A90 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Topping A90 Discrete, ranked lower, rated 4.8/5. See every Topping A90 generation.
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and it is effectively transparent. A rated 6,400 mW into 32 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, including hard to drive planars, with 1,000 mW into 300 ohms for high impedance models. It offers balanced outputs and RCA, XLR inputs.
Cons: Discontinued and replaced by the Topping A90 Discrete. It has no built in DAC, so it needs a separate DAC or source with a line output.
Full Topping A90 review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,000 mW |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,400 mW |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons