Short answer: the SMSL D-6S. It ranks #9 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $199.99; the Soncoz LA-QXD1 ranks #21, rated 4.6/5, and costs $219, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
What the SMSL D-6S does well: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. Watch for: There is no volume control listed, so it relies on the amp or speakers downstream to set level.
What the Soncoz LA-QXD1 does well: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: It is a DAC only with no headphone output and no Bluetooth input.
Buy the SMSL D-6S. It is rated higher than the Soncoz LA-QXD1 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL D-6S | Soncoz LA-QXD1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $219.00 |
| Ranked | #9 of 30 in DACs | #21 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR, coaxial |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M | - |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 1.7” x 5.1” (150 x 42 x 128.5 mm) | 5.9” x 1.5” x 3.4” (149.3 x 37 x 87 mm) |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (710 g) | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (buttons) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SMSL D-6S compares with other leading options:
- Topping D50 III vs SMSL D-6S
- SMSL D-6S vs SMSL DO200 MKII
- Fosi Audio ZD3 vs SMSL D-6S
- SMSL D-6S vs SMSL D200
- SMSL D-6S vs SMSL SU-6
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
SMSL D-6S: $199.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It offers USB, optical, coaxial and LDAC Bluetooth inputs with RCA and XLR outputs for an amp or powered speakers. It matches the rating of the Topping D70 Pro SABRE for far less.
Cons: There is no volume control listed, so it relies on the amp or speakers downstream to set level. DACs such as the Topping D70 Pro SABRE measure a touch cleaner at 123 dB, though they cost far more and the difference is not audible.
Full SMSL D-6S review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 1.7” x 5.1” (150 x 42 x 128.5 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (710 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Soncoz LA-QXD1: $219.00 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. It accepts USB, optical and coaxial and connects to an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs, with digital volume control for driving speakers directly.
Cons: It is a DAC only with no headphone output and no Bluetooth input. The SMSL SU-2 rates higher with better measured SINAD for less.
Full Soncoz LA-QXD1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 1.5” x 3.4” (149.3 x 37 x 87 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, coaxial |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons