Short answer: the SMSL D12. It ranks #23 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.2/5, at $149.59. The Loxjie D30 ranks #31, rated 3.9/5, at $111.20, $38.39 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
The SMSL D12 is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, which puts its noise and distortion at the point of being inaudible. Watch for: It has only a 6.35 mm output with no balanced jack and no optical or coaxial input.
Why pick the Loxjie D30: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 119 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: Loxjie doesn’t publish an output power figure into 32 ohms, so it is hard to know which headphones it can drive.
Buy the SMSL D12. It is rated higher, and the $38.39 you would save on the Loxjie D30 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL D12 | Loxjie D30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.59 | $111.20 |
| Ranked | #23 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #31 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 300 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm | - |
| Balanced Output | No | - |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth | - |
| Outputs | RCA | - |
| DAC Chip | AK4493S | ES9068AS |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 1.3” x 4” (139 x 33 x 102.5 mm) | - |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (355 g) | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for SMSL D12:
- SMSL DL100 vs SMSL D12
- SMSL DS20 vs SMSL D12
- Tanchjim Luna vs SMSL D12
- Khadas Tone2 Pro vs SMSL D12
- Fosi Audio SK02 vs SMSL D12
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 D12: $149.59 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, which puts its noise and distortion at the point of being inaudible. SMSL rates it at 300 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most headphones, and it adds Bluetooth alongside USB C plus RCA outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It has only a 6.35 mm output with no balanced jack and no optical or coaxial input. The Tanchjim Luna rates higher with similar SINAD for less, and 300 mW is not enough for demanding planar magnetic headphones.
Full SMSL D12 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | AK4493S |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 1.3” x 4” (139 x 33 x 102.5 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 300 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (355 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Loxjie D30: $111.20 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 119 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It combines a DAC and headphone amp in one box and adds Bluetooth with SBC and aptX. It costs relatively little for that measured performance.
Cons: Loxjie doesn’t publish an output power figure into 32 ohms, so it is hard to know which headphones it can drive. Its Bluetooth lacks AAC and LDAC. The SMSL DS20 rates clearly higher, with a published 500 mW into 32 ohms and a balanced output, though it costs more.
Full Loxjie D30 review and specifications →
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9068AS |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons