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 Neutron HiFi DAC V1 ranks #33, rated 3.7/5, and costs $177, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
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.
What the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening, and at 0 lbs (13 g) it is a tiny USB-C dongle. The catch: Neutron doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, and it has only a 3.5 mm output with no balanced option.
Buy the SMSL D12. It is rated higher than the Neutron HiFi DAC V1 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL D12 | Neutron HiFi DAC V1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.59 | $177 |
| Ranked | #23 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #33 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) | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 300 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth | USB-C |
| Outputs | RCA | - |
| DAC Chip | AK4493S | ES9219Q |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 1.3” x 4” (139 x 33 x 102.5 mm) | 2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (50 x 19.9 x 9.6 mm) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (355 g) | 0 lbs (13 g) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (10 to 40-band parametric) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SMSL D12 compares with other leading options:
- 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
Neutron HiFi DAC V1: $177 Neutron HiFi eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening, and at 13 g it is a tiny USB-C dongle. Its built-in parametric equalizer with 10 to 40 bands lets you correct a headphone’s frequency response without software on your phone or computer.
Cons: Neutron doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, and it has only a 3.5 mm output with no balanced option. The Loxjie D30 rates higher and measured cleaner for less.
Full Neutron HiFi DAC V1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9219Q |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (50 x 19.9 x 9.6 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10 to 40-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (13 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs Qudelix T71
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs Loxjie D30
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs SMSL M10
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs Loxjie D40
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs Fosi Audio K7
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs HiFime UDA38Pro
- Neutron HiFi DAC V1 vs Khadas Tone2 Pro