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 Qudelix T71 ranks #32, rated 3.8/5, and costs $229, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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. The tradeoff: It has only a 6.35 mm output with no balanced jack and no optical or coaxial input.
The case for the Qudelix T71: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, clean enough for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: The maker does not publish a 32 ohm power figure, so it is hard to judge how well it drives demanding headphones.
Buy the SMSL D12. It is rated higher than the Qudelix T71 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL D12 | Qudelix T71 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.59 | $229.00 |
| Ranked | #23 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #32 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) | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 300 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm | 3.5 mm, 2.5 mm balanced, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | No | Yes (2.5 mm, 4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth | USB-C |
| Outputs | RCA | - |
| DAC Chip | AK4493S | 4 x ES9219C |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 1.3” x 4” (139 x 33 x 102.5 mm) | 3.3” x 1.6” x 0.6” (84 x 40 x 16 mm) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (355 g) | 0.2 lbs (75 g) |
| Battery Life | - | 4 to 10 hours |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (20-band parametric/graphic) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to 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
Qudelix T71: $229.00 Qudelix eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, clean enough for nearly all listening. A built in 20 band parametric or graphic equalizer lets you tune your headphones, and it offers 3.5 mm plus 2.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs. Its battery runs 4 to 10 hours, and it weighs 75 g.
Cons: The maker does not publish a 32 ohm power figure, so it is hard to judge how well it drives demanding headphones. USB-C is the only input. The Loxjie D30 rates higher and measured cleaner for less.
Full Qudelix T71 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (2.5 mm, 4.4 mm) |
| Battery Life | 4 to 10 hours |
| DAC Chip | 4 x ES9219C |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.3” x 1.6” x 0.6” (84 x 40 x 16 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (20-band parametric/graphic) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 2.5 mm balanced, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.2 lbs (75 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons