Short answer: the SMSL D400 Pro. It ranks #10 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $728.20; the Topping Centaurus ranks #19, rated 4.7/5, and costs $869, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
Why pick the SMSL D400 Pro: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers.
What the Topping Centaurus does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening and very good for an R2R design. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the SMSL D400 Pro lacks. The tradeoff: Its 113 dB SINAD trails most DACs in its group, and the SMSL SU-2 matches its rating and measured cleaner at 123 dB for a small fraction of the price.
Buy the SMSL D400 Pro. It is rated higher than the Topping Centaurus 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 D400 Pro | Topping Centaurus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $728.20 | $869.00 |
| Ranked | #10 of 30 in DACs | #19 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | AK4499EX + AK4191EQ | Discrete 8-channel R2R |
| Dimensions | 10” x 1.8” x 7.4” (254 x 46 x 189 mm) | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (222 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs (1.9 kg) | 2.5 lbs (1,130 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (buttons) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (10-band parametric) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to SMSL D400 Pro:
- SMSL D400 Pro vs SMSL SU-10
- SMSL D400 Pro vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
- SMSL D400 Pro vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL D400 Pro vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL D400 Pro vs Topping D90 III Sabre
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 D400 Pro: $728.20 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It has a wide range of inputs, including USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC, and outputs to amps or powered speakers over RCA or balanced XLR.
Cons: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers. The Topping D70 Pro SABRE earns the same rating and measured slightly cleaner for less, and the SMSL DO200 Pro matches its SINAD for much less. No volume control is listed, so it may not work as a preamp for active speakers.
Full SMSL D400 Pro review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | AK4499EX + AK4191EQ |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 10” x 1.8” x 7.4” (254 x 46 x 189 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs (1.9 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Topping Centaurus: $869.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening and very good for an R2R design. It has a 10 band parametric EQ built in and accepts USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, with RCA and balanced XLR outputs.
Cons: Its 113 dB SINAD trails most DACs in its group, and the SMSL SU-2 matches its rating and measured cleaner at 123 dB for a small fraction of the price. The Topping D70 Pro SABRE rates higher for less. Volume is set with buttons rather than a knob.
Full Topping Centaurus review and specifications →
| Released | Dec 2024 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | Discrete 8-channel R2R |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (222 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs (1,130 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons