Short answer: the Topping D70 Pro SABRE. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#6 and #10 of 30 DACs), and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE costs $599 against $728.20 for the SMSL D400 Pro, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
The case for 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.
Why pick the Topping D70 Pro SABRE: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, among the cleanest results available, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the SMSL D400 Pro lacks. Watch for: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for far less, so the extra cost mostly buys inputs and features rather than audible gains.
Buy the Topping D70 Pro SABRE. Both are rated the same, and it costs $129.20 less than the SMSL D400 Pro.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL D400 Pro | Topping D70 Pro SABRE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $728.20 | $599.00 |
| Ranked | #10 of 30 in DACs | #6 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 123 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, 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 | ES9039SPRO |
| Dimensions | 10” x 1.8” x 7.4” (254 x 46 x 189 mm) | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) |
| Weight | 4.2 lbs (1.9 kg) | 2.3 lbs (1,050 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to Topping D70 Pro SABRE:
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
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- Gustard X18 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL DO200 Pro vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL DO200 MKII vs Topping D70 Pro 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 D70 Pro SABRE: $599.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, among the cleanest results available, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It feeds powered speakers or an amp via RCA or balanced XLR, with a volume knob for direct control. Inputs include USB, optical, coaxial, AES and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD and AAC, and it costs less than the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 with the same SINAD.
Cons: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for far less, so the extra cost mostly buys inputs and features rather than audible gains. At 222 mm wide and 1,050 g, it needs a full-size spot on the desk or rack.
Full Topping D70 Pro SABRE review and specifications →
| Released | May 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039SPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs (1,050 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons