Short answer: the SMSL DL100. It ranks #8 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.9/5, at $152.99; the SMSL DS20 ranks #16, rated 4.5/5, and costs $189.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The SMSL DL100 is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured 119 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: The Topping DX5 II earns the same rating and publishes far more balanced power, though it costs more.
Why pick the SMSL DS20: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: It only accepts USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth input, and volume is set with buttons.
Buy the SMSL DL100. It is rated higher than the SMSL DS20 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL DL100 | SMSL DS20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $152.99 | $189.99 |
| Ranked | #8 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #16 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,500 mW (manufacturer rated) | 500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth | USB-C |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | - |
| DAC Chip | 4 x CS43131 | 4 x CS43131 |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote) | Digital (buttons) |
| Dimensions | 7.7” x 1.2” x 8.1” (196 x 31 x 206 mm) | 2.8” x 4.7” x 0.7” (71 x 118.5 x 17 mm) |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs (1,050 g) | 0.6 lbs (275 g) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to SMSL DL100:
- SMSL DL100 vs SMSL RAW-MDA1
- SMSL DL100 vs Topping DX1 II
- SMSL DL100 vs Topping DX3 Pro+
- SMSL DL100 vs Fosi Audio ZH3
- SMSL DL100 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 DL100: $152.99 Apos Audio eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 119 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 1.5 W into 32 ohms handles most planar magnetic headphones, with 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs plus RCA and XLR line outs for powered speakers. Inputs include USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC, and a remote controls volume.
Cons: The Topping DX5 II earns the same rating and publishes far more balanced power, though it costs more. The Topping DX1 II shares the same rating for less if you do not need the extra inputs. Its 1.5 W rating is enough for most headphones but short of the several watts some rivals offer.
Full SMSL DL100 review and specifications →
| Released | 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| DAC Chip | 4 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.7” x 1.2” x 8.1” (196 x 31 x 206 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote) |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs (1,050 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SMSL DS20: $189.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 500 mW into 32 ohms and 120 mW into 300 ohms drives most headphones, through 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm balanced outputs. At 17 mm thick and 275 g, it is slim enough to sit on a desk or travel in a bag.
Cons: It only accepts USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth input, and volume is set with buttons. The Topping DX1 II rates higher, measures cleaner and adds optical input for less. The Fosi Audio ZH3 offers far more rated power for a similar price.
Full SMSL DS20 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 4 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 4.7” x 0.7” (71 x 118.5 x 17 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (275 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons