Short answer: the Topping DX1 II. Both are rated 4.9/5 (#6 and #8 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the Topping DX1 II costs $119 against $152.99 for the SMSL DL100, with the ratings tied, the lower price decides it.
What the SMSL DL100 does well: Audio Science Review measured 119 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: The Topping DX5 II earns the same rating and publishes far more balanced power, though it costs more.
Why pick the Topping DX1 II: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: Inputs are limited to USB-C and optical, with no coaxial or Bluetooth.
Buy the Topping DX1 II. Both are rated the same, and it costs $33.99 less than the SMSL DL100.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL DL100 | Topping DX1 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $152.99 | $119.00 |
| Ranked | #8 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #6 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) | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,500 mW (manufacturer rated) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm (TRRS headset with mic), 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, optical |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, 4.4 mm balanced line out, optical |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | - |
| DAC Chip | 4 x CS43131 | ES9039Q2M |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote) | - |
| Dimensions | 7.7” x 1.2” x 8.1” (196 x 31 x 206 mm) | 3.9” x 1.3” x 3.9” (100 x 32 x 100 mm) |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs (1,050 g) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 230 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (10-band parametric) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to Topping DX1 II:
- Topping DX1 II vs Topping DX3 Pro+
- Topping DX1 II vs Fosi Audio ZH3
- Topping DX1 II vs SMSL DS20
- Topping DX1 II vs Tanchjim Luna
- Topping DX1 II vs Fosi Audio SK02
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
Topping DX1 II: $119.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 1,000 mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4 mm balanced output handles most planar magnetic headphones, and a 10-band parametric EQ and a 3.5 mm headset jack with mic support are included. It rates the same as the D&A Alpha Pro for a fraction of the cost.
Cons: Inputs are limited to USB-C and optical, with no coaxial or Bluetooth. Its 230 mW into 300 ohms is modest beside the Topping DX5 II, which rates the same with far more power but costs more. No volume knob is listed.
Full Topping DX1 II review and specifications →
| Released | May 2026 (5 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 1.3” x 3.9” (100 x 32 x 100 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm (TRRS headset with mic), 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, 4.4 mm balanced line out, optical |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons