Short answer: the SMSL DO200 MKII. It ranks #12 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $398.65. The Soncoz LA-QXD1 ranks #21, rated 4.6/5, at $219, $179.65 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
Why pick the SMSL DO200 MKII: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: The SMSL D-6S matches its rating for about half the price, so the extra money mostly buys more inputs.
Why pick the Soncoz LA-QXD1: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: It is a DAC only with no headphone output and no Bluetooth input.
Buy the SMSL DO200 MKII. It is rated higher, and the $179.65 you would save on the Soncoz LA-QXD1 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL DO200 MKII | Soncoz LA-QXD1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398.65 | $219.00 |
| Ranked | #12 of 30 in DACs | #21 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR, coaxial |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9068AS | - |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 1.7” x 7.3” (210 x 43 x 185 mm) | 5.9” x 1.5” x 3.4” (149.3 x 37 x 87 mm) |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1,200 g) | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (buttons) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to SMSL DO200 MKII:
- Topping D50 III vs SMSL DO200 MKII
- SMSL DO200 MKII vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
- SMSL DO200 MKII vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL DO200 MKII vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL D-6S vs SMSL DO200 MKII
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 DO200 MKII: $398.65 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It accepts USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, and feeds an amp or powered speakers over RCA or balanced XLR. It matches the rating of the Gustard X18 for much less.
Cons: The SMSL D-6S matches its rating for about half the price, so the extra money mostly buys more inputs. It has no headphone output, and at 1.2 kg in a wide chassis it needs real shelf space.
Full SMSL DO200 MKII review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9068AS |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 1.7” x 7.3” (210 x 43 x 185 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1,200 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Soncoz LA-QXD1: $219.00 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. It accepts USB, optical and coaxial and connects to an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs, with digital volume control for driving speakers directly.
Cons: It is a DAC only with no headphone output and no Bluetooth input. The SMSL SU-2 rates higher with better measured SINAD for less.
Full Soncoz LA-QXD1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 1.5” x 3.4” (149.3 x 37 x 87 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, coaxial |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons