Short answer: the Topping G5. Both are rated 4.9/5 (#7 and #1 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the Topping G5 costs $299 against $499 for the SMSL DO400, with the ratings tied, the lower price decides it.
What the SMSL DO400 does well: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The catch: It costs more than the D&A Alpha and SMSL RAW-MDA1, which share its rating and also measure transparent.
What the Topping G5 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the SMSL DO400 lacks. The catch: Its 175 mW into 300 ohms limits headroom with high-impedance headphones.
Buy the Topping G5. Both are rated the same, and it costs $200 less than the SMSL DO400.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL DO400 | Topping G5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.00 | $299.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #7 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,000 mW (manufacturer rated) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated) | 175 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth | USB-C, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm analog |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO | ES9068AS |
| Dimensions | 9.6” x 1.7” x 7.3” (245 x 42 x 186 mm) | 2.8” x 5.5” x 0.7” (70 x 140 x 18 mm) |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs (1,450 g) | 0.6 lbs (265 g) |
| Battery Life | - | 9 hours (USB), 10 hours (Bluetooth), 25 hours (analog) |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SMSL DO400 compares with other leading options:
- D&A Alpha vs SMSL DO400
- SMSL DO400 vs Topping DX5 II
- D&A Alpha Pro vs SMSL DO400
- SMSL DO400 vs JDS Labs Element IV
- SMSL DO400 vs Aune X1s GT
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 DO400: $499.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. A rated 3 W into 32 ohms and 700 mW into 300 ohms drives nearly any headphone, through 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm or 4-pin XLR outputs. Inputs cover USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S and LDAC Bluetooth, with RCA and XLR outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It costs more than the D&A Alpha and SMSL RAW-MDA1, which share its rating and also measure transparent. At 1,450 g it is a full size desktop unit.
Full SMSL DO400 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.6” x 1.7” x 7.3” (245 x 42 x 186 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,000 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs (1,450 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Topping G5: $299.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 1,200 mW into 32 ohms is unusual for a battery unit and handles most planars, with 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs. It runs about 9 hours on USB, 10 on Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, and 25 as an analog amp, and weighs 265 g.
Cons: Its 175 mW into 300 ohms limits headroom with high-impedance headphones. The Topping DX1 II rates the same and measures slightly cleaner for much less, though it is not portable. At 140 mm long and 18 mm thick, it suits a bag better than a pocket.
Full Topping G5 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (USB), 10 hours (Bluetooth), 25 hours (analog) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9068AS |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 5.5” x 0.7” (70 x 140 x 18 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm analog |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 175 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (265 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons