Short answer: the SMSL DS20. It ranks #16 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.5/5, at $189.99. The Khadas Tone2 Pro ranks #22, rated 4.2/5, at $159, $30.99 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the SMSL DS20: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It only accepts USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth input, and volume is set with buttons.
What the Khadas Tone2 Pro does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: Khadas rates it at 211 mW into 32 ohms on the balanced output, enough for most headphones but short of what many planar magnetic models want.
Buy the SMSL DS20. It is rated higher, and saving $30.99 with the Khadas Tone2 Pro does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL DS20 | Khadas Tone2 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 | $159.00 |
| Ranked | #16 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #22 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 500 mW (manufacturer rated) | 211 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) | 83 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C, coaxial, Bluetooth (with optional BT Magic dongle) |
| DAC Chip | 4 x CS43131 | ES9038Q2M |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 4.7” x 0.7” (71 x 118.5 x 17 mm) | - |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (275 g) | - |
| Outputs | - | RCA, balanced RCA |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for SMSL DS20:
- Topping DX1 II vs SMSL DS20
- SMSL DL100 vs SMSL DS20
- Topping DX3 Pro+ vs SMSL DS20
- Fosi Audio ZH3 vs SMSL DS20
- SMSL DS20 vs Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC
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 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
Khadas Tone2 Pro: $159.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It offers 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs, RCA and balanced RCA line outputs, USB-C and coaxial inputs, and optional Bluetooth through an add-on dongle, and it rates higher than the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz for far less.
Cons: Khadas rates it at 211 mW into 32 ohms on the balanced output, enough for most headphones but short of what many planar magnetic models want. The Fosi Audio SK02 matches its rating with much more balanced power for less, and Bluetooth requires buying the separate dongle.
Full Khadas Tone2 Pro review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C, coaxial, Bluetooth (with optional BT Magic dongle) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 83 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 211 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, balanced RCA |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons