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 Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC ranks #19, rated 4.4/5, and costs $239, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The case for 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.
What the Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 109 dB with the Mesh DAC fitted, clean enough that noise and distortion stay out of the way for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: There are no balanced outputs and the only digital input is USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth.
Buy the SMSL DS20. It is rated higher than the Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL DS20 | Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 | $239.00 |
| Ranked | #16 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #19 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) | 109 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 500 mW (manufacturer rated) | 2,500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) | 415 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | - |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C, RCA |
| DAC Chip | 4 x CS43131 | Schiit Mesh (optional internal DAC) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 4.7” x 0.7” (71 x 118.5 x 17 mm) | 5” x 1.3” x 3.5” (127 x 32 x 89 mm) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (275 g) | 2 lbs (907 g) |
| Outputs | - | RCA (preamp) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to 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 Tanchjim Luna
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
Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC: $239.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 109 dB with the Mesh DAC fitted, clean enough that noise and distortion stay out of the way for nearly all listening. Schiit rates it at 2.5 W into 32 ohms and 415 mW into 300 ohms, enough for power hungry planar magnetic and high impedance headphones, and its RCA preamp outputs can also feed powered speakers.
Cons: There are no balanced outputs and the only digital input is USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth. The Topping DX3 Pro+ rates higher for less and adds those extra inputs.
Full Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | Schiit Mesh (optional internal DAC) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5” x 1.3” x 3.5” (127 x 32 x 89 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, RCA |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 415 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA (preamp) |
| SINAD | 109 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons