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 SMSL D12 ranks #23, rated 4.2/5, at $149.59, $40.40 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh 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. Watch for: It only accepts USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth input, and volume is set with buttons.
What the SMSL D12 does well: Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, which puts its noise and distortion at the point of being inaudible. Watch for: It has only a 6.35 mm output with no balanced jack and no optical or coaxial input.
Buy the SMSL DS20. It is rated higher, and the $40.40 you would save on the SMSL D12 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL DS20 | SMSL D12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 | $149.59 |
| Ranked | #16 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #23 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) | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 500 mW (manufacturer rated) | 300 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C, Bluetooth |
| DAC Chip | 4 x CS43131 | AK4493S |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | - |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 4.7” x 0.7” (71 x 118.5 x 17 mm) | 5.5” x 1.3” x 4” (139 x 33 x 102.5 mm) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (275 g) | 0.8 lbs (355 g) |
| Outputs | - | RCA |
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 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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
SMSL D12: $149.59 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, which puts its noise and distortion at the point of being inaudible. SMSL rates it at 300 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most headphones, and it adds Bluetooth alongside USB C plus RCA outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It has only a 6.35 mm output with no balanced jack and no optical or coaxial input. The Tanchjim Luna rates higher with similar SINAD for less, and 300 mW is not enough for demanding planar magnetic headphones.
Full SMSL D12 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | AK4493S |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 1.3” x 4” (139 x 33 x 102.5 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 300 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (355 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons