Short answer: the SMSL M400. It ranks #13 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $859.99; the Chord Qutest ranks #26, rated 4.4/5, and costs $1,795, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The SMSL M400 is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers.
Why pick the Chord Qutest: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 114 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: It has no balanced outputs and no volume control.
Buy the SMSL M400. It is rated higher than the Chord Qutest 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 M400 | Chord Qutest | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $859.99 | $1,795.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 30 in DACs | #26 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) | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth | USB-B, optical, 2 x coaxial (BNC) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | UAT, LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | - |
| DAC Chip | AK4499EQ | Chord custom FPGA (Xilinx Artix 7) |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote), fixed or variable | None (fixed 1, 2 or 3 V output) |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.7” x 8.5” (220 x 43 x 215 mm) | 6.3” x 1.8” x 3.5” (160 x 45 x 88 mm) |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs (1,530 g) | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for SMSL M400:
- Topping D900 vs SMSL M400
- SMSL M400 vs SMSL SU-10
- SMSL M400 vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
- SMSL M400 vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL M400 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
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 M400: $859.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It accepts USB, optical, coaxial, I2S and Bluetooth with UAT, LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC, and drives amps or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs. A volume knob and remote with fixed or variable output let it work as a preamp for active speakers.
Cons: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers. Several rivals with the same rating measured slightly cleaner for less, including the Topping D70 Pro SABRE and the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1.
Full SMSL M400 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | UAT, LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| DAC Chip | AK4499EQ |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.7” x 8.5” (220 x 43 x 215 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote), fixed or variable |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs (1,530 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Chord Qutest: $1,795.00 Audio46 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 114 dB, clean for nearly all listening. It takes USB, optical and two coaxial inputs and feeds an amplifier over RCA, with a selectable 1, 2 or 3 V output to match your amp’s input level.
Cons: It has no balanced outputs and no volume control. The SMSL PS200 PRO rates higher and measured cleaner for a small fraction of the price.
Full Chord Qutest review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| DAC Chip | Chord custom FPGA (Xilinx Artix 7) |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 1.8” x 3.5” (160 x 45 x 88 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-B, optical, 2 x coaxial (BNC) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (fixed 1, 2 or 3 V output) |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons