Short answer: the SMSL M400. It ranks #13 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $859.99; the Topping Centaurus ranks #19, rated 4.7/5, and costs $869, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
Why pick the SMSL M400: 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.
The case for the Topping Centaurus: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening and very good for an R2R design. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the SMSL M400 lacks. Watch for: Its 113 dB SINAD trails most DACs in its group, and the SMSL SU-2 matches its rating and measured cleaner at 123 dB for a small fraction of the price.
Buy the SMSL M400. It is rated higher than the Topping Centaurus and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL M400 | Topping Centaurus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $859.99 | $869.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 30 in DACs | #19 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | UAT, LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | AK4499EQ | Discrete 8-channel R2R |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote), fixed or variable | Digital (buttons) |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.7” x 8.5” (220 x 43 x 215 mm) | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (222 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs (1,530 g) | 2.5 lbs (1,130 g) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (10-band parametric) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to 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
Topping Centaurus: $869.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening and very good for an R2R design. It has a 10 band parametric EQ built in and accepts USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, with RCA and balanced XLR outputs.
Cons: Its 113 dB SINAD trails most DACs in its group, and the SMSL SU-2 matches its rating and measured cleaner at 123 dB for a small fraction of the price. The Topping D70 Pro SABRE rates higher for less. Volume is set with buttons rather than a knob.
Full Topping Centaurus review and specifications →
| Released | Dec 2024 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | Discrete 8-channel R2R |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (222 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs (1,130 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons