Short answer: the SMSL SU-1. Both are rated 4.5/5 (#23 and #24 of 30 DACs), and the SMSL SU-1 costs $84.99 against $99 for the Topping E30 II Lite, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
The case for the SMSL SU-1: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: It has no volume control of its own, so level must be set on the computer or the downstream amp, and there is no balanced output or Bluetooth.
The case for the Topping E30 II Lite: Audio Science Review measured 116 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The tradeoff: There is no balanced output and no Bluetooth.
Buy the SMSL SU-1. Both are rated the same, and it costs $14.01 less than the Topping E30 II Lite.
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Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL SU-1 | Topping E30 II Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $84.99 | $99.00 |
| Ranked | #23 of 30 in DACs | #24 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial | USB, optical, coaxial |
| DAC Chip | AK4493S | AK4493S |
| Volume Control | None (PC volume) | Digital (preamp mode, remote) |
| Dimensions | 3.8” x 1.1” x 3.1” (96 x 27 x 78 mm) | 3.9” x 1.3” x 4.9” (100 x 32 x 125 mm) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (195 g) | 0.7 lbs (295 g) |
| Outputs | - | RCA |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to SMSL SU-1:
- SMSL SU-2 vs SMSL SU-1
- SMSL SU-6 vs SMSL SU-1
- SMSL PS200 PRO vs SMSL SU-1
- Fosi Audio Q6 vs SMSL SU-1
- SMSL SU-1 vs Topping D10s
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 SU-1: $84.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It is a compact, inexpensive DAC with USB, optical and coaxial inputs that connects to an amp or powered speakers.
Cons: It has no volume control of its own, so level must be set on the computer or the downstream amp, and there is no balanced output or Bluetooth. The SMSL PS200 PRO measured cleaner at 120 dB for about the same price, and the SMSL SU-2 rates higher for only a little more.
Full SMSL SU-1 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| DAC Chip | AK4493S |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 3.8” x 1.1” x 3.1” (96 x 27 x 78 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (PC volume) |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (195 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Topping E30 II Lite: $99.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 116 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It is a compact DAC with USB, optical and coaxial inputs, and a remote controlled preamp mode lets it feed powered speakers directly over RCA.
Cons: There is no balanced output and no Bluetooth. The SMSL SU-2 rates higher, measures cleaner and adds XLR outputs for about the same price.
Full Topping E30 II Lite review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| DAC Chip | AK4493S |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 1.3” x 4.9” (100 x 32 x 125 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (preamp mode, remote) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (295 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons