Short answer: the SMSL SU-10. It ranks #3 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $899.99; the Chord Qutest ranks #26, rated 4.4/5, and costs $1,795, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The SMSL SU-10 is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured 124 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: It is a DAC only, so headphones need a separate amp.
What the Chord Qutest does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 114 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: It has no balanced outputs and no volume control.
Buy the SMSL SU-10. It is rated higher than the Chord Qutest and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL SU-10 | Chord Qutest | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $899.99 | $1,795.00 |
| Ranked | #3 of 30 in DACs | #26 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 124 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, AES, Bluetooth | USB-B, optical, 2 x coaxial (BNC) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9038PRO | Chord custom FPGA (Xilinx Artix 7) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob, IR remote | None (fixed 1, 2 or 3 V output) |
| Dimensions | 9.4” x 1.5” x 7.3” (240 x 39 x 185 mm) | 6.3” x 1.8” x 3.5” (160 x 45 x 88 mm) |
| Weight | 4.1 lbs (1.86 kg) | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to SMSL SU-10:
- Topping D900 vs SMSL SU-10
- SMSL SU-10 vs Topping D90 III Sabre
- Gustard X18 vs SMSL SU-10
- SMSL D400 Pro vs SMSL SU-10
- SMSL M400 vs SMSL SU-10
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 SU-10: $899.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 124 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It takes USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, feeds an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR, and has a volume knob and IR remote.
Cons: It is a DAC only, so headphones need a separate amp. The SMSL D-6S rates the same with nearly identical measured SINAD for far less.
Full SMSL SU-10 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9038PRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 9.4” x 1.5” x 7.3” (240 x 39 x 185 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 124 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob, IR remote |
| Weight | 4.1 lbs (1.86 kg) |
- 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