Short answer: the SMSL SU-10. It ranks #3 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $899.99. The Topping Centaurus ranks #19, rated 4.7/5, at $869, $30.99 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the SMSL SU-10: Audio Science Review measured 124 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It is a DAC only, so headphones need a separate amp.
What the Topping Centaurus does well: 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 SU-10 lacks. The catch: 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 SU-10. It is rated higher, and the $30.99 saving on the Topping Centaurus is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL SU-10 | Topping Centaurus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $899.99 | $869.00 |
| Ranked | #3 of 30 in DACs | #19 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 124 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, AES, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9038PRO | Discrete 8-channel R2R |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob, IR remote | Digital (buttons) |
| Dimensions | 9.4” x 1.5” x 7.3” (240 x 39 x 185 mm) | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (222 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Weight | 4.1 lbs (1.86 kg) | 2.5 lbs (1,130 g) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (10-band parametric) |
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.
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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
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