Short answer: the SMSL SU-6. Both are rated 4.6/5 (#20 and #21 of 30 DACs), and the SMSL SU-6 costs $169.99 against $219 for the Soncoz LA-QXD1, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
What the SMSL SU-6 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It has only RCA outputs, with no balanced XLR.
The case for the Soncoz LA-QXD1: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: It is a DAC only with no headphone output and no Bluetooth input.
Buy the SMSL SU-6. Both are rated the same, and it costs $49.01 less than the Soncoz LA-QXD1.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL SU-6 | Soncoz LA-QXD1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.99 | $219.00 |
| Ranked | #20 of 30 in DACs | #21 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | No | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA | RCA, XLR, coaxial |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M | - |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 1.1” x 4.1” (140 x 28 x 105 mm) | 5.9” x 1.5” x 3.4” (149.3 x 37 x 87 mm) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (350 g) | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (buttons) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SMSL SU-6 compares with other leading options:
- Topping D50 III vs SMSL SU-6
- SMSL D-6S vs SMSL SU-6
- Fosi Audio ZD3 vs SMSL SU-6
- SMSL SU-2 vs SMSL SU-6
- SMSL SU-6 vs SMSL PS200 PRO
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-6: $169.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It accepts USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, which makes it a flexible source for powered speakers or a separate amp. It is compact at 140 x 105 mm and 350 g.
Cons: It has only RCA outputs, with no balanced XLR. The SMSL SU-2 rates higher and measures cleaner at 123 dB for less. No volume control is listed, so it relies on the connected amp or speakers.
Full SMSL SU-6 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2021 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 1.1” x 4.1” (140 x 28 x 105 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (350 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Soncoz LA-QXD1: $219.00 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. It accepts USB, optical and coaxial and connects to an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs, with digital volume control for driving speakers directly.
Cons: It is a DAC only with no headphone output and no Bluetooth input. The SMSL SU-2 rates higher with better measured SINAD for less.
Full Soncoz LA-QXD1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 1.5” x 3.4” (149.3 x 37 x 87 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, coaxial |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons