Short answer: the SMSL SU-6. It ranks #20 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.6/5, at $169.99. The Topping D10s ranks #27, rated 4.3/5, at $109, $60.99 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
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.
Why pick the Topping D10s: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, so it is clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: USB is the only input, so it cannot accept a TV, console or CD transport over optical or coaxial.
Buy the SMSL SU-6. It is rated higher, and saving $60.99 with the Topping D10s does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL SU-6 | Topping D10s | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.99 | $109.00 |
| Ranked | #20 of 30 in DACs | #27 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB |
| Outputs | RCA | RCA, coaxial, optical |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M | ES9038Q2M |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 1.1” x 4.1” (140 x 28 x 105 mm) | - |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (350 g) | - |
| Volume Control | - | None (fixed line out) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for SMSL SU-6:
- 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 Soncoz LA-QXD1
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-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
Topping D10s: $109.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, so it is clean for nearly all listening. It takes USB from a computer and feeds an amplifier or powered speakers over RCA, and it can also pass the signal on through coaxial or optical outputs to another device.
Cons: USB is the only input, so it cannot accept a TV, console or CD transport over optical or coaxial. It has no balanced outputs and no volume control, and the SMSL PS200 PRO rates higher and measured cleaner for less.
Full Topping D10s review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Inputs | USB |
| Outputs | RCA, coaxial, optical |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (fixed line out) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons