Short answer: the SMSL SU-6 if measured performance matters most, the Topping E30 II Lite if price matters most. The SMSL SU-6 ranks #20 of 30 DACs, rated 4.6/5, at $169.99. The Topping E30 II Lite ranks #24, rated 4.5/5, at $99, $70.99 cheaper.
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 Topping E30 II Lite: Audio Science Review measured 116 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The catch: There is no balanced output and no Bluetooth.
Buy the SMSL SU-6 if measured performance matters more than the price. Buy the Topping E30 II Lite if the price matters more than measured performance.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL SU-6 | Topping E30 II Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.99 | $99.00 |
| Ranked | #20 of 30 in DACs | #24 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA | RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M | AK4493S |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 1.1” x 4.1” (140 x 28 x 105 mm) | 3.9” x 1.3” x 4.9” (100 x 32 x 125 mm) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (350 g) | 0.7 lbs (295 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (preamp mode, remote) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to 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 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