Short answer: the SMSL SU-9n. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#14 and #6 of 30 DACs), and the SMSL SU-9n costs $399.99 against $599 for the Topping D70 Pro SABRE, with the ratings tied, the lower price decides it.
What the SMSL SU-9n does well: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It is a DAC only, so headphones need a separate amp.
Why pick the Topping D70 Pro SABRE: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, among the cleanest results available, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the SMSL SU-9n lacks. The catch: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for far less, so the extra cost mostly buys inputs and features rather than audible gains.
Buy the SMSL SU-9n. Both are rated the same, and it costs $199.01 less than the Topping D70 Pro SABRE.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL SU-9n | Topping D70 Pro SABRE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 | $599.00 |
| Ranked | #14 of 30 in DACs | #6 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO | ES9039SPRO |
| Volume Control | Digital (remote, pre/fixed modes) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 7.4” x 1.6” x 6.1” (187.5 x 40 x 154 mm) | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (790 g) | 2.3 lbs (1,050 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Topping D70 Pro SABRE compares with other leading options:
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL VMV D1se2 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- Gustard X18 vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL D400 Pro vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
- SMSL DO200 Pro vs Topping D70 Pro SABRE
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-9n: $399.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It takes USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, and feeds an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR, with a remote and switchable preamp or fixed output.
Cons: It is a DAC only, so headphones need a separate amp. The Topping D70 Pro SABRE rates the same with slightly higher measured SINAD, though it costs more.
Full SMSL SU-9n review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 7.4” x 1.6” x 6.1” (187.5 x 40 x 154 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (remote, pre/fixed modes) |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (790 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Topping D70 Pro SABRE: $599.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, among the cleanest results available, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It feeds powered speakers or an amp via RCA or balanced XLR, with a volume knob for direct control. Inputs include USB, optical, coaxial, AES and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD and AAC, and it costs less than the SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 with the same SINAD.
Cons: The SMSL D-6S rates the same for far less, so the extra cost mostly buys inputs and features rather than audible gains. At 222 mm wide and 1,050 g, it needs a full-size spot on the desk or rack.
Full Topping D70 Pro SABRE review and specifications →
| Released | May 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039SPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.3 lbs (1,050 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons