Short answer: the Topping D70 Pro SABRE. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#6 and #5 of 30 DACs), and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE costs $599 against $719.99 for the SMSL VMV D1se2, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
The case for the SMSL VMV D1se2: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, comfortably in the range where noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers.
What the Topping D70 Pro SABRE does well: 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 VMV D1se2 lacks. The tradeoff: 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 Topping D70 Pro SABRE. Both are rated the same, and it costs $120.99 less than the SMSL VMV D1se2.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL VMV D1se2 | Topping D70 Pro SABRE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $719.99 | $599.00 |
| Ranked | #5 of 30 in DACs | #6 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, I2S, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO | ES9039SPRO |
| Volume Control | Remote | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 1.5” x 6.7” (210 x 39 x 170 mm) | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs (1,630 g) | 2.3 lbs (1,050 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to SMSL VMV D1se2:
- SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1 vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL VMV D1se2 vs Topping D90 III Sabre
- Gustard X18 vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL D400 Pro vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- SMSL DO200 Pro vs SMSL VMV D1se2
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 VMV D1se2: $719.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, comfortably in the range where noise and distortion are inaudible. Inputs cover USB, I2S, coaxial, optical and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC, and it feeds amps or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs. A remote is included for volume control.
Cons: It is a DAC only, so you need a separate headphone amp or powered speakers. The SMSL D-6S earns the same rating with nearly identical measurements for far less, and the Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches its SINAD and also costs less.
Full SMSL VMV D1se2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| DAC Chip | ES9039MSPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 1.5” x 6.7” (210 x 39 x 170 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, I2S, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Remote |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs (1,630 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