Short answer: the SMSL VMV D2R. It ranks #16 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $999; the Chord Qutest ranks #26, rated 4.4/5, and costs $1,795, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The SMSL VMV D2R is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: It is the priciest DAC in its group yet only matches the rating of the SMSL D-6S, which costs a fraction as much and measured cleaner.
What the Chord Qutest does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 114 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: It has no balanced outputs and no volume control.
Buy the SMSL VMV D2R. It is rated higher than the Chord Qutest and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL VMV D2R | Chord Qutest | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.00 | $1,795.00 |
| Ranked | #16 of 30 in DACs | #26 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth | USB-B, optical, 2 x coaxial (BNC) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | BD34301EKV | Chord custom FPGA (Xilinx Artix 7) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | None (fixed 1, 2 or 3 V output) |
| Dimensions | 11” x 1.7” x 9.3” (280 x 43 x 235.5 mm) | 6.3” x 1.8” x 3.5” (160 x 45 x 88 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3,200 g) | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to SMSL VMV D2R:
- Topping D900 vs SMSL VMV D2R
- SMSL SU-10 vs SMSL VMV D2R
- SMSL VMV D2R vs Topping D90 III Sabre
- Gustard X18 vs SMSL VMV D2R
- SMSL D400 Pro vs SMSL VMV D2R
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 D2R: $999.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It offers USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, plus RCA and balanced XLR outputs and a hardware volume knob for use as a preamp.
Cons: It is the priciest DAC in its group yet only matches the rating of the SMSL D-6S, which costs a fraction as much and measured cleaner. The Topping D70 Pro SABRE also measured cleaner at 123 dB for much less. At 3.2 kg it is large and heavy.
Full SMSL VMV D2R review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | BD34301EKV |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 11” x 1.7” x 9.3” (280 x 43 x 235.5 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3,200 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Chord Qutest: $1,795.00 Audio46 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 114 dB, clean for nearly all listening. It takes USB, optical and two coaxial inputs and feeds an amplifier over RCA, with a selectable 1, 2 or 3 V output to match your amp’s input level.
Cons: It has no balanced outputs and no volume control. The SMSL PS200 PRO rates higher and measured cleaner for a small fraction of the price.
Full Chord Qutest review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| DAC Chip | Chord custom FPGA (Xilinx Artix 7) |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 1.8” x 3.5” (160 x 45 x 88 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-B, optical, 2 x coaxial (BNC) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (fixed 1, 2 or 3 V output) |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons