Short answer: the SMSL VMV D3. It ranks #28 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 3.4/5, at $3,499.99; the Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE ranks #29, rated 2.8/5, and costs $3,799, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The SMSL VMV D3 is the better-sounding choice. It has a wide input selection, with USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU and I2S, plus RCA and XLR outputs for an amp or powered speakers. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured only 98 dB SINAD, far behind inexpensive DACs; that is fine for most systems but noise may show through very revealing gear.
What the Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE does well: It has a wide range of inputs, including USB, two coaxial, two optical, AES/EBU and I2S over HDMI, and connects to an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR. The catch: Audio Science Review measured just 90 dB SINAD, far behind modern DACs, which leaves noise and distortion that sensitive systems may reveal.
Buy the SMSL VMV D3. It is rated higher than the Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL VMV D3 | Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,499.99 | $3,799 |
| Ranked | #28 of 30 in DACs | #29 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 98 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 90 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S | USB, 2 x coaxial, 2 x optical, AES/EBU, I2S (HDMI) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| DAC Chip | 4 x PCM1704U-J | ES9038PRO |
| Dimensions | 11” x 2” x 9.4” (280 x 51 x 240 mm) | 8.5” x 4.1” x 13.5” (216 x 105 x 343 mm) |
| Weight | 8.7 lbs (3,960 g) | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (defeatable), remote |
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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 D3: $3,499.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: It has a wide input selection, with USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU and I2S, plus RCA and XLR outputs for an amp or powered speakers. It is built around four PCM1704U-J chips in a large 3,960 g chassis.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured only 98 dB SINAD, far behind inexpensive DACs; that is fine for most systems but noise may show through very revealing gear. The SMSL SU-2 rates much higher and measures transparent at 123 dB for a small fraction of the price.
Full SMSL VMV D3 review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| DAC Chip | 4 x PCM1704U-J |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 11” x 2” x 9.4” (280 x 51 x 240 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 98 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 8.7 lbs (3,960 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE: $3,799 Wyred 4 Sound eBay
Pros: It has a wide range of inputs, including USB, two coaxial, two optical, AES/EBU and I2S over HDMI, and connects to an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR. A defeatable digital volume control and remote let it act as a preamp.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured just 90 dB SINAD, far behind modern DACs, which leaves noise and distortion that sensitive systems may reveal. The SMSL PS200 PRO rates much higher with far better measured SINAD for a small fraction of the cost.
Full Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 4.1” x 13.5” (216 x 105 x 343 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x coaxial, 2 x optical, AES/EBU, I2S (HDMI) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 90 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (defeatable), remote |
| Weight | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons