Short answer: the SMSL VMV P2. It ranks #6 of 19 headphone amplifiers by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $999. The Soncoz SGA1 ranks #12, rated 4.5/5, at $649.99, $349.01 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the SMSL VMV P2: Audio Science Review measured 116 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It has only analog inputs, so you need a separate DAC to play music from a computer or phone.
Why pick the Soncoz SGA1: Audio Science Review measured 118 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It is an analog only amp with no digital inputs, so you need a separate DAC.
Buy the SMSL VMV P2. It is rated higher, and saving $349.01 with the Soncoz SGA1 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL VMV P2 | Soncoz SGA1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.00 | $649.99 |
| Ranked | #6 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #12 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 420 mW (manufacturer rated at 33 ohms, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 840 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR pre out) | Yes (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Electronic stepped volume (MUSES72320) |
| Dimensions | 11” x 2” x 9.3” (280 x 51 x 235.7 mm) | 9.8” x 2.2” x 8.9” (250 x 55 x 225 mm) |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs (3.25 kg) | 4.4 lbs (2,000 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to SMSL VMV P2:
- SMSL VMV P2 vs Topping A30 Pro
- SMSL VMV P2 vs Topping A70 Pro
- SMSL VMV P2 vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Schiit Midgard vs SMSL VMV P2
- SMSL VMV P2 vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
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 P2: $999.00 Linsoul eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 116 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 6 W balanced into 32 ohms and 700 mW into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, including demanding planar magnetic and high impedance models. It offers 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4 pin XLR headphone outputs plus RCA and XLR inputs and outputs, so it can also work as a preamp.
Cons: It has only analog inputs, so you need a separate DAC to play music from a computer or phone. The Topping A50 III earns the same rating and measured cleaner for a fraction of the price, and the Topping A70 Pro publishes about twice the power for less. At 3.25 kg it is a large desktop unit.
Full SMSL VMV P2 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR pre out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 11” x 2” x 9.3” (280 x 51 x 235.7 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs (3.25 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Soncoz SGA1: $649.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 118 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It offers 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs, RCA and XLR inputs and outputs, and a stepped electronic volume control, with 840 mW into 300 ohms for high impedance headphones.
Cons: It is an analog only amp with no digital inputs, so you need a separate DAC. Soncoz rates it at 420 mW balanced into 33 ohms rather than 32, which drives most headphones but is modest next to the Topping L30, a higher rated amp that costs far less.
Full Soncoz SGA1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 2.2” x 8.9” (250 x 55 x 225 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 840 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 420 mW (manufacturer rated at 33 ohms, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Electronic stepped volume (MUSES72320) |
| Weight | 4.4 lbs (2,000 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Benchmark HPA4
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Violectric HPA V550 PRO
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Little Labs Monotor
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
- Soncoz SGA1 vs HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Topping A70 Pro
- See all 9 comparisons