Short answer: the SMSL VMV P2. It ranks #6 of 19 headphone amplifiers by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $999. The Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 ranks #10, rated 4.7/5, at $749, $250 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The case for the SMSL VMV P2: Audio Science Review measured 116 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It has only analog inputs, so you need a separate DAC to play music from a computer or phone.
The case for the Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 119 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and the amp is effectively transparent. Watch for: It costs several times more than the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2, which matches its rating with more than twice the rated power into 32 ohms.
Buy the SMSL VMV P2. It is rated higher, and the $250 saving on the Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SMSL VMV P2 | Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.00 | $749.00 |
| Ranked | #6 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #10 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR pre out) | No |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | - |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob (ALPS RK27 potentiometer) |
| Dimensions | 11” x 2” x 9.3” (280 x 51 x 235.7 mm) | 5.5” x 2.2” x 8.3” (140 x 55 x 210 mm) |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs (3.25 kg) | 1.9 lbs (850 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 Violectric HPA V550 PRO
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
Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1: $749.00 Tom Christiansen Audio eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 119 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and the amp is effectively transparent. A rated 1,200 mW into 32 ohms handles most planar magnetic headphones, with 250 mW into 300 ohms for high impedance dynamic models. It accepts both RCA and XLR inputs and uses a simple ALPS analog volume knob.
Cons: It costs several times more than the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2, which matches its rating with more than twice the rated power into 32 ohms. The only headphone output is a single 6.35 mm jack, so balanced headphone cables are not supported.
Full Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 2.2” x 8.3” (140 x 55 x 210 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (ALPS RK27 potentiometer) |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (850 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Violectric HPA V550 PRO
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Soncoz SGA1
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Little Labs Monotor
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Schiit Midgard
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Topping A70 Pro
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Topping A30 Pro