Short answer: the Tascam Series 102i, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 2.9/5 (#12 and #14 of 17 audio interfaces), and the Tascam Series 102i costs $149 against $199.99 for the Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII, with the ratings tied, the lower price decides it. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 17 audio interfaces; for better sound, the Topping M62 ranks #1 at $249.
Why pick the Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII: It runs entirely on USB C bus power while providing two mic, line and instrument inputs, balanced monitor outputs and two headphone jacks. Watch for: At 94 dB SINAD, sensitive in ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise, and Audio Science Review found distortion in both the DAC and ADC rising with level and frequency, so it did not recommend it.
Why pick the Tascam Series 102i: Audio Science Review measured 103 dB SINAD from its line outputs, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: Its headphone output is rated at only 18 mW, enough for in ear monitors and easy headphones only, and Audio Science Review judged it poor with a high output impedance.
Buy the Tascam Series 102i. Both are rated the same, and it costs $50.99 less than the Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII | Tascam Series 102i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #14 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #12 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 103 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 2 mic/line/instrument, USB-C | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/instrument), optical S/MUX, USB, MIDI in |
| Outputs | 2 balanced monitor outs, headphone | 2 balanced TRS line outs, 2 headphone, MIDI out |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 (same mix) | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (balanced monitor outs) | Yes (TRS line outs) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 2.8” x 6.2” (234 x 70 x 157 mm) | 7.3” x 2.6” x 6.3” (186 x 65 x 160 mm) |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (880 g) | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (DSP mixer with reverb, compressor, 4-band EQ) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | - | 18 mW (manufacturer rated) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Tascam Series 102i compares with other leading options:
- Topping E2x2 vs Tascam Series 102i
- MOTU M2 vs Tascam Series 102i
- Arturia MiniFuse 2 vs Tascam Series 102i
- Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD vs Tascam Series 102i
- Topping E2x2 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 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
Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII: $199.99 Amazon $199.99 eBay
Pros: It runs entirely on USB C bus power while providing two mic, line and instrument inputs, balanced monitor outputs and two headphone jacks. Audio Science Review measured 94 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones, and liked its appearance and ergonomics.
Cons: At 94 dB SINAD, sensitive in ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise, and Audio Science Review found distortion in both the DAC and ADC rising with level and frequency, so it did not recommend it. SSL doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure. The Arturia MiniFuse 2 rates higher for a similar price.
Full Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII review and specifications →
| Released | 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (balanced monitor outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 2.8” x 6.2” (234 x 70 x 157 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 (same mix) |
| Inputs | 2 mic/line/instrument, USB-C |
| Outputs | 2 balanced monitor outs, headphone |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (880 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Arturia MiniFuse 2
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Behringer Studio XL
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs MOTU M4
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs MOTU M2
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Topping E2x2
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Topping M62
Tascam Series 102i: $149.00 Amazon $149.00 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 103 dB SINAD from its line outputs, clean for nearly all listening. It offers two combo mic and instrument inputs, optical input, MIDI in and out, balanced TRS monitor outputs, two headphone jacks and a built in DSP mixer with EQ, compressor and reverb. It measured cleaner than the Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD.
Cons: Its headphone output is rated at only 18 mW, enough for in ear monitors and easy headphones only, and Audio Science Review judged it poor with a high output impedance. The same review found the ADC weak and did not recommend it. The Arturia MiniFuse 2 rates higher with far more headphone power.
Full Tascam Series 102i review and specifications →
| Released | 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS line outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 7.3” x 2.6” x 6.3” (186 x 65 x 160 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (DSP mixer with reverb, compressor, 4-band EQ) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/instrument), optical S/MUX, USB, MIDI in |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 18 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | 2 balanced TRS line outs, 2 headphone, MIDI out |
| SINAD | 103 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons