Short answer: the Soncoz LA-QXD1. It ranks #21 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.6/5, at $219. The Sonnect SoundWire ranks #30, rated 2.4/5, at $165, $54 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Soncoz LA-QXD1 is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: It is a DAC only with no headphone output and no Bluetooth input.
The case for the Sonnect SoundWire: It turns a USB-C phone or computer into a source with two transformer isolated XLR line outputs, which suits connecting directly to powered speakers, mixers or PA systems. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 85 dB, a level of noise and distortion that is an audible weakness.
Buy the Soncoz LA-QXD1. It is rated higher, and the $54 you would save on the Sonnect SoundWire does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soncoz LA-QXD1 | Sonnect SoundWire | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $219.00 | $165.00 |
| Ranked | #21 of 30 in DACs | #30 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 85 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial | USB-C |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, coaxial | 2 x XLR (transformer-isolated) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 1.5” x 3.4” (149.3 x 37 x 87 mm) | - |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (500 g) | 0.3 lbs (140 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Soncoz LA-QXD1:
- Topping D50 III vs Soncoz LA-QXD1
- SMSL D-6S vs Soncoz LA-QXD1
- SMSL DO200 MKII vs Soncoz LA-QXD1
- Fosi Audio ZD3 vs Soncoz LA-QXD1
- SMSL D200 vs Soncoz LA-QXD1
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
Soncoz LA-QXD1: $219.00 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. It accepts USB, optical and coaxial and connects to an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs, with digital volume control for driving speakers directly.
Cons: It is a DAC only with no headphone output and no Bluetooth input. The SMSL SU-2 rates higher with better measured SINAD for less.
Full Soncoz LA-QXD1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 1.5” x 3.4” (149.3 x 37 x 87 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, coaxial |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sonnect SoundWire: $165.00 Sonnect eBay
Pros: It turns a USB-C phone or computer into a source with two transformer isolated XLR line outputs, which suits connecting directly to powered speakers, mixers or PA systems.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 85 dB, a level of noise and distortion that is an audible weakness. It has no headphone output and no volume control of its own. The Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter measures cleaner and rates higher for far less, although it lacks XLR outputs.
Full Sonnect SoundWire review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Outputs | 2 x XLR (transformer-isolated) |
| SINAD | 85 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs (140 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons