Short answer: the Soncoz SGA1. It ranks #12 of 19 headphone amplifiers by measured performance, rated 4.5/5, at $649.99; the Benchmark HPA4 ranks #13, rated 4.0/5, and costs $3,499, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Soncoz SGA1 is the better-sounding option. 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.
Why pick the Benchmark HPA4: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 119 dB, so the amp is transparent. The tradeoff: Benchmark does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so its output into low impedance planar magnetic headphones is unconfirmed.
Buy the Soncoz SGA1. It is rated higher than the Benchmark HPA4 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soncoz SGA1 | Benchmark HPA4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $649.99 | $3,499.00 |
| Ranked | #12 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #13 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 420 mW (manufacturer rated at 33 ohms, balanced) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 840 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 441 mW (calculated from manufacturer rated 11.5 Vrms into 300 ohms) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4 mm balanced | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm, XLR line out) | Yes (4-pin XLR headphone, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | 2 x XLR, 2 x RCA |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | XLR, RCA |
| Volume Control | Electronic stepped volume (MUSES72320) | Hardware knob (256-step relay attenuator, IR remote) |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 2.2” x 8.9” (250 x 55 x 225 mm) | 8.7” x 3.9” x 8.3” (220 x 99 x 212 mm) |
| Weight | 4.4 lbs (2,000 g) | 7.9 lbs (3,600 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Soncoz SGA1:
- Topping A30 Pro vs Soncoz SGA1
- Topping A70 Pro vs Soncoz SGA1
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Soncoz SGA1
- SMSL VMV P2 vs Soncoz SGA1
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Soncoz SGA1
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 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 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 SMSL VMV P2
- Soncoz SGA1 vs HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Topping A70 Pro
- See all 9 comparisons
Benchmark HPA4: $3,499.00 Benchmark Media Systems eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 119 dB, so the amp is transparent. It has a 4-pin XLR balanced headphone output, XLR and RCA line outputs for use as a preamp, and a 256 step relay volume control with IR remote. It is rated for 441 mW into 300 ohms, ample for high impedance headphones.
Cons: Benchmark does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so its output into low impedance planar magnetic headphones is unconfirmed. It costs far more than the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2, which rates higher with similar measured cleanliness. It has no built in DAC.
Full Benchmark HPA4 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR headphone, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 3.9” x 8.3” (220 x 99 x 212 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR, 2 x RCA |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 441 mW (calculated from manufacturer rated 11.5 Vrms into 300 ohms) |
| Outputs | XLR, RCA |
| SINAD | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (256-step relay attenuator, IR remote) |
| Weight | 7.9 lbs (3,600 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons