Short answer: the Soncoz SGA1. It ranks #12 of 19 headphone amplifiers by measured performance, rated 4.5/5, at $649.99. The HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 ranks #18, rated 2.4/5, at $499, $150.99 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
The Soncoz SGA1 is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured 118 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It is an analog only amp with no digital inputs, so you need a separate DAC.
What the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 does well: It offers two pairs of RCA inputs, a 6.35 mm headphone jack and an RCA preamp output for feeding powered speakers, in a compact desktop chassis. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 87 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive headphones will reveal.
Buy the Soncoz SGA1. It is rated higher, and the $150.99 saving on the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soncoz SGA1 | HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $649.99 | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #12 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #18 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 87 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) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4 mm balanced | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm, XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | RCA (2 pairs) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA (preamp) |
| Volume Control | Electronic stepped volume (MUSES72320) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 2.2” x 8.9” (250 x 55 x 225 mm) | 5.7” x 2” x 6.7” (146 x 51 x 171 mm) |
| Weight | 4.4 lbs (2,000 g) | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to 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 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 SMSL VMV P2
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Topping A70 Pro
- See all 9 comparisons
HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2: $499.00 HeadAmp eBay
Pros: It offers two pairs of RCA inputs, a 6.35 mm headphone jack and an RCA preamp output for feeding powered speakers, in a compact desktop chassis.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 87 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive headphones will reveal. HeadAmp doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, there are no balanced outputs, and the Little Labs Monotor rates higher and measured much cleaner for a similar price.
Full HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5.7” x 2” x 6.7” (146 x 51 x 171 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | RCA (2 pairs) |
| Outputs | RCA (preamp) |
| SINAD | 87 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons