Short answer: the Soncoz SGA1. It ranks #12 of 19 headphone amplifiers by measured performance, rated 4.5/5, at $649.99. The Little Labs Monotor ranks #14, rated 3.6/5, at $580, $69.99 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Soncoz SGA1 is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured 118 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: It is an analog only amp with no digital inputs, so you need a separate DAC.
The case for the Little Labs Monotor: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 109 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: Little Labs doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, and there are no balanced headphone outputs.
Buy the Soncoz SGA1. It is rated higher, and saving $69.99 with the Little Labs Monotor does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soncoz SGA1 | Little Labs Monotor | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $649.99 | $580.00 |
| Ranked | #12 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #14 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 109 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 | 2 x 6.35 mm, 2 x 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm, XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | XLR/TRS combo, TRS, 3.5 mm aux |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | - |
| Volume Control | Electronic stepped volume (MUSES72320) | Stepped attenuator knob |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 2.2” x 8.9” (250 x 55 x 225 mm) | - |
| Weight | 4.4 lbs (2,000 g) | - |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Soncoz SGA1 compares with other leading options:
- 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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 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
Little Labs Monotor: $580.00 Sweetwater eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 109 dB, clean for nearly all listening. It has two 6.35 mm and two 3.5 mm headphone outputs, XLR/TRS combo, TRS and 3.5 mm inputs, and a stepped attenuator for precise volume matching.
Cons: Little Labs doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, and there are no balanced headphone outputs. The JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 rates higher, measured cleaner and is rated at 2,650 mW into 32 ohms for far less.
Full Little Labs Monotor review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm, 2 x 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo, TRS, 3.5 mm aux |
| SINAD | 109 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Stepped attenuator knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Little Labs Monotor vs Benchmark HPA4
- Little Labs Monotor vs Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
- Little Labs Monotor vs Chord Alto
- Little Labs Monotor vs Fosi Audio SK01
- Little Labs Monotor vs HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2
- Little Labs Monotor vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- Little Labs Monotor vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Little Labs Monotor vs Topping A70 Pro