Short answer: the Soncoz SGA1. It ranks #12 of 19 headphone amplifiers by measured performance, rated 4.5/5, at $649.99; the Rupert Neve Designs RNHP ranks #15, rated 3.2/5, and costs $699, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Soncoz SGA1 is the better-sounding choice. 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.
The case for the Rupert Neve Designs RNHP: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 101 dB, clean enough for nearly all listening. The catch: Rupert Neve Designs does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown.
Buy the Soncoz SGA1. It is rated higher than the Rupert Neve Designs RNHP and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soncoz SGA1 | Rupert Neve Designs RNHP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $649.99 | $699.00 |
| Ranked | #12 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #15 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 101 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 | - |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm, XLR line out) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | XLR/TRS combo, RCA, 3.5 mm |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | - |
| Volume Control | Electronic stepped volume (MUSES72320) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 2.2” x 8.9” (250 x 55 x 225 mm) | 6.5” x 1.9” x 4.6” (165 x 48 x 117 mm) |
| Weight | 4.4 lbs (2,000 g) | 2 lbs (900 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 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 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
Rupert Neve Designs RNHP: $699.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 101 dB, clean enough for nearly all listening. It accepts an XLR/TRS combo input, RCA and 3.5 mm sources, making it easy to connect studio or home gear.
Cons: Rupert Neve Designs does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown. There is no balanced headphone output listed. The Topping L50 rates much higher, measures cleaner and is rated for 2,800 mW into 32 ohms for far less.
Full Rupert Neve Designs RNHP review and specifications →
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.5” x 1.9” x 4.6” (165 x 48 x 117 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo, RCA, 3.5 mm |
| SINAD | 101 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2 lbs (900 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Chord Alto
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Little Labs Monotor
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Fosi Audio SK01
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Topping A70 Pro