Short answer: the SPL Phonitor x. It ranks #15 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.6/5, at $3,200; the Chord DAVE ranks #18, rated 4.5/5, and costs $14,900, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The case for the SPL Phonitor x: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: Its USB, coaxial and optical inputs require an optional DAC module, so digital playback costs extra.
Why pick the Chord DAVE: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 110 dB, so noise and distortion stay clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: It costs vastly more than the Fosi Audio ZH3, which rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests.
Buy the SPL Phonitor x. It is rated higher than the Chord DAVE and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SPL Phonitor x | Chord DAVE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,200.00 | $14,900.00 |
| Ranked | #15 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #18 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, single-ended 6.35 mm; balanced XLR rated 700 mW) | 1,400 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR headphone, XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA; USB-B, coaxial, optical with optional DAC768xs module | USB-B, 4 x coaxial (BNC), 2 x optical, AES/EBU |
| Outputs | XLR, RCA | RCA, XLR |
| DAC Chip | AK4490 (optional DAC768xs module) | Custom FPGA (Xilinx Spartan 6) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized Alps pot, IR remote learnable) | Digital (rotary encoder, remote) |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 3.9” x 11.8” (278 x 100 x 300 mm) | 13.2” x 3.1” x 6” (335 x 78 x 152 mm) |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4,400 g) | 11 lbs (5 kg) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 154 mW (manufacturer rated) |
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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
SPL Phonitor x: $3,200.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening. It is rated for 1,000 mW into 32 ohms from the 6.35 mm jack and 700 mW from its 4-pin XLR balanced output, enough for most planar magnetic headphones. It adds XLR and RCA inputs and outputs, a motorized volume knob and a learnable IR remote.
Cons: Its USB, coaxial and optical inputs require an optional DAC module, so digital playback costs extra. It costs far more than the JDS Labs Element IV, which rates higher, measures cleaner and has more rated power.
Full SPL Phonitor x review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR headphone, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | AK4490 (optional DAC768xs module) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 3.9” x 11.8” (278 x 100 x 300 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA; USB-B, coaxial, optical with optional DAC768xs module |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, single-ended 6.35 mm; balanced XLR rated 700 mW) |
| Outputs | XLR, RCA |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized Alps pot, IR remote learnable) |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4,400 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Chord DAVE: $14,900.00 Audio46 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 110 dB, so noise and distortion stay clean for nearly all listening. Chord rates it at 1,400 mW into 33 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and it doubles as a full DAC preamp with USB, four coaxial, two optical and AES/EBU inputs plus RCA and XLR outputs. A remote and digital volume control make it easy to run as the hub of a desktop or speaker system.
Cons: It costs vastly more than the Fosi Audio ZH3, which rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests. Its only headphone jack is a single 6.35 mm socket with no balanced headphone output, and at 5 kg it is a large desktop unit.
Full Chord DAVE review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | Custom FPGA (Xilinx Spartan 6) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 13.2” x 3.1” x 6” (335 x 78 x 152 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB-B, 4 x coaxial (BNC), 2 x optical, AES/EBU |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 154 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,400 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (rotary encoder, remote) |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons