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 Hugo 2 ranks #17, rated 4.5/5, at $2,595, $605 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
Why pick 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 Hugo 2: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening, and Chord rates it at 740 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones. The tradeoff: It costs far more than the SMSL DS20, which rates the same and measured higher SINAD.
Buy the SPL Phonitor x. It is rated higher, and the $605 you would save on the Chord Hugo 2 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SPL Phonitor x | Chord Hugo 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,200.00 | $2,595.00 |
| Ranked | #15 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #17 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) | 112 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) | 740 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced | 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR headphone, XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA; USB-B, coaxial, optical with optional DAC768xs module | Micro USB, optical, coaxial (3.5 mm), Bluetooth |
| Outputs | XLR, RCA | RCA |
| DAC Chip | AK4490 (optional DAC768xs module) | Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA (Chord pulse array) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized Alps pot, IR remote learnable) | Digital (1 dB steps) |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 3.9” x 11.8” (278 x 100 x 300 mm) | 3.9” x 0.8” x 5.1” (100 x 21 x 130 mm) |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4,400 g) | 0.8 lbs (365 g) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 94 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Battery Life | - | 6 hours |
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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 Hugo 2: $2,595.00 Headphones.com eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening, and Chord rates it at 740 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones. It is a battery powered portable unit with about 6 hours of play, Bluetooth with aptX, and optical, coaxial and USB inputs. RCA outputs let it double as a home DAC.
Cons: It costs far more than the SMSL DS20, which rates the same and measured higher SINAD. There is no balanced headphone output, the USB port is the older micro USB type, and battery life is short at about 6 hours.
Full Chord Hugo 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Battery Life | 6 hours |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| DAC Chip | Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA (Chord pulse array) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 0.8” x 5.1” (100 x 21 x 130 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | Micro USB, optical, coaxial (3.5 mm), Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 94 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 740 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (1 dB steps) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (365 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons