Short answer: the SPL Phonitor x on measured measured performance, the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz on price. The SPL Phonitor x ranks #15 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos, rated 4.6/5, at $3,200. The Woo Audio WA11 Topaz ranks #27, rated 4.1/5, at $1,099, $2,101 cheaper.
The SPL Phonitor x is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: Its USB, coaxial and optical inputs require an optional DAC module, so digital playback costs extra.
The case for the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz: It is a portable DAC and headphone amp with a 6 hour battery, USB-C and 4.4 mm balanced analog inputs, and 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs. The catch: The Khadas Tone2 Pro rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests for a small fraction of the price.
Buy the SPL Phonitor x when measured performance outweighs the price for you, and the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz when the price outweighs measured performance instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SPL Phonitor x | Woo Audio WA11 Topaz | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,200.00 | $1,099 |
| Ranked | #15 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #27 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) | 101 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) | 1,200 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR headphone, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA; USB-B, coaxial, optical with optional DAC768xs module | USB-C, 4.4 mm balanced analog |
| Outputs | XLR, RCA | - |
| DAC Chip | AK4490 (optional DAC768xs module) | ESS Sabre (model not specified) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized Alps pot, IR remote learnable) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 3.9” x 11.8” (278 x 100 x 300 mm) | 6.1” x 3.3” x 1.1” (155 x 85 x 27 mm) |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4,400 g) | 0.9 lbs (426 g) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Battery Life | - | 6 hours |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How SPL Phonitor x compares with other leading options:
- D&A Alpha Pro vs SPL Phonitor x
- Benchmark DAC3 HGC vs SPL Phonitor x
- SPL Phonitor x vs Yulong DA10
- SPL Phonitor x vs Chord Hugo 2
- SPL Phonitor x vs Chord DAVE
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
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
Woo Audio WA11 Topaz: $1,099 Headphones.com eBay
Pros: It is a portable DAC and headphone amp with a 6 hour battery, USB-C and 4.4 mm balanced analog inputs, and 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs. Woo Audio rates it at 1,200 mW into 30 ohms balanced, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 101 dB, clean for nearly all listening.
Cons: The Khadas Tone2 Pro rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests for a small fraction of the price. Battery life is short at 6 hours, and the 1,200 mW figure applies to the balanced output.
Full Woo Audio WA11 Topaz review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 6 hours |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre (model not specified) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 6.1” x 3.3” x 1.1” (155 x 85 x 27 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C, 4.4 mm balanced analog |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 101 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (426 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Gustard A20H
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Luxsin X9
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Luxsin X8
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Chord Mojo 2
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Sennheiser HDV 820
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Chord DAVE
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Chord Hugo 2
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Yulong DA10
- See all 9 comparisons