Short answer: the Yulong DA10. Both are rated 4.6/5 (#14 and #15 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos), and the Yulong DA10 costs $1,092 against $3,200 for the SPL Phonitor x, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
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.
The case for the Yulong DA10: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: The Fosi Audio ZH3 rates higher with slightly better measured SINAD for much less.
Buy the Yulong DA10. Both are rated the same, and it costs $2,108 less than the SPL Phonitor x.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SPL Phonitor x | Yulong DA10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,200.00 | $1,092.00 |
| Ranked | #15 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #14 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) | 3,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR headphone, XLR line out) | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA; USB-B, coaxial, optical with optional DAC768xs module | USB, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical |
| Outputs | XLR, RCA | RCA, XLR |
| DAC Chip | AK4490 (optional DAC768xs module) | AK4497 |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (motorized Alps pot, IR remote learnable) | Digital (99 steps) |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 3.9” x 11.8” (278 x 100 x 300 mm) | 9.8” x 2.4” x 8.3” (248 x 60 x 210 mm) |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4,400 g) | 8.8 lbs (4 kg) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | - | 460 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to Yulong DA10:
- D&A Alpha Pro vs Yulong DA10
- JDS Labs Element IV vs Yulong DA10
- Benchmark DAC3 HGC vs Yulong DA10
- Yulong DA10 vs Chord Hugo 2
- Yulong DA10 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.
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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
Yulong DA10: $1,092.00 Apos Audio eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 112 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. Yulong rates it at 3,000 mW into 32 ohms and 460 mW into 300 ohms from the balanced 4-pin XLR jack, enough for nearly any headphone, and it accepts USB, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical with RCA and XLR outputs.
Cons: The Fosi Audio ZH3 rates higher with slightly better measured SINAD for much less. It is a large, heavy 4 kg box with no Bluetooth input.
Full Yulong DA10 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | AK4497 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 2.4” x 8.3” (248 x 60 x 210 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 460 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (99 steps) |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs (4 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons