Short answer: the Topping D50 III. It ranks #1 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.9/5, at $229. The SMSL SU-6 ranks #20, rated 4.6/5, at $169.99, $59.01 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Topping D50 III is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The tradeoff: Bluetooth lacks aptX and AAC, offering only SBC and LDAC.
What the SMSL SU-6 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports aptX HD Bluetooth, which the Topping D50 III lacks. Watch for: It has only RCA outputs, with no balanced XLR.
Buy the Topping D50 III. It is rated higher, and saving $59.01 with the SMSL SU-6 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping D50 III | SMSL SU-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $229.00 | $169.99 |
| Ranked | #1 of 30 in DACs | #20 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS line out) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, 6.35 mm TRS balanced | RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | ES9038Q2M |
| Volume Control | Digital (joystick, remote) | - |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 4.9” x 1” x 5.2” (125 x 26 x 131 mm) | 5.5” x 1.1” x 4.1” (140 x 28 x 105 mm) |
| Weight | - | 0.8 lbs (350 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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- Topping D50 III vs SMSL D-6S
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- Topping D50 III vs SMSL D200
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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
Topping D50 III: $229.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It packs USB-C, optical, coaxial and LDAC Bluetooth inputs, a remote controlled volume, 10 band parametric EQ and balanced TRS outputs into a compact chassis for an amp or powered speakers. It matches the rating of the Topping D900 for a small fraction of the price.
Cons: Balanced output uses 6.35 mm TRS jacks rather than XLR, so XLR gear needs adapter cables. Bluetooth lacks aptX and AAC, offering only SBC and LDAC.
Full Topping D50 III review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 4.9” x 1” x 5.2” (125 x 26 x 131 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, 6.35 mm TRS balanced |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (joystick, remote) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SMSL SU-6: $169.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It accepts USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC, which makes it a flexible source for powered speakers or a separate amp. It is compact at 140 x 105 mm and 350 g.
Cons: It has only RCA outputs, with no balanced XLR. The SMSL SU-2 rates higher and measures cleaner at 123 dB for less. No volume control is listed, so it relies on the connected amp or speakers.
Full SMSL SU-6 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2021 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 1.1” x 4.1” (140 x 28 x 105 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (350 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons