Short answer: the Topping D50 III. It ranks #1 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.9/5, at $229. The Soncoz LA-QXD1 ranks #21, rated 4.6/5, at $219, $10 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Topping D50 III is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured 123 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. Watch for: Bluetooth lacks aptX and AAC, offering only SBC and LDAC.
The case for the Soncoz LA-QXD1: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: It is a DAC only with no headphone output and no Bluetooth input.
Buy the Topping D50 III. It is rated higher, and saving $10 with the Soncoz LA-QXD1 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping D50 III | Soncoz LA-QXD1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $229.00 | $219.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 30 in DACs | #21 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, 6.35 mm TRS balanced | RCA, XLR, coaxial |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | - |
| Volume Control | Digital (joystick, remote) | Digital (buttons) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 4.9” x 1” x 5.2” (125 x 26 x 131 mm) | 5.9” x 1.5” x 3.4” (149.3 x 37 x 87 mm) |
| Weight | - | 1.1 lbs (500 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
- Topping D50 III vs SMSL SU-6
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
Soncoz LA-QXD1: $219.00 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening. It accepts USB, optical and coaxial and connects to an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR outputs, with digital volume control for driving speakers directly.
Cons: It is a DAC only with no headphone output and no Bluetooth input. The SMSL SU-2 rates higher with better measured SINAD for less.
Full Soncoz LA-QXD1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 1.5” x 3.4” (149.3 x 37 x 87 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, coaxial |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (500 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons