Short answer: the Topping DX1 II. It ranks #6 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.9/5, at $119; the Fosi Audio ZH3 ranks #12, rated 4.7/5, and costs $199.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Topping DX1 II does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: Inputs are limited to USB-C and optical, with no coaxial or Bluetooth.
The case for the Fosi Audio ZH3: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: The Topping DX1 II rates higher and measures cleaner at 121 dB for less money, though with less rated power.
Buy the Topping DX1 II. It is rated higher than the Fosi Audio ZH3 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping DX1 II | Fosi Audio ZH3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.00 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #6 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #12 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 2,570 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm (TRRS headset with mic), 4.4 mm balanced | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA |
| Outputs | RCA, 4.4 mm balanced line out, optical | RCA, XLR |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M | AK4493SEQ |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | Yes (bass and treble) |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 1.3” x 3.9” (100 x 32 x 100 mm) | - |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Topping DX1 II compares with other leading options:
- SMSL DL100 vs Topping DX1 II
- Topping DX1 II vs Topping DX3 Pro+
- Topping DX1 II vs SMSL DS20
- Topping DX1 II vs Tanchjim Luna
- Topping DX1 II vs Fosi Audio SK02
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 DX1 II: $119.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 1,000 mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4 mm balanced output handles most planar magnetic headphones, and a 10-band parametric EQ and a 3.5 mm headset jack with mic support are included. It rates the same as the D&A Alpha Pro for a fraction of the cost.
Cons: Inputs are limited to USB-C and optical, with no coaxial or Bluetooth. Its 230 mW into 300 ohms is modest beside the Topping DX5 II, which rates the same with far more power but costs more. No volume knob is listed.
Full Topping DX1 II review and specifications →
| Released | May 2026 (5 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 1.3” x 3.9” (100 x 32 x 100 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm (TRRS headset with mic), 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, 4.4 mm balanced line out, optical |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Fosi Audio ZH3: $199.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening. A rated 2,570 mW into 32 ohms from the balanced output handles most planar magnetic headphones, with 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced jacks. USB, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs plus RCA and XLR outputs let it double as a preamp, and bass and treble controls are built in.
Cons: The Topping DX1 II rates higher and measures cleaner at 121 dB for less money, though with less rated power. It has no Bluetooth input, and its SINAD trails most of the top-rated units in this group.
Full Fosi Audio ZH3 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| DAC Chip | AK4493SEQ |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Equalizer | Yes (bass and treble) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,570 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons