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 SMSL DS20 ranks #16, rated 4.5/5, and costs $189.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Topping DX1 II is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: Inputs are limited to USB-C and optical, with no coaxial or Bluetooth.
Why pick the SMSL DS20: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It only accepts USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth input, and volume is set with buttons.
Buy the Topping DX1 II. It is rated higher than the SMSL DS20 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping DX1 II | SMSL DS20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.00 | $189.99 |
| Ranked | #6 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #16 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) | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm (TRRS headset with mic), 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical | USB-C |
| Outputs | RCA, 4.4 mm balanced line out, optical | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M | 4 x CS43131 |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 1.3” x 3.9” (100 x 32 x 100 mm) | 2.8” x 4.7” x 0.7” (71 x 118.5 x 17 mm) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | - | 0.6 lbs (275 g) |
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 Fosi Audio ZH3
- 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
SMSL DS20: $189.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 500 mW into 32 ohms and 120 mW into 300 ohms drives most headphones, through 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm balanced outputs. At 17 mm thick and 275 g, it is slim enough to sit on a desk or travel in a bag.
Cons: It only accepts USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth input, and volume is set with buttons. The Topping DX1 II rates higher, measures cleaner and adds optical input for less. The Fosi Audio ZH3 offers far more rated power for a similar price.
Full SMSL DS20 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 4 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 4.7” x 0.7” (71 x 118.5 x 17 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (275 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons