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 Topping DX3 Pro+ ranks #10, rated 4.8/5, and costs $199, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the Topping DX1 II: 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.
Why pick the Topping DX3 Pro+: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: There is no balanced headphone output, only a 6.35 mm jack.
Buy the Topping DX1 II. It is rated higher than the Topping DX3 Pro+ and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping DX1 II | Topping DX3 Pro+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.00 | $199.00 |
| Ranked | #6 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #10 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) | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 1,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm (TRRS headset with mic), 4.4 mm balanced | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, 4.4 mm balanced line out, optical | RCA |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M | ES9038Q2M |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 1.3” x 3.9” (100 x 32 x 100 mm) | 4.7” x 1.6” x 6.5” (120 x 40 x 165 mm) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
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How Topping DX1 II compares with other leading options:
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- 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
Topping DX3 Pro+: $199.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Topping rates it at 1,800 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and it accepts USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth with SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD and LDAC, plus an RCA line output.
Cons: There is no balanced headphone output, only a 6.35 mm jack. The Topping DX5 II rates higher, measured cleaner and is rated at far more balanced power for a bit more.
Full Topping DX3 Pro+ review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 4.7” x 1.6” x 6.5” (120 x 40 x 165 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons