Short answer: the Topping DX3 Pro+. It ranks #10 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $199; the Fosi Audio ZH3 ranks #12, rated 4.7/5, and costs $199.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Topping DX3 Pro+: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: There is no balanced headphone output, only a 6.35 mm jack.
Why pick the Fosi Audio ZH3: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: The Topping DX1 II rates higher and measures cleaner at 121 dB for less money, though with less rated power.
Buy the Topping DX3 Pro+. It is rated higher than the Fosi Audio ZH3 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping DX3 Pro+ | Fosi Audio ZH3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #10 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 | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,800 mW (manufacturer rated) | 2,570 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | No | Yes (4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA |
| Outputs | RCA | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M | AK4493SEQ |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | - |
| Dimensions | 4.7” x 1.6” x 6.5” (120 x 40 x 165 mm) | - |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (bass and treble) |
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- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Topping DX3 Pro+
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- Topping DX1 II vs Topping DX3 Pro+
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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 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
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