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 Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC ranks #19, rated 4.4/5, and costs $239, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Topping DX3 Pro+ is the better-sounding option. 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.
The case for the Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 109 dB with the Mesh DAC fitted, clean enough that noise and distortion stay out of the way for nearly all listening. Watch for: There are no balanced outputs and the only digital input is USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth.
Buy the Topping DX3 Pro+. It is rated higher than the Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping DX3 Pro+ | Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 | $239.00 |
| Ranked | #10 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #19 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) | 109 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,800 mW (manufacturer rated) | 2,500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) | 415 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm | - |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB-C, RCA |
| Outputs | RCA | RCA (preamp) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M | Schiit Mesh (optional internal DAC) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 4.7” x 1.6” x 6.5” (120 x 40 x 165 mm) | 5” x 1.3” x 3.5” (127 x 32 x 89 mm) |
| Weight | - | 2 lbs (907 g) |
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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
Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC: $239.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 109 dB with the Mesh DAC fitted, clean enough that noise and distortion stay out of the way for nearly all listening. Schiit rates it at 2.5 W into 32 ohms and 415 mW into 300 ohms, enough for power hungry planar magnetic and high impedance headphones, and its RCA preamp outputs can also feed powered speakers.
Cons: There are no balanced outputs and the only digital input is USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth. The Topping DX3 Pro+ rates higher for less and adds those extra inputs.
Full Schiit Magni Unity with Mesh DAC review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | Schiit Mesh (optional internal DAC) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5” x 1.3” x 3.5” (127 x 32 x 89 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, RCA |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 415 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA (preamp) |
| SINAD | 109 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons