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 SMSL DS20 ranks #16, rated 4.5/5, at $189.99, $9.01 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Topping DX3 Pro+: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: There is no balanced headphone output, only a 6.35 mm jack.
What the SMSL DS20 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It only accepts USB-C, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth input, and volume is set with buttons.
Buy the Topping DX3 Pro+. It is rated higher, and the $9.01 saving on the SMSL DS20 is not enough to make up the difference.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping DX3 Pro+ | SMSL DS20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 | $189.99 |
| Ranked | #10 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 | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,800 mW (manufacturer rated) | 500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | No | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB-C |
| Outputs | RCA | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M | 4 x CS43131 |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Digital (buttons) |
| Dimensions | 4.7” x 1.6” x 6.5” (120 x 40 x 165 mm) | 2.8” x 4.7” x 0.7” (71 x 118.5 x 17 mm) |
| Weight | - | 0.6 lbs (275 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Topping DX3 Pro+ compares with other leading options:
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Topping DX3 Pro+
- Topping DX5 II vs Topping DX3 Pro+
- Topping DX1 II vs Topping DX3 Pro+
- Topping G5 vs Topping DX3 Pro+
- SMSL DL100 vs Topping DX3 Pro+
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
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