Short answer: the Topping DX5 II. It ranks #4 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.9/5, at $299; the Aune X1s GT ranks #11, rated 4.8/5, and costs $319, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the Topping DX5 II: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: The Topping DX1 II shares its rating for well under half the price and still delivers about 1 W into 32 ohms, which is plenty for most headphones.
What the Aune X1s GT does well: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, which keeps noise and distortion clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: It costs more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates the same with higher measured SINAD and more rated power.
Buy the Topping DX5 II. It is rated higher than the Aune X1s GT 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 DX5 II | Aune X1s GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $319.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #11 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 990 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, 10 MHz clock (BNC) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA line out, RCA pre out |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | - |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 1.7” x 6.1” (190 x 44 x 155 mm) | - |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (945 g) | - |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Topping DX5 II:
- SMSL DO400 vs Topping DX5 II
- D&A Alpha vs Topping DX5 II
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Topping DX5 II
- Topping DX5 II vs Topping G5
- Topping DX5 II vs JDS Labs Element IV
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 DX5 II: $299.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 6.4 W into 32 ohms and 990 mW into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, through 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4 pin XLR outputs. It adds a 10 band parametric EQ, Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, and RCA and XLR line outputs, matching the rating of the SMSL DO400 for less.
Cons: The Topping DX1 II shares its rating for well under half the price and still delivers about 1 W into 32 ohms, which is plenty for most headphones. Its full size chassis takes more desk space than compact all in ones.
Full Topping DX5 II review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 1.7” x 6.1” (190 x 44 x 155 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 990 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (945 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Aune X1s GT: $319.00 Aune official store eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, which keeps noise and distortion clean for nearly all listening. Aune rates it at 1,200 mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4 mm balanced jack, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and it takes USB, optical and coaxial inputs plus an external 10 MHz clock. RCA line and preamp outputs let it feed powered speakers too.
Cons: It costs more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates the same with higher measured SINAD and more rated power. The SMSL RAW-MDA1 rates higher for less, and there is no Bluetooth input.
Full Aune X1s GT review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, 10 MHz clock (BNC) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA line out, RCA pre out |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons