Short answer: the Topping E2x2. It ranks #2 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 4.3/5, at $159; the MOTU M2 ranks #6, rated 3.8/5, and costs $199.95, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Topping E2x2 is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening, and the maker rates the headphone output at 580 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones. The tradeoff: Its playback converter measures a little behind the Topping M62 and the MOTU M series, and Audio Science Review judged the DAC good rather than exceptional.
What the MOTU M2 does well: Audio Science Review measured 111 dB SINAD from its ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, clean for nearly all listening. The tradeoff: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, and Audio Science Review judged the headphone amplifier barely adequate on power and the recording converter only adequate.
Buy the Topping E2x2. It is rated higher than the MOTU M2 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 E2x2 | MOTU M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $199.95 |
| Ranked | #2 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #6 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Analog potentiometer knobs | Hardware knob |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR outs) | Yes (TRS monitor outs) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 580 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Inputs | - | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), MIDI in, USB-C |
| Outputs | - | 2 balanced 6.35 mm TRS, 2 RCA (mirrored), headphone |
| Headphone Outputs | - | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| DAC Chip | - | ESS Sabre32 Ultra |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Topping E2x2 compares with other leading options:
- Topping M62 vs Topping E2x2
- Topping E2x2 vs MOTU M4
- Topping E2x2 vs Arturia MiniFuse 2
- Topping E2x2 vs Tascam Series 102i
- Topping E2x2 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 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 E2x2: $159.00 Amazon $159.00 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, clean for nearly all listening, and the maker rates the headphone output at 580 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones. Audio Science Review also found its recording converter and headphone amplifier performed very well, and it has XLR combo mic inputs with phantom power, balanced XLR outputs and analog volume knobs. It rates higher than the MOTU M2 for less.
Cons: Its playback converter measures a little behind the Topping M62 and the MOTU M series, and Audio Science Review judged the DAC good rather than exceptional. There is no battery or Bluetooth input, so it stays tethered to a computer.
Full Topping E2x2 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR outs) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 580 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Analog potentiometer knobs |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
MOTU M2: $199.95 Amazon $199.95 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 111 dB SINAD from its ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, clean for nearly all listening. It has two XLR/TRS combo inputs for mic, line or instrument, balanced TRS monitor outputs with mirrored RCA outputs, MIDI in, level meters and a hardware volume knob, all powered over USB-C.
Cons: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, and Audio Science Review judged the headphone amplifier barely adequate on power and the recording converter only adequate. The Topping E2x2 rates higher for less.
Full MOTU M2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS monitor outs) |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 Ultra |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), MIDI in, USB-C |
| Outputs | 2 balanced 6.35 mm TRS, 2 RCA (mirrored), headphone |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons