Short answer: the Topping E2x2. It ranks #2 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 4.3/5, at $159; the Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII ranks #14, rated 2.9/5, and costs $199.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Topping E2x2 is the better-sounding pick. 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. Watch for: 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 Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII does well: It runs entirely on USB C bus power while providing two mic, line and instrument inputs, balanced monitor outputs and two headphone jacks. The tradeoff: At 94 dB SINAD, sensitive in ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise, and Audio Science Review found distortion in both the DAC and ADC rising with level and frequency, so it did not recommend it.
Buy the Topping E2x2. It is rated higher than the Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping E2x2 | Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #2 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #14 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Analog potentiometer knobs | Hardware knob |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR outs) | Yes (balanced monitor outs) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 580 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Inputs | - | 2 mic/line/instrument, USB-C |
| Outputs | - | 2 balanced monitor outs, headphone |
| Headphone Outputs | - | 2 (same mix) |
| Dimensions | - | 9.2” x 2.8” x 6.2” (234 x 70 x 157 mm) |
| Weight | - | 1.9 lbs (880 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Topping E2x2:
- Topping M62 vs Topping E2x2
- Topping E2x2 vs MOTU M2
- Topping E2x2 vs MOTU M4
- Topping E2x2 vs Arturia MiniFuse 2
- Topping E2x2 vs Tascam Series 102i
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
Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII: $199.99 Amazon $199.99 eBay
Pros: It runs entirely on USB C bus power while providing two mic, line and instrument inputs, balanced monitor outputs and two headphone jacks. Audio Science Review measured 94 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones, and liked its appearance and ergonomics.
Cons: At 94 dB SINAD, sensitive in ear monitors may reveal hiss or noise, and Audio Science Review found distortion in both the DAC and ADC rising with level and frequency, so it did not recommend it. SSL doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure. The Arturia MiniFuse 2 rates higher for a similar price.
Full Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII review and specifications →
| Released | 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (balanced monitor outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 9.2” x 2.8” x 6.2” (234 x 70 x 157 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 (same mix) |
| Inputs | 2 mic/line/instrument, USB-C |
| Outputs | 2 balanced monitor outs, headphone |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (880 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Tascam Series 102i
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Arturia MiniFuse 2
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Behringer Studio XL
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs MOTU M4
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs MOTU M2
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Topping M62