Short answer: the Topping E2x2. It ranks #2 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 4.3/5, at $159. The Tascam Series 102i ranks #12, rated 2.9/5, at $149, $10 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
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. The catch: 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 Tascam Series 102i does well: Audio Science Review measured 103 dB SINAD from its line outputs, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: Its headphone output is rated at only 18 mW, enough for in ear monitors and easy headphones only, and Audio Science Review judged it poor with a high output impedance.
Buy the Topping E2x2. It is rated higher, and the $10 saving on the Tascam Series 102i is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping E2x2 | Tascam Series 102i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #2 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #12 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 103 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Analog potentiometer knobs | Hardware knob |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR outs) | Yes (TRS line outs) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 580 mW (manufacturer rated) | 18 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Inputs | - | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/instrument), optical S/MUX, USB, MIDI in |
| Outputs | - | 2 balanced TRS line outs, 2 headphone, MIDI out |
| Headphone Outputs | - | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Dimensions | - | 7.3” x 2.6” x 6.3” (186 x 65 x 160 mm) |
| Weight | - | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (DSP mixer with reverb, compressor, 4-band EQ) |
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 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
Tascam Series 102i: $149.00 Amazon $149.00 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 103 dB SINAD from its line outputs, clean for nearly all listening. It offers two combo mic and instrument inputs, optical input, MIDI in and out, balanced TRS monitor outputs, two headphone jacks and a built in DSP mixer with EQ, compressor and reverb. It measured cleaner than the Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD.
Cons: Its headphone output is rated at only 18 mW, enough for in ear monitors and easy headphones only, and Audio Science Review judged it poor with a high output impedance. The same review found the ADC weak and did not recommend it. The Arturia MiniFuse 2 rates higher with far more headphone power.
Full Tascam Series 102i review and specifications →
| Released | 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS line outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 7.3” x 2.6” x 6.3” (186 x 65 x 160 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (DSP mixer with reverb, compressor, 4-band EQ) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/instrument), optical S/MUX, USB, MIDI in |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 18 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | 2 balanced TRS line outs, 2 headphone, MIDI out |
| SINAD | 103 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons