Short answer: the Topping G5. It ranks #7 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, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Topping G5: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: Its 175 mW into 300 ohms limits headroom with high-impedance headphones.
The case for the Aune X1s GT: Audio Science Review measured 114 dB SINAD, which keeps noise and distortion clean for nearly all listening. The catch: It costs more than the Topping DX3 Pro+, which rates the same with higher measured SINAD and more rated power.
Buy the Topping G5. It is rated higher than the Aune X1s GT 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 G5 | Aune X1s GT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $319.00 |
| Ranked | #7 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 | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 175 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm analog | USB, optical, coaxial, 10 MHz clock (BNC) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC | - |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (USB), 10 hours (Bluetooth), 25 hours (analog) | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9068AS | - |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 5.5” x 0.7” (70 x 140 x 18 mm) | - |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (265 g) | - |
| Outputs | - | RCA line out, RCA pre out |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Topping G5 compares with other leading options:
- SMSL DO400 vs Topping G5
- D&A Alpha vs Topping G5
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Topping G5
- Topping DX5 II vs Topping G5
- Topping G5 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 G5: $299.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 1,200 mW into 32 ohms is unusual for a battery unit and handles most planars, with 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs. It runs about 9 hours on USB, 10 on Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, and 25 as an analog amp, and weighs 265 g.
Cons: Its 175 mW into 300 ohms limits headroom with high-impedance headphones. The Topping DX1 II rates the same and measures slightly cleaner for much less, though it is not portable. At 140 mm long and 18 mm thick, it suits a bag better than a pocket.
Full Topping G5 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (USB), 10 hours (Bluetooth), 25 hours (analog) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9068AS |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 5.5” x 0.7” (70 x 140 x 18 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm analog |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 175 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (265 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