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 Topping DX3 Pro+ ranks #10, rated 4.8/5, at $199, $100 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
The case for the Topping G5: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Topping DX3 Pro+ lacks. Watch for: Its 175 mW into 300 ohms limits headroom with high-impedance headphones.
What the Topping DX3 Pro+ does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: There is no balanced headphone output, only a 6.35 mm jack.
Buy the Topping G5. It is rated higher, and saving $100 with the Topping DX3 Pro+ does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping G5 | Topping DX3 Pro+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $199.00 |
| Ranked | #7 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #10 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) | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated) | 1,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 175 mW (manufacturer rated) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm analog | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (USB), 10 hours (Bluetooth), 25 hours (analog) | - |
| DAC Chip | ES9068AS | ES9038Q2M |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 5.5” x 0.7” (70 x 140 x 18 mm) | 4.7” x 1.6” x 6.5” (120 x 40 x 165 mm) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (265 g) | - |
| Outputs | - | RCA |
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 Aune X1s GT
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
Topping DX3 Pro+: $199.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Topping rates it at 1,800 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and it accepts USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth with SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD and LDAC, plus an RCA line output.
Cons: There is no balanced headphone output, only a 6.35 mm jack. The Topping DX5 II rates higher, measured cleaner and is rated at far more balanced power for a bit more.
Full Topping DX3 Pro+ review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 4.7” x 1.6” x 6.5” (120 x 40 x 165 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons