Short answer: the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz. It ranks #27 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.1/5, at $1,099. The Luxsin X8 ranks #30, rated 4.0/5, at $699, $400 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
Why pick the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz: It is a portable DAC and headphone amp with a 6 hour battery, USB-C and 4.4 mm balanced analog inputs, and 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs. The catch: The Khadas Tone2 Pro rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests for a small fraction of the price.
What the Luxsin X8 does well: Audio Science Review measured 120 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The catch: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its headroom for demanding headphones is unknown.
Buy the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz. It is rated higher, and the $400 you would save on the Luxsin X8 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Woo Audio WA11 Topaz | Luxsin X8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099 | $699.00 |
| Ranked | #27 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #30 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 101 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB-C, 4.4 mm balanced analog | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Battery Life | 6 hours | - |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre (model not specified) | 8 x CS43198 |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Digital (touchscreen, app, optional IR remote) |
| Dimensions | 6.1” x 3.3” x 1.1” (155 x 85 x 27 mm) | 9.3” x 2.5” x 9.3” (236.8 x 64 x 236 mm) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (426 g) | 6.1 lbs (2,750 g) |
| Outputs | - | RCA, XLR |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (parametric EQ and HP-EQ headphone correction via app/web) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Woo Audio WA11 Topaz compares with other leading options:
- Benchmark DAC3 HGC vs Woo Audio WA11 Topaz
- Yulong DA10 vs Woo Audio WA11 Topaz
- SPL Phonitor x vs Woo Audio WA11 Topaz
- Chord Hugo 2 vs Woo Audio WA11 Topaz
- Chord DAVE vs Woo Audio WA11 Topaz
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
Woo Audio WA11 Topaz: $1,099 Headphones.com eBay
Pros: It is a portable DAC and headphone amp with a 6 hour battery, USB-C and 4.4 mm balanced analog inputs, and 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs. Woo Audio rates it at 1,200 mW into 30 ohms balanced, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 101 dB, clean for nearly all listening.
Cons: The Khadas Tone2 Pro rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests for a small fraction of the price. Battery life is short at 6 hours, and the 1,200 mW figure applies to the balanced output.
Full Woo Audio WA11 Topaz review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 6 hours |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre (model not specified) |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 6.1” x 3.3” x 1.1” (155 x 85 x 27 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C, 4.4 mm balanced analog |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 120 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 101 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (426 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Gustard A20H
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Luxsin X9
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Chord Mojo 2
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Sennheiser HDV 820
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Chord DAVE
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Chord Hugo 2
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs SPL Phonitor x
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Yulong DA10
- See all 9 comparisons
Luxsin X8: $699.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 120 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It is packed with features: 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR headphone outputs, USB, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi inputs, a touchscreen, and parametric EQ with headphone correction through an app.
Cons: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its headroom for demanding headphones is unknown. The SMSL DS20 rates higher with a published 500 mW for far less, and at 2,750 g it is a very large desktop unit.
Full Luxsin X8 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2026 (9 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| DAC Chip | 8 x CS43198 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.3” x 2.5” x 9.3” (236.8 x 64 x 236 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (parametric EQ and HP-EQ headphone correction via app/web) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, I2S, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (touchscreen, app, optional IR remote) |
| Weight | 6.1 lbs (2,750 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons