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 X9 ranks #29, rated 4.0/5, at $1,099. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
The case for 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 tradeoff: The Khadas Tone2 Pro rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests for a small fraction of the price.
Why pick the Luxsin X9: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: Luxsin doesn’t publish an output power figure into 32 ohms.
Buy the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz. It is rated higher than the Luxsin X9 at the same price, 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
| Woo Audio WA11 Topaz | Luxsin X9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099 | $1,099.00 |
| Ranked | #27 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #29 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) | 121 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, HDMI ARC, RCA, Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | 6 hours | - |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre (model not specified) | AK4191EQ + AK4499EX |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 6.1” x 3.3” x 1.1” (155 x 85 x 27 mm) | 11.8” x 2.6” x 8.1” (300 x 65 x 206 mm) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (426 g) | 8.2 lbs (3,720 g) |
| Outputs | - | RCA, XLR, RCA subwoofer |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Woo Audio WA11 Topaz:
- 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 X8
- 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 X9: $1,099.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Its input list is unusually broad, covering USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, RCA and Bluetooth, with RCA, XLR and a dedicated subwoofer output that suit a TV or desktop speaker system. Headphone outputs include 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4-pin XLR.
Cons: Luxsin doesn’t publish an output power figure into 32 ohms. It costs several times more than the Loxjie D40, which rates the same and measures slightly cleaner. Bluetooth tops out at AAC, and at 3,720 g and 300 mm wide it is large and heavy.
Full Luxsin X9 review and specifications →
| Released | 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| DAC Chip | AK4191EQ + AK4499EX |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 11.8” x 2.6” x 8.1” (300 x 65 x 206 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical, coaxial, HDMI ARC, RCA, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR, RCA subwoofer |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs (3,720 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons