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 Sennheiser HDV 820 ranks #34, rated 3.6/5, and costs $1,999.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Woo Audio WA11 Topaz is the better-sounding pick. 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. Watch for: The Khadas Tone2 Pro rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests for a small fraction of the price.
What the Sennheiser HDV 820 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 108 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: Sennheiser doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so it is hard to judge how well it drives low impedance planar headphones.
Buy the Woo Audio WA11 Topaz. It is rated higher than the Sennheiser HDV 820 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Woo Audio WA11 Topaz | Sennheiser HDV 820 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099 | $1,999.95 |
| Ranked | #27 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #34 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) | 108 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, optical, coaxial, RCA, XLR |
| Battery Life | 6 hours | - |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre (model not specified) | ES9028PRO |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 6.1” x 3.3” x 1.1” (155 x 85 x 27 mm) | 8.8” x 1.7” x 12” (224 x 44 x 306 mm) |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (426 g) | 5.3 lbs (2.39 kg) |
| Outputs | - | XLR |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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- 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
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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 Luxsin X8
- Woo Audio WA11 Topaz vs Chord Mojo 2
- 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
Sennheiser HDV 820: $1,999.95 Sennheiser eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 108 dB, clean for nearly all listening. It has 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4-pin XLR balanced headphone outputs, and accepts USB, optical, coaxial, RCA and XLR inputs, so it can also serve as a standalone amp for another DAC.
Cons: Sennheiser doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so it is hard to judge how well it drives low impedance planar headphones. The Loxjie D40 rates higher and measured much cleaner for a small fraction of the price.
Full Sennheiser HDV 820 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9028PRO |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.8” x 1.7” x 12” (224 x 44 x 306 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, RCA, XLR |
| Outputs | XLR |
| SINAD | 108 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.39 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons