Short answer: the Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE if measured performance matters most, the Sonnect SoundWire if price matters most, though neither ranks well in its class. The Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE ranks #29 of 30 DACs, rated 2.8/5, at $3,799. The Sonnect SoundWire ranks #30, rated 2.4/5, at $165, $3,634 cheaper. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 30 DACs, so if measured performance matters, consider the Topping D50 III instead, ranked #1 at $229.
The Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE is the better-sounding pick. It has a wide range of inputs, including USB, two coaxial, two optical, AES/EBU and I2S over HDMI, and connects to an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR. The tradeoff: Audio Science Review measured just 90 dB SINAD, far behind modern DACs, which leaves noise and distortion that sensitive systems may reveal.
Why pick the Sonnect SoundWire: It turns a USB-C phone or computer into a source with two transformer isolated XLR line outputs, which suits connecting directly to powered speakers, mixers or PA systems. The catch: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 85 dB, a level of noise and distortion that is an audible weakness.
Buy the Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE if measured performance matters more than the price. Buy the Sonnect SoundWire if the price matters more than measured performance.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE | Sonnect SoundWire | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,799 | $165.00 |
| Ranked | #29 of 30 in DACs | #30 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 90 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 85 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x coaxial, 2 x optical, AES/EBU, I2S (HDMI) | USB-C |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | 2 x XLR (transformer-isolated) |
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO | - |
| Volume Control | Digital (defeatable), remote | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 4.1” x 13.5” (216 x 105 x 343 mm) | - |
| Weight | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) | 0.3 lbs (140 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE compares with other leading options:
- SMSL VMV D3 vs Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE
- Topping D50 III vs Sonnect SoundWire
- Soncoz LA-QXD1 vs Sonnect SoundWire
- SMSL D-6S vs Sonnect SoundWire
- Fosi Audio ZD3 vs Sonnect SoundWire
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
Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE: $3,799 Wyred 4 Sound eBay
Pros: It has a wide range of inputs, including USB, two coaxial, two optical, AES/EBU and I2S over HDMI, and connects to an amp or powered speakers through RCA or balanced XLR. A defeatable digital volume control and remote let it act as a preamp.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured just 90 dB SINAD, far behind modern DACs, which leaves noise and distortion that sensitive systems may reveal. The SMSL PS200 PRO rates much higher with far better measured SINAD for a small fraction of the cost.
Full Wyred4Sound DAC-2v2 SE review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 4.1” x 13.5” (216 x 105 x 343 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, 2 x coaxial, 2 x optical, AES/EBU, I2S (HDMI) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 90 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (defeatable), remote |
| Weight | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sonnect SoundWire: $165.00 Sonnect eBay
Pros: It turns a USB-C phone or computer into a source with two transformer isolated XLR line outputs, which suits connecting directly to powered speakers, mixers or PA systems.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 85 dB, a level of noise and distortion that is an audible weakness. It has no headphone output and no volume control of its own. The Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter measures cleaner and rates higher for far less, although it lacks XLR outputs.
Full Sonnect SoundWire review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | DAC |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Outputs | 2 x XLR (transformer-isolated) |
| SINAD | 85 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs (140 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons