Short answer: the xDuoo DM-01, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #41 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 2.4/5, at $279. The HiFime UDA38Pro ranks #42, rated 1.6/5, at $249, $30 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 43 DAC and headphone amp combos, so if measured performance matters, consider the SMSL RAW-MDA1 instead, ranked #3 at $279.99.
The xDuoo DM-01 is the better-sounding pick. It supports a long list of Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC, aptX Adaptive and LC3, alongside USB-C. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured just 38 dB SINAD, a severe and audible level of noise and distortion.
Why pick the HiFime UDA38Pro: It combines a DAC and headphone amp with USB and optical inputs and an RCA line output in a small 0.5 lbs (220 g) box. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 70 dB, a real audible weakness that can show up as noise or distortion.
Buy the xDuoo DM-01. It is rated higher, and the $30 you would save on the HiFime UDA38Pro does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| xDuoo DM-01 | HiFime UDA38Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.00 | $249.00 |
| Ranked | #41 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #42 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 38 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 70 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,500 mW (manufacturer rated) | 125 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, external 9 V supply; 70 mW on USB power) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth | USB-B, optical |
| Outputs | AUX line out | RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LC3 | - |
| DAC Chip | CS43131 | ES9038PRO |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 3.4” x 2.4” (175 x 86 x 60 mm) | 3.9” x 3.1” x 1.2” (100 x 80 x 30 mm) (as listed, axis order unstated) |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (730 g) | 0.5 lbs (220 g) |
| Volume Control | - | Digital (58 steps) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to xDuoo DM-01:
- Fosi Audio K7 vs xDuoo DM-01
- Loxjie D40 vs xDuoo DM-01
- Qudelix T71 vs xDuoo DM-01
- Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital vs xDuoo DM-01
- Leckerton Audio UHA-6S.MKII vs xDuoo DM-01
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
xDuoo DM-01: $279.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: It supports a long list of Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC, aptX Adaptive and LC3, alongside USB-C. A rated 1.5 W into 32 ohms is enough power on paper for most planar magnetic headphones.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured just 38 dB SINAD, a severe and audible level of noise and distortion. There is only a single unbalanced 6.35 mm output, and the Loxjie D30 rates far higher and measures transparent for much less.
Full xDuoo DM-01 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LC3 |
| DAC Chip | CS43131 |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 3.4” x 2.4” (175 x 86 x 60 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | AUX line out |
| SINAD | 38 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (730 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
HiFime UDA38Pro: $249.00 HiFime eBay
Pros: It combines a DAC and headphone amp with USB and optical inputs and an RCA line output in a small 220 g box. HiFime rates it at 125 mW into 30 ohms with its external 9 V supply, which drives most headphones.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 70 dB, a real audible weakness that can show up as noise or distortion. Power drops to 70 mW on USB power alone, there is only a 3.5 mm output with no balanced option, and the Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital rates higher and measured far cleaner.
Full HiFime UDA38Pro review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9038PRO |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 3.1” x 1.2” (100 x 80 x 30 mm) (as listed, axis order unstated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-B, optical |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 125 mW into 30 ohms (manufacturer rated, external 9 V supply; 70 mW on USB power) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 70 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (58 steps) |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (220 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons