3 Alternatives to the LOXJIE A30 Desktop DAC/Amp That Make Sense for Different Buyers

If you’re shopping for an alternative to the LOXJIE A30, the first thing to understand is that you’re not just comparing price tags — you’re comparing use cases. The LOXJIE is a desktop all-rounder: a Class D amp based on the MA12070 platform, with Bluetooth 5.0, DAC functionality and remote control convenience. That makes it a neat choice for small systems, but if your priority is headphone sound quality above all else, a dedicated pair of audiophile headphones can be a far more meaningful upgrade than a feature-packed amp. The three options below each solve a different problem.

HIFIMAN SUNDARA Planar Magnetic Over Ear Hi-Fi Headphones — £169.00, 4.4★

At £169.00, the Sundara lands almost exactly on the LOXJIE A30’s price, but it’s a completely different purchase. Instead of buying a source and amplification hub, you’re putting your money into the transducer itself — and that usually has the biggest impact on sound quality. The Sundara is a planar magnetic headphone with large, ultra-thin diaphragm drivers that are known for speed, low distortion and excellent detail retrieval. In practice, that means cleaner bass texture, more precise transient attack and a more open, airy presentation than most budget desktop amps can deliver through average headphones.

The trade-off is obvious: the Sundara doesn’t replace the LOXJIE A30’s DAC, Bluetooth or speaker amp functions. You’ll need a decent headphone source or amp to get the best from it, because planar magnetic headphones typically like more current than easy-to-drive dynamics. Sensitivity is not especially high, so while a phone or weak dongle may make sound, it won’t show you what the Sundara can really do. If you already have a capable DAC/amp, this is the more sonically rewarding spend; if you need an all-in-one unit, it is not a direct substitute.

Build quality is a strong point. The Sundara uses a lightweight metal frame and open-back cups that feel more premium than many similarly priced wireless or gaming-style headphones. Comfort is generally good for long sessions, though the clamp and pad feel are more audiophile than plush-luxury. The open-back design also means sound leakage is significant, so this is for quiet rooms, not shared spaces.

Verdict: choose the Sundara if you want the biggest audible improvement for near-identical money and already have a suitable amp or DAC. It’s the best pick for listeners who care about resolution, speed and a natural, spacious presentation.

Sennheiser HD 600 — £329.99, 4.7★

The HD 600 is the premium option here, and at £329.99 it costs a lot more than the LOXJIE A30 — roughly £160 extra. That price jump buys you a classic reference-style tuning that has remained beloved for years: balanced mids, smooth treble and a remarkably truthful vocal presentation. If the LOXJIE A30 is about convenience and versatility, the HD 600 is about pure listening fidelity. Its sound is less flashy than many modern planars, but for acoustic, jazz, folk, classical and vocal-driven music it can be deeply satisfying.

Technically, the HD 600 is a 300-ohm open-back dynamic headphone, and that high impedance matters. It generally performs best with a proper headphone amplifier that can supply voltage cleanly. This is where the LOXJIE A30 may actually be useful as a partner rather than a competitor: its headphone output can help drive the HD 600 more effectively than a laptop or phone. So while the HD 600 is an alternative to buying the LOXJIE as your only audio box, it can also be the kind of headphone you buy alongside a desktop amp like it.

In build terms, the HD 600 is all about durability and serviceability rather than flashy materials. The modular design, replaceable pads and headband parts, and the familiar Sennheiser frame make it a long-term ownership piece. It feels less luxurious in the hand than the price suggests, but it is sturdy and practical. Comfort is excellent for many users thanks to the light clamp and low weight, though the velour pads and open-back design again mean it is strictly for home listening.

Verdict: choose the HD 600 if you want a more mature, natural and midrange-focused sound, and you’re willing to pay extra for a headphone that can become a reference in your system. It’s the best choice for serious music lovers who value tonal accuracy over excitement.

HiFiMAN Edition XS Stealth Magnets Planar Magnetic Hi-Fi Headphones + Headphone Travel Case — £189.00, 4.2★

The Edition XS sits between the Sundara and the HD 600 in price, but it brings a very different flavour. At £189.00, it’s only £19 more than the LOXJIE A30, which makes it one of the most interesting value plays here if you’re primarily chasing sound quality rather than system features. Like the Sundara, it uses planar magnetic drivers, but the Edition XS is known for a larger, more expansive soundstage and a more effortless sense of scale. The inclusion of stealth magnets helps reduce interference and can improve driver behaviour, which in practice can translate into cleaner imaging and a more refined top end.

The practical impact is that the Edition XS often sounds bigger and more immersive than similarly priced headphones, especially with live recordings, orchestral works and wide stereo mixes. Bass is typically strong, controlled and textured, while the open-back design gives it a more speaker-like presentation than closed alternatives. Compared with the LOXJIE A30, you are again giving up the amp/DAC/Bluetooth/remote convenience, but if your real goal is to hear more of what your music contains, this is a compelling trade.

Build quality is good but not as confidence-inspiring as the Sennheiser. The Edition XS is more modern and visually striking, and the included travel case is a nice bonus, but some listeners find HIFIMAN’s construction less robust-feeling than the HD 600’s tried-and-tested modular approach. Comfort is generally good thanks to the large earcups and open fit, though headband support and weight distribution can be divisive depending on head shape.

Verdict: choose the Edition XS if you want a huge, spacious presentation and plan to use a capable headphone amp or DAC/amp. It is the most obvious “sound quality first” alternative for listeners who want a more expansive, modern planar sound without jumping to premium pricing.

So which alternative should you choose? If you want the closest price match and the biggest jump in headphone performance, the HIFIMAN Sundara is the sweet spot. If you want the most refined, natural and long-haul audiophile tuning, the Sennheiser HD 600 is the benchmark — though it costs considerably more. If you want a larger soundstage and a more immersive planar presentation for only a small premium, the HiFiMAN Edition XS is the most exciting value option.

One final point: the LOXJIE A30 is still a very sensible buy if you need one box to do everything — especially for desktop speakers, a headphone output, Bluetooth 5.0 streaming and remote control convenience. But if your main goal is to hear better music, not just manage it more easily, one of these alternatives may be the smarter purchase.