Best amp for under $200

[Rayman30]

I am in the market for a replacement headphone amp, my Schiit Heresy blew up so I am hesitant to buy another one, also hesitant to buy an L30 because of known defects, I would like something that is similar in power and measurements that will power planars and HD-650s.

I am eye balling the JDS Labs Atom, the plastic design puts me off a bit, is this the most logical choice?

 

[Doodski]

For less than $200.00 the Atom is a great choice and they are not known for blowing up.

 

[Doodski]

and.... the plastic design can be beneficial for electrostatic discharge. The plastic has a higher resistance and causes any electrostatic discharge to be more slowly discharged. ESD cannot be stopped it can only be slowed down and discharged at a lesser rate.

 

[Rayman30]

What do you think of the El Amp 2? I really like the aesthetics but is really discernibly different in usage quality wise?

 

[Doodski]

The El Amp II apparently uses the same topography for amplification as the Atom. It's a nice all in one package. I've considered it myself. If you compare the two pics the amp sections are virtually the same.

 

[Cahudson42]

Doesn't get much love around here, but the Monolith Cavelli Liquid Spark has been working great with my HE400i the last year.

And recently, beautifully with new 18ohm HE5xx. Even in low gain mode, driven by LG V20 in 2V mode, loads of headroom. Delivers plenty of power even to these.

Well built. Great feeling volume control. Runs warm, but so far no problems at all.

 

[Rayman30]

The El Amp II apparently uses the same topography for amplification as the Atom. It's a nice all in one package. I've considered it myself but I would go with separates just cause that's how I think. If you compare the two pics the amp sections are virtually the same.

So its practically double the price for a better enclosure with indistinguishable performance differences?

 

[Doodski]

.. and I forgot the El Amp II has slightly higher power output.

 

[Doodski]

The El Amp II runs with a little more output power.

 

[Rayman30]

If it weren't for the sting of having to replace my gear, I would opt for a Topping A90. But looks like I have narrowed it down to the JDS Labs Atom or the El Amp2.

Did they ever fix the L30 issues?

 

[Doodski]

If it weren't for the sting of having to replace my gear, I would opt for a Topping A90. But looks like I have narrowed it down to the JDS Labs Atom or the El Amp2.

Did they ever fix the L30 issues?

Apparently a fix is in for the ESD issue and there is some other fix too. From serial numbers 2012 and up I think it is. So that's year 2020 month 12 I think. There was some talk of percentage of units fixed or some confusing stuff. I found that not confidence inspiring. As much as I like the Topping L30 I'm still hesitant to recommend it or to buy it for myself.

EDIT: I'm still waiting to see what happens with those fixed/modded new L30's

 

[Rayman30]

Apparently a fix is in for the ESD issue and there is some other fix too. From serial numbers 2012 and up I think it is. So that's year 2020 month 12 I think. There was some talk of percentage of units fixed or some confusing stuff. I found that not confidence inspiring. As much as I like the Topping L30 I'm still hesitant to recommend it or to buy it for myself.

EDIT: I'm still waiting to see what happens with those fixed/modded new L30's

Shame because its amazing on paper.

 

[Doodski]

Shame because its amazing on paper.

It truly is an amazingly spec'd amp. But headphones don't like being fried.

 

[Doodski]

This ASR review sums up the Atom and El Amp II differences very well.. There is apparently no audible difference. The power output graphs show the stuff.

 

[Rayman30]

Looks like the El Amp 2 is half as powerful as the Heresy though.

 

[Doodski]

Yes it certainly does.

 

[Rayman30]

Even if I wanted to splurge, the Topping A90 is out of stock! any other suggestions, lets say under $300?

Very much appreciate the help.

 

[Doodski]

I think you pretty much summed up headphone amps with the L30, Atom, El Amp II and the Heresy. Anything up to $300 is pretty much the same thing but more money. I would save the savings and buy something else.

 

[digitalfrost]

How about a Geshelli Archel?

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...hel2-headphone-amp-review-another-champ.9438/

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...chel2-5-pro-review-headphone-amplifier.18209/

 

[Rayman30]

Is the THX789 worth its price tag in 2021?