I have been having a bit of fun A/B testing my SP200 today.
I got an RME ADI-2 earlier in the week, my first balanced amp. This gives me the chance to do some testing.
I realize none of this is scientific so no need to tell me, its just for fun.
I hooked up both of my Windows laptops next to each other. One running Topping D30 -> SMSL SP200 RCA unbalanced connection. The other running RME ADI-2 -> SMSL SP200 balanced XLR connection.
Then I put on the same exact song in MusicBee and hit play at the same time, while the song was playing I was switching between the XRL and RCA connection so the music never stopped playing. I used my Hifiman Arya and brand new Audeze LCD-2 Classic.
At first the RCA connection was way louder so I raised the volume on the Line Out of the RME ADI-2 till they were earmatched.
Long story short I heard very little difference between the Topping D30 and the RME ADI-2, I very nearly bought an AKM 4499 DAC as soon as they became available but none of those DACs have anywhere near the features of the RME ADI-2 so I am glad I skipped them as I doubt my ability to hear the difference anyway.