Schiit Magni 3+ and Heresy Headphone Amp Reviews

[tox1c90]

Hi! I am thinking about pairing a Modi 3 / Magni Heresy stack with my DT880 250 ohm headphones. However, I'm a bit worried that I could end up with either too much or too low gain that does not allow me to comfortably use the volume knob. As far as I know, the DT880 needs only about ~40mW to get really loud (uncomfortable to listen for a longer period of time).
To me it looks like "low gain" on the Magni 3 is not enough (maximum ~13mW into 300 ohms), but "high gain" might be already too much (up to ~270mW into 300 ohms).

So it looks like I have to choose high gain, but stay on the very low end of the volume control range to get something within the range of 0-40mW.
But then, I might be suffering from channel imbalance, right? Is it maybe better to choose a different amp then? I think the best thing would be if the Magni had a "Medium gain" setting exactly in between low and high...

Any DT880 250 ohm owners here which can talk about how it pairs with the Modi/Magni stack?

 

[JohnYang1997]

Hi! I am thinking about pairing a Modi 3 / Magni Heresy stack with my DT880 250 ohm headphones. However, I'm a bit worried that I could end up with either too much or too low gain that does not allow me to comfortably use the volume knob. As far as I know, the DT880 needs only about ~40mW to get really loud (uncomfortable to listen for a longer period of time).
To me it looks like "low gain" on the Magni 3 is not enough (maximum ~13mW into 300 ohms), but "high gain" might be already too much (up to ~270mW into 300 ohms).

So it looks like I have to choose high gain, but stay on the very low end of the volume control range to get something within the range of 0-40mW.
But then, I might be suffering from channel imbalance, right? Is it maybe better to choose a different amp then? I think the best thing would be if the Magni had a "Medium gain" setting exactly in between low and high...

Any DT880 250 ohm owners here which can talk about how it pairs with the Modi/Magni stack?

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...topping-l30-headphone-amplifier-review.15226/

 

[solderdude]

Hi! I am thinking about pairing a Modi 3 / Magni Heresy stack with my DT880 250 ohm headphones. However, I'm a bit worried that I could end up with either too much or too low gain that does not allow me to comfortably use the volume knob. As far as I know, the DT880 needs only about ~40mW to get really loud (uncomfortable to listen for a longer period of time).
To me it looks like "low gain" on the Magni 3 is not enough (maximum ~13mW into 300 ohms), but "high gain" might be already too much (up to ~270mW into 300 ohms).

So it looks like I have to choose high gain, but stay on the very low end of the volume control range to get something within the range of 0-40mW.
But then, I might be suffering from channel imbalance, right? Is it maybe better to choose a different amp then? I think the best thing would be if the Magni had a "Medium gain" setting exactly in between low and high...

Any DT880 250 ohm owners here which can talk about how it pairs with the Modi/Magni stack?

In low gain you can reach 108dB peak (so 90 to 95dB average) = quite loud.
In practice it will always be on low gain (medium on L30).
When you want to go really really loud you can always switch it to high gain (+9 on L30, + 15 on Heresy) in both cases you would only be doing this for a short period. The L30 gain switch is easier to use (on the front).

You worry too much ...

 

[tox1c90]

Ok, thank you both! I didn't even know about the L30 so far.

Looks like I can freely choose between Modi/Magni and E30/L30 stack. Actually, since I'm in Germany, it might be much easier and cheaper for me to get the Topping stuff (as it's available on German Amazon).

 

[BARDUKE]

While I do own a Modi 3 and Magni 3+, I have decided to spring for the Topping E30 and L30 combo. I am curious to compare, and I have a second room I can use the Schiit stack in. The are great sounding components and I enjoy them. My main listening setup (my office) will get the Topping gear. You really can't go wrong either way from a listening standpoint.

Have you any opinions on how the Modi/Magni compars to the E30/L30? I'm deciding between them for my next stack.

 

[NgtFlyer]

Have you any opinions on how the Modi/Magni compars to the E30/L30? I'm deciding between them for my next stack.

They sound very very similar. If you went Modi + Heresy, or with L30/E30, I think you would be very happy either way. I have both the Modi3/Magni3+ and the E30/L30. Here are my observations.
The E30 has a remote and can function both as a DAC and a DAC+preamp and it has a cool display. I find the remote to be handy. The L30 has three level settings to match various types of headphones and it's a strong amp, so if you have, say, Sennheiser HD6xx series or even harder to drive cans, the L30 has plenty of power to drive them. Appearance wise, I find the E30/L30 to look sophisticated and hi-tech while the Modi/Magni look simple and elegant.
Also, the power switch is on the front of the L30, vs the rear of the Magni 3+. The Modi 3 does not have a power switch - it is on if power connected. You can turn the E30 off either at the remote or by touching power/select.
Input selection on the Modi 3 is by a toggle switch on the front, where on the E30 you touch Select and look at the display. Both work well.

Power situation is identical between both. Transformer for the headphone amp and USB power for the DAC. Both DACs will accept USB, TOSLink and Coax. Both sets of products do their job very very well. Listening wise, I enjoy both sets but I find the L30 to be a bit more immersive. This may simply be because it has a three stage gain switch, where its 0db setting is better matched for my ATH-M50x headphones. The volume control linearity and balance are better on the L30, audibly. Turn the volume down low and the L30 stays balanced all the way to the bottom. The Magni 3+ has channel imbalance as you get to low volume.
The E30/L30 do measure better - check the ASR reviews for them.

I will point out that neither stack features a ridiculously bright blue LED. The Magni 3+ does not have a power LED on the front. It's inside the unit so you can sort of see it through the vents on the top of the unit. The white power LED on the Modi 3 is perfect. Indicates power and it's not too bright. E30/L30 have clear power/function indications on the front panels. Brightness is perfect on those, too.

I use each stack in different rooms, but I prefer the E30/L30 combo for how they function, for the better volume linearity and the piece of mind that they did measure better. Also, @JohnYang1997 designed the L30, so there's that, too.

I've posted pics of both stacks for your convenience. Click for the full size pics.

 

[BARDUKE]

post

Man thank you so much for this! I think I was dead set on the Schiit bc of the Heresy's power, but the L30 is only 100mw lower. I think now I'm leaning towards the Topping stack. I really like that Topping has a remote too. I will be using the stack for console gaming and some desktop use for music/movies, so it's not a must, but definitely a plus for when I'm gaming. Only thing holding me back is the ChiFi vs. USA warranty. Also, I have been looking at amp/dac combos like the DX3 Pro and SMSL M500 (JDS Element II, but it doesn't have the same input variety), but I think either the Heresy/Modi3 or E30/L30 will do better.

 

[Veri]

Man thank you so much for this! I think I was dead set on the Schiit bc of the Heresy's power, but the L30 is only 100mw lower. I think now I'm leaning towards the Topping stack. I really like that Topping has a remote too. I will be using the stack for console gaming and some desktop use for music/movies, so it's not a must, but definitely a plus for when I'm gaming. Only thing holding me back is the ChiFi vs. USA warranty. Also, I have been looking at amp/dac combos like the DX3 Pro and SMSL M500 (JDS Element II, but it doesn't have the same input variety), but I think either the Heresy/Modi3 or E30/L30 will do better.

Separates tend to perform better dollar per dollar

 

[NgtFlyer]

Man thank you so much for this! I think I was dead set on the Schiit bc of the Heresy's power, but the L30 is only 100mw lower. I think now I'm leaning towards the Topping stack. I really like that Topping has a remote too. I will be using the stack for console gaming and some desktop use for music/movies, so it's not a must, but definitely a plus for when I'm gaming. Only thing holding me back is the ChiFi vs. USA warranty. Also, I have been looking at amp/dac combos like the DX3 Pro and SMSL M500 (JDS Element II, but it doesn't have the same input variety), but I think either the Heresy/Modi3 or E30/L30 will do better.

You're welcome!

I had not considered warranty on the Topping units and thankfully have not had any issues. Construction wise, they are well made and have a premium feel to them. You can order through Apos Audio and it looks like they have a good warranty policy and they are US based. This is where I ordered mine from and they arrived in a few days.

 

[Sukie]

Man thank you so much for this! I think I was dead set on the Schiit bc of the Heresy's power, but the L30 is only 100mw lower. I think now I'm leaning towards the Topping stack. I really like that Topping has a remote too. I will be using the stack for console gaming and some desktop use for music/movies, so it's not a must, but definitely a plus for when I'm gaming. Only thing holding me back is the ChiFi vs. USA warranty. Also, I have been looking at amp/dac combos like the DX3 Pro and SMSL M500 (JDS Element II, but it doesn't have the same input variety), but I think either the Heresy/Modi3 or E30/L30 will do better.

You're definitely on the right tracks looking at features rather than SQ (little to tell these combos apart). Remote gives added convenience - I use mine a lot.

As far as I'm concerned, the only reason to go for a one box solution is aesthetics. Some people prefer one unit and therefore less wires. As @Veri has mentioned, you get better value from separates. Also, if one fails then it's cheaper to replace this than replace a HPA/DAC.

 

[BDWoody]

You're welcome!

I had not considered warranty on the Topping units and thankfully have not had any issues. Construction wise, they are well made and have a premium feel to them. You can order through Apos Audio and it looks like they have a good warranty policy and they are US based. This is where I ordered mine from and they arrived in a few days.

Apos also has a great price match policy. Basically, they match anything. I've bought a few things from them, and have had no complaints.

 

[BARDUKE]

Great replies, thanks everyone! Much appreciated.

I'm not sure if it was in this topic or a different one....does one stack perform better when listening to lower volumes? I currently use a ifi hip-dac and have to turn it up quite a bit to feel like it's getting power. Once it's up tho, sounds great. I still will listen to music/games at higher volumes, but if one outperforms the other at lower volumes, that would get my attention.

Also, I noticed that the Topping is a little more than Schiit. If they sound and perform pretty similar, is there an advantage paying $72 more for the Topping?

 

[NgtFlyer]

Great replies, thanks everyone! Much appreciated.

I'm not sure if it was in this topic or a different one....does one stack perform better when listening to lower volumes? I currently use a ifi hip-dac and have to turn it up quite a bit to feel like it's getting power. Once it's up tho, sounds great. I still will listen to music/games at higher volumes, but if one outperforms the other at lower volumes, that would get my attention.

Also, I noticed that the Topping is a little more than Schiit. If they sound and perform pretty similar, is there an advantage paying $72 more for the Topping?

At low low volumes, Topping performs better due to the better volume control linearity, as I mentioned in my other post. but that's *low* volume and it varies between samples. (I've had two Magni 3+, my first one went back on warranty as it failed.) where the Topping has (near) perfect balance all the way down to the bottom.

Sound quality wise, they are about the same. I'd have to do an A:B test.

As for the extra $72, you do get the added functions and remote, easier controls and a display on the DAC.

 

[BARDUKE]

At low low volumes, Topping performs better due to the better volume control linearity, as I mentioned in my other post. but that's *low* volume and it varies between samples. (I've had two Magni 3+, my first one went back on warranty as it failed.) where the Topping has (near) perfect balance all the way down to the bottom.

Sound quality wise, they are about the same. I'd have to do an A:B test.

As for the extra $72, you do get the added functions and remote, easier controls and a display on the DAC.

I plan on getting either the LCD-X, Arya, Focal Clear, or HD800S pretty soon. Would either of these stacks be able to make them sound close to their full potential?

EDIT: Regarding the LCD-X, I have heard that they benefit from EQing. Would it be better for me to go with Heresy/Modi and add the Loki for that? Or is the Topping still superior?

 

[NgtFlyer]

I would say the Topping stack is still superior. If you are doing EQ, you want to do that further up the chain, on the computer if that is your source. You may also want to check the review on the LCD-X posted recently here on ASR - they require EQ to sound good.
The E30/L30 do what they are supposed to do - they are extremely accurate, transparent and capable.

 

[BARDUKE]

I would say the Topping stack is still superior. If you are doing EQ, you want to do that further up the chain, on the computer if that is your source. You may also want to check the review on the LCD-X posted recently here on ASR - they require EQ to sound good.
The E30/L30 do what they are supposed to do - they are extremely accurate, transparent and capable.

So happy to hear, I ordered the E30 and L30 yesterday!

I’m considering getting the D50s for the Bluetooth capability, not sure if it is “better” than the E30, but I’m not sure how much I’d use the BT. I’m excited to get my LCD-X soon and be able to hear them through a decent amp/dac combo.

 

[NgtFlyer]

So happy to hear, I ordered the E30 and L30 yesterday!

I’m considering getting the D50s for the Bluetooth capability, not sure if it is “better” than the E30, but I’m not sure how much I’d use the BT. I’m excited to get my LCD-X soon and be able to hear them through a decent amp/dac combo.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do mine!

 

[NgtFlyer]

So happy to hear, I ordered the E30 and L30 yesterday!

I’m considering getting the D50s for the Bluetooth capability, not sure if it is “better” than the E30, but I’m not sure how much I’d use the BT. I’m excited to get my LCD-X soon and be able to hear them through a decent amp/dac combo.

Another point for the E30, it uses a newer chip, it can do far higher bitrates than the Modi can. Not a big deal in most cases, but the capability is there.

 

[BARDUKE]

I recently got the L30/E30 stack. I am considering returning it and getting the A50s/D50s stack; I have an amazon gift card that would cover the difference so I wouldn't be out of pocket for anything.

I noticed that with my HD660S, I had the E30 at 0.00db and the L30 was at 1 or 2 o'clock and the volume was just adequate; I don't know if maxing both out would be good for the units in the long run.

I thought of the A50s since it has a balanced output and I have balanced 4.4mm cables for my HD660S, Sundara, and LCD-X (coming tomorrow). Would it be better for me to send back the 30 series equipment and go for the 50s?

 

[NgtFlyer]

I recently got the L30/E30 stack. I am considering returning it and getting the A50s/D50s stack; I have an amazon gift card that would cover the difference so I wouldn't be out of pocket for anything.

I noticed that with my HD660S, I had the E30 at 0.00db and the L30 was at 1 or 2 o'clock and the volume was just adequate; I don't know if maxing both out would be good for the units in the long run.

I thought of the A50s since it has a balanced output and I have balanced 4.4mm cables for my HD660S, Sundara, and LCD-X (coming tomorrow). Would it be better for me to send back the 30 series equipment and go for the 50s?

The +9db switch position is there for a reason and using at with harder to drive headphones won't hurt anything, nor will running the unit at volume 1 o'clock. @JohnYang1997 can confirm this as it's his design. The A50s/D50s is also a great stack though. Your preference.