Topping A30Pro Review (Balanced Headphone Amp)

[Jimster480]

Nothing except perhaps some extra connectivity.

That's why I have no intention to "upgrade" my D30 Pro / A30 pro stack anytime soon. Too bad Topping discontinued both devices now which means I will need to replace both if one dies as you can't buy a replacement anymore and my ADHD can't deal with a mismatched stack.
Here's hoping that the stack will not die for years to come. Even more because the newer models don't come with that superior orange LED display anymore.

There isn't much of a need to upgrade any gear if it is good. I used my DX7 for 6 years before I got my D70S... which now I have for almost 2 years. Won't be trading that out anytime soon. I did buy an EX5 for my other desk though so there is that.
I also have the THX AAA 789 since launch and I use it every day.
Since the A30 Pro and D30 Pro are so good; I don't see why they couldn't be used for 5+ years without issue as long as they don't break (which they shouldn't, reasonably).

 

[Saponetto]

Glad to see so many happy users still enjoying their D30Pro + A30Pro stacks!
I'm one of them from early '21, no hassle, no trouble at all.
Just magnificent.

 

[A Surfer]

As mentioned several times. Nobody should remotely expect these devices to last anything less than 5 years. Longer really.

 

[raif71]

Glad to see so many happy users still enjoying their D30Pro + A30Pro stacks!
I'm one of them from early '21, no hassle, no trouble at all.
Just magnificent.

I'm also glad my A30pro is working as expected the times I take it out of the box for a spin. I wish news like this were the same for other topping amps...like the A90D and A70 pro.

 

[Jimster480]

I'm also glad my A30pro is working as expected the times I take it out of the box for a spin. I wish news like this were the same for other topping amps...like the A90D and A70 pro.

What do you use every day if you just "take it out for a spin"?

 

[raif71]

What do you use every day if you just "take it out for a spin"?

Using Asgard3/Bifrost2 and Singxer-SA1/Gustard X16/Ares-II/Gustard P26. Currently taking out for a spin SMSL SP400/M400/M500

 

[Jimster480]

Using Asgard3/Bifrost2 and Singxer-SA1/Gustard X16/Ares-II/Gustard P26. Currently taking out for a spin SMSL SP400/M400/M500

That is surprising

 

[raif71]

That is surprising

I think it is better to have many amps and dacs. High Availability ie HA to music listening is quite important to me. The amp/dacs that are on my table are the ones I enjoy listening the most. Can't lay all on the table though. I also have other setups as well like the Topping D10/E30/L30/D50s/A50s etc. Would have liked to get the A30d and A70pro too but reports of defects are quite disheartening.

 

[A Surfer]

And do you also subscribe to the notion that you can detect differences in the signal fidelity of devices such that "device rolling" matters?

 

[raif71]

I think it is better to have many amps and dacs. High Availability ie HA to music listening is quite important to me. The amp/dacs that are on my table are the ones I enjoy listening the most. Can't lay all on the table though. I also have other setups as well like the Topping D10/E30/L30/D50s/A50s etc. Would have liked to get the A30d and A70pro too but reports of defects are quite disheartening.

Edited : A90D not A30d

 

[flAked]

So my A30 Pro died on the 17th of May, while using it there was a loud pop and then, nothing. Now there are just clicking relays, no sound output.
My ears were hurting for the entire day, the AKG headphones seem to be fine, though. This was with SE input/output.

I ordered it on the 11th of November 2021, so I only used the A30 Pro for about 2.5 years. I'm a bit disappointed that a device for that amount of money only lasted that long.
I contacted the seller HiFiGo about my options, but they only told me shipping and repair costs were not favorable. I then contacted Topping on the 21th of May and haven't heard anything back yet.

@JohnYang1997 Is there anything that can be done in my case or am I out of luck?

 

[Ahmonge]

So my A30 Pro died on the 17th of May, while using it there was a loud pop and then, nothing. Now there are just clicking relays, no sound output.
My ears were hurting for the entire day, the AKG headphones seem to be fine, though. This was with SE input/output.

I ordered it on the 11th of November 2021, so I only used the A30 Pro for about 2.5 years. I'm a bit disappointed that a device for that amount of money only lasted that long.
I contacted the seller HiFiGo about my options, but they only told me shipping and repair costs were not favorable. I then contacted Topping on the 21th of May and haven't heard anything back yet.

@JohnYang1997 Is there anything that can be done in my case or am I out of luck?

That's disappointing. Hopefully, Topping would provide with a repair service that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

 

[GreensTheorem]

My A30 Pro (January 2022) also just broke out of nowhere the other day. Same symptoms as everyone else: I can only hear a relay clicking.

Seems like there is a more widespread design issue... Hopefully Topping will find a good solution.

 

[flAked]

Topping hasn't even replied to my Support Email in 3 weeks, which is disappointing to say the least.

I described in detail how the fault happened and even supplied my serial number. I asked them if this is a known issue with the A30 Pro and what they can offer to resolve the situation.

No reply.

 

[flAked]

Looks like I have to fix the device myself, so I designed a knob puller and printed it in PLA. It worked great and I was able to open up the device.

There is a soldered fuse under the cover, which is intact and has continuity. Which makes sense, when the relays are clicking.

So now the question is how do I find the culprit? I don't really want to test the two power supplies under load. So my option would be to replace them, solder new ones and hope they are at fault (for around 9EUR each). The two inductors tested fine with my multimeter, not sure I can test the two capacitors in circuit with a multimeter.

Any hints on what to test and how?

Regarding the input signal, my Tone2Pro DAC now feeds into my speaker amp, where it is working fine.

 

[usern]

my pc, though if i use the dx3pro+ as an amp i dont hear any of the humming or buzzing. I also tried connecting the L30ii to smsl SU1 and then to the A30pro and i hear the buzzing. it stops when i disconect the usb + from the pc or if i shut down the a30pro

DX3pro has optical input. Get a motherboard with optical output.

 

[staticV3]

Or use a Hifime UT23 or Cubilux SPDIF Converter, in case the motherboard lacks SPDIF output.

 

[mackman]

I just bought a used pair of Dan Clark Stealth on eBay which should get here next week. The A30 Pro should be fine to drive them, right?

I looked at the newer A90s but they aren't any lower noise or distortion, don't have much more power on the balanced connections, and they have less power on unbalanced connections which might matter for my DT 880 600Ω . I don't see any reason to consider upgrading. Am I missing anything?

 

[staticV3]

Am I missing anything?

No, the A30Pro will do fine

 

[rcstevensonaz]

To the moderators (@AdamG), I wonder if this very long thread working to help this person diagnose an issue should be moved entirely to a separate thread, e.g., "Help diagnose humming issue between DX3 Pro+ and A30Pro".

Rationale: the conversation is largely off-topic for the A30Pro review thread; and it has taken up a huge amount of "real estate" for anyone who is wading through this thread in the future.