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Topping E30 II + L30 II vs Topping A50 III + D50 III (or something else?) for a newbie

WaveBird

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Jan 6, 2025
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Seattle WA
Hey everyone, this is my first OP on this forum, so please correct me if I have missed any rules/guidance.

I'm on the hunt for a DAC and Amp stack to begin my audio journey with. Coming from other hobbies, I don't really believe in "working up" from cheap and prefer to "buy nice or buy twice"/"buy once or cry once".

That said, my wallet has limits, and the Topping A50 III + D50 III is pushing my wallet's boundaries already. :)

The headphones I am planning on pair a stack with is the Sennheiser HD600, but some future proofing against future headphone purchasing would be nice. I don't need an amp that will drive everything under the sun, but P90/P95 would be great.

My use-case is strictly limited to desktop PC usage, and the only audio I really care about on my PC is music. My desk is small, so footprint matters quite a bit. I have a pair of Edifier bookshelf speakers that would be nice to output to via RCA in addition to the prerequisite headphone jacks.

I really appreciate your input, and thanks for your help showing a newbie their way!
 
Hey everyone, this is my first OP on this forum, so please correct me if I have missed any rules/guidance.

I'm on the hunt for a DAC and Amp stack to begin my audio journey with. Coming from other hobbies, I don't really believe in "working up" from cheap and prefer to "buy nice or buy twice"/"buy once or cry once".
Topping DX1.
Douk DS2 - I own it and highly recommend.
SMSL DL100.
 
Topping DX1.
Douk DS2 - I own it and highly recommend.
SMSL DL100.
I worry that getting an entry-level AOI will set me up for replacement in the future. However, if you think this would cover my use-case for quite a while (5+ years), then I will certainly not complain about spending less money. :)
 
I'm very happy with my Topping L30 II headphone amp/pre-amp and plan to keep it indefinitely. However, I'm using it solely as a pre-amp.

If you use headphones exclusively then I would just purchase a Fosi DS2 (2024 model) portable DAC / amp and save yourself a ton of money. Sound quality is superb, as per Amir's review.

In terms of headphones, I love my Sennheiser 620s's (if you wanted to go closed-back). Also, check out the HiFiMan HE400se, open back, great fidelity and unbelievable price for the sound quality they deliver.
 
I'm very happy with my Topping L30 II headphone amp/pre-amp and plan to keep it indefinitely. However, I'm using it solely as a pre-amp.
Definitely good to know! Do you mind me asking what DAC you use with it? Nevermind! Just read your signature!
If you use headphones exclusively then I would just purchase a Fosi DS2 (2024 model) portable DAC / amp and save yourself a ton of money. Sound quality is superb, as per Amir's review.
Fascinating little piece of kit. For my desktop I'd prefer something with a bit more heft that has feet so it won't slide around, but if I ever need a DAC/Amp for travel or commuting I'd definitely consider it. Additionally, I'd prefer something with RCA output for a pair of active speakers on my desk already.
In terms of headphones, I love my Sennheiser 620s's (if you wanted to go closed-back).
Also good to know! I'm currently on the market for open-backs, but there's a chance I'll be changing jobs soon and will need something office-friendly (IEM or closed-back).
 
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If you decide on IEMs then checkout 7Hz Salnotes Zero, 7Hz x Crinacle Zero:2 or KZ PRX, all amazing value and sound quality ...
 
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