Topping G5 vs L30 II + D10S

[Jachoo]

I'm looking to purchase a nice and decent headphone amp, and I'm having trouble deciding between these two options. It would be nice to receive some advice on this predicament.

Here are my criteria by which I am to make the decision:
- At least ~16-bit distortion and dynamic range performance;
- This performance at 100uW ~ 500uW power levels.
- A PEQ, but not necessary at all. It would be a nice-to-have.

I see a clear benefit in the G5, which is that it is portable and has excellent performance. It also allows me to use it with my phone and laptop relatively easily.
On the other hand, the L30 II + D10S combo is more performant in every measurement, especially at the power level that I'm interested in. Additionally, it has the bonus of having an independent DAC, which I can use with other amps.

At the moment, both options cost about the same (within <100 PLN).

Which option is superior? What are the other options/combos that would work best?

 

[SoyotaTupra]

Can't speak for the latter two, but the G5's battery may swell after a year or so. Something to keep in mind. Replacing is pretty easy, though. Bluetooth mode is also noticeably worse than USB mode, but not enough to stop me from using it when I'm mobile. The convenience is liberating.

 

[jkim]

As for the technical aspects, both options will be audibly transparent---you won't hear a difference. So, it boils down to other features.

What headphones will you connect?

 

[Jachoo]

Can't speak for the latter two, but the G5's battery may swell after a year or so. Something to keep in mind. Replacing is pretty easy, though. Bluetooth mode is also noticeably worse than USB mode, but not enough to stop me from using it when I'm mobile. The convenience is liberating.

Thanks for letting me know about the battery! And yeah, I guess Bluetooth is appeals worse than a direct connection so that’s that.

As for the technical aspects, both options will be audibly transparent---you won't hear a difference. So, it boils down to other features.

What headphones will you connect?

Oh that’s nice to know they’re basically the same in terms of performance. I was planning to use it with several devices: Dt770 80 ohm, a pair of Sennheiser IEMs, and a pair of AKGs.

What do you guys know the performance of the E2x2? Considering I also have a microphone which supports both usb and xlr it would certainly be an upgrade for the mic quality.

 

[jkim]

With your headphones, you won't need the output power of either G5 or L30 II.

The E2x2 is a good less costly alternative with its transparent DAC and HP amp. The Topping DX1 is also an excellent USB combo device.

 

[Rja4000]

I see a clear benefit in the G5, which is that it is portable and has excellent performance.

Well, if you need a portable device, there is just one.
It has LDAC Bluetooth as well.

On the other hand, the L30 II + D10S combo is more performant in every measurement, especially at the power level that I'm interested in.

That is a rather relative thing.
I don't think it makes such a difference. Both are excellent.

Additionally, it has the bonus of having an independent DAC, which I can use with other amps.

The G5 may also be used with other amps, if you use its line output.


I have both.
I use the G5 way more often than the L30 II.
Well, when at a fixed location, I rather use one of my RME devices for headphones, so my case is different: mostly nomad.
I rather use the L30 II as a preamp.

The G5 is battery powered, so no need for another power supply - which, by the way, is not the standard kind with the L30 II (15VAC).
This has a downside, though: we all know battery life is limited, so eventually it will require replacement.
Mine is still good after several years.

Just my 2€c....

 

[Phorize]

If you need portability then the G5 is best but I'd consider a qudelix at that point. If you don't, why run the risk of a broken device when the battery swells?