Topping L30 Headphone Amplifier Review

[solderdude]

The idle voltage that the original Topping AC adaptor gives out form itself is 19V which is way too high for a 15V input amplifier.

It isn't actually.
The 'nominal' voltage rating is specified under the specified load current. When you measure the output voltage of a not or lightly loaded transformer it will give a higher voltage.
So that's normal and nothing to worry about. The voltage will drop when a higher current is drawn.

Yes, these transformers do get warm due to magnetic losses, also pretty normal. Certainly smaller sized E-I core transformers. They should not get hot but 'warm' is normal.
The efficiency of a mains transformer is lower than that of a well made SMPS.

 

[mocenigo]

I happened to open a Topping L30 "power supply" because it fell apart itself while removing it from the plug one day, so I can tell you what kind or extraordinary technology it is based upon, by having seen it with my own eyes:
View attachment 237863

YES! The L30 power supply is just a transformer.
No electronics whatsoever in it at all.
Just a bunch of laminated metal foils and wires wrapped around both sides.

L30 expect AC voltage on its input, so despite being switched off it will still consume some power.
The only solutions are:

• connect the supplied adapter to a power stripe/socket who has a circuit breaker
• find an expensive AC/AC power adapter with power switch and proper plugs

I choose the first.

We already knew it was just a transformer.

And of low quality. One just exploded on me, and the Topping seller graciously refunded me completely even though with a different transformer it is working perfectly. A very nice potted transformer made in Germany by Block.

 

[scociu]

Do you reckon the L30 would be enough for driving the Hifiman Edition XS (18 ohm, 92db, planar) or should I bite the bullet and pay extra for the A90?

 

[Veri]

Do you reckon the L30 would be enough for driving the Hifiman Edition XS (18 ohm, 92db, planar) or should I bite the bullet and pay extra for the A90?

L30 II sure is! Any reason you'd buy the older L30?

 

[Ashimaru]

Do you reckon the L30 would be enough for driving the Hifiman Edition XS (18 ohm, 92db, planar) or should I bite the bullet and pay extra for the A90?

I once tried the Hifiman Edition XS on my E30 + L30, and it was enough with the mid gain.
You can go to A90 if balanced port is needed. I think you also don't need to go to L30 II if the price in your country is more expensive than L30 OG.

 

[ngs428]

Do you reckon the L30 would be enough for driving the Hifiman Edition XS (18 ohm, 92db, planar) or should I bite the bullet and pay extra for the A90?

I use my XS with my L30 @ E30. I go between low and medium gain. Plenty of headroom.

 

[gino1961]

Hi as a owner of the L30 1st version i wonder if i could get any substantial benefit upgrading to the L30 mk II
Thanks a lot gino

 

[staticV3]

@gino1961
Low gain is more quiet on the L30II than on the L30 and High gain is louder. Medium gain is the same.
If Low gain on the L30 is not quiet enough for you or if High gain is not loud enough, then upgrading might be worth it.
Otherwise, better to keep your current Amp.

 

[gino1961]

@gino1961
Low gain is more quiet on the L30II than on the L30 and High gain is louder. Medium gain is the same.
If Low gain on the L30 is not quiet enough for you or if High gain is not loud enough, then upgrading might be worth it.
Otherwise, better to keep your current Amp.

Hi thank you very much for the very kind and valuable advice.
I have some channel unbalance at the very low volume settings
I was thinking to use an external quality attenuator in front of the amp.
But i understand that the input impedance of the L30 is extremely low and i have abandoned the idea.

 

[staticV3]

what position is the volume knob of your L30 in when listening at the low volume setting? Like 12 o'clock, 9, etc.

 

[gino1961]

what position is the volume knob of your L30 in when listening at the low volume setting? Like 12 o'clock, 9, etc.

from zero to 9
I think i see your point
If i use the amp outside that zone no issue You are right

 

[staticV3]

Then with the L30II you will most likely have less channel imbalance, because you have to turn the knob up more to get the same volume, so you're more in that optimal zone.

 

[gino1961]

Then with the L30II you will most likely have less channel imbalance, because you have to turn the knob up more to get the same volume, so you're more in that optimal zone.

thanks a lot I think i will get one then
But first i have to know better about the Sabaj A10h
i need a remote volume control for my tv audio system desperately

 

[GD83]

Hello, my device is broken, the left channel no longer works and a loud noise is heard when switching on in the speakers, I would like to take it out of the box to see the circuits but it is difficult, how to do it?

thank you.

 

[somebodyelse]

short disassembly howto from earlier in the thread. What are the 1st 4 digits of serial number? I thought all the versions after the recall had the pogo-pin soldered to the board below the left hand case screw, but yours doesn't seem to have it.

 

[GD83]

Thank you, I managed to open, here is the information.

So far it has worked very well so I haven't worried about any technical variations of the product in its existence.

 

[artburda]

Thank you, I managed to open, here is the information.

So far it has worked very well so I haven't worried about any technical variations of the product in its existence.

Did you buy it second hand? There has been a recall and exchange program for all serial numbers smaller than 2012xxx. Take a look at the older posts: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-headphone-amplifier-review.15226/post-630733

 

[GD83]

Yes unfortunately I got this one second hand, it broke down after I touched it and got a static shock, I inquired about the serial numbers in the meantime and it seems that static electricity is a problem, in any case the circuits have no apparent damage, but hey I think I'll find a more solid replacement, my electronic knowledge is poor........

 

[Jimbob54]

Yes unfortunately I got this one second hand, it broke down after I touched it and got a static shock, I inquired about the serial numbers in the meantime and it seems that static electricity is a problem, in any case the circuits have no apparent damage, but hey I think I'll find a more solid replacement, my electronic knowledge is poor........

Happend to mine. Disconnect and destroy I would say. Definitely don't plug headphones in again. Or anything to the rca for that matter

 

[artburda]

Yes unfortunately I got this one second hand

So you got scammed. Did you buy on ebay? I would report the person, since he/she got a replacement for free from topping and was supposed to destroy and throw away the old device. Maybe it‘s even illegal to resell a device that has been recalled, but I‘m no legal expert.