Topping L30 Headphone Amplifier Review

[ragecandy]

Was there any hum ? Rattle and hum ? (sorry )

no like, if I tap on it there's a faint metallic sound, not through the headphones, it's like a spring moving inside, it seems to work fine though

 

[HoJ76]

I got mine today, cost me nothing to get a new one, big credit to Topping
Everything sounds perfect.
Do the gain knob (I guss thats not the correct word (but the one I can change between -9, 0, +9)) do any changes in the sound, I think the volume are to low with -9db.

 

[GGroch]

I got mine today, cost me nothing to get a new one, big credit to Topping
Everything sounds perfect.
Does the gain knob (I guess that's not the correct word, but the one I can change between -9, 0, +9) do any changes in the sound, I think the volume are to low with -9db.

The 3 position gain switch does not change the sound quality, it only changes the volume. Amir's measurements show it will perform great in all 3 positions, so do not worry. The -9dB position is for very high sensitivity IEM earbuds....so that you can accurately adjust their volume. For your headphones it seems like the middle and top position of the switch will be best to provide you with the easiest control.

 

[Wortifer]

I would like to share my positive experience so far with Apos regarding the L30 exchange program. I asked whether they will be supportive, and they assured me they will. Apos later sent me the email quoted in part below and another with the order number for my replacement L30.

While I do not yet have a replacement in hand, the communication from Apos has been encouraging. I expect to remain a customer of both Topping and Apos.

""

I also would like to share my positive exchange program experience with Apos. Mine was serial number 2007, let them know, replacement in the mail next day. Great service from a great company, I have used them several times before they're always excellent.

 

[Yoyop]

Baby's back !
DHL delivery, 0 fee or taxes, L30 S/N 2012xxxxxx

 

[nxnje]

Everyone happy BUT, how can you know if your 2012xxxxxx is on of the many in the 90% or one of the few in that 10%?

 

[Yoyop]

It has been sent the 01/27, so there are many chances that it's fully fixed. Maybe not the first 2012 sended in December or early January.
By the way, in my location we don't have ESD issues, at least if it burns, my HD600 will still live, and this will be a good reason to upgrade
A30 pro is coming ...

You know, every electronics can die... you just have to enjoy it, some L30 will last for many years, others maybe 2 3 years...
Electronics is random, a PC can live for 10 years, or 2 years...
No lifetime unfortunately

 

[frogmeat69]

Got the email with tracking number from Apos, so my replacement is on the way, thanks you Apos and Topping for stepping up and fixing this, even though I wasn't having problems yet.

 

[solderdude]

Anybody willing to open up the backplate of the 2012 L30 so one can easily check if they have the ESD fix.
It is just 2 screws on the rear and the packplate comes off.

 

[somebodyelse]

Everyone happy BUT, how can you know if your 2012xxxxxx is on of the many in the 90% or one of the few in that 10%?

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-headphone-amplifier-review.15226/post-652068
When threads get this long we could do with an FAQ to point to some of the important posts. Can the first reply be reserved for later editing just in case or something?

 

[half_dog]

Anybody willing to open up the backplate of the 2012 L30 so one can easily check if they have the ESD fix.
It is just 2 screws on the rear and the packplate comes off.

4 screws at total
2 more at the RCAs connectors

 

[artburda]

4 screws at total
2 more at the RCAs connectors

You only have to unscrew the two screws mentioned by solderdude to remove the backplate.

 

[filipduarte]

@SHENZHENAUDIO has just sent me my L30, now I have to wait patiently as it was sent by Singapore Post and brazilian customs and post office are a mess...

 

[solderdude]

Ah yes... 4 hex screws on the backplate (2 of them hold the RCA connectors).
You only don't need to remove the RCA screws when the volpot is loosened but to merely look inside all 4 hex screws need to be removed.

 

[highpurityusbcable]

I received my replacement along with an elaborate apology letter. It has better channel balance at lowest volume levels and doesn't get hot anymore, maintaining stable barely warm temperature. All good.

 

[mundee]

Yeah agreed it doesn't get as hot. Excellent!
Anyhow is it just me, or do i get a sense that it's a bit louder than previous versions?

 

[Tim M]

Maybe it's time to run the test again, given there's more things inside the box, protection circuitry, earthing straps, less heat included...
Anyone else want to see how a SN: 2012 or 2101 stacks up to the OG test?

 

[highpurityusbcable]

Anyhow is it just me, or do i get a sense that it's a bit louder than previous versions?

I think it's the same.

 

[ngs428]

My replacement from Apos has some movement in the USPS system as of 2/2/21. It is in CA on its way to me. Thank you Apos and Topping for the resolution! I have been missing it!

 

[Illtrick]

Looks like some others are trying to sort this out right now. Here's a quick how-to:

Step 1: Remove the volume knob - use a non-marring tool to work it off the post. Then use small pliers to unscrew the nut, it's not tight.

Step 2: Remove these two screws from the rear. They're 2mm hex. No need to remove the screws above the RCA's.

Step 3: Slide out the PCB and look in the front left corner for IDs.