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Topping L30 II Review (Headphone Amp)
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staticV3
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JDS Atom
Schiit Magni+Modi
Thanks @staticV3! I’ll need the low gain and pre-amp that the l30 II has. Seems like that makes the decision easier. Atom stack does cost a bit more.
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Roland68
Major Contributor
You could save some money without sacrificing sound quality by using an SU-1 or C100 DAC, depending on your desired features. Both are a perfect match for the L30 II.
If it doesn't need to be matching, and perhaps if you won't actually stack one on top of another, then for a DAC I went with plastic SMSL PS200 as it was cheaper (paid $85 with 23% VAT and shipping included), and gets 1dB higher SiNAD
SMSL PS200 Budget DAC Review
This is a review and measurements of the SMSL PS200 stereo budget DAC. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $89.99. The unit comes in a lightweight plastic package which allows my rather stiff RCA test cables to yank on it. A simple toggle switch changes inputs. There is an indicator...
www.audiosciencereview.com
Hi. I’m wanting to move on from my Asgard 3 to a more neutral (single 6.3 opt) amp. In this case, would the L30ii be a downgrade, a sidegrade, or an upgrade?
I need something that can still drive my HD600, Ananda Stealth, and my AKG headphones (K701,K702 and K612).
Thanks so much in advance.
I need something that can still drive my HD600, Ananda Stealth, and my AKG headphones (K701,K702 and K612).
Thanks so much in advance.
staticV3
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The L30II is a neutral reference Amp which can easily drive your HD600, Ananda Stealth, and AKG headphones
solderdude
Grand Contributor
Why 'move on' ? What do you want to change ?
L30-II is a sidegrade when it comes to available max. output power/voltage (basically the same max. output power).
L30-II is a sidegrade in sound quality and both are equally 'neutral' between 10Hz and 100kHz also the distortion spectrum does not even remotely suggest 'tonal character)
L30-II is an upgrade in technical performance like distortion and noise but only a technical one, not in sound quality (hearing thresholds)
L30-II is much, much cheaper and much smaller.
L30-II has output protection (in case of a fault), Asgard-3 does not.
Asgard 3 can be equipped with an internal DAC card.
Asgard 3 looks more 'substantial' is heavier in weight and will not easily move when operating any of the controls.
How this will unfold 'to your ears' no one can say as you will very likely hear differences but these are not caused by any technical differences.
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Thank you. I think I’m just a sucker for neutrality, and I know Asgard 3 is more “tuby” in its sound, but indeed beautiful. I think I’d like to listen to my headphone’s true signature as close as possible.
So still enough power with the L30ii? I think that’d be enough for me. But still thinking.
So resolution would be the same between both? or do you think the L30ii may bring a little bit more?
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solderdude
Grand Contributor
Asgard 3 does not have any 'tube-like' aspects.
Not in output resistance, nor in frequency response, nor in distortion profile and distortion level, it is as 'neutral' as can be.
Power wise it is a sidegrade (basically the same)
The question is what you mean with 'resolution' ?
If it is meant in a technical sense then the L30-II has better resolution simply because it has lower noise and distortion.
Frequency resolution is exactly the same (both >> 100kHz)
When you mean 'perceived' resolution and talk gibberish like 'micro-details'/'plankton' etc then ... who knows how your brain will create something for you.
L30-II will not bring any actual change (equally 'neutral' and equally 'color-less'.
L30-II is smaller, technically a bit better, is lighter in weight and much cheaper.
When you are convinced that Asgard 3 has a (tubey) sound signature and the L30-II will be more neutral you will certainly hear that when changing the amp.
That, however, is not for technical reasons (signal actually differing enough to be audible) but has other causes.
When you are fine with that, want to free some 'space' can offload the Asgard-3 and free a little money in the process that will be a good reason to change.
Not in output resistance, nor in frequency response, nor in distortion profile and distortion level, it is as 'neutral' as can be.
Power wise it is a sidegrade (basically the same)
The question is what you mean with 'resolution' ?
If it is meant in a technical sense then the L30-II has better resolution simply because it has lower noise and distortion.
Frequency resolution is exactly the same (both >> 100kHz)
When you mean 'perceived' resolution and talk gibberish like 'micro-details'/'plankton' etc then ... who knows how your brain will create something for you.
L30-II will not bring any actual change (equally 'neutral' and equally 'color-less'.
L30-II is smaller, technically a bit better, is lighter in weight and much cheaper.
When you are convinced that Asgard 3 has a (tubey) sound signature and the L30-II will be more neutral you will certainly hear that when changing the amp.
That, however, is not for technical reasons (signal actually differing enough to be audible) but has other causes.
When you are fine with that, want to free some 'space' can offload the Asgard-3 and free a little money in the process that will be a good reason to change.
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Thank you once more for your input and advice. I’ll think about it a bit more then.
May I take the opportunity to ask you if there’s an advantage in going from a Schiit modi 3+ DAC to the E30ii?
oleg87
Addicted to Fun and Learning
Another thing worth noting is that the L30 II probably uses less than a third of the power of the Asgard 3 just sitting there burning that class-A idle power, so for those of us with steep electricity rates, the amp will pay for itself over a year or two.
wow… that’s great to know. Thanks.
This is total nonsense. It was reviewed here. Please highlight the part of the review which highlighted this "sound". Or are you one of those people who believe you can hear things but cannot measure them?
You’re right. I hadn’t red the Asgard 3 review. Well, I dont know much about amps differences since I’ve only heard very few of them, but almost every review I read mentioned the Asgard 3 not being too neutral and having some warmness in its sound. I guess they are wrong.
But even so, the L30ii seems to be even better for IEMs, or at least that’s what I get reading both reviews.
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solderdude
Grand Contributor
Yes better for sensitive IEMs because of the lower S/N ratio and lower gain setting.
There weren't any IEMs in your list though.
There weren't any IEMs in your list though.
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Roland68
Major Contributor
For the price of the L30 II and E30 II, you might also want to consider the newly released DX5 II.
Significantly more power, PEQ, a nice display (with UV meter if needed), remote control, preamp output, etc.
After another user provided that same recommendation, I am planning to get one. Thanks for the suggestion, I agree it is a great option.
DX5 II is marketed as having reduced static power consumption and heat generation compared to Topping's NFCA amp designs, so perhaps they addressed my only "nitpick" with L30 II. If so, it would be nice if we saw L30 III or another reasonably priced dedicated amp with the new design.
Yes, I love headphones more, but I have most of the Etymotic main family, minus the 3s, and the Moondrop Kato.
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