Topping L30 II Review (Headphone Amp)

[Roland68]

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.

Are you referring to the external transformer as a criticism?
That's simply due to the low price, as with JDS Labs, Schiit, etc.
You can either unplug the transformer from the wall outlet or use a switchable outlet, which you can get for a measly €2 or less.

Otherwise, Topping offers the A30 Pro and L70 with significantly more power and an integrated power supply for a reasonable additional charge.

 

[fws]

Are you referring to the external transformer as a criticism?
That's simply due to the low price, as with JDS Labs, Schiit, etc.
You can either unplug the transformer from the wall outlet or use a switchable outlet, which you can get for a measly €2 or less.

No, although I guess that was always my main nitpick after all. In this case though, I refer to how the amp doesn't idle in a way. With a simple designs like Douk U3 for example, if there is no signal the amp stays cool, give it a signal and it will become hot. Meanwhile L30 II gets hot (even the knob and switches will get warm) even without a signal and with knob turned down. Not a big deal, but that is some power threw into the air.

 

[AnalogSteph]

Consider it a blessing in disguise. My Atom Amp+ does have a secondary-side power button but the mains transformer still needs well over 2 W by itself doing absolutely nothing (and if memory serves, the L30's is similar in that respect). Considering that I have measured entire internet radios taking little over 3 W while playing, that's a bit silly. I suppose you can't fail to comply with standby power regulations (very much a thing here in the EU) if the device doesn't have a standby function to begin with...

As mentioned, just get a switched outlet or power strip and be done with it.

 

[solderdude]

No, although I guess that was always my main nitpick after all. In this case though, I refer to how the amp doesn't idle in a way. With a simple designs like Douk U3 for example, if there is no signal the amp stays cool, give it a signal and it will become hot. Meanwhile L30 II gets hot (even the knob and switches will get warm) even without a signal and with knob turned down. Not a big deal, but that is some power threw into the air.

The reason for that is that it parallels 2 output stages and for DC-offset they kind of 'compete' with each other leading to a higher idle current. All of this to achieve a higher output current capability. This is product dependent.
A second reason is the linear power supply regulation done internally. This also produces warmth.
On top of that it is mains voltage dependent. A bit higher than 'average' mains voltage means more warmth. A little lower mains voltage means a little less warmth.

 

[patoulol]

The small power supply that is connected to the mains is making noise? Whistle? because I'm very sensitive to that

 

[solderdude]

It is an AC transformer so it is possible you might hear a hum or 'rattle' when putting your ear against it or very close-by.

 

[Curupira]

Whistle

It may hum with age (years and years), as the lamination of the transformer inside gets worn, but the frequency of the noise is quite low due to the mains matching freq. (60hz). Whistling is often caused by coil whine, and would be heard from inside the device itself. I've never heard such a case from something like a small desktop amplifier though.

 

[fws]

The small power supply that is connected to the mains is making noise? Whistle? because I'm very sensitive to that

I had 2 units, probably from different batches as they had completely different boxes, and while I haven't put my ear directly on it, I don't hear anything particular even when my head is not that far off (its under the desk and I occasionally have to dive in there).

 

[Oscarilbo]

Amir does not consistently maintain a headphone Amp ranking the same way he does for DACs for example.

The L30II's 50mV result Amir got I suspect was erroneous and removed from the ranking as a result (merely speculation).

So, is the L30II not as great as originally thought to be? I really thought it was one of the top.

 

[staticV3]

So, is the L30II not as great as originally thought to be?

No, it is.

I really thought it was one of the top.

Still is:

Measurements of Topping L30II HeadphoneAmp - L7Audiolab

台式设备 话说转眼间拓品L30作为拓品的拳头产品已经发布了两年多了。人年纪大了之后就会觉得日子变得特别快，我甚至感觉测L30还是在上个礼拜的事情…… 结果这两天我收到了L30的换代产品：Topping L30II 那么这个L30的后续产品能不能延续L30的辉煌呢？让我们拭目以待

www.l7audiolab.com

 

[Oscarilbo]

No, it is.


Still is:

Measurements of Topping L30II HeadphoneAmp - L7Audiolab

台式设备 话说转眼间拓品L30作为拓品的拳头产品已经发布了两年多了。人年纪大了之后就会觉得日子变得特别快，我甚至感觉测L30还是在上个礼拜的事情…… 结果这两天我收到了L30的换代产品：Topping L30II 那么这个L30的后续产品能不能延续L30的辉煌呢？让我们拭目以待

www.l7audiolab.com

excellent! good to know, thank you.
I’m waiting for my E30II/L30II stack to arrive. If it at least gives me equal performance as my modi3+/Asgard3 stack, then I’ll keep it, as I need to save some physical space.

 

[patoulol]

is the OFF button a real OFF? Does the device really cut out? Isn't it hot OFF?

 

[Roland68]

is the OFF button a real OFF? Does the device really cut out? Isn't it hot OFF?

No, it's not off; this has been discussed several times in this thread and on the previous pages.

When set to "Off," the device is put into a kind of standby mode, in which the inputs and outputs are turned off. The device itself remains live.
If you want to turn it off completely, you'll need to buy a socket with a switch; these can be found starting at around €2.

There's no reason to complain about this class of device with its excellent measurements and high performance. Topping has achieved the most for this price, but a few compromises have to be made, especially with the external transformer and the lack of the option to turn it off completely. Anything else would have been significantly more expensive.

With the L70 from Topping, you get the optimum in terms of price, functionality, measurements, and performance, but for almost twice the price. Topping has packed everything into this unit: remote, relay-based volume control, SE/balanced inputs and outputs, two preset memories, a display, a built-in power supply, true standby and a physical power switch, etc.
Or you can get a DX5 II including a DAC for the same price.

 

[patoulol]

No, it's not off; this has been discussed several times in this thread and on the previous pages.

When set to "Off," the device is put into a kind of standby mode, in which the inputs and outputs are turned off. The device itself remains live.
If you want to turn it off completely, you'll need to buy a socket with a switch; these can be found starting at around €2.

There's no reason to complain about this class of device with its excellent measurements and high performance. Topping has achieved the most for this price, but a few compromises have to be made, especially with the external transformer and the lack of the option to turn it off completely. Anything else would have been significantly more expensive.

With the L70 from Topping, you get the optimum in terms of price, functionality, measurements, and performance, but for almost twice the price. Topping has packed everything into this unit: remote, relay-based volume control, SE/balanced inputs and outputs, two preset memories, a display, a built-in power supply, true standby and a physical power switch, etc.
Or you can get a DX5 II including a DAC for the same price.

Are you sure about that? Because we hear a relay "click" sound that gives the impression it's turned off."

 

[Roland68]

Are you sure about that? Because we hear a relay "click" sound that gives the impression it's turned off."

100% sure, I know the device very well.
The relays are the inputs and outputs that are switched off, but I already wrote about that.
The rectifier diodes and power supply capacitors always have full voltage, just like the voltage regulator.
There are no components in the device that would allow switching off the voltage.
But you can open it up and measure it yourself.

 

[patoulol]

I believe you, I don't know anything about it, but the clicking noise gave me doubt. I already have the switch on socket, I had read the pages before

 

[Oscarilbo]

No, it's not off; this has been discussed several times in this thread and on the previous pages.

When set to "Off," the device is put into a kind of standby mode, in which the inputs and outputs are turned off. The device itself remains live.
If you want to turn it off completely, you'll need to buy a socket with a switch; these can be found starting at around €2.

There's no reason to complain about this class of device with its excellent measurements and high performance. Topping has achieved the most for this price, but a few compromises have to be made, especially with the external transformer and the lack of the option to turn it off completely. Anything else would have been significantly more expensive.

With the L70 from Topping, you get the optimum in terms of price, functionality, measurements, and performance, but for almost twice the price. Topping has packed everything into this unit: remote, relay-based volume control, SE/balanced inputs and outputs, two preset memories, a display, a built-in power supply, true standby and a physical power switch, etc.
Or you can get a DX5 II including a DAC for the same price.

Is there any risk of the amp being on this stand by mode all the time? Is there a particular socket that you could recommend? I have it connected to very good a voltage regulator. Would that be enough?

 

[Roland68]

Is there any risk of the amp being on this stand by mode all the time? Is there a particular socket that you could recommend? I have it connected to very good a voltage regulator. Would that be enough?

What does a voltage regulator have to do with this, and what do you need it for?

To really turn it off you need a switchable socket in front of the transformer, as the examples in post #1105 show.

 

[Oscarilbo]

What does a voltage regulator have to do with this, and what do you need it for?

To really turn it off you need a switchable socket in front of the transformer, as the examples in post #1105 show.

I ment a surge protector. Ok, thank you.

 

[Oscarilbo]

One question guys, that I know it may have been discussed before a lot…

I’m loving my L30II, the sound is clean clean clean… perfect in every way for such a small box.

Just a tiny bit of an issue with the volume knob; Its mostly fine but sometimes it "scratches" a tiny bit like it was touching the case when I turn the pointer around 9’clock.

Now, it does not bother me per se, I just want to confirm this is fairly common and it does not mean an issue in the long term.

Thank you so much in advance.