Topping L50 Review (Headphone Amp)

[formdissolve]

We have no reports of massive faults here at least. Many amps in recent time actually have fw update possibilities. It could be to tune input/output voltages to the TI modules but I don’t actually know as I haven’t seen it from the inside.

I had one unit fail after three months of light use with the dreaded blinking light on the front, but they sent me a new unit a month ago and it has been going strong since. I love the unit and actually like the passthrough, but if this one fails I'll probably look for something else more reliable. I have yet to have an SMSL product fail.. and wish I didn't sell my SP400

 

[Gradius]

I decided to open up my L50 today, mainly to clean up the flux.

Attached the p0rn.

 

[formdissolve]

I decided to open up my L50 today, mainly to clean up the flux.

Attached the p0rn.

Nice to see those giant Nichicon caps in there

 

[Cals1970]

Hi, I’m a bit confused about balanced output. Currently, I’m connecting the headphone output of my Presonus 68c to the RCA SE inputs of the Topping L50 using an adapter, because i like to use my headphones and monitors at the same time. My HiFiMan Edition XS headphones are connected to the 3.5mm adapter that came with the L50. Since my headphone cable is faulty, I need to buy a new one and would like to get a more suitable option. Should I buy a "4.4 Balance to 3.5" cable or continue with something similar to the original stereo 3.5mm to 2x3.5mm cable?

 

[usern]

You can connect Presonus balanced line out to Topping and connect speaker monitors to Topping pass through

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi, I’m a bit confused about balanced output. Currently, I’m connecting the headphone output of my Presonus 68c to the RCA SE inputs of the Topping L50 using an adapter, because i like to use my headphones and monitors at the same time. My HiFiMan Edition XS headphones are connected to the 3.5mm adapter that came with the L50. Since my headphone cable is faulty, I need to buy a new one and would like to get a more suitable option. Should I buy a "4.4 Balance to 3.5" cable or continue with something similar to the original stereo 3.5mm to 2x3.5mm cable?

The L50 doesn't have a balanced headphone out - https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...ng-l50-review-headphone-amp.26210/post-895874 - just different options for connectors. Use whatever cable you prefer.

It does offer balanced passthrough, which works when the L50 is off.

It's a great amp, don't let that trouble you

 

[DeDovla]

Just got this little thing and I must say I am really surprised by the amount of power it can produce.

I paired it with C200 in Line Out (DAC mode) - BAL Out (so 4V out) and I think it can probably explode almost any headphone (I am using SE Out, but Balanced is the same power so it doesn't really matter). I am using it in low gain (-14dB!!) at 2 o'clock and it's more than plenty of volume for regular listening at least for me.

Great product, easy to set up, highly recommended! Only thing left to see is long term reliability, but I think it should be fine.

P.S. I was thinking of getting an A30 Pro as it is one of the best AMPs when looking at SE out (which I primarily use). In the end, I decided against it because of the form factor, and needing BAL to XLR cables to connect DAC and AMP. So far I do not regret this decision at all.

 

[olds1959special]

Day 1 with the Topping L50 / HD-650 and I love it. I use the SMSL DO100 Pro connected to the L50 through the XLR/TRS. I use the high gain and set the volume knob to around 10 o’clock and control the volume with the DAC remote. I have to use a Mogami headphone extension cable, but it still sounds good. Right now I’m at 60 on the DAC volume listening to Cypress Hill. There is not much to say about the sound, it just seems linear and clean, relaxed and pumping out tons of power. It’s not hyping the sound, and the music and details can come through. The bass performance is particularly great. I’m really impressed and hope it stays working.

 

[olds1959special]

Now I'm using my Topping L50 with an SMSL DL200 through balanced with my HD650's. The sound is really good, that's all I can say. Very good bass, smoothness, and details.

 

[olds1959special]

Returning my L50 since my ASL OTL tube headphone amp is better.

 

[DeDovla]

Returning my L50 since my ASL OTL tube headphone amp is better.

What exactly about it is better? Warmer sound/more bass (due to higher output impedance I guess)? More power? Looks?

Just curious.

 

[olds1959special]

What exactly about it is better? Warmer sound/more bass (due to higher output impedance I guess)? More power? Looks?

Just curious.

Speaking from the perspective of sound quality and enjoyment factor when listening to music, the OTL tube amp has a punchy, dynamic sound while still sounding warm and dimensional. The Topping L50 sounded great but just felt a bit flat and lifeless by comparison, and more analytical while being a little less fun. I would recommend the L50 but I prefer my tube amp.

 

[GearNostalgia]

Measurements seems great on this amp. Is it a good match for a pair of AKG K371 headphones?

 

[Jimster480]

Measurements seems great on this amp. Is it a good match for a pair of AKG K371 headphones?

Those are very sensitive headphones, so this will be more than adequate. Likely you won't be able to make it past 60% of the dial on low gain.

 

[GearNostalgia]

Thank you Jimster. That is reassuring. What other options are there that I could consider for the AKG 371s? It does not hurt to have some extra power for another future upgrade of headphones. I like the sound of the 371s, but I hate the position of the cable that pokes me in the shoulder.

 

[Xyrium]

I have a pair of 371s that I tried to use with my e-drum kit. I could never get those pads to stay fitted around my ears for the life of me. The isolation was great when they did fit, but when they didn't, which was most of the time, not only did the isolation suffer but the sound was anemic.

I raise my glass to you if you got a perfect fit out of them broken in or otherwise. That said I'm certain any amp would work with those.

 

[GearNostalgia]

I use them for playing synths and that is a bit less energetic than drums, but still they rub against my shoulder and that produce rumbling noise that is very distracting. What headphones do you use now Xyrium?

 

[Xyrium]

Believe it or not The Bose qc35ii ANC headphones. There's no discernible latency as it processes the ANC and it does a great job isolating the sounds of sticks hitting the skin versus the actual sound of the output due to the anc. They fit like a dream and comfortable to wear for hours on end, though you can get a little sweaty naturally due to any pads that are leather or vinyl.

 

[GearNostalgia]

Wireless. Nice. How you connect them to your setup?

 

[Xyrium]

I have to start this off again with whether you believe it or not.....lol

I connect them in a wired fashion through a Focusrite Clarett 4pre. Monitor outputs. I have also connected them directly to the kit which is an alesis strike pro.

Fantastic experience overall...