I have owned the original E30, D50s, D90, D90 MQA and I honestly think the E30ii is the best of the bunch. In my system, it's powered by HDPlex 300 and fed via coax from Matrix Xspdif DDC. Depending on what amp I am using, I actually prefer E30ii over the Lab 12 DAC at 20 times the price. Just for fun and ergonomics, I am trying to put together a system that is entirely powered by the HDplex 300. Oh how I wish the Geisler Kompakt is DC powered instead of AC....
I recently tried the new Modi+ and I think for delta sigma, Topping has better sounding/ better value offerings in the D10 balanced and E50, etc. Once you go multibit with Schiit, it’s hard to go back.
I have an SMSL SU-6, which I purchased with the plan of getting an SMSL SH-6 headphone amp at a later date. However, at the moment, the SH-6 headphone amp is out of stock at the outlet where I got my DAC, but they do have a Topping L30 II amp available. I'm not too bothered about the asthestics like the SU-6 and L30 II not being "made for each other" appearance wise, I'm just wondering if my SMSL SU6 would pair well sonically with a Topping L30 II headphone AMP, and if anyone has the aforementioned rig.
Здравствуйте,как по вашему опыту лучше:smsl d-6 или topping E30!! или smsl su 1 по звучанию? Ещё вопрос:а в колонках MC-30 есть свой цап в системе?А стоить ли к колонкам подключить цап?Или колонка всё равно свою звук будет выдавать?Жду ответа так как щас идёт распродажа, ответьте пожалуйста
I have to balance the length of the videos and the amount of ground I cover. I always discuss the devices independently (i.e. how good is the DAC and how good is the amp) for those who want only one, but these are designed to go together so I look at them that light.
I'll be expecting for the new Magni and Modi review, would you be reviewing the Lyr + as well? Would be interesting to see the sinergy between it and the new Bifrost 2/64, being the Bifrost a balanced design, and the Lyr just having single ended inputs.
Hi, There are no videos on using a battery power supply. With the low cost and dual purpose ability of portable power banks, I see this as a great way to power DACs, streaming devices (eg WiiM) and headphone amps. From my testing I get better sound and battery life is good as they only draw low power. My only concern is that they may use a noisy voltage converter to get to 5volts. What do you think? BTW what is the best DAC in your opinion at the $200 range? Thanks for your time and professional channel.
Been using power banks. That’s what they are called in the country I’m in. It’s a portable battery charger. It’s fine. E30.. use the pre amp when connected via Toslink From the TV. That means I have a volume control remote. E30 is connected to my speaker system. For music I use it as a DAC. It’s okay. I prefer the Khadas Tone2 Pro
I've used a couple of power banks with no noise issues, but I believe it depends a lot on the specific model and design. I haven't planned to do any reviews of them because there are too many models on the market and it will also depend on which region you're in as to what's available.
@@PassionforSound Thanks. Yes I’m a little bit North of you. (Maybe Northwest). One of my power banks is as heavy as a brick and one has a C type port that charges as well as be recharged.
Great review, I just purchased the topping stack, And have senheizer 58x headset, Sound is great, I upgraded from the L30 older version, Defiantly worth the upgrade, And the size of the stack is realy compact, Happy with the purchase, And thanks for your review.
Back in grade school, I had a knee-capping teacher with the same brand name. Maybe I’d try one of those amps except that seeing it would remind me of that teacher. Don’t want to say more in case she hunts me down and takes me off the board. 😕
I got the L30 II for use with my laptop for headphone and desktop speaker use because it's switchable between the two outputs doing away with the need to swap plugs/cables/etc I find the L30 II runs really hot though and have had to place a usb driven fan on the amp to keep it cool in use Does the E30 II DAC also run hot like the amplifier, or is it able to run without getting desperately hot? Will I be using the E30 II with it's own mini fan if I add it to the line up?
About the USB port.......................................... The Topping E30 II has one. It is a USB Type "B" connector. Correct? Sometimes these ports/inputs are labeled "PC", presumably to connect to one. Correct? However, I'm finding USB Type "B" connectors as rare as hen's teeth on a PC or laptop. What the heck's the deal?
Yes, it's got USB-B. Where it's a little tricky is that USB-A is what comes out of the computer and USB-B is what goes into the device (DAC, printer, etc.) The good news is that if you have a regular USB socket on your computer then that's all you need for the E30 as it comes with the exact cable you need to run from the normal old USB socket.
@@PassionforSound LQQK, I'm not adversarial, I like the conversation & some logic might help. 😁 I understand everything you wrote. The question is WHY? Why do reviewers applaud, manufacturers' up charge & consumers demand USB Type "B", when one has to use a darn adapter cable to make it "work"? And often, it's even supplied in the box! And if I wanted to use the other end of the cable, I'd have to go buy an install card for USB Type B, on my PC! Isn't a USB Type B to USB Type B connection better than USB Type B to USB Micro?🤔
You're misunderstanding, Thomas. USB-B is the standard. All normal USB cables are USB-A to USB-B so there's no adapter needed and the products come with the cable anyway. Nothing more needed.
I'm glad I found these info. While I was shopping for a headphones amp, I found the L30 ii and E30 ii DAC. What are the differences between them?? Sorry everyone, please excuse my ignorance.. I'm simply recording my one classical guitar + keyboard + vocal... All of them connected to an audio interface (SSL+) which is connected to an ipad (GarageBand). I use ONLY in ear monitors (17 impedance) for mixing and editing. Now, what will serve me more L30ii or E30ii or should I get both?? Again sorry for my confusion. I'm literally new the the recording world. Cheers to all of you 👏
The E30 is the DAC and the L30 is the amp so you could record into the interface and then send the audio out to the E30 and then onto the L30 or, if you're happy using the interface as you DAC (that's how it's working now for you) then you could take a line out from the interface and just use the L30 as the amp. Based on the interfaces I've used, you're better off keeping it dedicated as just a recording device and then using the E30 and L30 together to output the audio. It should result in a nice increase in sound quality.
Another great informative video but I'm a bit confused as you mention the AC power supply and powering it with a linear power supply isn't recommended so having said that you can't use the topping P50 with this? via it's barrel type input on the P50?
I don't know about USB power being noisy. I would bet if you have a good desktop system there's not much if any added noise from the USB port. Clearly if Topping saw this as a major issue they would have sent DC power adapter along with the unit.
This is why Topping make the P50 linear power supply. Noisy USB power is definitely a known and understood issue and the reason why cheap DACs might be powered by USB power, but as you spend more money you get dedicated power supplies.
@@PassionforSound Its not nearly as big of a problem as you think it is. There are literally tests and measurements that have been done on this matter... And well engineered DAC has no audible noise from USB power delivery. Sure, linear power supplies provide lower noise floor, but if the noise floor is inaudible to begin with then it doesn't really matter.
Please feel free to share the tests, but also make sure that the tests are considering the impact of noisy power affecting the ground plain as a reference for the 0V DAC levels. John Swenson (DAC designer) wrote a great article about this some time ago. I've tried to find it, but can't at the moment while searching on my phone.
@@loko306 It’s $300 though and super long shipping times, USB implementation is noisy with a gaming PC unlike Schiit’s unison usb, and can sound subjectively on par with the modius akm or the E50. At $300, you might as well get a modi multibit for the same price or spend a little extra on an EF400 ($499) R2R Dac/amp or a Cayin RU-6 R2R dongle dac at $250 imo and get better sound than any ess/akm DS dac.
@@Reeeepicheep Interesting. Haven't heart the EF400 yet. The Caiyin dongle wasn't my favorite gotta admit. IMHO I do believe the Geshelli Labs AKM sounds better than the Schitt modi multibit, which I also own. I think my next jump will be to the Musician Draco because of the price and reviews on YT so far.
Those chi-fi products , toppings and smsls sounds the same. There is no way that your ears are able to find the difference between them when came to sound.
That's simply not accurate in all cases. Some DACs and amps (particularly DACs) are almost indistinguishable and I'll always say so if that's what I hear, but there are many Topping and SMSL products (among other brands too) that sound noticeably different due to things like the power supply design, output stage op-amp choices and circuit layout, etc.
Im glad for entertainment and information sake that you have posted this video and i look forward to watching it. I already own both in V.1 form, so i have wondered about these two units, even tho I have progressed to buying higher end components now. I look forward to it.
I sold my original 30-stack long before these arrived so I won't be able to tell you exactly how your stack compares to this one, but I hope you enjoy(ed) it nonetheless
@@PassionforSound i really liked the 4 stack comparison, its to bad that all devices dont line up so well by price as the E30 stack does for comparison.
At 6:02 you mention that the L30 II outputs 1.7W at 32 ohm but it's actually 2.7W.
Thanks for catching that! Either a typo in my notes or a mis-speak on my part.
I have owned the original E30, D50s, D90, D90 MQA and I honestly think the E30ii is the best of the bunch. In my system, it's powered by HDPlex 300 and fed via coax from Matrix Xspdif DDC. Depending on what amp I am using, I actually prefer E30ii over the Lab 12 DAC at 20 times the price.
Just for fun and ergonomics, I am trying to put together a system that is entirely powered by the HDplex 300. Oh how I wish the Geisler Kompakt is DC powered instead of AC....
It's a great little DAC for sure. The combo of price, size and performance is excellent
e30ii vs lab12 dac, which is around 3000 bucks? wow u must be joking
@@tonyhan9393 get yourself a $600 PSU to power the E30ii then come back to me.
I recently tried the new Modi+ and I think for delta sigma, Topping has better sounding/ better value offerings in the D10 balanced and E50, etc.
Once you go multibit with Schiit, it’s hard to go back.
I've just received the Modi+ and look forward to comparing it with some other DACs soon
I have an SMSL SU-6, which I purchased with the plan of getting an SMSL SH-6 headphone amp at a later date.
However, at the moment, the SH-6 headphone amp is out of stock at the outlet where I got my DAC, but they do have a Topping L30 II amp available.
I'm not too bothered about the asthestics like the SU-6 and L30 II not being "made for each other" appearance wise, I'm just wondering if my SMSL SU6 would pair well sonically with a Topping L30 II headphone AMP, and if anyone has the aforementioned rig.
They will work nicely together and the L30 II is a solid amp.
I considered this stack them the E70 and L70 appeared. Its a killer combo that nice big display and programable remote. Good review.
Glad you liked the review! I haven't tried the 70-stack yet, but if it continues the trajectory from the 30 and 50-stacks, it will be great!
Здравствуйте,как по вашему опыту лучше:smsl d-6 или topping E30!! или smsl su 1 по звучанию? Ещё вопрос:а в колонках MC-30 есть свой цап в системе?А стоить ли к колонкам подключить цап?Или колонка всё равно свою звук будет выдавать?Жду ответа так как щас идёт распродажа, ответьте пожалуйста
I am somewhat disappointed that you did not try mix and match. Why have separate DAC/amp if you always use the same pairings...
I have to balance the length of the videos and the amount of ground I cover. I always discuss the devices independently (i.e. how good is the DAC and how good is the amp) for those who want only one, but these are designed to go together so I look at them that light.
I'll be expecting for the new Magni and Modi review, would you be reviewing the Lyr + as well? Would be interesting to see the sinergy between it and the new Bifrost 2/64, being the Bifrost a balanced design, and the Lyr just having single ended inputs.
Yes, yes and yes 🙂
@@PassionforSound Thanks for the reply, I will be anxiously waiting for the videos, warm regards.
Hi,
There are no videos on using a battery power supply. With the low cost and dual purpose ability of portable power banks, I see this as a great way to power DACs, streaming devices (eg WiiM) and headphone amps. From my testing I get better sound and battery life is good as they only draw low power. My only concern is that they may use a noisy voltage converter to get to 5volts. What do you think?
BTW what is the best DAC in your opinion at the $200 range?
Thanks for your time and professional channel.
i had used a ravpower portable charger and it sounded noisier than using ac adapter. i am using e30ii with HDPLEX300 now and sounds great.
Been using power banks. That’s what they are called in the country I’m in. It’s a portable battery charger. It’s fine.
E30.. use the pre amp when connected via Toslink From the TV. That means I have a volume control remote. E30 is connected to my speaker system. For music I use it as a DAC. It’s okay. I prefer the Khadas Tone2 Pro
I've used a couple of power banks with no noise issues, but I believe it depends a lot on the specific model and design. I haven't planned to do any reviews of them because there are too many models on the market and it will also depend on which region you're in as to what's available.
@@PassionforSound Thanks. Yes I’m a little bit North of you. (Maybe Northwest). One of my power banks is as heavy as a brick and one has a C type port that charges as well as be recharged.
Great review, I just purchased the topping stack, And have senheizer 58x headset, Sound is great, I upgraded from the L30 older version, Defiantly worth the upgrade, And the size of the stack is realy compact, Happy with the purchase, And thanks for your review.
That's great that you're happy with the upgrade. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Back in grade school, I had a knee-capping teacher with the same brand name. Maybe I’d try one of those amps except that seeing it would remind me of that teacher. Don’t want to say more in case she hunts me down and takes me off the board. 😕
LOL. Sounds scary. Shhhh!
I got the L30 II for use with my laptop for headphone and desktop speaker use because it's switchable between the two outputs doing away with the need to swap plugs/cables/etc I find the L30 II runs really hot though and have had to place a usb driven fan on the amp to keep it cool in use Does the E30 II DAC also run hot like the amplifier, or is it able to run without getting desperately hot? Will I be using the E30 II with it's own mini fan if I add it to the line up?
The DAC doesn't get hot at all because it's not outputting the same levels of power as the headphone amp.
@PassionforSound thanks for your reply That is helpful Makes the decision to secure purchase of an E30 II much simpler
About the USB port..........................................
The Topping E30 II has one. It is a USB Type "B" connector. Correct? Sometimes these ports/inputs are labeled "PC", presumably to connect to one. Correct?
However, I'm finding USB Type "B" connectors as rare as hen's teeth on a PC or laptop. What the heck's the deal?
Yes, it's got USB-B. Where it's a little tricky is that USB-A is what comes out of the computer and USB-B is what goes into the device (DAC, printer, etc.) The good news is that if you have a regular USB socket on your computer then that's all you need for the E30 as it comes with the exact cable you need to run from the normal old USB socket.
@@PassionforSound LQQK, I'm not adversarial, I like the conversation & some logic might help. 😁
I understand everything you wrote. The question is WHY?
Why do reviewers applaud, manufacturers' up charge & consumers demand USB Type "B", when one has to use a darn adapter cable to make it "work"? And often, it's even supplied in the box!
And if I wanted to use the other end of the cable, I'd have to go buy an install card for USB Type B, on my PC!
Isn't a USB Type B to USB Type B connection better than USB Type B to USB Micro?🤔
You're misunderstanding, Thomas. USB-B is the standard. All normal USB cables are USB-A to USB-B so there's no adapter needed and the products come with the cable anyway. Nothing more needed.
I'm glad I found these info. While I was shopping for a headphones amp, I found the L30 ii and E30 ii DAC. What are the differences between them?? Sorry everyone, please excuse my ignorance.. I'm simply recording my one classical guitar + keyboard + vocal... All of them connected to an audio interface (SSL+) which is connected to an ipad (GarageBand). I use ONLY in ear monitors (17 impedance) for mixing and editing. Now, what will serve me more L30ii or E30ii or should I get both?? Again sorry for my confusion. I'm literally new the the recording world. Cheers to all of you 👏
The E30 is the DAC and the L30 is the amp so you could record into the interface and then send the audio out to the E30 and then onto the L30 or, if you're happy using the interface as you DAC (that's how it's working now for you) then you could take a line out from the interface and just use the L30 as the amp.
Based on the interfaces I've used, you're better off keeping it dedicated as just a recording device and then using the E30 and L30 together to output the audio. It should result in a nice increase in sound quality.
@@PassionforSound thanks for your reply
My pleasure 🙂
do you plan on reviewing the Topping A30 pro?
No specific plans as yet 🙂
Great to get a sense of where this stack sits compared to the others. Cheers
Glad that was helpful
Another great informative video but I'm a bit confused as you mention the AC power supply and powering it with a linear power supply isn't recommended so having said that you can't use the topping P50 with this? via it's barrel type input on the P50?
Sorry for being unclear and you're right! The LPS option is for the DAC only. You'll need to use the supplied AC wall wart for the amp.
No worries and thank you for the prompt reply, keep up the great videos!
@Passion for sound Why for the amp?
The amp uses an AC power supply. Linear power supplies output DC so they won't work together.
Any lps recommendations for the dac? Or even better any amp/dac much more worth it for around 200-300$ price that is superior sound wise?
Topping E30 II DAC and L30 II or DX5?
That's a tough one. I've never compared them, but I'd expect the separates to comfortably outperform the DX5
I don't know about USB power being noisy. I would bet if you have a good desktop system there's not much if any added noise from the USB port. Clearly if Topping saw this as a major issue they would have sent DC power adapter along with the unit.
This is why Topping make the P50 linear power supply. Noisy USB power is definitely a known and understood issue and the reason why cheap DACs might be powered by USB power, but as you spend more money you get dedicated power supplies.
@@PassionforSound Its not nearly as big of a problem as you think it is. There are literally tests and measurements that have been done on this matter... And well engineered DAC has no audible noise from USB power delivery. Sure, linear power supplies provide lower noise floor, but if the noise floor is inaudible to begin with then it doesn't really matter.
Please feel free to share the tests, but also make sure that the tests are considering the impact of noisy power affecting the ground plain as a reference for the 0V DAC levels. John Swenson (DAC designer) wrote a great article about this some time ago. I've tried to find it, but can't at the moment while searching on my phone.
@@PassionforSound I would share couple links, but TH-cam blocks links on comments.
Topping E50 and Schiit Modius are my favorite delta sigma dacs I’d recommend on a budget. But if you want the real deal, get an R2R/multibit dac.
The Geshelli Labs AKM chip is even more amazing 😍😍
@@loko306 It’s $300 though and super long shipping times, USB implementation is noisy with a gaming PC unlike Schiit’s unison usb, and can sound subjectively on par with the modius akm or the E50. At $300, you might as well get a modi multibit for the same price or spend a little extra on an EF400 ($499) R2R Dac/amp or a Cayin RU-6 R2R dongle dac at $250 imo and get better sound than any ess/akm DS dac.
I'm looking forward to trying the J2 AKM version soon, but I'll be amazed if it can match a Schiit Multibit
Please do! And let us know your opinion!! :) It's true that Geshelli Labs has a long shipping time. Keep up the great videos!!
@@Reeeepicheep Interesting. Haven't heart the EF400 yet. The Caiyin dongle wasn't my favorite gotta admit. IMHO I do believe the Geshelli Labs AKM sounds better than the Schitt modi multibit, which I also own.
I think my next jump will be to the Musician Draco because of the price and reviews on YT so far.
Lol I would love to do a blind test to see you failing to hear all you claiming you heard here
Hahahah, exactly. Those chi-fis sounds exactly the same.
@@zoltawiewiorka9555 Blind testing is the new religion...and its followers just as fanatical! Dear oh dear......
@@zoltawiewiorka9555 Topping > Schiit
he hears the money...
Maybe...
Those chi-fi products , toppings and smsls sounds the same. There is no way that your ears are able to find the difference between them when came to sound.
That's simply not accurate in all cases. Some DACs and amps (particularly DACs) are almost indistinguishable and I'll always say so if that's what I hear, but there are many Topping and SMSL products (among other brands too) that sound noticeably different due to things like the power supply design, output stage op-amp choices and circuit layout, etc.
@@PassionforSound Blind test?
Not necessary and blind tests have their own reliability issues
Hahahahahah. That tells everything.
@@zoltawiewiorka9555 Just go back to ASR and spend hours looking at measurement charts while we all enjoy the music.....😂
Im glad for entertainment and information sake that you have posted this video and i look forward to watching it. I already own both in V.1 form, so i have wondered about these two units, even tho I have progressed to buying higher end components now. I look forward to it.
I sold my original 30-stack long before these arrived so I won't be able to tell you exactly how your stack compares to this one, but I hope you enjoy(ed) it nonetheless
@@PassionforSound i really liked the 4 stack comparison, its to bad that all devices dont line up so well by price as the E30 stack does for comparison.
Yeah, the SMSL 6-stack is the only one that's about the same.