One big advantage of Topping A30 Pro is because its unbalanced amp with loads of power, you can run stuff like DT 880 600 ohm off from it well without having to do complicated balanced cable mod for the headphone. Powerful unbalanced amps are simply more practical as you don't need balanced cables with them.
What would you say is the best amp match under $300 for planar magnetics such Hifiman Ananda Stealth or Nano? I was looking at the A30, as well as DAC-amp combos such as Topping DX3 Pro and SMSL C200. What are some others i should be aware of please?
I didn't know it had that 250 ohm class A thing. I really considered buying this unit but I found a second hand SP400 and wanted to dip my toes into true balanced territory. Now I am more curious.
What type of music are you testing with ? **Its very important for me to interpret your findings and how they are applicable for me. Thank you in advance dear friend 🙂
Wide variety. Rock, many subgenres of rock (classic, metal, grunge, punk, Alt, indie...), orchestral (many big symphonic and soundtrack works), some EDM and hip-hop. Basically I don't recommend this amp for music generally.
I thought this would be powerful enough and cheap to run the LCD-5 but you seem to not like it with planars. What would you recommend as a good amp for the LCD-5 that doesn't go into the $2K range?
My experience with higher tier amps mostly revolves around Violectric. I used an HPA-V281 mostly to test the LCD-5 and thought that sounded good. That's a discontinued model that can be found for $1500ish used every once in awhile. The Vio HPA-V200 should also do a respectable job (handled the LCD-24 and the HiFiMan HE1000v2 quite well). Those can be found used around $500. The HPA-V280 is currently available on Drop for $1450. Outside of Vio, I've heard good things about the Burson Soloist 3X, but have yet to hear it myself to confirm. It's about $1100-1200, IIRC.
Your take on this amp goes against the common opinions I have come across. I appreciate your honesty and breakdown of your personal experience with the different types of headphones. Wish I would have seen this review before buying it, as I find it also a bit strange sounding with some of my headphones.
I'd be more inclined to buy Schiit products if the guy at the top would listen to his customers and move the power switch/button to the front of his products. His statement that he continues to put them on the back just to piss people off just doesn't sit right with me. I don't give a damn where the on off switch is but when the man at the top of the food chain at a company makes it clear he's doing something just to bug people, I take my money elsewhere. That and 6 to 8 week lead times are ridiculous and have been an issue for long before the supply shortages of current day...
Schiit products are completely out of stock. You're looking a long wait times. Topping is available everywhere because China lol. I can't decide between topping A30pro and geshelli E2 amp. The power output is higher on A30pro oh and real balanced not that I care about that. Anyone in here compared the two?
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One big advantage of Topping A30 Pro is because its unbalanced amp with loads of power, you can run stuff like DT 880 600 ohm off from it well without having to do complicated balanced cable mod for the headphone. Powerful unbalanced amps are simply more practical as you don't need balanced cables with them.
Nice review my brother. Are you by chance getting a hold of the OOR HYPSOS soon? I'd love for you to review it
Your review is so much matching with my experieince, so sad, there is no so many subscribers
Great review and explanation! I have iloud mtm speakers..can i connect them to this unit? Thanks
Thanks. The comparisons are especially helpful. 😉
Great insight, I own and love this stack on my Focal Clear MG, helps really brings out the dynamic sound, at least to my ear.
What would you say is the best amp match under $300 for planar magnetics such Hifiman Ananda Stealth or Nano?
I was looking at the A30, as well as DAC-amp combos such as Topping DX3 Pro and SMSL C200. What are some others i should be aware of please?
Hi . How to connect this amp with sound card AIM SC808 ?
Interesting to see current comparisons to other existing amp offerings, and the wide assortment of headphones used.
I just bought this for my hd800s, so judging by how it was good with the hd6xx i should have made a decent decision eh?
I didn't know it had that 250 ohm class A thing. I really considered buying this unit but I found a second hand SP400 and wanted to dip my toes into true balanced territory. Now I am more curious.
What type of music are you testing with ?
**Its very important for me to interpret your findings and how they are applicable for me. Thank you in advance dear friend 🙂
Wide variety. Rock, many subgenres of rock (classic, metal, grunge, punk, Alt, indie...), orchestral (many big symphonic and soundtrack works), some EDM and hip-hop. Basically I don't recommend this amp for music generally.
Happy one!
Have wave what would be a good amp that would pair up well with the Gustard x26 pro dac! Thst DAC is around 1400 so I’m sure the A30 won’t cut it lol
I thought this would be powerful enough and cheap to run the LCD-5 but you seem to not like it with planars. What would you recommend as a good amp for the LCD-5 that doesn't go into the $2K range?
My experience with higher tier amps mostly revolves around Violectric. I used an HPA-V281 mostly to test the LCD-5 and thought that sounded good. That's a discontinued model that can be found for $1500ish used every once in awhile. The Vio HPA-V200 should also do a respectable job (handled the LCD-24 and the HiFiMan HE1000v2 quite well). Those can be found used around $500. The HPA-V280 is currently available on Drop for $1450. Outside of Vio, I've heard good things about the Burson Soloist 3X, but have yet to hear it myself to confirm. It's about $1100-1200, IIRC.
Your take on this amp goes against the common opinions I have come across. I appreciate your honesty and breakdown of your personal experience with the different types of headphones. Wish I would have seen this review before buying it, as I find it also a bit strange sounding with some of my headphones.
I have the Asgard 3. The A30Pro just went on sale for $249 at APOS and I was considering. Not anymore. You just saved me $250. Thank you Wave Theory.
I'd be more inclined to buy Schiit products if the guy at the top would listen to his customers and move the power switch/button to the front of his products. His statement that he continues to put them on the back just to piss people off just doesn't sit right with me. I don't give a damn where the on off switch is but when the man at the top of the food chain at a company makes it clear he's doing something just to bug people, I take my money elsewhere. That and 6 to 8 week lead times are ridiculous and have been an issue for long before the supply shortages of current day...
Yup buying topping makes more sense if you want functionality. Something as simple as on/off should be on the front of any unit.
Schiit products are completely out of stock. You're looking a long wait times. Topping is available everywhere because China lol. I can't decide between topping A30pro and geshelli E2 amp. The power output is higher on A30pro oh and real balanced not that I care about that. Anyone in here compared the two?
Interesting that Sonic performance increased with impedance. Interesting observation!!