Short answer: the Schiit Midgard. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#5 and #6 of 19 headphone amplifiers), and the Schiit Midgard costs $259 against $999 for the SMSL VMV P2, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
Why pick the Schiit Midgard: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It costs more than the Topping A50 III, which matches its rating and measured slightly cleaner at 121 dB.
What the SMSL VMV P2 does well: Audio Science Review measured 116 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It has only analog inputs, so you need a separate DAC to play music from a computer or phone.
Buy the Schiit Midgard. Both are rated the same, and it costs $740 less than the SMSL VMV P2.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Schiit Midgard | SMSL VMV P2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259.00 | $999.00 |
| Ranked | #5 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #6 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 4,800 mW (manufacturer rated) | 6,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 750 mW (manufacturer rated) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR pre out) |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 9” x 1.5” x 6” (229 x 38 x 152 mm) | 11” x 2” x 9.3” (280 x 51 x 235.7 mm) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) | 7.2 lbs (3.25 kg) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Schiit Midgard compares with other leading options:
- Schiit Midgard vs Topping A30 Pro
- Schiit Midgard vs Topping A50 III
- Schiit Midgard vs Topping A70 Pro
- Schiit Midgard vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Schiit Midgard vs Topping L30
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Schiit Midgard: $259.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 4.8 W into 32 ohms and 750 mW into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone. It offers 6.35 mm and 4 pin XLR balanced outputs, RCA and XLR inputs, and passes the signal through to RCA and XLR outputs.
Cons: It costs more than the Topping A50 III, which matches its rating and measured slightly cleaner at 121 dB. It has no 4.4 mm balanced jack, so many portable balanced cables need an adapter. It is an amp only and needs a separate DAC.
Full Schiit Midgard review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9” x 1.5” x 6” (229 x 38 x 152 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 750 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 4,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SMSL VMV P2: $999.00 Linsoul eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 116 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 6 W balanced into 32 ohms and 700 mW into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, including demanding planar magnetic and high impedance models. It offers 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4 pin XLR headphone outputs plus RCA and XLR inputs and outputs, so it can also work as a preamp.
Cons: It has only analog inputs, so you need a separate DAC to play music from a computer or phone. The Topping A50 III earns the same rating and measured cleaner for a fraction of the price, and the Topping A70 Pro publishes about twice the power for less. At 3.25 kg it is a large desktop unit.
Full SMSL VMV P2 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR pre out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 11” x 2” x 9.3” (280 x 51 x 235.7 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs (3.25 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons