Short answer: the Schiit Midgard. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#5 and #1 of 19 headphone amplifiers), and the Schiit Midgard costs $259 against $349.99 for the Topping A30 Pro, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
The case for 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.
Why pick the Topping A30 Pro: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It is an analog only amp with no USB or other digital input, so you need a separate DAC.
Buy the Schiit Midgard. Both are rated the same, and it costs $90.99 less than the Topping A30 Pro.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Schiit Midgard | Topping A30 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259.00 | $349.99 |
| Ranked | #5 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #1 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 4,800 mW (manufacturer rated) | 5,500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 750 mW (manufacturer rated) | 840 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | Yes (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA pass-through, 6.35 mm TRS pass-through |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 9” x 1.5” x 6” (229 x 38 x 152 mm) | 6.9” x 1.8” x 5.4” (174 x 45 x 138 mm) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) | 1.9 lbs (870 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A50 III
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A90 Discrete
- SMSL VMV P2 vs Topping A30 Pro
- Topping A30 Pro 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
Topping A30 Pro: $349.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Topping rates it at 5,500 mW into 32 ohms and 840 mW into 300 ohms, enough power for nearly any headphone, with 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR and 4.4 mm balanced outputs plus RCA and XLR inputs. Pass-through outputs let it sit in a chain ahead of speakers.
Cons: It is an analog only amp with no USB or other digital input, so you need a separate DAC. The Topping A50 III rates the same with the same measured SINAD for less.
Full Topping A30 Pro review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 1.8” x 5.4” (174 x 45 x 138 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 840 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 5,500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA pass-through, 6.35 mm TRS pass-through |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (870 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A50 III
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Topping A30 Pro vs SMSL VMV P2
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping L30
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping L50
- Topping A30 Pro vs JDS Labs Atom Amp 2
- Topping A30 Pro vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
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