Short answer: the Topping A50 III. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#2 and #5 of 19 headphone amplifiers), and the Topping A50 III costs $199 against $259 for the Schiit Midgard, so with nothing between them on measured performance, price settles it.
What the Schiit Midgard does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: It costs more than the Topping A50 III, which matches its rating and measured slightly cleaner at 121 dB.
Why pick the Topping A50 III: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It is an amp only, so you need a separate DAC.
Buy the Topping A50 III. Both are rated the same, and it costs $60 less than the Schiit Midgard.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Schiit Midgard | Topping A50 III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259.00 | $199.00 |
| Ranked | #5 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #2 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) | 3,500 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 750 mW (manufacturer rated) | 760 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, 6.35 mm TRS balanced |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | - |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 9” x 1.5” x 6” (229 x 38 x 152 mm) | 4.9” x 1” x 5.5” (125 x 26 x 140 mm) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) | - |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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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 A50 III: $199.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 3.5 W into 32 ohms and 760 mW into 300 ohms from its balanced output is enough for nearly any headphone. It has 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs and costs less than the Schiit Midgard at the same rating.
Cons: It is an amp only, so you need a separate DAC. Its balanced input uses 6.35 mm TRS rather than XLR, and there are no line outputs for passing the signal on to speakers.
Full Topping A50 III review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 4.9” x 1” x 5.5” (125 x 26 x 140 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, 6.35 mm TRS balanced |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 760 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,500 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons