Short answer: the Schiit Midgard. Both are rated 4.8/5 (#5 and #3 of 19 headphone amplifiers), and the Schiit Midgard costs $259 against $499 for the Topping A70 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. The tradeoff: It costs more than the Topping A50 III, which matches its rating and measured slightly cleaner at 121 dB.
What the Topping A70 Pro does well: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The catch: It is a headphone amp only, so it needs a separate DAC.
Buy the Schiit Midgard. Both are rated the same, and it costs $240 less than the Topping A70 Pro.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Schiit Midgard | Topping A70 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259.00 | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #5 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #3 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) | 12,600 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 750 mW (manufacturer rated) | 1,370 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 line out) |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR/6.35 mm TRS combo |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, XLR |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 9” x 1.5” x 6” (229 x 38 x 152 mm) | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) | 2.8 lbs (1,270 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A50 III vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A70 Pro vs Topping A90 Discrete
- SMSL VMV P2 vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A70 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 A70 Pro: $499.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. A rated 12.6 W balanced into 32 ohms and 1.37 W into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, through 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR outputs, and it has XLR and RCA preamp outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It is a headphone amp only, so it needs a separate DAC. The Topping A50 III matches its rating and SINAD for far less, with power that is still plenty for planar magnetics.
Full Topping A70 Pro review and specifications →
| Released | May 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR/6.35 mm TRS combo |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,370 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 12,600 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs (1,270 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Topping A70 Pro vs Topping A50 III
- Topping A70 Pro vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Topping A70 Pro vs Topping A30 Pro
- Topping A70 Pro vs SMSL VMV P2
- Topping A70 Pro vs Topping L30
- Topping A70 Pro vs Topping L50
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