Short answer: the Schiit Midgard on measured measured performance, the Topping L30 on price. The Schiit Midgard ranks #5 of 19 headphone amplifiers, rated 4.8/5, at $259. The Topping L30 ranks #7, rated 4.7/5, at $149, $110 cheaper.
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 Topping L30 does well: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It has only RCA analog inputs, so you need a separate DAC.
Buy the Schiit Midgard if measured performance matters more than the price. Buy the Topping L30 if the price matters more than measured performance.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Schiit Midgard | Topping L30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259.00 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #5 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #7 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) | 2,300 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 750 mW (manufacturer rated) | 280 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | RCA |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA (preamp) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 9” x 1.5” x 6” (229 x 38 x 152 mm) | 3.9” x 1.3” x 5.3” (100 x 32 x 134 mm) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) | - |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Schiit Midgard:
- 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 SMSL VMV P2
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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 L30: $149.00 Apos Audio eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 2.3 W into 32 ohms and 280 mW into 300 ohms drive nearly any headphone, including planar magnetic and high impedance models. It also has RCA preamp outputs and a compact footprint.
Cons: It has only RCA analog inputs, so you need a separate DAC. There is no balanced headphone output, and the only jack is 6.35 mm. The JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 earns the same rating and publishes more power for less.
Full Topping L30 review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 1.3” x 5.3” (100 x 32 x 134 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | RCA |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 280 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,300 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA (preamp) |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons