Short answer: the Schiit Midgard. It ranks #5 of 19 headphone amplifiers by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $259. The Topping L50 ranks #8, rated 4.7/5, at $169, $90 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
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 L50 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so the amp adds no audible noise or distortion. Watch for: It has no DAC, so it needs a separate source with line outputs.
Buy the Schiit Midgard. It is rated higher, and the $90 saving on the Topping L50 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Schiit Midgard | Topping L50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259.00 | $169.00 |
| Ranked | #5 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #8 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) | 2,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 750 mW (manufacturer rated) | 540 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, 6.35 mm TRS balanced |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, 6.35 mm TRS (input passthrough, active only when the amp is off) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 9” x 1.5” x 6” (229 x 38 x 152 mm) | 6.5” x 1.6” x 5.1” (166 x 41 x 129 mm) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) | 1.2 lbs (545 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.
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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 L50: $169.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so the amp adds no audible noise or distortion. A rated 2,800 mW into 32 ohms and 540 mW into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, including demanding planar magnetic and high impedance models. It offers a 4-pin XLR balanced headphone output and accepts balanced 6.35 mm TRS or RCA inputs.
Cons: It has no DAC, so it needs a separate source with line outputs. The Topping A50 III rates slightly higher with more rated power for a little more, and the passthrough outputs only work while the amp is switched off.
Full Topping L50 review and specifications →
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.5” x 1.6” x 5.1” (166 x 41 x 129 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR |
| Inputs | RCA, 6.35 mm TRS balanced |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 540 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, 6.35 mm TRS (input passthrough, active only when the amp is off) |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (545 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons