Short answer: the Topping A30 Pro. It ranks #1 of 19 headphone amplifiers by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $349.99; the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 ranks #18, rated 2.4/5, and costs $499, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Topping A30 Pro is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: It is an analog only amp with no USB or other digital input, so you need a separate DAC.
What the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 does well: It offers two pairs of RCA inputs, a 6.35 mm headphone jack and an RCA preamp output for feeding powered speakers, in a compact desktop chassis. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 87 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive headphones will reveal.
Buy the Topping A30 Pro. It is rated higher than the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping A30 Pro | HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #18 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 87 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 5,500 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 840 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | RCA (2 pairs) |
| Outputs | RCA pass-through, 6.35 mm TRS pass-through | RCA (preamp) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 1.8” x 5.4” (174 x 45 x 138 mm) | 5.7” x 2” x 6.7” (146 x 51 x 171 mm) |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (870 g) | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Topping A30 Pro:
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A50 III
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Schiit Midgard vs Topping A30 Pro
- SMSL VMV P2 vs Topping A30 Pro
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
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
HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2: $499.00 HeadAmp eBay
Pros: It offers two pairs of RCA inputs, a 6.35 mm headphone jack and an RCA preamp output for feeding powered speakers, in a compact desktop chassis.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 87 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive headphones will reveal. HeadAmp doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, there are no balanced outputs, and the Little Labs Monotor rates higher and measured much cleaner for a similar price.
Full HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5.7” x 2” x 6.7” (146 x 51 x 171 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | RCA (2 pairs) |
| Outputs | RCA (preamp) |
| SINAD | 87 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons