Short answer: the Topping A30 Pro on measured measured performance, the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 on price. The Topping A30 Pro ranks #1 of 19 headphone amplifiers, rated 4.8/5, at $349.99. The JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 ranks #9, rated 4.7/5, at $129, $220.99 cheaper.
Why pick the Topping A30 Pro: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It is an analog only amp with no USB or other digital input, so you need a separate DAC.
Why pick the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It has no DAC, so you need a separate source.
Buy the Topping A30 Pro when measured performance outweighs the price for you, and the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 when the price outweighs measured performance instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping A30 Pro | JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 | $129 |
| Ranked | #1 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #9 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 5,500 mW (manufacturer rated) | 2,650 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 840 mW (manufacturer rated) | 286 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | RCA, 3.5 mm |
| Outputs | RCA pass-through, 6.35 mm TRS pass-through | RCA |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 1.8” x 5.4” (174 x 45 x 138 mm) | 5.7” x 1.3” x 5.2” (145 x 34 x 131 mm) |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (870 g) | 1 lbs (454 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Topping A30 Pro compares with other leading options:
- 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
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A50 III
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Topping A30 Pro vs Schiit Midgard
- Topping A30 Pro vs SMSL VMV P2
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping L30
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping L50
- Topping A30 Pro vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- See all 10 comparisons
JDS Labs Atom Amp 2: $129 JDS Labs eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 2,650 mW into 32 ohms and 286 mW into 300 ohms drives nearly any headphone, and it offers both 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm outputs. It matches the rating of the Topping L50 for less and adds RCA preamp outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It has no DAC, so you need a separate source. Its inputs are RCA and 3.5 mm only, with no balanced XLR input, and the Topping A50 III rates slightly higher for a bit more.
Full JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 review and specifications →
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.7” x 1.3” x 5.2” (145 x 34 x 131 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Inputs | RCA, 3.5 mm |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 286 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,650 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1 lbs (454 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons