Short answer: the Topping A30 Pro if measured performance matters most, the Topping L30 if price matters most. The Topping A30 Pro ranks #1 of 19 headphone amplifiers, rated 4.8/5, at $349.99. The Topping L30 ranks #7, rated 4.7/5, at $149, $200.99 cheaper.
What the Topping A30 Pro does well: 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.
The case for the Topping L30: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: It has only RCA analog inputs, so you need a separate DAC.
Buy the Topping A30 Pro when measured performance outweighs the price for you, and the Topping L30 when the price outweighs measured performance instead.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping A30 Pro | Topping L30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #7 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 5,500 mW (manufacturer rated) | 2,300 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 840 mW (manufacturer rated) | 280 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 |
| 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) | 3.9” x 1.3” x 5.3” (100 x 32 x 134 mm) |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (870 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
- 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 L50
- Topping A30 Pro vs JDS Labs Atom Amp 2
- Topping A30 Pro vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- See all 10 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