Short answer: the Topping A70 Pro. It ranks #3 of 19 headphone amplifiers by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $499; the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 ranks #18, rated 2.4/5, at $499. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
The Topping A70 Pro is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The catch: It is a headphone amp only, so it needs a separate DAC.
Why pick the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2: 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. The catch: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 87 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive headphones will reveal.
Buy the Topping A70 Pro. It is rated higher than the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 at the same price, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping A70 Pro | HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.00 | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #3 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) | 12,600 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,370 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR/6.35 mm TRS combo | RCA (2 pairs) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA (preamp) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) | 5.7” x 2” x 6.7” (146 x 51 x 171 mm) |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs (1,270 g) | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Topping A70 Pro compares with other leading options:
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A50 III vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A70 Pro vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Schiit Midgard vs Topping A70 Pro
- SMSL VMV P2 vs Topping A70 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 A70 Pro: $499.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. A rated 12.6 W balanced into 32 ohms and 1.37 W into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, through 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR outputs, and it has XLR and RCA preamp outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It is a headphone amp only, so it needs a separate DAC. The Topping A50 III matches its rating and SINAD for far less, with power that is still plenty for planar magnetics.
Full Topping A70 Pro review and specifications →
| Released | May 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR/6.35 mm TRS combo |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,370 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 12,600 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs (1,270 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