Short answer: the Topping A90 Discrete. It ranks #4 of 19 headphone amplifiers by measured performance, rated 4.8/5, at $599. The HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 ranks #18, rated 2.4/5, at $499, $100 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Topping A90 Discrete is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 119 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Watch for: It is a headphone amp only, so it needs 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 A90 Discrete. It is rated higher, and saving $100 with the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping A90 Discrete | HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #18 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 87 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,700 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,000 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) | No |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | RCA (2 pairs) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR (preamp) | RCA (preamp) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (relay R2R) and remote | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (222 x 45 x 160 mm) | 5.7” x 2” x 6.7” (146 x 51 x 171 mm) |
| Weight | - | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Topping A90 Discrete:
- Topping A30 Pro vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Topping A70 Pro vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Schiit Midgard vs Topping A90 Discrete
- SMSL VMV P2 vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
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 A90 Discrete: $599.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 119 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 6,700 mW into 32 ohms and 1,000 mW into 300 ohms from the balanced outputs is enough for nearly any headphone. It offers 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR outputs, a relay volume control with remote, and RCA and XLR preamp outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It is a headphone amp only, so it needs a separate DAC. The Topping A50 III rates the same and measures slightly cleaner at 121 dB for far less. The Topping A70 Pro rates the same with more rated power for less.
Full Topping A90 Discrete review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (222 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,700 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR (preamp) |
| SINAD | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (relay R2R) and remote |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Schiit Midgard
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A90 Discrete vs SMSL VMV P2
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Topping A30 Pro
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Violectric HPA V550 PRO
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Soncoz SGA1
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Little Labs Monotor
- See all 9 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