Topping E30 II and L30 II - Where do they sit in the crowd?

A review of the Topping E30 II DAC / pre-amp and L30 II headphone amp / pre-amp including comparisons with the SMSL SU-6 & SH-6, SMSL DO100 & HO100 and Topping E50 & L50.

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00:00 Introduction
01:15 Glamour video
02:05 Specs and features
02:13 E30 II specs and features
04:14 Powering the E30 II
05:59 L30 II specs and features
08:02 Sound quality
09:34 Topping 30 stack II vs SMSL 6 stack
10:44 Topping 30 stack II vs SMSL 100 stack
12:49 Topping 30 stack II vs Topping 50 stack
13:21 Final conclusions

Reviews filmed using:

#audioreview #headphoneamp #dac #audiophile

[Benzin]

At 6:02 you mention that the L30 II outputs 1.7W at 32 ohm but it's actually 2.7W.

[etm]

I have owned the original E30, D50s, D90, D90 MQA and I honestly think the E30ii is the best of the bunch. In my system, it's powered by HDPlex 300 and fed via coax from Matrix Xspdif DDC. Depending on what amp I am using, I actually prefer E30ii over the Lab 12 DAC at 20 times the price.

Just for fun and ergonomics, I am trying to put together a system that is entirely powered by the HDplex 300. Oh how I wish the Geisler Kompakt is DC powered instead of AC....

[br]

Great review, I just purchased the topping stack, And have senheizer 58x headset, Sound is great, I upgraded from the L30 older version, Defiantly worth the upgrade, And the size of the stack is realy compact, Happy with the purchase, And thanks for your review.

[TemporaryTemporary-yj]

I have an SMSL SU-6, which I purchased with the plan of getting an SMSL SH-6 headphone amp at a later date.
However, at the moment, the SH-6 headphone amp is out of stock at the outlet where I got my DAC, but they do have a Topping L30 II amp available.
I'm not too bothered about the asthestics like the SU-6 and L30 II not being "made for each other" appearance wise, I'm just wondering if my SMSL SU6 would pair well sonically with a Topping L30 II headphone AMP, and if anyone has the aforementioned rig.

[adaboyz]

I considered this stack them the E70 and L70 appeared. Its a killer combo that nice big display and programable remote. Good review.

[JustBrowsing]

Great to get a sense of where this stack sits compared to the others. Cheers

[melodology-]

I'm glad I found these info. While I was shopping for a headphones amp, I found the L30 ii and E30 ii DAC. What are the differences between them?? Sorry everyone, please excuse my ignorance.. I'm simply recording my one classical guitar + keyboard + vocal... All of them connected to an audio interface (SSL+) which is connected to an ipad (GarageBand). I use ONLY in ear monitors (17 impedance) for mixing and editing. Now, what will serve me more L30ii or E30ii or should I get both?? Again sorry for my confusion. I'm literally new the the recording world. Cheers to all of you 👏

[KZ_]

Здравствуйте, как по вашему опыту лучше:smsl d-6 или topping E30!! или smsl su 1 по звучанию? Ещё вопрос:а в колонках MC-30 есть свой цап в системе?А стоить ли к колонкам подключить цап?Или колонка всё равно свою звук будет выдавать?Жду ответа так как щас идёт распродажа, ответьте пожалуйста

[Reeeepicheep]

I recently tried the new Modi+ and I think for delta sigma, Topping has better sounding/ better value offerings in the D10 balanced and E50, etc.

Once you go multibit with Schiit, it’s hard to go back.

[ibitconsulting]

Hi,
There are no videos on using a battery power supply. With the low cost and dual purpose ability of portable power banks, I see this as a great way to power DACs, streaming devices (eg WiiM) and headphone amps. From my testing I get better sound and battery life is good as they only draw low power. My only concern is that they may use a noisy voltage converter to get to 5volts. What do you think?
BTW what is the best DAC in your opinion at the $200 range?
Thanks for your time and professional channel.

[aarjaycee]

I got the L30 II for use with my laptop for headphone and desktop speaker use because it's switchable between the two outputs doing away with the need to swap plugs/cables/etc I find the L30 II runs really hot though and have had to place a usb driven fan on the amp to keep it cool in use Does the E30 II DAC also run hot like the amplifier, or is it able to run without getting desperately hot? Will I be using the E30 II with it's own mini fan if I add it to the line up?

[vicentevargas]

I'll be expecting for the new Magni and Modi review, would you be reviewing the Lyr + as well? Would be interesting to see the sinergy between it and the new Bifrost 2/64, being the Bifrost a balanced design, and the Lyr just having single ended inputs.

[bilbobaggins]

Smsl su1 + L30ii seems to work great for around the £200 mark

[timothystockman]

I am somewhat disappointed that you did not try mix and match. Why have separate DAC/amp if you always use the same pairings...

[PL-ribz]

Another great informative video but I'm a bit confused as you mention the AC power supply and powering it with a linear power supply isn't recommended so having said that you can't use the topping P50 with this? via it's barrel type input on the P50?

[sy]

do you plan on reviewing the Topping A30 pro?

[GadZookz]

Back in grade school, I had a knee-capping teacher with the same brand name. Maybe I’d try one of those amps except that seeing it would remind me of that teacher. Don’t want to say more in case she hunts me down and takes me off the board. 😕

[DexSure]

I don't know about USB power being noisy. I would bet if you have a good desktop system there's not much if any added noise from the USB port. Clearly if Topping saw this as a major issue they would have sent DC power adapter along with the unit.

[Reeeepicheep]

Topping E50 and Schiit Modius are my favorite delta sigma dacs I’d recommend on a budget. But if you want the real deal, get an R2R/multibit dac.

[TriAmpMyFi]

About the USB
The Topping E30 II has one. It is a USB Type "B" connector. Correct? Sometimes these ports/inputs are labeled "PC", presumably to connect to one. Correct?
However, I'm finding USB Type "B" connectors as rare as hen's teeth on a PC or laptop. What the heck's the deal?