Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
On the specs sheet, there is a difference in the dynamic range capability of the amplifiers, and I believe that it manifested itself in how the layering and depth are presented. This makes the SH-8s’ soundstage presentation comparatively more compressed and blurred together. One thing to note about the Magnius though is that the outputs on the Magnius serve as pre-amp outs while the A30 Pro only has a pair of passthrough outputs. You will note that I changed my format a bit. That is because this was a more flowing review, than strictly cookie-cutter format. As something occurred to me, I placed it within the appropriate category, much like the jazz I used in my listening. The rear of the XA-10 is more cramped, considering that it only has space for a rounded DC adaptor plug instead of a standard IEC power cable. It should be noted though that the XA-10 is limited to just single-ended input with the rest of the inputs being a slew of digital inputs. Performance
Topping A30Pro Review (Balanced Headphone Amp) Topping A30Pro Review (Balanced Headphone Amp)
The volume knob on the right has a surrounding blue light when the unit is powered up. Fans of “no lights should come out of the device” won’t be pleased because the shape will make it difficult to cover it; I personally found it pleasing and useful to help me find the volume knob in the dark, as the light is faint enough not to disturb. The knob is very smooth and allows subtle movements, so I could set the volume with a high degree of precision. Features & Specs There is a reason why High end amps are balanced and why they measure better in certain cases like Singxer for example. On the surface level, they actually sound quite similar. Where both amplifiers are very linear throughout the frequency spectrum. They are both also quite punchy in the bass while having a touch of euphony in the midrange. The treble is detailed while staying away from being too bright. But most importantly, they are both very transparent to the source. Soundstage is very wide and also features some depth, although limited. Transient response is very good, both in bass and midrange. Dynamics are also remarkable for a product in this price range. Treble is highly detailed, very textured, sometimes highlighted, but it wasn’t harsh or bright with my digital sources. It went sky high, it fully preserved the top octave, I’ve felt driver movements past 16 kHz, especially with Hifiman headphones. It was going for a clean, undistorted performance, with a defined leading edge and outlined contours. If you like your trebles clean and extremely detailed, then this amplifier is definitely for you. A30 PRO rendered bells, cymbals and tambourines in a clean manner, I felt their metallic shimmering, there were playful and impactful but never bright in long listening sessions. I’m reminding you that it is extended in here, so it might pose a problem with bright sounding DACs or headphones, for a perfect match you’ll need a warmer and a calmer digital or analog source (D30 PRO will fit like a glove).On the front fascia, the XA-10 has a neater overall arrangement, only having the red volume ring, the LCD screen, and the headphone outputs while having the rest of the controls on the side of the device. With the controls on the side of the device, it proves to be less intuitive than having classic toggle switches. The Magnius is a balanced version of Schiit’s own Magni Heresy amp, that utilizes op-amps to create an amplifier that measures very well. So in a way, the goal of the Magnius and the A30 Pro is quite similar in that they are both designed to become linear and good measuring amplifiers. Would be interesting why to choose this over a L30. Integrated power supply? Look and feel? Balanced connections?
Topping A30 pro - NEWS??? - Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum Topping A30 pro - NEWS??? - Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
The rear of the A30 Pro is also a bit more crowded, but surprisingly, the spacing of the inputs and outputs of both devices are similar. The Magnius’ balanced outputs use a pair of 3-pin balanced XLR, while the A30 Pro uses a pair of balanced ¼” outputs.Single ended use 1 board of amplification, instead of 4 boards on balance amp. Imagine how much less parts inside single ended amp, that definitely will boost transparency. The A30 Pro solves this issue with a GND/LIFT switch. When in normal use, set the switch to GND. If you encounter ground loop noise, set the switch to LIFT, which will change the ground point of the A30 Pro from its chassis to the equipment it’s connected to, eliminating the noise. Single-ended and balanced input passthrough I think its more than a relevant offering today where more and more cans are being designed to run off of phones and as such they need less and less power, yet most amps on the market are providing tons of power for big cans, and honestly you can't plug headphones into DAC's and actually get quality output, leaving you with no real offerings. On the balanced outputs though, the A30 Pro and the Magnius have similar output numbers, where they both offer 6W into 16Ω. As the impedances increase, both amplifiers have a similarly rated power level, with the Magnius having a slightly higher rated power at 500mW into 600Ω compared to the A30 Pro’s 420mW. Both amplifiers achieve a deep low end, reaching down deep into the sub-bass region. Going into the mid-bass region, both of them have about the same mid-bass quantity.
Great Deal 
New Comment