Topping E30 II DAC and L30 II Head Amp - New Budget References

[@kramsniggah4333]

I bought the Topping E30 ii about two months ago, I took it to one of our many hi-fi 'bake offs' and it was instantly slated as low end crap. Then it put away several DACs costing £2k upwards and upset a lot of 'audiophiles'....

[@Benzin0]

Just some rich assholes that can't fathom the idea that Hi-Fi is no longer for "the elite" amongst us. Topping has been disrupting the market for a few years now and it's the best thing ever.

[@samj0099]

Great review! I bought it few days ago after watching your review & surprised to know that everything you said is TRUE. First thing I noticed was the dynamic range & the punch y bass with full bodied clean sounding. External wall power supply made it sounded great! I paired it with marantz PM6007 & ELIPSON PLANET L SPEAKERS.

[@davidpetner8247]

Still waiting on your review of the SMSL M500 MKIII (mk3) your reviews are the absolute best in the world.

[@D1N02]

I gathered it is stuck in transfer somewhere. I may take a gamble and get a Black Friday deal ;)

[@michasikora8782]

I am also wonder how it will be reviewed. I have MkIII and SU9 and I do not want to suggest something, also to myself. ;)

[@iiWiReviews]

It is. Still waiting for it. 😊

[@wojciechbocionek6021]

@@michasikora8782 how would you compare them? Do you have separate amp to have clear image of those 2 dacs?

[@zedamoca]

Smsl has released a new version of Sanskrit, the mkiii.

[@AQUPAS]

I will be ordering the E30 ii to compliment with my Rupert Neve RNHP and Schiit Magni Heresy. Thanks for all the detailed information throughout.

[@jareh8869]

Great job on your reviews, if you want to turn the topping E30 II into a $500 dac use the Allo Nirvana SMPS. I was blown away when I did this, didn't believe this until I tried it, use it on all your budget dac

[@leodesforges161]

How did the Allo improve the e30ii?

[@jareh8869]

@@leodesforges161 I have the first version E30, and the improvement was noticeable, the same should be for the E30 II, make sure you break it in for 30 or 40 hours, this helps also

[@leodesforges161]

Thanks Jar. I got the ifi power supply just based on convenience. And in a few weeks I’ll A/B/C that to the stock supply and a battery pack. Thanks for the reply.

[@enricolisk1357]

​@iiWiReviews thanks for the review, thanks Topping for shifting lanes. Got the E30 ii, Wiim mini. Absolutely amazing ROI!!! Thanks again ​@iiWiReviews!!!

[@MrNorbyte]

Another significant improvement is that it now delivers increased maximum power at 2.0 V line voltage instead of 3 V. (3.5 W @ 32 Ohms)

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

THANKS SRBOLJUB,HOPE YOU ARE DOING WELL 🤗💚💚💚

[@titan90000]

I got the first version of this DAC about 18 months ago on your recommendation. Now that my tastes have matured a bit I am looking for something a bit more full sounding for a new system I am building. Leaning toward one of the higher end SMSL DACs to pair with a SMSL DA9 I also bought based on your recommendation.

[@jayem1826]

Check out the Soncoz SGD1

[@NeilBlanchard]

I am glad that Topping is making this change. Because music should not sound "sterile". I am wondering if you can try a better (linear?) 5V power supply with this DAC (and other DACs with external power supplies)? My guess is that the sound quality would take a (big?) jump up.

[@iiWiReviews]

It does take a step up and it's clearly noticeable to my ears. In my experience that's true with any DAC with external AC/DC adapter - better power supply means better sound. It's kind of universal truth that I just don't feel like repeating it in every review.

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@iiWiReviews Agreed! For both streamers and DACs, an upgraded power supply - in my experience, using a decent linear power supply - makes about as big an improvement as even a much more expensive DAC. My current reference DAC is US made, from a family owned and operated company, called Geshelli Labs - their JNOG2 (aka J2) DAC with the AKM chip; with a good 12V linear power supply - is *far* better than the wonderful Denafrips Ares II. The base J2 (with two S/PDIF coax and two TOSLINK inputs) and your choice of colors on the aluminum case and the face plates - costs just $250. A USB input adds $50, and your choice of a wood case adds $50-100. My linear power supply has a 5V 50W output for my Node 2i, and a 12V 50W output for the J2, and cost me $210 shipped. My J2 also sounds better than the Bifrost 2/64, as well as the Ares II - in fact it beats both of those $800-900 DACs are each of their strengths - for about $460.

[@galessi1226]

Neil Blanchard......what linear supply are you using on your j2?

[@suncani]

@@NeilBlanchard Hi Neil. I am also interested in your linear power supply. 200 ish $ is not a lot for a good linear power supply design. Kindly share with us what type, manufacturer of your linear power supply you are using. Thank you very much for sharing with all of us. God bless. Sani

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@suncani It is called Sigma11 50W+50W and is sold through Ali Express. You can choose the voltage of each of the two outputs - they can be 3.3V, 5V, 7V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 18V, 19V, 24V, 28V, or 32V. It looks like a little amplifier - there are two toroidal transformers and two separate regulator boards.

[@ufopulse]

One big benefit of L30ii and E30ii is they both have ground loop filtering in the input and power stage so if your usb on your pc is a noisy mess like mine is these are an absolute godsend

[@sinan.vatansever]

Very nice video that explains the product clearly. Could you please prepare a demo video against SMSL products that you mentioned? I would like to hear the difference. Thanks.

[@shs747]

Thanks for the review. I really disliked the E30II sound. It was overly crisp to me, front-heavy like a v-shape and locked between the speakers. Moved to Ares II and found happiness. What you mentioned about a slight roll off is true, unfortunately for me it was missing the sparkle while at the same time being edgy in the midrange. Haven't heard the mk 500 ii,, but interested to know how it compares to Ares ii.

[@iiWiReviews]

Interesting take on E30II sound and I think I get what you're saying. M500 MKII is somewhere inbetween those two DACs, it's wider and arier than E30II but not as Ares II. It is also more forward and V-shaped as you put it... Not laid back and widespread as Ares II. If you really like what Ares II is doing than I wouldn't try changing it for any Delta Sigma DAC. I would keep enjoying it and aim to try some more R2Rs if possible.

[@shs747]

@@iiWiReviews I also got a TA-26 hooked in between the Ares II and the amp. I got some a NOS Zaerix 6080 and a 6n8c barrel anode tube from 55. I can say that this is easily the best sound I have heard on this system so far. If you kept the TA-26 I would recommend trying it in the mix. I was about to also get a used Atoll in100 but somebody snatched it. Now I am looking at wheter Audiolab 8300a is worth it instead. Unfortunately not many reviews....

[@shs747]

@@shortakes4k I upgraded to Denafrips Ares II, worth every penny.

[@vanillafire5545]

Great review like always. Can you also review the SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKIII ? Thanks and more power.

[@KZ_777]

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

[@gppanicker]

I purchased this product not as an audiophile, but when the COVID pandemic hit and I started working from home, I decided to upgrade my setup. At the time, I had a mediocre speaker system, so I treated myself to the Presonus Eris 3.5. Let me tell you, it was a game-changer. The difference in sound quality was noticeable right away. I started exploring audio-related videos, and a common suggestion I heard was about getting a DAC to enhance the sound experience. I'll be honest, I had never used a DAC before, and neither had my friends, but I thought I'd give it a shot. So, I ended up purchasing the Topping E30 II. However, it didn't quite meet the expectations. I didn't notice any significant improvement. Perhaps it's because I'm not using it with high-end speakers, but it left me underwhelmed. I can't help but feel it wasn't the best investment on my part. While my experience might not perfectly align with others', I believe it's valuable to share my perspective. It's worth considering whether investing in a DAC like the Topping E30 II is truly necessary for your setup. Unless you're facing specific issues with your current audio configuration, my impression is that the improvements might not justify the expense. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. As you explore options to enhance your audio setup, I hope my honest account offers you some insight. Remember, everyone's preferences and needs are unique. Whatever you decide, happy listening!

[@burghelvasile3313]

I appreciate your work and follow you with great interest. But before you used to make videos comparing the sound of these dacs. It would be nice to see more of these videos. I returned the Topping E50 because it plays optically with interruptions. Now I don't know what to buy. Have a good day.

[@edverbeek6292]

The Cheap Audio Man has got serious competition on KZbin 😊

[@sietchtabr5120]

@@kramsniggah4333 What a shame not seeing this com on Randy's channel 😏

[@onionknight9431]

Randy is not as technical and detailed.

[@sietchtabr5120]

I loved when he said "the chip is a couple of AK4493S...S like...Sibilance"😄 A nice guy👍

[@shaolin95]

@@onionknight9431 Randy is not technical at all he just throws random "audiophool" flowery words to sound cool...

[@tallpaull9367]

And Randy said E30 II is bright and harsh. Very different review

[@carlsitler9071]

"Slightly different" seems to be a repeating theme. I guess I'll stick with my Sanskrit 2 until I get an r2r dac.

[@piktosonik7669]

Thank you for another nice review!!! Sound wise, how it compares to E50 ? Thanx for your answers everybody !!!

[@johncallaghan3097]

Looks like DACs are improving at all levels. Speaking of which, now I've had the Sparkos op-amp for my Aune X8 XVth for a week or so (for a total of £400), I can say I like it very much, especially with acapella music, for which I have hundreds of tracks. Home Free sounds just wonderful. The different voices are so beautifully separated and musical. Compared to my Tradutto DAC, the combo isn't quite as "full and juicy" to use your phrase, but it perhaps edges it in terms of detail and "palpability", again to use a favourite descriptor of yours. Whatever, I'm glad I bought it on your recommendation. 🙂

[@szabolcsdudas5382]

Dobro veče! Koji je bolji ? SMSL SU - 1 ili TOPPING E30 II ? Imam obični analog pojačalo : HARMAN KARDON K6500 Hvala lepo unapred! 🙂🙂

[@iiWiReviews]

Dobro veče. Slično. SU-1 je malo više u visokim i oštriji ako ti se to sviđa. E30 II nijansu puniji bas. Ako je cena slična ja bih lično E30 II radije. Ako je razlika neka bitna onda može SU-1.

[@sietchtabr5120]

The E30II is connected to my vintage Denon int. amp. for a few weeks now. It's a really good "wedding", except they don't want children, sorry😁

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

🤔

[@vladklipov7400]

Hello, please tell me what will be better in terms of sound Topping E30 II + Topping L30 II or topping dx3 pro plus

[@iiWiReviews]

E30II and L30 II

[@geevee1045]

Great review and very informative. Love the comparisons. But if you buy both E30 ll and L30 ll together, doesn't that put it close to SMSL M500 territory, with its built-in headphone amp? And does the M500 headphone amp compete? Thx for any clarification you can offer on this.

[@iiWiReviews]

You could say that things are roughly equal but with slightly different tonality. This combo sounds cleaner and more beefy in the bass. M500 MKII more airy and with a richer midrange.

[@geevee1045]

Thanks for the response. Just 1 last question. What do you think of the SMSL M500 headphone section? Is it as good as the L30 ll? Thanks again.

[@iiWiReviews]

No it's not. M500 MKII is a better DAC than E30II but not as good of an amp as L30II.

[@danielc5191]

Have you considered reviewing music or commenting on composers and covering music history? You'll go very far as a host in a programme like that with all your command of sound and music.

[@iiWiReviews]

Thanks but I haven't thought about that. I'm more of a feeler, meaning I find great songs, artists, musicians, and simply enjoy their art. I don't dig much into the history of an artist, particular songs, etc. If I would ever to talk about music, it would be on a personal level - why I like something, on which occasions I find that music most enjoyable (home, car, walk, etc), and such things. Not sure many would find that interesting.

[@AWEG-qu8bz]

Did Companys think customers buy 2 Times a Year a new DAC? And from a sustainability point of view, that doesn't make any sense either.

[@rokiedecentra9656]

you dont have to buy it especially if you already have one... it just exists if you were looking for one... upgrades happen all the time and you can't say that's a bad thing

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

@@rokiedecentra9656 He has a point. The product cycle is too short. It makes you wonder if Topping believe in their own products if they're replacing them so often. It must be a Chinese tactic. Xiaomi is infamous for releasing a new phone every other week. And customers are so confused. But the media covers Xiaomi more than other brands for that reason. So it's a win?

[@rokiedecentra9656]

@@user-xg6zz8qs3q whatever the tactic maybe, I don't see how making improvements is bad for the end user, it's only bad for the stores that have to sell them. The product cycle only helps the store sell out the old stock before the new products arrive. also its not like these amps and DACs become out of date regardless of what the marketing tries to convince, they will still produce the same sound. Smartphones do so they aren't the same type of product

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

@@rokiedecentra9656 It's bad for the consumer because spare parts will be non-existent or hard to find. So repairability is an issue, especially 20~30 yrs later. I'd love to pickup an SMSL on the used market for cheap. But I can't find any. And I don't want to fork out over 100€ to buy one new.

[@rokiedecentra9656]

@@user-xg6zz8qs3q what does that have to do with releasing more products.... Some of the components are stocked by Suppliers for a long time such as the Opamps and DAC chips but thats same for any brand, those parts do go obsolete, the parts in the DAC might go obsolete but I dont see why you wouldn't be able to fix the amplifiers, they are just made with off the shelf parts and many of the components will be substitutable

[@Jade-Helm]

I'm really confused how are you able to compare the sound of E30 II and E30 original when they are both completely transparent.

[@gillesdeleuze9920]

E30 II vs E50 for desktop audio user?

[@ark-fab]

Tak!

[@iiWiReviews]

Much appreciated! 👍

[@Santbak]

How is the E30 II compared with the internal DAC of the Hegel H90. Is it sounding better and worth it to add it to the H90?

[@OldMeloman]

How you think, E30II is a good companion for Fosi Audio V3?

[@eugeniocardoso412]

Is Topping e70 velvet a huge improvement compared to Topping E30 ll? Thanks

[@iiWiReviews]

I don't know about huge but it's noticeable for sure. Richer tone and tone texture, more air up top.

[@eugeniocardoso412]

@@iiWiReviews Thanks. It is noticeable even using a ifi power with topping e30 ll?

[@martingagnon4547]

For the same money I could buy this topping stack to pair with my Sennheiser HD560S or buy a pair of Verum 1? What option gives me more for my money?

[@cruise2023]

Hi! Any update on the review of the Spirit Wind bookshelf speakers ?

[@ridesafealways4929]

E30 II + L30II or Ifi Zen Dac V2? My headphones are he400se and edition xs. Looking to upgrade from my Creative AE5 since my graphics card is blocking some of the pcie slots and i have to use my thunderbolt pcie card. So can't plug in my sound card anymore.

[@burghelvasile3313]

Today I want to order Topping E50. The Topping E30 II is no better than this in terms of audio quality. I'm wrong? Thanks. I really appreciate your work.

[@iiWiReviews]

I don't have E50 with me anymore so it's hard to make a dependable comparison. With all that in mind, and going by few references, I felt that E50 is more flat and neutral sounding, a bit arier too. E30II is warmer in the bassline, a bit darker up top, but also punchier. Aside these tonal differences, I think they're on the same level. I could be more precise if I have compared them directly. But I just can't keep all the DACs I test.

[@burghelvasile3313]

What does it mean that the Topping E50 has a flatter sound? Isn't it dynamic? It can be a bad thing. I thought the Marantz 6006 would sound better and I was ready to pay 100 euros more. I stopped the order. I'm confused. Thanks.

[@iiWiReviews]

@@burghelvasile3313 I meant that it's tonally more flat, meaning more neutral. So speaking about tonality I find E50 more correct. E30 II is not as neutral - it's darker up top and more bassy, but it is also more punchy sounding. Which one you prefer would depend on your taste and the tonality of the rest of your system. If it's well-balanced or even slightly dark - go for E50. If it is slightly brighter/leaner then go for E30 II. That's my opinion.

[@edwinguzmanmarin1036]

I saw the video and you say that the smsl do200mkii is one of the best dacs for 500 dollars, topping e50 or smsl c200 can't compete with it, or they have something similar because I already have an e50 and c200 and I don't know if it's a good idea to buy do200mkii

[@drjp109]

Thanks

[@iiWiReviews]

Thank you too!

[@kamill9781]

Can you connect your phone to the USB port on the back to listen to music from Spotify?

[@ЕвгенийАстер-и1т]

Topping E30 II DAC and L30 II or DX5 Lite?

[@EARLandPEARL-c3i]

Is the Schiit Modi in for a revamp if it wants to compare to E30?

[@johngreek]

It is the E30ii a good choice for Elac B5.2 ?

[@fofocho71]

Is it warmer/fuller than Topping E70 velvet? I am looking for a warm dac for my Eversolo DMP A6. Thanks

[@razzman2987]

Try the aune x8 with sparkos opamp

[@doriesbps6223]

did you run e30ii with allo shanti psu?

[@derekb117]

another good competitor for the e30 ii is the d10 balanced!

[@Kole208]

Is the stack good for the high ohm ATH R70x

[@shamargayle1745]

what would be recommend for dac amp combo under 400. mostly neutral sounding for mixing

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

topping is the most neutral amongst all

[@terjes64]

Can I use e30 mk2 with my a90? Or must I use more expensive dac? I have bought the a90 because I have hifiman he6se v2. I don't want to buy the very expensive d90... sounds overkill for a dac?

[@iliketohideincloset]

Sure you can. Just get a decent linear power supply for the E30.

[@VE7NZ]

I am fairly new to DACs. Can someone tell me if the E30 II will be able to decode Tidal's FLAC stream? It supports PCM, but I am not sure if that necessarily means the FLAC stream will work. Thx.

[@benedyktczydziesty4399]

I am a satisfied owner of the first version of the E30, but I decided to look for an improvement. I bought the Toppings E70 Velvet and D30 Pro, which are arguably better in some respects, but...surprisingly, they didn't beat the E30 overall. I have the impression that the new Dacs are forcibly tuned to the "analog character of the sound", which does not always work out well. Both mentioned dacs are too soft in sound. They lose that great feature of the E30, which is contouring sound, scratching the edges of the sound. And here I would have a question for the author of the channel. Do you know of any other dac that is similar in sound to the E30 without the damn softness and fuzziness of the two dacs listed above?

[@iiWiReviews]

Gustard X16 and X18 come to mind. Oh, and Aune X8 XVIII with exchangeable op-amps is such a great value. I got a video on it and impressions with several op-amps, it's worth checking out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJyyYax9bsxkfKs

[@jareh8869]

try the new E30 II it runs 2 new akm 4493s version dac chips, feed it with a Allo Nirvana SMPS power supply, you would have to spend $1000 or more to beat it's sound,use the fast rolloff filter

[@rabezo]

Does it still glitches with CD player digital connection as the first one?

[@rokiedecentra9656]

dont pay full price, these were 105 USD after coupons on the Alie 11 11 sale, likely similar price drops on the blk Friday sale

[@etm3398]

could you swap op amp on this dac like you could on d50s?

[@miladinseratlic5984]

Молим те за коментар поређења smsl su-1 и овог топинга 30 II ? Овај је много бољи од су-1 Хвала :)

[@iiWiReviews]

Pozdrav. U suštini su prilično uporedivi po kvalitetu zvuka ali malo drugačijeg tonaliteta. Topping je malo punijeg i mirnijeg zvuka. SU-1 je malo tanji i malo više u visokim. Kod većine SMSL i Topping DACova je to obrnuto ali eto ovde je svako pomalo ukrao tonalitet od ovog drugog brenda pa se to preokrenulo. 🙂

[@eranddroory9987]

So the optical and coax are in or outputs? you didn't mention that...

[@sietchtabr5120]

all inputs, that you can both use. RCA output only ;)

[@tomaszostrowski363]

Topping e30 II will be a good connection with smsl a300?

[@iiWiReviews]

It would be in my opinion.

[@tomaszostrowski363]

@@iiWiReviews Thanks. Last question 🙂. Witch dac is better, topping e30 ii or shiit multibit?

[@Gez492]

Are you going to review sone IFI products

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

I got L30 ii and sadly seems to pick radio interference. What should I do? Returning in my country is out of question

[@D1N02]

Put is in a bird cage

[@iiWiReviews]

I haven't noticed that with my unit. Given that L30 is mostly encased in aluminium... I am prone to think that interference might come from a power cable or interconnect cables maybe. Maybe try disconnecting it from the DAC and see if it is still there (if not it comes from there). Also, try moving the power cable around, away from other power cables a bit if there are many around it... And see if that helps at all.

[@williambracken9339]

How does this budget stack compare to the SMSL C200?

[@iiWiReviews]

It's both punchier and cleaner sounding. C200 is warmer but it melts tones more together. It's not as resolving.

[@williambracken9339]

Thanks!

[@liquidrl5263]

@@iiWiReviews I bought a c200 because of you and a few others.. I'm having this constant clicking sound when I'm on my PC which is my only use. I did install the c200 drivers but was just wondering if you heard of any solutions? I can't find any from googling so far. Thanks for the videos!!

[@onionknight9431]

E70 review soon?

[@yiorgosmoustakis3564]

compared to dx30 pro + ??

[@enricolisk1357]

Help: how to turn off pre amp & get pure DAC mode in the E30 ii?

[@sietchtabr5120]

via the screen display, you choose m/d (dac mode, volume non-adjustable)👌

[@labods7891]

Thank you for your precise descriptions. Should we understand that with this stack topping has adressed the problem of their sound signature that I would qualify as lifeless sound ?

[@Junan.Reclaimed]

is smsl m500mkii better than aune x8?

[@iiWiReviews]

Depends on the opamp used. Watch my Aune X8 review, everything is in that video.

[@Junan.Reclaimed]

@@iiWiReviews thanks man 🙏

[@VladimirKozomara]

Поздрав, још увек имам стари д30, да ли би било звучног побољшања са овим ? :-) Хвала

[@iiWiReviews]

Trebalo bi da bude jasnog napretka u detaljnosti i čistini zvuka. Ali zavisi i od ostatka sistema šta će se i koliko čuti.

[@randypentecostes5280]

This or the smsl su1?

[@iiWiReviews]

This one if you enjoy fuller and more bassy sound. SU1 if you value precision and more highs.

[@randypentecostes5280]

@@iiWiReviews thanks. Ordered this one. Love your review btw!!

[@REX4340]

Just heard this DAC, I found it unlistenable, guess we hear different.

[@carlosflup]

fiio k7 plss... akm, 199$, thx amp

[@wilhamcobly3805]

In consegna oggi come sostituto del mio SMSL Sanskrit MKII. Spero mi piaccia e di non doverlo restituire.