Schiit stack vs topping. I have a couple of questions: I really cannot understand the differences between the two SMSL and the Topping, apart from the obvious ones: processors (I think I Jun 20, 2023 · Who Is the Competition for the Topping Pre90? Even at its modest price, the Topping Pre90 has some direct competition. We should not keep up with this. E50; head to head comparison. Sep 29, 2021 · When I got my first Schiit Stack (Magni3+/Modi3), I did exactly this and it worked well. Topping DX3 Sep 27, 2020 · I recently ordered the Topping E30 alongside the SMSL SP200, but I have seen anecdotal reports mentioning that the E30 is too clinical/boring. I'm currently The Topping stack gives you a lot of bells and whistles. The atom is no longer the standout winner in terms of performance, since the heresy and the magni 3+ measures like a top amp. The JDS Atom+ stack and the Schiit Stack (Magni 3+) will sound basically identical, with a slight edge towards the JDS stack in overall quality. 3. I've seen that Topping Dx7s have a much more clean signal but it seems quite unknown. Title says it all. SINAD as dropped from 97 dB to 89 dB. While Topping has had QC troubles, I haven't heard much about Fiio's quality failures. Obviously, if you have other recommendations it would be very helpful! Thank you for your help!. The choice falls between the Magni Heresy and the Topping L30-II. Looks and feels cheap. I think they sound very good for the money, but I believe that they Jan 11, 2021 · Topping DX7s & Audio-GD NFB-11. Post #2 of 19 I can get a Schiit Stack, and most 60 votes, 26 comments. After many searchesI came to this short list: Topping D90 SMSL SU-9 SMSL M500v2 Shiit Modius. The original version did not. Both measure incredibly well (thanks ASR!) and with the new price increase on the Schiit stack, plus the Amazon sale with the Topping products, the difference is only 20 dollars. In this price range I don't know how one could do better. Share Oct 22, 2021 at 11:17 AM. If you require more input options that the Pre90 offers, Schiit’s $599 Freya S could be an option. Leaning towards the topping because I don’t really want to wait 4-6 weeks for the Schiit modi to be shipped but if it’s overwhelmingly favored towards the Schiit stack then I might consider waiting. Topping L30/E30 stack knowing that my next headphones are planars. Let’s dig in. Here in Aus, the price is essentially the same for either stack, or about $20-40 more if I mix the two stacks. Not sure about internal build quality tho I'm conflicted between the two mentioned stacks though. QUESTION/S: AK4493 (topping) vs AK4490 (Schiit) - How much does it matter or an improvement over the other? Mar 8, 2021 · Sources / Amps: Gustard U16 / Topping D90 MQA / Topping A90, Topping D50 / Little Dot MKII, Topping G5, Hidizs DH80S, Astell&Kern XB10, Google Pixel 7 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 FE (Previous: Schiit Jotunheim Multibit, LG G8X, Google Pixel 6a) Presumably better support/service than Topping Hel Cons/Don't care about. iFi Zen DAC V2 . Both rank close to each other SINAD-wise and price-wise. It’s a great entry-level value. In terms of looks I like the schiit stack the most, and I'm planning on getting a Loki at some point so it would match which would be nice, but unless the schiit stack is way better than Schiit's meta is accepted here because this sub is measurement-heavy. There’s Schiit’s $399 Saga + and $299 Saga S, but they both lack provisions for balanced inputs and outputs. Which would you recommend out of a standard stack recommended here (schiit, jds, etc) or the dx3 pro for 660s? Or something else entirely? Both are about the same price here in the UK Jan 10, 2023 · Zen Air vs. Currently I use the fulla 2, and I decided to pair it with a new AMP (waiting to buy a new DAC too). More than adequate power for the Sundaras with EQing if I so desire. Bluetooth input. The net price difference between both stacks is around ~$100in favour of the JDS Atoms. so, I have narrowed it down to Topping e30 and Schiit Modi 3+ as my DAC of choice. IMO my topping stack is really wonderfull from technical side for my planars. Flipping back and forth between the two stacks, I immediately heard that the Topping stack does provide better sound. Unfortunately, I have not seen any independent measurements to show exactly how well the ESS version performs. The Modius/Magnius stack has been independently measured (by Audio Science Review), and both the Modius and the Magnius measure extremely well (assuming you use balanced headphones and trust Amir's measurement methods). The DX3 Pro+ is an updated version of the DX3 Pro and comes with an ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip and Bluetooth 5. and you´ll archieve a "better" sound than the Schiit Stack. 0 with LDAC and aptX HD support. 7K subscribers in the Schiit community. I haven't really loved the way their amps sound, although I haven't had this one in particular, just the DX3 and the A90 which just sounded kind of thin to my ears. 5mm instead of RCA $200 is twice as much as Fulla Topping DX3 Pros. It’s measured noticeably worse and it’s apparently an issue with all the built-in schiit ones. I don't have any experience with the ZenDac so I can't offer an opinion on that but I currently have lots of Schiit (Asgard3 (x2), Jot2, Jot1, Modius, Loki, Lokius, Magni3+, Modi3, Modi3+, Modi MB, plus numerous 4490 and MB DAC cards) Aug 2, 2021 · However, the more I have learned and read on this forum, it seems like, although the Topping are on top of the measuring heap, I could probably get the exact same performance out of a much cheaper system. Truly, Ray Feb 11, 2019 · Much more clarity, dynamics and neutrality. Aug 15, 2020 · I have a Schiit Modius dac which I got about 3 weeks ago and I love it. May 3, 2022 · I have both a Schiit Modius/Magnius and a Topping D30 Pro/A50s stack. Topping E30/L30 4. Any advice would be helpful. Additionally it wont get stupidly hot in summer like the other two. The Elacs has a "transparent" sound profile. I Dec 6, 2022 · News and commentary about the new Schiit Modi+ DAC, Magni+ and Magni Heretic amplifier models, and a little bit of ranting. I have seen a forum where they actually bash the entire Topping line for being boring and too sterile of a DAC series where the Shiit Modius is pretty much hailed by any review I have seen so far. Listening Tests For my testing here, I used my HiFiman HE400i and Sennheiser HD-650 Deciding between Schiit Magni/Modi stack, Topping DX3 Pro+, and maybe SMSL SU-6/SH-6 stack but open to other recommendations. Let´s see what is the Schiit stack now. I’m still using the Magni and looking to replace it in my stack. Reply reply I'm coming from the Schiit Hel, which have been working great for my HD 58X, HD 598 and AT-M50x. Thread starter Schroedinger; Start date Jan 9, 2023; Schiit Modi 3e, and Topping E50 all side by side. Don't need this but it's a nice option NFCA circuit high low gain setting RCA pre-amp out Topping DX3 Cons/Don't care about. Measures well. thing is, for the cost, the E10K really punches very hard above it's weight and if all you ever wanted was an amp/dac that can power a semi-decent set of Dec 26, 2022 · TOPPING 30 Stack II vs SMSL 6 Stack. Is the Topping the no brainer here? Dec 15, 2019 · The Schiit stack can use balanced cables, but that’s unlikely to be a real issue in a domestic setting with short cables. Thanks! Mar 2, 2015 · Some say shiit is best thing in the world, and topping is no comparison in sound , only good measurement. If he buys modius he plans to use it with Valhalla 2 that is also being sold there used for 105$. Thankfully the stack has remedied that a bit and things do sound fuller, and it's sweet. I'd like to say the Bifrost/Jot stack will sound the best with the Empyrean BUT, the Fiio looks gorgeous. Its the good Schiit. Feb 13, 2023 · Paired with the Sundara in particular, I thought the Atom stack sounded harsh and unpleasant compared to the Zen Stack. If you absolutely HATE the Topping, returns to Amazon I also think modius and asgard stack looks aesthetically pleasing, but idk if it's worth it now that i have E30. This effect particularly stood out with distorted synthesizers like the ones found in the song “Time to Pretend” by MGMT or “Why We Fight” from the Kipo in the Age of Wonderbeasts season 1 soundtrack, making those I ordered a schiit stack and shortly after I got an email that the whole order was delayed from 5-7 days to 5-8 weeks because of the modi being on backorder. i went from a E10K to a schiit stack last fall and i'd say it was definitely a significant step up in listening experience. Schiit is a much more straight forward product. MQA DAC, Balanced operation, etc. You most definitely will not be able to hear this though, it just shows up in tests and measurements. I can't choose the best dac between these two Topping e50 vs smsl d-6s. Feb 13, 2016 · We see almost 3X the distortion compared to Topping stack. Topping E30 vs. Very obvious they don't really care. Dec 27, 2022 · If you like the Topping, awesome! Your audiophile journey is complete (for the time being). I'm interested in buying the iFI Zen DAC V2 which I've seen plenty of good reviews about but I'm just wondering if it would be a worthy upgrade or would I be better looking at something else (e. Schiit Stack: The infamous magni / modi in whichever permutation is considered the best (1/2/3, Uber/regular, etc) O2/ODac: Either the combined package or the separate bricks Topping: D30/A30 (appears to be only in separate stack form) Has anyone had multiple sets of these systems or cross-purchased between the brands? Dec 7, 2021 · In this review, I’m looking at the TOPPING DX3 Pro+ Bluetooth DAC/Amp. I've been happy with it but looking for something different (preferably that doesn't take up two plug sockets as the Schiit Stack does). My current summary on measurements and things I've used them for: Schiit Modius/Magnius: Strengths: POWER!!! It produces insane maximum power for a headphone amp, you can run it at high power and it doesn't seem to care/overheat. DAC - Desktop Thinking of getting one of these external DAC's to improve the sound quality from my pc. The Topping stack is clearly the lower distortion producing of the two. It is state of the art and offers a feature set way beyond what Schiit or any American designer can offer for the money. Here you can ask which headphone is better, which amp you should buy, which gear best fit your budget and anything related to headphone comparisons and purchasing. Or if you want a separate DAC/amp, the JDS Labs Atom stack. The Topping DX3 Pro+ would be my choice for a combo unit in contrast to the Schiit stack. PS, called Topping a holes because of how they reacted to the whole amp issue they had some time ago. I have full d50S/A50S/P50 stack from topping and dont know if asgard is and upgrade. Conclusions The schiit stack is nice though, but I prefer the look and analogue bassboost of the zen dac. In this article, we will compare these two audio systems, examining their features, performance, design, and more to determine which one reigns supreme. Of course my brain always persists in saying "yeah but it could probably be even better", and I hear the Topping A90 is one of the best amps out there. Jan 4, 2021 · Dear all, I'm going to buy a DAC. Aug 3, 2022 · Hello everybody, hi everyone, I'm about to buy a new headphone AMP. To put it in a nutshell, I'm wondering what to buy for approx 400 euros between The element II, Topping Dx7s, or schiit vali/magni + modi multibit. 7. Have my Schiit stack on order for wait times right now and don't mind waiting at all but just wondering if there are better alternatives around this same price point or a tad higher if its worth it. Help me to choose the best amp between these schiit magni+ vs schiit magni heretic vs topping l30 ii for beyerdynamics dt 880 premium 250 ohm. If you want to wave the flag (American or Chinese) then that might be a motivator as well. 👇👇👇👇👀 St I have the Schiit stack recommended above. What did you end up with panthevca? Actually considering these same options with HD800S, Bifrost2/Jot2 stack vs RME ADI 2 FS. A place for making the right decision when purchasing new headphones. Schiit Modius (WHICH IS BETTER?) For Schiit, you can stack up with some of the same form factor device, like SYS or Loki Mini+ so they can quench your stacking OCD. The plastic case of the JDS stack doesn't bother me and I'd buy the Topping stack from Apos, so I shouldn't really have warranty issues. It has both Edit №2: budget is ~ 135$ on Kazakh used market, schiit modius is in comparison cause it's selling used real cheap over there. The schiit stuff is anodized alu while the jds stuff is plastic so external build wise schiit is better. AudioMike33 , Jan 21, 2019 The Asgard/Modius stack vs the G6 offer a much more natural sort of sound, very warm, smooth, airy and non fatiguing. The DX3 Pro+ comes with a host of improvements, including lower THD+N (DAC), 85% lower THD+N (HPA), more power and lower input impedance. I started off with the E30 and the L30 up against the SU6 and SH6. Imo the schiit stack is the shit right now. Does anyone have direct experience between the two that Jan 8, 2021 · I also see some threads that spawns some concern about their possible defectiveness can someone comment on this stack vs a Schiit stack? I'm looking to own it for at least 5 years but the Topping is Chinese made (2 yrs warranty) vs. 5mm instead of RCA Jan 20, 2019 · In my humble opinion the topping is built Superior and sounds better I have nothing against schiit audio I love their stuff but I just think the topping D50 is a superior dac. that said, i think a lot of it has to do with your expectations and your ability to discern sonic differences. If you immediately find yourself wanting more, you can use the Topping as a DDC between your USB source and the next DAC you purchase - in case it has a USB implementation that needs some help. Jan 10, 2016 · Looks like me and you were looking at the exact same amps/dacs I chose the Topping A30/D30. 2. Modi 3E vs. It is going to be one or the other for sure. Dec 21, 2022 · I have a question: I have owned a Topping E30 since 2021 (late version with fixed polarity) and recently bought the new Schiit Modi+ (2022) after reading Amir’s review. Jul 4, 2023 · In this battle for sonic superiority, two contenders have risen to prominence: the Topping DX3 Pro+ vs Schiit Stack. Apr 16, 2021 · I like more the looks of the Topping, but the 1 year warranty (Reading about the quality issues they have) vs the 2 years of Shiit make me think a bit. I have read SO many complaints about the Magni 3's volume pot being very noisy (Probably cheap pots), and have also read that Modi 2 DAC doesn't even compared to the D30. The Topping stack seems to measure better but I'm not sure the 70$ premium is worth it. But I quickly outgrew it… the THX 789 is worth every penny, blows the Schiit away. Hear some reviews telling the Schiit Modi 3+ produces a more meatier sound and Topping E30 a more detail sound. One of their budget amps had issues and was blowing up, causing headphones to die along the way. Dec 1, 2023 · Help me to choose the best dsd capable dac, an amp that sounds great with dt 880 250 ohm. The big advantages for the Schiit Stack is the higher power output and better build quality. Mar 13, 2022 · I'm pretty sure Schiit uses AKM chips vs ESS. Thought I'll seek out some more advice on here before I pull the trigger on a purchase. Sonically none of them have notable differences. Disclaimer: This sample was Oct 28, 2023 · - Rack Headamp Chain: Roon Nucleus - Mac mini M1 HQPlayer - Topping USB filter - Schiit Yggy+ LIM - Holo Serene KTE - Ampsandsound Bigger Ben v2 && Woo WA5LE Gen2 Premium USAF 596s (2) - Desktop Headamp Chain : Roon Nucleus - Minisforum NPB7 HQPlayer DSD512 AMSDM7-super 521+fs - JTAC Usb Enhancer - Holo Spring3 KTE - Holo Bliss KTE && Schiit May 22, 2018 · Schiit Heresay and Magni 3+ 2. JDS Atom+ stack: Measures very well, well known for extremely good customer service. Sadly JDS doesn't has that yet, only the subjective3, hopefully they also comes up with EQ that can stack up with the Atom stack. IMO schiit stack. Topping DX3 pro+ vs Schiit Magni/Modi Stack . There is also fair bit of channel imbalance visible even on the scope graph on top left. Amplifier - Desktop Sorry if this has been asked a million times. Pre-amp out is 3. the Schiit which is America made (5 years warranty). Oct 10, 2019 · This leaves me thinking about either picking up an "open box" unit of the "version 1" Topping DX3 Pro (without LDAC) for the low headphone output impedance, despite the poor reliability reputation of this version, or getting the Schitt stack and adding a bluetooth receiver. Topping responded to this stuff via ASR in a very unprofessional way. Both are a very nice desktop move from the Dragonfly Red. Was just curious on what peoples opinions were on both brands. So the question is Schiit stack modius + Valhalla 2 vs fiio k5 pro ess vs topping dx3 pro+. I’ve heard the Topping DX3 Pro+ is quite good but I have no experience with it. None of these are bad by the way, so you're really just picking on basis of any tuning alterations, appearance, and build quality. Would definitely recommend a topping stack, though the difference between it and other options would probably be the difference between having no audible imperfections and no audible imperfections. It sounds more effortless and real to me than the G6 does, which struggles with my Aeon. If modius is not worth getting in my situation, i might get the asgard with the AK4490 so i can use it alone when I'm too lazy to switch from L30 to asgard and set it up with the E30. For example i hear their asgard 3 best for such planars as Sunadara. It has balanced and single-ended inputs, usb, and both RCA coax and s/pdif optical. I've been wanting to upgrade to a stack and I'm torn between the JDS Atom+ stack vs. I've done a little more listening focused more on soundstage and imaging vs tonality and I'm starting to pick out some subtle differences between the Schiit stack and the Fiio K5 Pro ESS, but nothing to write home about. 28 & Dark Voice 336SE Beyer T90, HD58X, Fostex T-X0 Beyer T70, AKG K7XX, Soundmagic HP200, HD558 DT770/DT880/DT990 The L30 measures better (although I believe outside of human hearing) but it's a weak amp unless you have a >2V DAC output, especially compared to the Magni/Heresy which is one of the most powerful budget amps. I was playing "Helpless" by John Mayer and I was listening via the Meza 109 Pros. Topping EX5 3. So I am looking at selling the Topping stack and buying the Schiit Modius and Magnius stack. Sep 19, 2022 · I've also heard that, of all of the above, the Schiitt stack colors the sound a bit in a warm way, which some people say is a nice complement to thw Sundaras. The reason your ifi stack sounds so different to the topping stack is cause they are actually using very different designs, with the ifi one using burr-brown DACs for example and the Zen CAN using a discrete design, whereas topping uses ESS DAC chips and TI opamps. Sep 7, 2021 · The Schiit stack is composed, in its standard triple stack configuration, of the Schiit Modi 3 (DAC, digital-to-analog converter), Schiit Loki 4 (equalizer), and Schiit Vali 2 (tube headphone and preamp). Pair it with a good DAC like SDAC, Topping D10, Khadas tone board etc. g. JDS Labs Atom Stack Schiit Magni+Modi Stack Combos: Fiio K5 Pro Fiio K7 Topping DX3 Pro+ *has Bluetooth and LDAC if you care about that Honestly just pick the one you like the look of/like the feature set of the most. Thanks All tl;dr Topping E30 / L30 vs Schiit Modi / Heresy vs Topping E30 / Schiit Heresy For 80% gaming 20% music The new K5 Pro ESS Schiit stack. yupvilirkhkoqrcgjxltjchuxnikhnookzpjzibkmnwe