A30 pro vs. asgard 3: the battle of the best budget headphone amplifiers
What To Know
- The Topping A30 Pro has a power output of 2 x 150 mW into 32 ohms, while the Schiit Asgard 3 has a power output of 2 x 250 mW into 32 ohms.
- The A30 Pro is a more affordable option with a built-in DAC, while the Asgard 3 is a more powerful option with a balanced headphone output.
The Topping A30 Pro and Schiit Asgard 3 are two of the most popular headphone amplifiers on the market. Both offer excellent sound quality, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we will compare the Topping A30 Pro vs. Schiit Asgard 3 and help you decide which one is right for you.
Design
The Topping A30 Pro has a sleek and modern design, while the Schiit Asgard 3 has a more retro look. The A30 Pro is made from aluminum, while the Asgard 3 is made from steel. Both amplifiers are well-built and durable.
Features
The Topping A30 Pro has a number of features that the Schiit Asgard 3 does not, including:
- A built-in DAC
- A headphone jack and a preamp output
- A remote control
- A display
The Schiit Asgard 3 has a few features that the Topping A30 Pro does not, including:
- A higher power output
- A balanced headphone output
- A crossfeed circuit
Sound Quality
The Topping A30 Pro and Schiit Asgard 3 both offer excellent sound quality. The A30 Pro has a slightly warmer sound than the Asgard 3, while the Asgard 3 has a slightly more detailed sound. Both amplifiers are capable of driving even the most demanding headphones.
Power Output
The Topping A30 Pro has a power output of 2 x 150 mW into 32 ohms, while the Schiit Asgard 3 has a power output of 2 x 250 mW into 32 ohms. This means that the Asgard 3 is more powerful than the A30 Pro, and it is better suited for driving high-impedance headphones.
Connectivity
The Topping A30 Pro has a variety of connectivity options, including:
- 1x USB input
- 1x optical input
- 1x coaxial input
- 1x headphone jack
- 1x preamp output
The Schiit Asgard 3 has a more limited number of connectivity options, including:
- 1x RCA input
- 1x balanced XLR input
- 1x headphone jack
Price
The Topping A30 Pro is priced at $249, while the Schiit Asgard 3 is priced at $299. The A30 Pro is a more affordable option, but the Asgard 3 offers a few more features and a higher power output.
Which One Should You Buy?
The Topping A30 Pro is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable headphone amplifier with a built-in DAC. The Schiit Asgard 3 is a better choice for those who are looking for a more powerful headphone amplifier with a balanced headphone output.
Recommendations
The Topping A30 Pro and Schiit Asgard 3 are both excellent headphone amplifiers. The A30 Pro is a more affordable option with a built-in DAC, while the Asgard 3 is a more powerful option with a balanced headphone output. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which headphone amplifier is better, the Topping A30 Pro or the Schiit Asgard 3?
A: The Topping A30 Pro and Schiit Asgard 3 are both excellent headphone amplifiers, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The A30 Pro is a more affordable option with a built-in DAC, while the Asgard 3 is a more powerful option with a balanced headphone output.
Q: How much power do I need in a headphone amplifier?
A: The amount of power you need in a headphone amplifier depends on the headphones you are using. If you are using high-impedance headphones, you will need a more powerful amplifier.
Q: What is the difference between a balanced and an unbalanced headphone output?
A: A balanced headphone output provides a cleaner signal than an unbalanced output. This can result in improved sound quality, especially with high-impedance headphones.
