Topping 30 Pro Stack Review
One smooth operator. Today we will discuss the Topping 30 Pro Stack, which consists of the A30 Amp and the D30 DAC $400. These are the latest iteration of the 30 Stack from Topping. Each of these can be purchased at:
Specifications
Topping A30 AMP
• 6W x 2 @ 16Ω output power
• 3 Outputs: 4-pin XLR, 4.4mm, 6.35mm
• Gain switch: Low (-14dB), Medium (0dB), High (+14dB)
• Output power:
◦ 6W x2 @ 16Ω THD+N <0.1%
◦ 5,500mW x2 @ 32Ω THD+N <0.1%
◦ 840mW x2 @300Ω THD+N <0.1%
For more information, please use the following link:
Topping D30 DAC
• USB, optical, and coaxial inputs
• RCA & XLR outputs
• Preamplifier function
• Remote control
• Aluminum alloy shell
• Output impedance
◦ RCA: 20Ω
◦ XLR: 40Ω
• Dimensions: 6.85 x 5.4 x 1.7” (17.4 x 13.8 x 4.5cm)
For more information, please use the following link:
The Build
Topping A30 Pro
Leading from left to right on the front, we have a switch that selects which input for use, and doubles as an on/off switch. The switch has an authoritative click with each use. To the left of this switch is a power led for on/off.
Next, going right, is a switch for low, medium, and high gain, with the same high quality as the on/off switch.
A four-pin XLR is to the right of the gain switch; next to this is a balanced 4.4mm Pentacon connector and a ¼ connector.
And finally, a volume knob. The volume knob has a smooth characteristic when used, not feeling expensive.
The Topping A30 Pro uses a passively vented case, as the unit doe run warm but not hot
Changing perspectives and moving to the rear, moving left to right, we have a left and right XLR input and left and right RCA inputs.
Next, for output left and right RCA outputs and left and right ¼ outputs.
Finally, is the IEC power input eliminating the need for a wall wart and a dedicated on/off toggle switch for power. Additionally, a ground lift switches to help with pesky ground loop buzzing.
Topping D30 Pro DAC
The D30 is quite sleepy, with a large display using roughly half of the front real estate. The LCD displace shows the bit rate of files, source, and file type. The D30 allow for dimming of the display as well as auto shut off a certain amount of time.
With the remote, different filter types may be selected as well. I left the stock settings for my listening.
Turning to the rear, there are various inputs going left to right, Coax, SPDIF (Optical), and USB. For output, there is RCA and XLR.
The Topping A30 Pro and the Topping D30 Pro are available in black or silver.
Time to listen up
For the listening portion of this review, I use the Fir Audio V x Vs as my IEMs, and Hifiman Arya's for full-size headphones.
My music source is Qobuz via Roon.
Bring on Jon for the first rendition; we have "I Need You" by Jon Batiste. The 30 Pro is a combination of beauty bringing out the song's air, that deep natural bass of the double bass, and the lovely vocals of Jon.
Next, we have the musical stylings of Phil Collins in the 2016 remaster of the 1982 album "Hello, I Must Be Going!" This is a heavy percussion and synthesizer-laden album that may become muddy on lesser gear. But this is not the case with the A30Pro/D30Pro. Music is smooth and detailed, has a wide soundstage, and excellent imaging with no instruments taking over from one another.
For our last track in the listening section, we have "Listen" by Kingfish and Keb' Mo'. This is a fantastic track, as you can hear the precise interplay between Kingfish and Keb' Mo's guitars and vocals.
Suggestions
The Topping 30 Pro is a fantastic bit of kit, but they are not perfect.
I will start with a nitpick, the display on the D30 Pro. The D30 Pro display is easy to read but offset to the left is somewhat of an announcement. Moving the display to the muddily of the unit would be a better option.
The second and perhaps more pertinent complaint is the Topping A30 Pro Amp. The Amp can run quite a bit warm, which is regarding running both low and high-sensitivity headphones. Perhaps adding more cooling to the unit would alleviate the situation.
I do not have any other qualms other when it comes to the Topping 30 Pro stack currently.
Closing Thoughts
Coming in at $579.99, the Topping 30 Pro combo is one heck of a stack that takes up minimal room on your desk. Providing high power, both single-ended and balanced (4.4mm and XLR).
Is the 30-stack perfect? No, as it does not provide MQA, I highly recommend it if this is not needed!
Music Used in Review
Jon Batiste - I NEED YOU
https://open.qobuz.com/track/112153244
Phil Collins - Hello, I Must Be Going! (Remastered Hi-Res Version) (2016 Remaster)
https://open.qobuz.com/album/0603497879625
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram feat. Keb Mo – Listen
https://open.qobuz.com/track/60227571
Gear Used
Roon Nucleus+
Apple Mac M1
Fir Audio V x Vs
Hifiman Aryas
To purchases to Topping 30 Pro Stack click here: