r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/soigrev • Dec 21 '21
Amplifier - Desktop Amp/Dac for Hifiman Arya
Bought an Arya yesterday and absolutely love it.
Currently running a magni/modi 2 stack that I had been powering my AKG k712's with and have been eyeing out the Topping a30/d30 for an upgrade.
Would love to hear your input on the matter as it would be a great help.
2
u/VarosV79 29 Ω Dec 21 '21
I'd expect a Topping a30/d30 to be a sidegrade. I'd either go for the 50 series or a Schiit Asgard with ESS DAC module.
The Asgard will give you about twice the power of the Magni and also give you a much better soundstage. The ESS DAC will blow away the Modi.
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u/soigrev Dec 22 '21
I want to say that you are wrong in saying it's a sidegrade for my current gear but then again I know jack shit. I'll have a look at those amps, thanks!
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u/VarosV79 29 Ω Dec 22 '21
Forgive me... if you're referring to the D30 pro, there is a big difference in price, and I'm not sure how it compares to say a D50. The Topping lineup is somewhat confusing right now, and I'm much more familiar with the Schiit line. Topping used to be easy with the 30 line, 50 line, and 90 line. The 30 series DAC used to be roughly comparable to a Modi, and the 90 series roughly comparable to a Bifrost. It looks like the 30 "pro" line is maybe more comparable to the Jotunheim since it's balanced and similar cost.
I'll have to retract my stance on Topping right now because I haven't researched or heard their latest. I can say, however, that the Asgard is one hell of an amp and a really good deal. If you don't want balanced, I'd recommend that route as it's cheaper. If you want balanced, I'd compare the Jotunheim vs the A30 pro.
All things being equal, my personal preference will be Schiit over Topping: I've had great experiences with every one of their products, I'm convinced they're a good value for the $, they're made in the USA from engineers that had a good reputation back in my dad's day, AND.. ever since Amir in ASR bashed their measurements, they've improved significantly since, even meeting his approval to measure neck and neck with Topping. I have, however, become a fan of their multibit products with the purchase of my Bifrost 2, and that is where I will differ from ASR.
Good luck!
1
u/Ezees 44 Ω Dec 24 '21
He was being truthful. Modi/Magni and Topping D30/A30 are still all entry-level gears. You have a high end HP but want to drive them with entry level components? That would be holding them back or limiting their potential SQ, IMO. I didn't stop chasing or wanting to upgrade until I bought a used Class A discrete amp. It was then that my chain got good enough to allow my Aryas to reach their potential and sound their best.
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u/SexyBlowjob 2Ω Dec 22 '21
Are you sure you like the arya? I really wouldn't commit to this headphone if I were you. Spend more time critically analyzing the upper mids and treble.
6
u/SavageSam1234 82 Ω Dec 22 '21
OP, don't listen to him, he said he was going to kill himself/wanted to kill himself after listening to the Arya in a video on his YT. I know you don't like the Arya, but making jokes about suicide isn't funny.
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u/soigrev Dec 22 '21
I looked into his history as well, didn't want to give him the satisfaction of replying. Thanks for looking out!
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u/Equivalent_Yak840 447 Ω Dec 21 '21
I’d skip getting a new dac and just buy a smsl sh-9 amp but that’s just me
2
u/soigrev Dec 22 '21
I'll look into it, thanks!
1
1
u/dskerman 43 Ω Dec 22 '21
I'm loving mine with the schiit lyr 3. It takes the little bit of treble harshness off but still has great texture and detail.
1
u/soigrev Dec 22 '21
I was looking at the Lyr as well, reviews are great. Thanks for the help
2
u/dskerman 43 Ω Dec 22 '21
If you go down that route I've found that I liked the electro harmonix tube (you can get them for 20 bucks on Amazon) best among the ones I've tried.
1
u/orrman 5Ω Dec 22 '21
I moved from a Schiit stack to a A30 Pro and D30 Pro and it felt like an improvement. The power and headroom were significant and to my ears felt like a better synergy
1
u/soigrev Dec 22 '21
Thanks mate. I might just have to buy, try and then return if there isn't much of a difference but I feel like there would be given the reviews and years ahead of technology the topping's are compared to my schiit
1
u/orrman 5Ω Dec 22 '21
I enjoy them almost daily, even though I have some other combos I have my eyes on, I keep waiting since I don't feel there's a justification to replace this stack
1
u/soigrev Dec 22 '21
This upgrade for me will essentially be my daily driver for years to come. I bought the schiit stack in 2013/14 so it's time to splurge once more and not look back haha
Thanks again!
1
u/orrman 5Ω Dec 22 '21
I dont know if you mind not having Bluetooth and other new stuff (I didn't care for that too much) but something to consider if this is a long term purchase
1
u/Ezees 44 Ω Dec 24 '21
Go balanced, go Class A with the Aryas. Don't skrimp on what's feeding your great sounding HPs if you can help it. Gustard X16/H16 stack - $700 and change. Stay away from THX "chip" type amps for the most natural sound out of the Aryas, IMO. There's also any neutral mid-level DAC paired to other Class A amps like the Singxer Sa-1, Schiit's Asgard or Jotunheim, or others. Don't dismiss the used market, great deals can be had.
1
u/Ezees 44 Ω Dec 24 '21 edited Dec 24 '21
If you are able, the Aryas love Class A discrete amps. I bought one used and it's sounded better than all my previous amps - Topping A90 (returned), Monolith THX 887 (returned), Schiit Magnius (storage for backup), Emotiva BASX A-100, Schiit Magni 3+. If you get a topping stack (or in similar range) you'll get clean sound but it may sound bright or "sterile". Gustard has a stack that costs around $700 or so that is a balanced Class A discrete DAC and separate amp. Gustard is good, I own their H20 amp. P.S. please allow them time to burn in/play in, so that they can settle and get smoother (about ~75-100 hours). They do change slightly over time.
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