TOPPING L30 II NFCA Headphone Amplifier
High-performance audio amplification for discerning listeners.
Introducing the TOPPING L30 II
The TOPPING L30 II is an NFCA (Nested Feedback Composite Amplifier) headphone amplifier designed to deliver exceptional audio performance. It offers a combination of high output power, ultra-low noise, and wide dynamic range, making it suitable for a wide variety of headphones.
The device supports both headphone amplifier and preamp applications, indicated by a switch on the front panel. It is certified for Hi-Res Audio, signifying its capability to reproduce high-fidelity sound.
Key features include:
- NFCA Modules
- Ultra-low noise: <0.3uVrms
- High dynamic range: 144dB
- Low output impedance: <0.1Ω
- High output power: up to 3500mW x 2 @16Ω
- Three gain settings: -14dB, 0dB, 16.5dB
Performance Specifications
The L30 II boasts impressive technical specifications:
| Specification | L30 II | L30 |
|---|---|---|
| Amp | Improved NFCA | NFCA |
| THD+N | <0.00006% | <0.00007% |
| Dynamic Range | 144dB | 141dB |
| Output power at 300Ω load | 560mW x2 | 280mW x2 |
| Gain | -14dB/0dB/16.5dB | -9.9dB/0dB/9.5dB |
| Output Voltage | 37Vpp | 26Vpp |
The L30 II utilizes a redesigned NFCA module, providing double the output power at 300Ω load compared to the previous L30 model. This new circuit achieves 0.3uV ultra-low noise and 144dB dynamic range, with a THD+N of 0.00006%.
Maximum output power figures include:
- 3500mW x 2 @16Ω
- 2700mW x 2 @32Ω
- 2000mW x 2 @64Ω
- 560mW x 2 @300Ω
Sound Quality and Testing
The L30 II is engineered for superior sound quality, achieving top-tier performance in distortion, dynamic range, and multi-tone testing thanks to its NFCA technology.
Test results demonstrate:
- Waveform Analysis: A clean sine wave output is observed in the scope measurement, indicating minimal distortion.
- Frequency Spectrum Analysis (FFT): The FFT spectrum shows a dominant fundamental frequency with very low levels of harmonic distortion and noise floor, confirming excellent spectral purity.
- THD+N and SINAD: Measurements show extremely low THD+N (e.g., 0.000052% for Ch1) and high SINAD (e.g., 125.753 dB for Ch1), highlighting the amplifier's clarity and low distortion.
- Multitone Test: A graph representing the output under a multitone signal, further validating the amplifier's performance across a range of frequencies.
The actual noise level is measured at <0.3uVrms across different gain settings (G=L, G=M).
Versatile Headphone Compatibility
The L30 II's output characteristics make it compatible with a wide array of headphones:
- High Output Voltage (37Vpp): Easily drives high-impedance headphones.
- High Output Current (1400mA peak): Provides sufficient power for low-sensitivity headphones.
- Low Output Impedance (<0.1Ω): Ensures no adverse effect on the frequency response when driving low-impedance headphones.
Low Distortion, High Power Output
The L30 II maintains ultra-low distortion even under high power loads. For instance, at 32 ohm load and 2500mW output, THD+N is below 0.00008%, and at 300 ohm load and 300mW output, THD+N is below 0.00007%.
Adjustable Gain Settings
With three selectable gain options (-14dB, 0dB, 16.5dB), the L30 II caters to diverse headphone sensitivities. The improved gain settings allow it to effectively drive everything from low-sensitivity full-sized over-ear headphones to high-sensitivity in-ear monitors (IEMs). The ultra-low noise floor (0.3uV) ensures that even sensitive IEMs will not pick up any background noise.
Recommended Pairing: TOPPING E30 II DAC
For an optimal audio experience, TOPPING recommends pairing the L30 II with the E30 II DAC. This combination provides a high-fidelity audio chain.
Ideal for Active Speakers
The L30 II can also be used as part of a system with active speakers. By connecting the L30 II's outputs to both headphones and active speakers, users can switch between listening modes.
Product Overview and Dimensions
The L30 II features a compact and robust design.
Front and Back Panel Layout
Front Panel:
- 1. Output Switch: Selects between PRE output (RCA) or HPA output (Headphone), or turns the unit off.
- 2. Gain Switch: Adjusts the amplification gain with three settings: H (16.5dB), M (0dB), L (-14dB).
- 3. Power Indicator: An LED light that is on when the unit is powered and blinks to indicate potential issues.
- 4. 6.35mm Headphone Output Jack: Standard connector for headphones.
- 5. Volume Knob: Controls the audio output volume. It is recommended to lower the volume before playing music.
Back Panel:
- 6. Right Channel Single-Ended RCA Input
- 7. Left Channel Single-Ended RCA Input
- 8. Right Channel Single-Ended RCA Output
- 9. Left Channel Single-Ended RCA Output
- 10. Power Input: Accepts AC15V/1A, 50Hz/60Hz.
[CE Certified] [FC Certified]
Package Contents
The package typically includes:
- L30 II Headphone Amplifier
- AC Adapter (AC15V/1A)
- 6.35 mm to 3.5 mm Adaptor
- User Manual (使用指南, 說明書)
- Warranty Card (保修卡, 保証書)
Detailed Specifications
L30 II Headphone Amplifier Specifications:
| THD+N @1kHz (A-wt) | <0.00006% @Output=500mW (32Ω) |
| <0.00005% @Output=80mW (300Ω) | |
| THD @20-20kHz 90kBW | <0.00008% @Output=500mW (32Ω) |
| <0.00007% @Output=80mW (300Ω) | |
| SNR @MAX OUT 1kHz (A-wt) | 144dB |
| Dynamic Range @1kHz (A-wt) | 144dB |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-40kHz (±0.05dB) |
| Output Level | 14Vpp @G=L |
| 31Vpp @G=M | |
| 37Vpp @G=H | |
| AP measured noise level (A-wt) | <0.7uVrms @G=L |
| <0.7uVrms @G=M | |
| <1.5uVrms @G=H | |
| Actual noise level* (A-wt) | <0.3uVrms @G=L |
| <0.3uVrms @G=M | |
| <1.4uVrms @G=H | |
| Channel Crosstalk @1kHz | -92dB |
| Input sensitivity | 25Vrms @G=L |
| 11.2Vrms @G=M | |
| 2.0Vrms @G=H | |
| Gain | -14.0dB @G=L |
| 0dB @G=M | |
| 16.5dB @G=H | |
| Output Impedance | < 0.1Ω |
| Output Power | 3500mW x 2@16Ω THD+N<0.1% |
| 2700mW x 2 @32Ω THD+N<0.1% | |
| 2000mW x 2 @64Ω THD+N<0.1% | |
| 560mW x 2 @300Ω THD+N<0.1% | |
| Load Impedance | >8Ω |
*Note: The above data is the result of the test in TOPPING laboratory under AC220V 50Hz condition. The actual noise level is obtained by boosting the noise of L30 II by 40dB using a low noise amplifier in front of the APx555B then dividing the measured noise by 100 times.
Performance Graphs
Frequency Response: A graph showing the frequency response from 10Hz to 200kHz at Gain M, indicating a very flat response within the audible range and beyond, with minimal deviation (±0.05dB). [Graph: Frequency Response @G=M 10-200kHz, showing a flat line around 0 dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, extending to 100kHz.]
FFT Spectrum: A graph displaying the FFT spectrum at Gain M. It shows a dominant signal peak at the fundamental frequency, with very low levels of harmonic distortion and noise floor.
THD+N vs. Power: A graph illustrating the Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) as a function of measured output power for a 32Ω load at Gain M. The graph shows that THD+N remains extremely low (below 0.0001%) across a wide range of output power levels.
THD vs. Frequency: A graph showing Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) versus frequency for a 300Ω load at Gain M. This graph demonstrates consistently low THD across the tested frequency range.
