Topping Beats ALL Interfaces Under £200 And Sounds 10x The Price!
There’s a new audio interface making waves, and it’s got a headphone amplifier that rivals devices ten times its price. Enter the Topping E2X2—but how does it stack up against some of the most popular interfaces on the market today?
Who Are Topping?
If you’ve not come across Topping before, don’t worry—you’re not alone. However, they’re swiftly gaining a reputation in the audiophile community for creating high-quality headphone amplifiers and DACs (digital-to-analogue converters). Topping, a Chinese brand, is now making a bold move into the home studio market with the E2X2, part of their new range of audio interfaces.
Given the influx of poorly made knock-offs that flood online marketplaces, it’s easy to assume a Chinese product unreliable will be cheap a. However, Topping is challenging these stereotypes. Their products combine remarkable audio performance with Chinese manufacturing efficiency while maintaining reliability and solid build quality.
Their standalone DACs and headphone amps, like the E30 and L30, have earned impressive reviews from Audio Science Review, proving they can compete with far pricier alternatives.
The Basics
At first glance, the Topping E2X2 appears to be a standard desktop audio interface. It’s powered via USB-C (bus or mains) and offers up to 24-bit, 192kHz audio resolution. It includes TRS monitor outputs, 48V phantom power, and input/output monitoring meters. The interface also provides two mic/line/Hi-Z combination inputs with 58dB of native gain, which can be boosted by an additional 20dB using the Topping Control software.
A standout feature is its independent mixer control. You can mix and monitor four loopback channels and six DAW channels, much like the Audient iD series. This added flexibility elevates the E2X2 above many competitors in its price bracket.
Headphone Amplifier
Topping’s reputation for outstanding headphone amps is well-deserved, and the E2X2 benefits from this expertise. It features an ultra-low distortion amp with an output impedance of just 1Ω, a stark contrast to the Scarlett’s 50Ω and the Audient iD series’ 30Ω.
This low impedance results in significant output power—nearly five times that of the Scarlett at 32Ω and 18 times the power at 300Ω. In its Gain mode, the amp delivers a 17dB boost, making it incredibly loud while maintaining clarity. Even when compared to premium interfaces like the Apollo X6, the E2X2 holds its own, with noise and distortion levels remaining impressively low at near-maximum volume.
In terms of output power and distortion, the E2X2 even challenges the £2,000 Neumann MT48. While volume isn’t everything, the Topping ensures crystal-clear sound at high levels, which is an extraordinary achievement in this price range.
Topping E2X2
Sound Quality
When it comes to preamp performance, the E2X2’s clarity and openness are noteworthy. Its preamps deliver a mid-range presence around 300Hz, with a slight emphasis on octaves at 600Hz. This characteristic, consistent across various tests, suggests it’s linked to the interface’s converters.
In comparison, the Scarlett Gen 4 offers a touch more sub-bass and benefits from Focusrite’s RedNet converters, which enhance its dynamic range by 5dB. However, the differences are subtle unless directly A/B tested.
On acoustic recordings, the Scarlett delivers slightly fuller lows, while the Topping excels in high-frequency content, offering a more open and airy vocal sound. The differences are nuanced but noticeable, leaving the choice down to personal preference.
Focusrite Scarlette 2i2 on top, Topping E2X2 on bottom
Conclusion
The Topping E2X2 breaks new ground for audio interfaces under £200. While its preamps are decent and on par with its competitors, it’s the headphone amplifier that truly sets it apart.
Topping’s expertise in low-distortion, high-power amps has resulted in a product that competes with far more expensive interfaces.
This could mark a turning point for budget audio interfaces, paving the way for future models with even higher-end specs. If Topping releases a premium version of the E2X2 with improved preamps, they’ll be a force to reckon with in the home studio market.
For now, the E2X2 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an affordable interface with exceptional headphone amp performance.
PURCHASING LINKS:
BUY THE TOPPING E2X2: https://shorturl.at/aorAE
BUY THE TOPPING E30ii DAC: https://amzn.to/4agw1LI
BUY THE TOPPING L30ii HP AMP: https://amzn.to/3x0I7dz
