Schiit Jotunheim 2 vs Topping A90D
Verdict: Topping A90D wins on objective measurements — lower distortion, higher SNR, and better output format variety. Schiit Jotunheim 2 wins if you own warm-sounding dynamic headphones and value repairability over spec-sheet supremacy. For most planar magnetic listeners, the A90D is the obvious amp at $449.
Winner: Topping A90D
Schiit Jotunheim 2: 8/10
Topping A90D: 9/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Topping A90D | |
|---|---|---|
| topology | Fully discrete, no op-amps in signal path | NFCA (Nested Feedback Composite Amplifier) |
| output_power_balanced | 8W RMS into 32 ohms, 4.4W into 300 ohms | 8W RMS into 32 ohms, 3.5W into 300 ohms |
| thd_n | 0.0006% at 1W/32 ohms | 0.000038% at 4W/32 ohms |
| snr | 110 dB unweighted | 133 dB A-weighted |
| inputs | RCA, XLR, USB DAC optional module | RCA, XLR, 3.5mm |
| outputs | 6.35mm single-ended, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35mm SE, 4-pin XLR, 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced |
Schiit Jotunheim 2
What works
- Fully discrete analog stage sounds warmer and more natural on dynamic headphones than measurement-optimized op-amp designs
- Modular input system lets you add a phono stage or multibit DAC without replacing the whole unit
- Made in California — customer service answers the phone; repairs are often $50 flat rate
What doesn't
- THD+N of 0.0006% trails Topping A90D's 0.00004% — audibly cleaner on ultra-resolving electrostatics
- No remote control — volume pot is manual only
- USB DAC module adds $100; at that price, separate DAC pairing may be more flexible
Topping A90D
What works
- 0.000038% THD+N is among the lowest measured of any headphone amp — genuinely transparent on planar magnetics
- 133 dB SNR means zero audible noise floor even on IEMs with 110 dB/mW sensitivity
- Three balanced output formats (XLR, Pentaconn, SE) — covers every headphone termination
What doesn't
- Neutral-to-slightly-cool presentation may sound dry or thin on dynamic drivers like HD 650
- Fan noise complaints on early units — some users replaced the fan before the 2023 revision
- No modular upgrade path — the unit is what it is
Bottom line
Our pick: Topping A90D. It edges out the alternative on 0.000038% thd+n is among the lowest measured of any headphone amp — genuinely transparent on planar magnetics. That said, Schiit Jotunheim 2 still wins on fully discrete analog stage sounds warmer and more natural on dynamic headphones than measurement-optimized op-amp designs — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.
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