[Entropism]

Currently have both sitting on my desk, with no cables to connect either until later this week. Aesthetically, I like the matching stack look of the E50/L50, but the A30 Pro outputs twice as much power (3.5w vs 6w at 16 Ohm). Volume-wise, I'm positive I wont get anywhere near maxing either out. Even on my Magni+ I was only at 2:00 on the knob.

I'll be using these with a few sets of headphones, mainly Edition XS, JM Audio modded HE-R9, Dekoni Blue (modded Fostex TR50P), and Beyerdynamic Amiron Home. Nothing especially DIFFICULT to drive, but the Edition XS can definitely get power hungry. BUT... is it power hungry enough to spend the $100 more on the A30 Pro?

 

[dunring]

I've had both and still have an A30pro. The L50 is just as capable and only used high gain on the A30pro with the Hifiman He6se when equalizing it. The L50 runs much cooler and just as quiet for IEMs in low gain.
I'd stick with the e50/l50 combo since you'll be in low or medium gain anyway, without raising the room temps 1 degree F which the a30pro does. Also when the switch on the front is off the a30pro makes a faint hum which is noticable in a quiet room, they all do that.

 

[Entropism]

Have to admit, I'm digging the E50/L50 stack. At medium gain, I'm right at 12 on the dial with my Edition XS, and using Amazon Warehouse I saved a crap-ton of money ($120 for the amp, $140 for the DAC, open box and unused). Thanks for the advice.