Practical Question Regarding Newer Topping Amps

I would buy almost anything over a Schiit product. Have bought 3 of their products and ALL 3 had issues that required returning for refund within days of purchase after dealing (arguing) over several online messages over multiple days with the worst customer service and that I have personally experienced with an audio product company. They don’t even list a contact number.  When it comes to audio you get what you pay for 99% of the time!  Those were their 3 strikes, and they are permanently out of my business. 

To your question, I am not too familiar with Topping but Take a look at S.M.S.L.  I have a couple of their products in a guest room and the garage.  Great little units with good sound, customer service and no issues at all for the $!

@ellajeanelle I own an SMSL DO100 DAC; it was what I used prior to upgrading to a Denafrips Ares II. I am not too familiar with which models in their lineup would make a good balanced (XLR) preamplifier for a speaker chain. I don’t actually care at all for the headphone capabilities.

-Ed

Can you stretch to a used Rogue RP1? That should be better than schiit and will come in around $1,000 used. 

Interesting, I currently have eight pieces of Schiit gear (used in three different systems) and have owned three or four other pieces of theirs which I've sold. I've never had a problem with any of them and love the way they sound for the money. And, the two or three times I've emailed Schiit with questions I've heard back within a day or two.  Sorry you've had problems with the stuff you've bought.