It's interesting how subjective audio gear can be. Personally I demoed several amps before deciding on the D90LE and A90D stack because the combo had both great soundstage and detail while remaining natural sounding. I didn't want it to color my headphones, I want a neutral amp/dac combo that just enhances what the cans already are, not like the Singxer SA-1 which is actually a bit warm. It feels like a great pairing with my Meze Empyrean Elite, Thieaudio Monarch MK2 and Blessing 2. However if you have a pair of bright headphones, a warm amp might be a better combo if you like a more neutral sound. If I were to upgrade from this setup it would be a Naim Uniti Atom HE which is by far the best sounding amp I have heard to date. Looking at reviews for amplifiers can be a bit frustrating too since you never know which DAC pairing is being used which can be crucial. I actually tried to substitute my D90LE with a Mojo 2 as a DAC and it completely suffocated the soundstage. The best thing to take away from a review or someone's comment is "oh that sounds interesting, I want to listen to that one" and then decide for yourself!
I cannot comment on the A90D - but I had both the A90 and the SA-1 at the same time (and sold the A90 because I liked the SA-1 more). I think that your review applies to these two compared to each other too (A90 and SA-1). These Topping amps are good amps, especially with good quality recordings and/or power hungry headphones - but they lack a bit of life and depth,, especially with lesser recordings. SA-1 has also a better general build quality if you ask me. Great review - puts you a notch higher (once again) on my list of serious reviewers.
I had an A90D in Silver, returned it just before the return window closed, now I kind of regret it and wish I gave it another chance, not to mention how attractive the Black model looks!
It's really hard to use these RU-vid reviews to evaluate audio equipment. I recently watched a Joshua Valor tier list video and he put the A90D in S tier even at $600 and he put the Singxer SA-1 in D tier, almost the lowest he gave any amp. So two guys that really seem to know their stuff came to completely opposite conclusions.
We have very different ways of analysing gear. My emphasis is on musicality (i.e. tonality) and accuracy of staging width, depth and image placement. I believe Josh focuses more on hearing fine details and that's where the A90D emphasises the sound to the expense (IMO) of tonality and with a flat soundstage too. I'd suggest watching a few reviews and working out whose tastes you most align with and/or get a sense of who you consistently understand even if you don't necessarily agree.
I'd get the SMSL SH-9 THX AAA-888 Balanced HP Amp over the A90D for less than half the price. And if money isn't an issue just pay up for something like the Burson Soloist 3XP. I buy my gear by what's pleasing to my ears, not measurements
Learned this principle “to buy what’s pleasing to my ears, not measurements”! Hence, sold my Topping D90SE but still have the A90 which I’ve put up on sale. If it gets sold. I may get the SMSL SH-9 THX AAA-888 or the 10? Otherwise, I’ll use the A90 with warmer DACs or add the Lokius to EQ it since I’m a Mac user,
Very insightful review and comparison! This made me happy I decided to go with the SA-1. :) Out of curiosity, was your SA-1 with or without the jumper mod installed?
I've owned the SA-1 and it was fantastic. It gave a rich and fuller sound in comparison to the A90 OG.. never heard the A90D.. I sold my SA-1(was sad to see it go) and got the Soloist 3X GT actually due to your review on this channel!! The GT does everything the SA-1 does even better with a far more holographic sound stage. I now also have the Fireflies WA7 by Woo Audio being used as a Pre-Amp feeding my Soloist GT and just wow! The tube flavor injected into the GT is just sublime! I'm sure if I had a higher end Tube AMP it would be even better. My DAC is the new Gustard R26(absolutely baller of a DAC) with the LCD-5 and the new Utopia 2022 as my lovely cans!
Thanks for your thoughts. Every time I think about getting the SA-1 I read something similar about the soloist or GT. Just seems like they are clearly better but considerably more expensive. But right on the edge where people could save up and buy them. But I bet the SA-1 would be a nice upgrade for me over the Magni 3+. Choices , choices. : )
Sounds like a great setup with the Fireflies and GT. Nice selection of headphones too! Ray, the SA-1 is definitely a great amp, but the Soloist 3XP is a nice upgrade (although a bit less smooth/rich) and not drastically more expensive like the GT. The GT is nuts though if you can find the cash
@@PassionforSound Yeah based on your reviews it still does seem like the SA-1 is doing something important, especially at its price point. I think you even said during your review of the SA-1 or soloist that sometimes it's hard for you to really prefer one sound signature over the other even though you consider the soloist clearly better overall. That smooth quality of the SA-1 does stand out and it doesn't seem to do anything wrong necessarily, just doesn't blow people away as much as the soloist or GT for example. I still wonder how you would compare Valhalla 2, Lyr+ and SA-1 with sennheiser headphones. That would be an interesting discussion.
Like always, great review. Really curious about your thoughts on the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 (Class A) and how it stacks up to the other $500-ish amps.
I apologize for my ignorance but im looking to go from TOPPING DX3 to this Now DX3 i can simply connect to my PC through USB Will i be able to do the same with this device, or do i need something else to be able to connect
The DX3 is a DAC and amp (the DAC part is what's needed to connect to your PC). The A90D is only an amp so you'll still need a DAC. You can use the DX3 if you'd like and just run RCA or XLR cables from the back of the DX3 into the back of the A90D.
@@PassionforSound thank you for the reply! Im mainly focusing on mixing I got some pretty expensive headphones and just wanna make sure I get the best sound I can Thank you
Absolutely loved the review! ❤ How would Topping A90 Discrete fare in comparison to the Earmen CH-AMP you have also reviewed? My fav headphones are HiFiMan Sundara & Edition XS which i would like to drive using Chord Mojo 2 only as a standalone DAC..
That's an interesting question. Unfortunately, I don't have either amp here anymore to compare and I have no idea which would sound better. I think the CH-amp's tonal character might be a touch more enjoyable, but the A90D might deliver slightly more depth in the soundstage so it's hard to make a decision without a direct comparison. Sorry!
Thanks for your very valuable reviews, which I enjoy listening to, as your comments do make sense to somebody like me, including the "soul" aspect. I would like to use my Hifiman Sundara headphones with my Roland RD-64 keyboard, which I mostly use for the (quite realistic) piano sound. Unfortunately, these headphones are power angry and the keyboard delivers... no power at all. The keyboard is so quiet that I do not even have the option of using less demanding headphones. It does need amplification. Other keyboard players, using Roland or other brands (e.g., Yamaha) encounter the same kind of issue with the piano sound. However, there is little info out there concerning the best way of achieving headphone amplification with a keyboard. So my question is this: could one use one of the Topping amps? Maybe the A90D? Would other amps such as the Singxer SA-1 which you recommend for piano recordings also work? - I have been quite sensitive to your arguments, which contrast with those of Joshua Valour, amongst others... A different approach to sound? Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too, Guy! It makes total sense to add an amp to a keyboard like that (I used to use something similar). If you're only using with the keyboard, the SA-1 or A90D is probably overkill when a simple Schiit Magni+, Geshelli Labs Archel or Topping L30 Mk2 would do about as well. If you're going to also use the setup for music listening then the SA-1 is a great choice IMO
Helpful review....thank you for that. I wonder if the Lake People G111 which claims to have better mico dynamics than the Toppings 90D you were able to check out.
Suprised there was nothing said about the remote control that comes with the unit and that a fix needs to be instituted to get the gain working off the main unit and not just the remote. However i think that the newer versions have the fix pre installed. Btw love my SA1which is very detailed and extremely smooth and silky sounding.
Geshelli Labs A3 Pro would be a great option. Otherwise it's up to the Burson Soloist 3XP I think. There's also the Singxer SA-1, but the A3 Pro is better.
I briefly owned both the old A90 and the new A90D and immediately preferred the original. To my ears, it was more tactile and physical; I've seen numerous opinions the other way around which makes me wonder if we really hear things so differently or if there are issues with this product's QC. Would something like the Burson 3X(P) be just a different take on this type of "neutral" sound or is it clearly in a league above the A90D? Thanks.
I think it's going to be a case of how we define certain traits in the sound we're hearing. Terms like tactility and physicality can be interpreted differently (not criticising your use of the terms). I never got the chance to try the two side-by-side so I can't say what my perception was. As for the Soloist 3XP, it will be a significant upgrade over both the A90 and A90D
@@PassionforSound I've decided that my amp was the weakest link in my chain and have got myself a Soloist 3XP. It's definitely different than the A90. It took my ears a while to adjust, I think it's better in every aspect, especially depth, staging and layering. Going back to the A90 is almost like going back from the Gustard X26 Pro (even in its stock form, without external upsampling) to the D90. The difference is there and it is undeniable. 🙂 The original A90 sounds more congested, more forward and hazier which can come across as a little warmer. I would say it "rounds off" sounds and that can usually come across quite pleasant, but also rather fake and artificial, especially when listening to real instruments being played. From memory, the new A90D was "cleaner" in this aspect but its holography wasn't as good as I wanted it to be and I felt that some body/tactility was lacking. I would say that the Burson is what I wanted the A90D to be. This lack of "rounding off" results in sounds coming across as even more dynamic in terms of the palette of colours that the amp can offer (how ironic given its "poor" measurements when compared to the Toppings!); I can, however, sometimes detect a little bit of harshness to certain sounds. This makes me wonder if the Super Charger would be a worthwhile investment or if I'd be spending a very significant sum of money for a tiny change in sound.
@@PassionforSound I forgot to say - thank you very much for your advice, Lachlan, the 3XP is a beast, I'm never going back to my A90. 🙂 Together with Gustard X26 Pro put in "NOS"/bypass mode, with the HQPlayer doing upsampling with a filter of my choice as well as conversion to DSD (I was surprised how big a difference DSD made - my understanding is that Delta-Sigma DACs benefit from that whereas R2R were made with PCM in mind, 1 bit vs 16 bits) I feel like I'm in heaven. Can't believe that this hobby keeps surprising me and keeps bringing me so much joy (sometimes frustration too from there being too much choice but eventually always joy).
So glad you've taken the plunge and you're enjoying the benefits! I completely agree with what you've described about the differences. With the Super Charger, it's not a massive upgrade so not like upgrading from the A90 again, but it's a clearly noticeable difference IMO. Definitely worth it, I think.
@@PassionforSound Thanks ☺️ I wouldn't expect the charger to make that big of a difference but even if it's 5-10%, at this stage of my set-up it will be worth it for me, especially since my DAC has nice linear power supply so once again it only makes sense to address the remaining weak spot. It's ordered, can't wait to get it but at the same time I'm perfectly happy with what I'm hearing already ☺️
It's nice to have a balanced review of this amp with all the hype it has got. A lot of these topping products that are peddled to all these you tube channels via apos seem to hype them up. Nothing against apps as they sell ma y other brands besides topping also. I appreciate this review because it reminded me of a setup I tried tha5 was similar. The enjoyment and toe tapping with the music were gone. That's a good measure with a piece of equipment or the synergy it provides with a certain headphone. If it doesn't provide that than it moves on to a new home. After all were all in this for enjoying the music. Thank you for the review. If I had to guess your upcoming audeze lcd 5 review won't be the most positive. Some either love of hate that headphone.
Glad you liked this review. I do feel like some reviewers might be more focussed on the affiliate income rather than the musical capabilities of the products, but I could be wrong. As for the LCD-5 review. They're a very interesting headphone! I don't want to give too much away though 😉
@@PassionforSound thank you for the response. Indeed, I do this k so e reviewers do hype them up to get $$ with appellate links. No problem with follss maming $$. Just wish some reviwers on iyou tube gave more in dept honest listening like yoirself. That's why it's important to see many reviews. Their all little data points to consider when or if you make a purchase. If I'm correct you haven't done many audeze lcd series headphones on your channel? Like the lcd2, classic, lcd3, lcd x, lcd xc closed, or any of the isine series? ,ove my isine 10 planners with iPhone and the eq options on the phone. But been thinking of stepping up to an more $$$ over ear lcd 2, 3, etc (not the 5) but it seems it takes eq to get them their best. Good for home with the larger ones but not on the go. And of course many do t care for the weigh of the lcd series. Thank you again!
Since you mentioned NX7, which I do own and you seem to like as well, which desktop amplifier would you suggest for a similar, rather better performance and power?
That's an interesting question because there aren't many that spring to mind. Perhaps something like a Geshelli Labs E2 or Archel 2.5, or maybe an SMSL HO100, SU-6 or SU-8
Would this be a good stack with the D90SE? (apologies if you may have mentioned this, I’ve only just started the clip). Also - with this stack, would it matter which source I’d use? E.g. a high end Astell and Kern vs some iPhone
I actually didn't mention it because I'm not a particular fan of the D90SE. It's fine, but not a DAC I specifically recommend. If you already have the D90SE, the A90D will be the best option if you want them to look similar, but I'd go for the Singxer SA-1 if it's just about sound quality.
So considering that i have the hifiman arya stealth what would be the best amp under 600usd? The singxer sa-1, the topping a90d or the hifiman ef-400? Considering that i don't care about input/output ports, build quality and features. So considering only the sound quality for that specific headphone
Yeah, EF400 is great if you don't already have and you are happy to get an all-in-one. If you have a DAC or want to keep the devices separate then the SA-1 is definitely the way to go IMO
@@PassionforSound I already have a cheap soncoz dac. I'm not sure if i want to sell it and get the ef-400 or keep it and get the SA-1 From what i'm understanding you think the SA-1 is the better choice?
Depending on what you're coming from, an upgraded DAC can definitely make a difference. Rather than the D90SE, I'd probably recommend the SMSL DO300 - smaller, cheaper (I think) and better IMO
Tonally, they're not vastly different - generally neutral and balanced across all frequencies. The A90D has a certain unnatural character to its sound though which the Bursons don't
My only problem with the SA1 has been that the headphone outputs are a bit loose and I sometimes have to wiggle the connecter to get both the channels coming through clearly. I have this issue with the XLR and pentacon outputs and it really buggs me. The A90D is clear and clean, it has a tiny bit of sibilance that the Singxer doesn't have. The A90D also lacks some mid-bass but has a surprising amount of weight in the sub-bass region. Ultimately I probably prefer the sound of the Singxer but wish it had the detail of the A90D.
@@PassionforSound I bought it new but it didn't become an issue until about a year later. I wasn't plugging/unplugging headphones a lot either. It's strunge it happened to two outputs, maybe something came loose inside the unit.
@@PassionforSound That's a possibility, I did open it up to bypass the protection circuit. I don't have it hooked up right now but will swap amps and test the 6.3mm.
did you find that the a90d extends deeper into the sub bass than the sa-1? which one has more dynamic impact in the sub-mid bass region while being neutral?
Can i pair D30 pro DAC with this A90d amp? Because just now i bought A90D in flash sale. But i was not prepared for a DAC. I am thinking about D30 pro because from what i seen in reviews that it has great soundstage. Please confirm if i can pair D30 pro technically?
Hi. I have a dx7 pro that I use with my Clear mg and in rca on the denon in stereo. I am very hesitant between the A70 Pro and the a90d. What are the differences? Which one would you recommend?
I'm pretty sure the Geshelli Labs A3 Pro is the same price or cheaper than the A90D and it's a better amp than either of the Toppings. Here's my review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qGyLcxGPZPo.htmlsi=naesTVGWhcuAkNjp
@@chaoticorder532 a relay based Khozmo. I had it custom made so that it has two outputs with switches (normally these outputs are for if you run two identical power amps at the same time). One goes to my power amp, the other to a headphone amp - I used to have my SA-1 there, but that one moved to a secondary setup now.
@@alphaniner3770 Thanks will look into that. I was considering A90D because I was looking for a good SS amp that I could also use as a pre for speakers. So the remote was perfect. Not many good headamps have a remote. Only other one I found was SMSL SP400 but I keep hearing about issues with it regarding its volume control and gain. I also looked into just preamps and most are REALLY expensive. I had a Schiit Saga S but the remote was not very good so I sold it. Starting to wonder if that was a mistake. Really want something like the A90D that does both but also want the best headamp for my money. Guess I just want too much [sigh].
I have this connected to my Utopia and I'm thrilled with the degree of detail I'm getting. It's true, it's a bit treble-heavy, but when I use Oratory's EQ for the Utopia the bass is powerful and precise. EQ really saves this amp. I have a Jotunheim 2, and I agree it gives more dynamics and depth...but I lose that ambience and detail. It's a tough tradeoff to choose between them.
That makes total sense about the detail. At some point, see if you can upgrade to something like the Singxer SA-1 and you'll get the best of both worlds I think 🙂
@@PassionforSound you're killing me!!! I've been sitting on upgrading from the 789 and there's the GSX Mini, or make a better financial decision and get the A90D priced exactly the same as the SA-1 currently both 100$ off on APOS. Was about to say F it and get a Jott 2... back to not knowing anything. LCD-X and Verite Closed to drive. 😭
@@Maver1ck911 I agree with PFS here - the A90D is a good amp, but it's just kind of flat compared to the dynamics you get with the Jot2 and the SA-1. I highly recommend you go with one of the latter two. For me, I think I prefer the Jot2. But that may be because it pairs nicely with my headphones and the style of music I prefer.
Wow. What a review. Take your reviews any day of the week vs reading a bunch of graphs published by a robot at ASR. Bravo for giving us .. substance!!!
@@beyond_of_me would the a90d be better for hard to drive planars? which would you say has better bass extension into sub bass and slam/dynamics in bass?
@@dalejail I don't have any planar right now. it's hard for me to define exactly in terms what I hear. most likely, a90d is better in this parameter, but if I had to choose only one amplifier from them, then I would keep the sa1
A good usb cable for these topping setups is the supra 2.0 usb cable. It adds a bit of fullness, weight and density/musicality and impact to the lower spectre (bass-lower mids). Sound is more organic.
@@erikhellman3974 dont be lazy, Passion for sound already covered it (find it at his channel), but I have better suggestion for u, use ur own ears, buy that cable and u can still return it. Even if it wasnt explainable yet do you think that there can not be an audible difference? (in that case ur mind is quite limited) In other subjects there are so many phenomena that we can not explain and we just know the result but not mechanism, it is the same with the sound except we know the mechanism or at least we are pretty close to know what is going on and it is not what you think (with ur limited knowledge and simple formulas that u know from high school 😄, its not that simple). And no it is not about the signal loss 😄. I love self-proclaimed theorethists like you. And yes I surely am just imaging things ☺🤦♀
@@matusjurcik6974 Thanks man, that was hilarious :D Next time someone says they would like to hear a technical explanation because they are in heavy doubt - if you then line up a long line of logical fallacies like ad hominem to back your position while avoiding the original question, I am just going to assume I was right because it just further weakens your position. A suggestion going forward is to either reply to the question OR since audio is highly subjective, take a subjective approach and say "I don't know why, but I have tried different cables and to my ears I actually hear a difference". While it does not answer my question or convince me otherwise, I cannot argue with your subjective experience and if you think you hear a difference and you prefer one over the other - great! I have tried several USB cables of varying quality between 1 dollar and 1500 dollar. Digital signals carry data between A and B, the source and destination data is the same for every cable assuming it is not broken. It's transporting 1s and 0s, nothing in between. Analogue signals however can be affected by resistance and a bunch of other things which in an observable and measurable way affects how the signal sounds. (For example everyone knows how a very microphonic cable sounds in your headphones when you rub it). So I was wondering if someone could explain how a USB cable which carries a digital signal could affect the sound at all, but I have not yet found a good explanation. Enjoy the rest of your day, and enjoy your cable :)
@@erikhellman3974 I dont know if u are of lower intelligence (and also Iam not gonna read ur whole ,,article,, my gosh), but I let u know that someone covered your topic of interest simply because (as I also said it in my original answer) it is not that simple to explain this to someone like you, and it is better for you to watch that video, or find some article, as I said dont be lazy. It is clear that your question was provocative and ignorant at the same time. What did you expect? That I would just to sum up this kind of complex topic into a few sentences for you??? 😄 Think man please. PS: ok so I have read all your loooong reply finally, and no it is not only about transfering that signal from A to B and as I have already said it is not about the signal loss. ,,It's transporting 1s and 0s,,??? what are 1s and 0s to you 😆how does it look🤔??? It is about cutting out that usb noise by good design of a cable and how ,,well,, is that signal (your 1s and 0s) represented but it is much more than that and I have no time for you to explain. So as I said find ur self a good article. And about that 1500 cable? It is not about the price it is about to find the good product that do something. And maybe ur brain is insensitive enough to not be able to percieve changes in the sound (or ur auditory memory is not long enough), or ur brain is untrained it this regard. Have a nice day 😘.
Oh crap! Sorry. This is an amp. I got confused when you mentioned laptops and assumed it was the D90 review. My mistake! You would need a DAC between the computer and the amp. Technically, you could run a 3.5mm headphone jack to RCA cable from the computer to the amp, but the sound quality will be very limited. Apologies again for the mix-up!!
Sure. USB from JCat USB card in PC via Curious Evolved USB cable to M-Scaler to TT2 via Analysis Plus BNC cables (silver apex IIRC) to A90D via Curious XLR
@@PassionforSound thats why im asking... No offense or anything, but thats no wonder you didnt like Toppings. I have Silver usb cable wireworld platinum 7 and i hate it with passion with topping stuff. I think every component have either sharp or soft transients and in my opinion the less colorless stuff always have sharp transients and thus 1 need to balance things out with components that have soft transients like copper cables or softer sounding dac or softer amp. In my mind often times certain amps is not that different in performance if synergy is guaranteed. Past days i tried stock usb cable and i preferred it over silver wireworld usb cable... Just shows that preference > technicalities.
All of the cables I use are chosen for their smoothness and naturalness of sound so it's not about the cables or I'd be having similar issues with other devices too. It's just the reality of the A90D's sound. I agree that a brighter cable would exacerbate the issue, but there's no cable in the world that will give the A90D the same positive qualities as the SA-1
@@PassionforSound i doubt that any silver cable can sound as smooth as copper equivalent. Curious cable for example is often quoted as bright one as all silver usb cables are.
@@PassionforSound I don't doubt it, I respect your conclusions about it but simply demonstrating that using a good combination of amplifier and headphones can radically change the perception, the precision, the dynamics and the thrust of the sound that is perceived with a music like this, it is as if you wake up from a lethargy the combination of headphones and amplifier in comparison to the more obscure and classic musical genres that generally tend to be the most listened in the audiophile universe and that perhaps there are sound fans who are interested in seeing how the dynamics and the precision that such a music brings changes. For me it is very pleasant.
It's been a while since I borrowed a Jot 2, but based on my memories and how the Jot 2 compared to the Singxer SA-1, the A90D is more resolving, less punchy and less fun, but cleaner and more neutral (possibly too neutral to the point of getting a little sterile)
That's a tricky question because the A90D creates a sense of more texture and detail which will make some people feel like the transients and resolution are better. To my ears it's a bit unnatural sounding though so I find the SA-1 "better" in those areas
I don't think so. The Jot 2 is very punchy and dynamic. The SA-1 might have a little bit more clarity/air up top, but they're both fairly rich and smooth sounding amps with the Jot 2 being punchier as well. I provided a thorough comparison of them both in either my SA-1 or Jot 2 review.
I have a very full schedule already and lots of other brands that make their gear really available. With Aune, I have to borrow it from a local retailer which is tricky because then he ends up with a lesser value, open box unit to sell later, etc.
I had the A90 - that didn't have these LEDs - and that was a bit soulless too imo. But I do agree that looks of a product could, in theory, have a subconscious effect on the listener. Many audio products make use of this.
They definitely can influence perception. I think it's important to realise that they can influence in both directions though (to a more positive expectation or a more negative one)
@@PassionforSound for price/quality is the best by far and it’s an objective thing. And 3 youtubers over 9000 reviews on the web honestly are irrilevant,i say this with respect I don’t want to offend anyone
How can you love music and not ask for some soul? Isn’t that art at its finest? But I guess it’s a good question. I would assume as I’m sure most people do, soul is the opposite of robotic. Or what jon commented with. : )
I recently switched from magni heresy + bluetooth receiver dac, back to main setup of SA-1 and Bifrost 2. This was my first experience of understanding the words like soul and musicality.
