“Best” Headphone amp I’ve Heard? Topping A90 D Discrete Review

0:00 Start
0:24 I don't Love Topping
3:21 A90 Specs
6:09 How it Sounds
10:29 Final Thoughts

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Subs

[davdidit]

“I didn’t want it to be but still a great product.” One of the most believable recommendations I have heard. Seriously.

[ahriik]

Was genuinely surprised by the distaste towards TRS connectors. They've always been extremely common in my industry (pro audio), and I find them to be sturdy and compact way of transmitting balanced signals. The interface sitting on my desk right now has 10 balanced TRS outputs and 6 balanced TRS inputs (not counting the additional XLR/TRS inputs at the front) and it's not even a rack unit. Interesting!

[LovelyDoetje]

TRS is a good connector used professionally. As an audiophile I hate the mentallity of some against changes or differences. This connector provides balanced with smal space. All positives. As long as the build quality of the connector and the cable are good I don't care which connector I use. Allthough we have a lot of reliability issues using XLR connectors at work. More parts so higher failure rate.

[SyzygyNoon]

Your thumbnail picture suggests you would not like to be roommates with this device, but if you were, you’d label all of your stuff in the fridge.

[hiltonhosannah]

It’s kind of weird to hear you say you don’t like Topping now, after putting the E50 high in your last DAC tier list, as well as on your list of components you regret losing. You did have some kind words for the E50 in this video, albeit significantly muted.

Frankly, the TRS connections aren’t a big deal. It serves the form factor, and TRS-to-XLR cables start at ~$10 or less, which is nothing to most audiophiles dropping hundreds/thousands on this stuff.

[crypto]

I respect Randy's opinions on TRS, but coming from the pro audio world it's interesting that the hifi world went with XLR at all. GENERALLY speaking(not always), but 3pin XLR is typically reserved for MIC-level signals and 1/4" TRS is typically for LINE-level signals. While both connectors can do both it's just more likely that they're used as such.

Perhaps it's for the locking feature of XLR, but locking 1/4" ports exist as well. But the need for locking connections isn't as necessary for a hifi setup that likely isn't being moved/stepped around as it is for something like live sound applications.

[Brian_Romska]

Good vid Randy, thanks again for being useful and funny at the same time!

[scottlowe]

Lots of us use TRS (as well as XLR) connectors with musical instrument and recording gear. It's actually really great to have this option.

[lwdp]

I like the TRS terminals, less bulky than XLRs and more friendly than the multitude of RCA varieties we endlessly tighten and adjust. The only ones I’ve found that really work good are Neutrik but they cost more and manufacturers do scrimp. Maybe Topping’s trying to make TRSs a new audio standard. Do they sound better? I don’t know, they’re easy to work with but they still buzz if you plug them in hot.

[Nwrballer]

Always enjoy your reviews! I'd love to hear how you think this stacks up to the Schiit Lyr+ you just got also.

[ec]

I've got the E50/L50 stack. I love em. I do agree with the TRS connectors.

[kristophergurley]

TRS is the de facto connection of the pro audio industry. Pretty much all prosumer gear uses it. It’s not that odd of a connector and save a lot of space allowing balanced in and outs on smaller gear

[tubefreeeasy]

My xDuoo TA-30 uses the ES9038Q2M DAC. Same as the Topping D10.

Tubes were upgraded to PSVane Cossor black glass tubes.

I love the sound and feel no need to get another DAC.

[bla_ank]

Really nailed it. Clean sound with an excellent sense of macrodynamics. Makes other amps in the price range sound veiled

[Simon_Hawkshaw]

Great just-in-time review. I was just looking at this, and the L70 but, changed focus to a gaming headset and the Schiit Hel2.

[LelandPratt-nwix]

The extender interface is to provide more inputs, both rca and xlr and take advantage of its preamp capabilities.

[shawnpwatsons]

Very good review. Even with your self-admitted bias against Topping, you give credit where credit is due. I like that.

[JohnScheppler]

Thanks for the review, Topping does have a lot of products, and a few are very similar.

[inscythe]

I have to also add that Topping A90D is all about power headroom. Handling HE6SE V2 like it's nothing. I have to agree about it being lacking personality, but that's something more about taste. I have to agree with HD650/6XX sounding amazing with A90D, I even preferred it over tube amps.

[SasanCooper]

I bought an A90 back when Joshua Valor reviewed it. Worth revere penny. If this thing break down today, I'll buy another one in a heartbeat.
Also I've replaced all my balanced xlrs with TRS since they are way less chunky to use. Not sure what his gripe is about.