The Topping LA90 is the BEST AMP Under $1k!

I am taking a closer look at the Topping LA90 Discrete, a more than capable Class A/B amplifier. Join me as I dive into the features, aesthetics, measurements, and sound quality.

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#amplifier #topping #hifi

[thomasward]

Looks like a great amp, BUT with Arcam or Rotel you would get a 5 Year warranty, service centers and even mainstream product repair support for years to come.

$800 is a bit much for a 1 year warranty with little US support.

[LelandPratt-nwix]

I’m a 95% happy camper with my LA90. I blame it on environmental conditions but occasionally my system gets rather harsh and distorting. Mostly it’s fantastic. If my funds allow I’m going to try Topping’s B200 mono’s

[NeilBlanchard]

My current reference amp is the AkitikA GT-104. Which is the discrete version of the GT-102 Z4 - which uses the *same output chips* as the LA90. The GT-104 is $425 as a kit, or $625 factory assembled and tested. Their aesthetics are mundane, but their sound quality is anything but. AkitikA is a US company, that has been around for decades. They started making upgrades for the Dynaco ST-120.
My long time reference amp was the B&K ST-140. I bought it new in about 1987. It has legendary soundstage and was most often compared to the best tube amps. I recapped it a few years ago, and it sounded better than it ever did. My fear was though that it would expire, so I bought a Schiit Vidar (OG). But while the Vidar has better bass quality, everything else is pretty ordinary. And in fact my beloved B&K did die - before I recapped it, the bias had crept *way way* too high up; and the left channel MOSFETs gave up the ghost.
So I tried the AkitikA GT-102 Z4 - which is better than both the ST-140 and Vidar at their strengths. Much better.
When AkitikA came out with the GT-104 which is fully discrete, I leapt at the chance - and it is distinctly better even than the chipped GT-102 Z4.
The AkitikA amps have a robust linear power supply, inside the chassis, with a shield separating it from the audio section.

[simpsonbergman]

How do you think it compares with a hypex amp?

[johnbrentford]

I wonder how it compares to the PS Audio Sprout.

[valentinvalentin]

Can you tell me please, this amplifier sounds better than lyngdorf tdai-1120?

[MikeGalusha]

I took the measurements using my Prism dScope III, it's now about 10 years old and not at the level of an AP555x, so the measurements will not be quite as good, but close, It's still a very valid instrument and unless someone gifts me an AP, that won't be happening. I really like the LA90D and like Mike, I didn't expect much, if any subjective difference, but it was not difficult to tell, and yes, initially the levels were matched. But as we ended up listening to the AHB2 longer, the volume eventually changed. I did a dynamic range demo for Mike that surprised him a bit. :)

[mikecampbell]

Doing the Lord's work Mike! Class D seems to be getting better all the time. Thanks for the great info.

[restcarl]

Topping LA90d vs Schiit Vidar 2… anyone?

[slickill]

New subscriber. Your videos are top notch and very appreciated. Don't know why your channel isn't much, much bigger. Thank you ! My only suggestion would be to add a few more visual aids to help demonstrate the products or topics on hand. Very impressive channel overall ! Thank you sir !

[carminedesanto]

Listening to this while driving to work. Have a great day by the way very interesting amplifier. I’ve seen it around already quite highly regarded as usual. Great video take care.

[thinkIndependent]

Waiting on GNAN to get a little cheaper I think the current class D is good but GNAN will outpace ALL

[peregrinodisastrado]

Keep up the good work. I like the different angles you come with. You, the cheapaudioman Darko audio and convincemeaudio are my favs

[jimsregaturntableshifijukebox]

Hi Mike, keep up the good work, my friend 👌.
Jim🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙂

[DN]

No RCA inputs. Topping doesn't want my money :p

[kaybhee]

skip to most important, , , 3, 55... first, , , , and later, , u can do smells and taste