Setup with Topping devices

[blanc]

Hi,

I want to have an audio setup consisting of one D90iii_Sabre DAC, one L70 HPA and one LA90_Discrete Combi-Amp, all from Topping, to drive two speakers.

There are two alternative connections:

1. Connect DAC directly with Combi-Amp via XLR interface (pre-amp can be located either in DAC or Combi-Amp)
2. Connect DAC with HPA via XLR and then HPA with Combi-Amp via XLR, HPA as pre-amp.

Question: which configuration delivers best audio performance?

 

[BeeKay]

I have a setup of

D70 Pro SABRE -> A70 Pro -> B200

and I would not be able to tell the difference when the DAC was directly connected.
Like this it’s way more convenient.

Also, you would bypass the LA90‘s volume potentiometer which could be the weakest link in the chain.

 

[blanc]

Why don’t you recommend the pre-amp (with potentiometer) in LA90 discrete?

 

[BeeKay]

I remember comments about SINAD less great when the volume control is used in comparisons to the power amp mode on one of the LA90 threads. If you have superior control options from your PRE why not use it?

Search results for query: LA90 potentiometer

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[blanc]

Thanks. Which one is the more appropriate candidate for preamp, D90III_Sabre or L70? It seems the L70 preamp part was tested by Topping: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0013/3896/6076/files/DM_20240531204627_020.webp?v=1717161059 but I couldn’t find the corresponding specs of D90III_Sabre.