Topping A70 Pro HP & Preamp Review

[Music1969]

It was reported before, and Topping has updated a new firmware to fix it.

I don't know any manufacturer that releases firmware updates for every analogue amplifier (without digital inputs) as Topping

This is why i wait 6 months after release for every Topping product

Even a simple pure analogue amp !

 

[Tony Roma]

My A70 pro has finally been accepted for return due to the distortion in the right channel.

 

[raif71]

Looking at both the Silver or Black in this picture, I think I prefer the Silver as the screen looks more pronounce as well as the jacks. Any silver owners here and what do you guys think?

 

[ommadusk]

This looks very nice, I like the clear display.

I've just ordered 2x Hypex Nilai500DIY Mono Kits and I'm thinking of adding this to my system which currently doesn't have an pre-amplifier. I'm currently using a Topping DX7 Pro+ DAC which has an XLR output voltage of 4.2v whereas other ones, like the D90SE/LE and D70 Pro Sabre, can output 5.2v or 5v respectively to XLR. I think, according to some posts I've read, that 5.2v or 5v would give me better sound than 4.2v. Is that right and do you think I should replace my DAC?

Here are the advertised specs of each mono amp https://kjfaudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Nilai500-01xx-R2.pdf, and the review of my DAC https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-dx7-pro-review-dac-hp-amp.36978/ and its advertised specs here https://www.tpdz.net/productinfo/881473.html

I appreciate your help, thank you!

 

[Roen]

No. The amplifier will deliver the maximum power stated by the manufacturer (1370 mW at 300 Ohms and 670 mW at 600 Ohms, balanced output, 0.1% THD+N ) at different volume knob positions. Increasing the volume If the volume is increased past this point, the output stage is saturated and only distortion is obtained.

A70 Pro Desktop Headphone Amplifier-TOPPING

The chart implies the same amount of power if you use SE in or BAL in. I assume you'd need to get 4V in to get that sort of power, so how does one get 4V in with an SE DAC?

Are you saying that you'd get the max power at an earlier volume position on a 2V input as you would a 4V input?

 

[staticV3]

The chart implies the same amount of power if you use SE in or BAL in. I assume you'd need to get 4V in to get that sort of power, so how does one get 4V in with an SE DAC?

With SE out, max output voltage is sqrt(.33*300)≈9.95Vrms.
High gain with SE in is +13.8dB, so you need 9.95*10^(-13.8/20)≈2.0Vrms to saturate the output.

With Bal out, max output voltage is sqrt(1.37*300)≈20.27Vrms.
High gain with SE in is +19.8dB, so you need 20.27*10^(-19.8/20)≈2.07Vrms to saturate the output.

TL;DR: with both SE and Bal out, SE 2V in is enough to max out the A70 Pro's output.

 

[NiagaraPete]

Good news about more sane input impedance and the overall performance. I just can’t get excited about DAC/HP amp reviews anymore since I got my RME DAC.

I own a D30Pro and just bought (within 2 months) the RME ADI. You’re correct the RME is an outstanding device.

That said I have not been able to transition to it full time as it’s missing a deal breaker feature. “Auto on”.

With the Topping anyone on our network can simply hit Airplay and they have music or reinforcement to TV sound.

The RME you need to find the remote, turn it on select volume etc.

 

[Roen]

With SE out, max output voltage is sqrt(.33*300)≈9.95Vrms.
High gain with SE in is +13.8dB, so you need 9.95*10^(-13.8/20)≈2.0Vrms to saturate the output.

With Bal out, max output voltage is sqrt(1.37*300)≈20.27Vrms.
High gain with SE in is +19.8dB, so you need 20.27*10^(-19.8/20)≈2.07Vrms to saturate the output.

TL;DR: with both SE and Bal out, SE 2V in is enough to max out the A70 Pro's output.

Thanks!

 

[Ahmonge]

Are you saying that you'd get the max power at an earlier volume position on a 2V input as you would a 4V input?

According to Topping data, max power out of a balanced output is obtained with 2V either on a SE input or a bal input with gain set to high. If the DAC connected brings 2V SE and 4V balanced at 0dB, you will get the max power at an earlier volume position with balanced input selected.

 

[Roen]

With SE out, max output voltage is sqrt(.33*300)≈9.95Vrms.
High gain with SE in is +13.8dB, so you need 9.95*10^(-13.8/20)≈2.0Vrms to saturate the output.

With Bal out, max output voltage is sqrt(1.37*300)≈20.27Vrms.
High gain with SE in is +19.8dB, so you need 20.27*10^(-19.8/20)≈2.07Vrms to saturate the output.

TL;DR: with both SE and Bal out, SE 2V in is enough to max out the A70 Pro's output.

I'm trying to understand the 9.95 and the 20.27 numbers in these formulas, where do they come from?

 

[staticV3]

I'm trying to understand the 9.95 and the 20.27 numbers in these formulas, where do they come from?

It's Topping's specified power numbers converted to Vrms:

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Looking at both the Silver or Black in this picture, I think I prefer the Silver as the screen looks more pronounce as well as the jacks. Any silver owners here and what do you guys think?

I always choose silver if I can.
Black is less dust friendly

 

[Jimster480]

I always choose silver if I can.
Black is less dust friendly

That is defintely true, black shows dust so easily.

 

[Phony846]

I got my A70 Pro and D70 Sabre today. Swapping them in for my A90D/D90se. Primarily due to the improved user interface and higher potential output on the amp. I must say I really like the new color UI and controls. Way easier than the 90 series. They are also basically the same size as the 90 duo, so they fit perfectly in my custom offset mounting bracket. They are maybe a couple of mm taller together, but not enough to matter.

On the DAC I have the fft displayed and on the amp I have the volume/inputs shown. Looks very slick.

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Does anyone know if Topping rc22 works with A70 pro?

 

[Wisehybred]

I got my A70 Pro and D70 Sabre today. Swapping them in for my A90D/D90se. Primarily due to the improved user interface and higher potential output on the amp. I must say I really like the new color UI and controls. Way easier than the 90 series. They are also basically the same size as the 90 duo, so they fit perfectly in my custom offset mounting bracket. They are maybe a couple of mm taller together, but not enough to matter.

On the DAC I have the fft displayed and on the amp I have the volume/inputs shown. Looks very slick.

But how does it sound I am interested in the preamp output and volume control to an amplifier

 

[Phony846]

But how does it sound I am interested in the preamp output and volume control to an amplifier

Given the specs and the power draw of my HE1000se headphones, I wasn't expecting any sound difference. I wanted the better UI, hopefully running cooler, and future proof with more output power. I VASTLY prefer the new color UI and love the FFT display. I only have two minor complaints: The remotes are still super crappy/cheap quality. For a combined purchase price of $1300 USD, I'd hope for better. No AAA batteries were included for the remotes. Thankfully I had some on hand. Again, for $1300 they should be included.

 

[marcom22]

Given the specs and the power draw of my HE1000se headphones, I wasn't expecting any sound difference. I wanted the better UI, hopefully running cooler, and future proof with more output power. I VASTLY prefer the new color UI and love the FFT display. I only have two minor complaints: The remotes are still super crappy/cheap quality. For a combined purchase price of $1300 USD, I'd hope for better. No AAA batteries were included for the remotes. Thankfully I had some on hand. Again, for $1300 they should be included.

Why 1300 $?

 

[shrimp_dude]

$500 + $700 + 10% tax = $1300?

 

[Phony846]

$500 + $700 + 10% tax = $1300?

Exactly.