Topping A90 Discrete Review (Headphone Amp & Preamp)

[Tank81]

Yes China is not part of the EU, so if you want to be covered by EU laws simply buy inside the EU...

Yeah I did, but since Topping said that I should sent unit directly to them and the reseller said the same I had no other way.

 

[Toni Mas]

Yeah I did, but since Topping said that I should sent unit directly to them and the reseller said the same I had no other way.

Welcome to the great global trade swindle...

You should not have accepted to deal with anybody else than your reseller.

 

[ivanfraser]

FYI Topping have released a new firmware and updated downloads page at https://www.toppingaudio.com/downloads

The FW is at https://www.toppingaudio.com/download/a90-discrete-version-v2-8-firmware-update

A previous FW 2.6 was out and for dl a few months ago but not from the usual downloads update page that was a bug fix release. This one is bug fix too (at least I can see no added functionality from either release). Although, no details or changelog is provided about what bugs these releases are designed to fix.

Mine has been working fine since purchase with FW from 2022 that enabled added stepped gain functionality. I've kept updated and haven't noticed any issues. Though I see that numerous folks here have had their issues. Fingers crossed I've got a good 'un :0)

 

[escalibur]

FYI Topping have released a new firmware and updated downloads page at https://www.toppingaudio.com/downloads

The FW is at https://www.toppingaudio.com/download/a90-discrete-version-v2-8-firmware-update

A previous FW 2.6 was out and for dl a few months ago but not from the usual downloads update page that was a bug fix release. This one is bug fix too (at least I can see no added functionality from either release). Although, no details or changelog is provided about what bugs these releases are designed to fix.

Mine has been working fine since purchase with FW from 2022 that enabled added stepped gain functionality. I've kept updated and haven't noticed any issues. Though I see that numerous folks here have had their issues. Fingers crossed I've got a good 'un :0)

Thanks for the update! I upgraded my A90D (fw 2.4) to this one and so far so good. *fingers crossed*

 

[Dunring]

I just upgraded the three A90D's I've got and it's been smooth sailing. Just the vague "bug fix" mentioned, but I'll take it. It's a shame they don't have a mailing list to sign up for updates the day they're posted for whichever products you have.

 

[BillHickok]

I recently got back into headphones after a 10 year hiatus, and this looks to be the ideal candidate for my next amp. I know it's been superseded by the A70 Pro, but I really want an A90D because I vastly prefer the looks . Also a huge fan of the dot matrix LED and the cool stepped relay volume control with the audible clicks.

My only reservation, and it's a rather significant one, are all the reports of quality control issues. After doing a painstaking amount of research through various forums and other websites, I've come across at least 20+ anecdotes of the amp producing some kind crackling/popping, with some users reporting damage to their headphones. I just spent an exorbitant amount of money on new cans and the thought of the amp possibly damaging it, as well as potentially harming my hearing, is making me very reluctant.

I've had a similar, awful experience years back with a bad flagship Emotiva power amp (XPR-5), which periodically caused loud popping noises, would go into DC error protection mode, and ended up destroying an expensive center speaker. Emotiva's customer service basically left me in the dust and told me nothing was wrong with the amp, even though I've gone through numerous other amps with no issues. It's been sitting in my garage for years collecting dust...couple thousand dollars down the drain. Ever since then, I've sworn off Emotiva as a company.

Thoughts? The A90D can be had for less than $400 brand new from Drop, which seems like a crazy value, but it's also listed as "final sale" (no returns). Headphones.com also shows it as being "discontinued" but I can't seem to find any info on an upcoming model to replace it. I've been reading about Topping dropping the ball lately with their newer products, and several bad reports about their lack of customer service.

 

[Jimster480]

I recently got back into headphones after a 10 year hiatus, and this looks to be the ideal candidate for my next amp. I know it's been superseded by the A70 Pro, but I really want an A90D because I vastly prefer the looks . Also a huge fan of the dot matrix LED and the cool stepped relay volume control with the audible clicks.

My only reservation, and it's a rather significant one, are all the reports of quality control issues. After doing a painstaking amount of research through various forums and other websites, I've come across at least 20+ anecdotes of the amp producing some kind crackling/popping, with some users reporting damage to their headphones. I just spent an exorbitant amount of money on new cans and the thought of the amp possibly damaging it, as well as potentially harming my hearing, is making me very reluctant.

I've had a similar, awful experience years back with a bad flagship Emotiva power amp (XPR-5), which periodically caused loud popping noises, would go into DC error protection mode, and ended up destroying an expensive center speaker. Emotiva's customer service basically left me in the dust and told me nothing was wrong with the amp, even though I've gone through numerous other amps with no issues. It's been sitting in my garage for years collecting dust...couple thousand dollars down the drain. Ever since then, I've sworn off Emotiva as a company.

Thoughts? The A90D can be had for less than $400 brand new from Drop, which seems like a crazy value, but it's also listed as "final sale" (no returns). Headphones.com also shows it as being "discontinued" but I can't seem to find any info on an upcoming model to replace it. I've been reading about Topping dropping the ball lately with their newer products, and several bad reports about their lack of customer service.

Most companies are currently struggling. Especially those which are in China. So I would imagine with the poor economy that Topping is being hit by this as well.
They are probably discontinuing models with high complexity in manufacturing especially if they have lower sales numbers.

Personally if you want this amp... I would just get it and not be super worried, none of my Toppping stuff has failed so far even after many years of use.

 

[enricoclaudio]

I recently got back into headphones after a 10 year hiatus, and this looks to be the ideal candidate for my next amp. I know it's been superseded by the A70 Pro, but I really want an A90D because I vastly prefer the looks . Also a huge fan of the dot matrix LED and the cool stepped relay volume control with the audible clicks.

My only reservation, and it's a rather significant one, are all the reports of quality control issues. After doing a painstaking amount of research through various forums and other websites, I've come across at least 20+ anecdotes of the amp producing some kind crackling/popping, with some users reporting damage to their headphones. I just spent an exorbitant amount of money on new cans and the thought of the amp possibly damaging it, as well as potentially harming my hearing, is making me very reluctant.

I've had a similar, awful experience years back with a bad flagship Emotiva power amp (XPR-5), which periodically caused loud popping noises, would go into DC error protection mode, and ended up destroying an expensive center speaker. Emotiva's customer service basically left me in the dust and told me nothing was wrong with the amp, even though I've gone through numerous other amps with no issues. It's been sitting in my garage for years collecting dust...couple thousand dollars down the drain. Ever since then, I've sworn off Emotiva as a company.

Thoughts? The A90D can be had for less than $400 brand new from Drop, which seems like a crazy value, but it's also listed as "final sale" (no returns). Headphones.com also shows it as being "discontinued" but I can't seem to find any info on an upcoming model to replace it. I've been reading about Topping dropping the ball lately with their newer products, and several bad reports about their lack of customer service.

In all honesty, I would get anything else but Topping. Too many good and more reliable options out there and with better customer service.

 

[Jimster480]

In all honesty, I would get anything else but Topping. Too many good and more reliable options out there and with better customer service.

There really are no shortage of options these days. If you want to stay with something in the USA then look at JDS Labs or Geshelli or Benchmark (I think this one is USA as well).

I personally use a THX AAA 789 & a Geshelli Archel3 Pro daily and they are driven by a D70S.

 

[enricoclaudio]

There really are no shortage of options these days. If you want to stay with something in the USA then look at JDS Labs or Geshelli or Benchmark (I think this one is USA as well).

I personally use a THX AAA 789 & a Geshelli Archel3 Pro daily and they are driven by a D70S.

After owning an A90 and A90D, decided to get a Benchmark HPA4 about 2 years ago and I haven’t look to any other headphone amp after. In fact, it is also the main pre amp on my desk setup. Also worth mentioning Schiit as a great choice with excellent customer service and made in the US.

 

[Jimster480]

After owning an A90 and A90D, decided to get a Benchmark HPA4 about 2 years ago and I haven’t look to any other headphone amp after. In fact, it is also the main pre amp on my desk setup. Also worth mentioning Schiit as a great choice with excellent customer service and made in the US.

View attachment 384540

Nice desk setup, I can agree with everything but Schiit. The company as a whole is summed up in the name. I would avoid them like the plague and buy from another brand.
Benchmark is cool though and they also have good customer service from what I have seen / read / heard.

 

[Snoopy]

and the benchmark is like 9 times the budget of the topping.

I would just get something up to 400 USD by SMSL , Singxer (I have a SP400 and a SA1 headphone amp that are still working absolutely fine, and I got them a couple years by now).


plenty of used options on this forum as well by people that replace their equipment every few months

 

[Jimster480]

and the benchmark is like 9 times the budget of the topping.

I would just get something up to 400 USD by SMSL , Singxer (I have a SP400 and a SA1 headphone amp that are still working absolutely fine, and I got them a couple years by now).


plenty of used options on this forum as well by people that replace their equipment every few months

You are right that the price is very steep in comparison.
It ultimately depends on what he wants the most. I personally have really loved my Archel3 Pro because of the Tone controls.
I'm listening to it as I write this!

 

[Roland68]

I recently got back into headphones after a 10 year hiatus, and this looks to be the ideal candidate for my next amp. I know it's been superseded by the A70 Pro, but I really want an A90D because I vastly prefer the looks . Also a huge fan of the dot matrix LED and the cool stepped relay volume control with the audible clicks.

My only reservation, and it's a rather significant one, are all the reports of quality control issues. After doing a painstaking amount of research through various forums and other websites, I've come across at least 20+ anecdotes of the amp producing some kind crackling/popping, with some users reporting damage to their headphones. I just spent an exorbitant amount of money on new cans and the thought of the amp possibly damaging it, as well as potentially harming my hearing, is making me very reluctant.

I've had a similar, awful experience years back with a bad flagship Emotiva power amp (XPR-5), which periodically caused loud popping noises, would go into DC error protection mode, and ended up destroying an expensive center speaker. Emotiva's customer service basically left me in the dust and told me nothing was wrong with the amp, even though I've gone through numerous other amps with no issues. It's been sitting in my garage for years collecting dust...couple thousand dollars down the drain. Ever since then, I've sworn off Emotiva as a company.

Thoughts? The A90D can be had for less than $400 brand new from Drop, which seems like a crazy value, but it's also listed as "final sale" (no returns). Headphones.com also shows it as being "discontinued" but I can't seem to find any info on an upcoming model to replace it. I've been reading about Topping dropping the ball lately with their newer products, and several bad reports about their lack of customer service.

As has often been written here, the A90 discrete does not have a quality problem in the usual sense, as the failures only come from the unnecessary and pointless nonsense that Topping has built in. The worst thing and a slap in the face to customers is that Topping does not accept responsibility for their own mistakes.

Buy the Topping A90 discrete from a genuine local dealer who is also subject to your country's laws and purchase extended warranty insurance and you will be protected for now.
Topping will probably know why they are selling the device via Drop, if something happens you will have wasted your money.

For me, the A90 discrete has no advantage over other devices, neither in terms of sound nor performance (measured at 6 watts @ 32 ohms). L70 is at least as good and more powerful, ditto A70 Pro, but can suffer from the same problem as A90d.
Singxer LA-1 (V2), SMSL H400 etc. are not only good alternatives in my eyes.
Or save your money first and buy the very well-tested Sabaj A20h for less than $120. Relay-based volume control, remote control, display, balanced input and true balanced output with a maximum of 4.7 watts at 32 ohms. Enough for any power-hungry headphone with EQ and you can wait for further tests and look out for offers.

 

[Jimster480]

As has often been written here, the A90 discrete does not have a quality problem in the usual sense, as the failures only come from the unnecessary and pointless nonsense that Topping has built in. The worst thing and a slap in the face to customers is that Topping does not accept responsibility for their own mistakes.

Buy the Topping A90 discrete from a genuine local dealer who is also subject to your country's laws and purchase extended warranty insurance and you will be protected for now.
Topping will probably know why they are selling the device via Drop, if something happens you will have wasted your money.

For me, the A90 discrete has no advantage over other devices, neither in terms of sound nor performance (measured at 6 watts @ 32 ohms). L70 is at least as good and more powerful, ditto A70 Pro, but can suffer from the same problem as A90d.
Singxer LA-1 (V2), SMSL H400 etc. are not only good alternatives in my eyes.
Or save your money first and buy the very well-tested Sabaj A20h for less than $120. Relay-based volume control, remote control, display, balanced input and true balanced output with a maximum of 4.7 watts at 32 ohms. Enough for any power-hungry headphone with EQ and you can wait for further tests and look out for offers.

Amazon.com

Wow it is available for $88, that is really wild for something with anything close to similar performance and features to the A90D.

 

[Xyrium]

The solid chassis is definitely a sexy attribute on the a90 but the a70, though I haven't looked at the numbers for both, most likely performs just as well and still has the look of a more modern device which isn't just a volume knob on a box.

Others have already mentioned some pricier options many of which also are far nicer than a knob on a box, I would posit that I've had an RME ADI2 DAC for several years and it has served me well. Unless it very unexpectedly breaks down, I do not foresee me ever replacing it for desktop use.

 

[Lupin]

After doing a painstaking amount of research through various forums and other websites, I've come across at least 20+ anecdotes of the amp producing some kind crackling/popping, with some users reporting damage to their headphones.

That kind of research is pointless and a waste of time as it only highlights one side of the equation.
Fact is that people are much more likely to voice their negative experience whenever, wherever as much as they can. People who don't have any problems will not resort to websites and forums to post that they have no issues on a weekly basis.

20+ doesn't really mean anything unless you know the total amount of units sold, which nobody here or on other forums know.
20 issues with 100 units sold is a lot, 20 issues with 200k units sold is not bad.

 

[Roland68]

That kind of research is pointless and a waste of time as it only highlights one side of the equation.
Fact is that people are much more likely to voice their negative experience whenever, wherever as much as they can. People who don't have any problems will not resort to websites and forums to post that they have no issues on a weekly basis.

20+ doesn't really mean anything unless you know the total amount of units sold, which nobody here or on other forums know.
20 issues with 100 units sold is a lot, 20 issues with 200k units sold is not bad.

But it is also a fact that all topping devices that are delivered with the cast modules have a noticeably higher failure rate.
So far there has been little effort on the part of Topping to support buyers or to own up to the errors and correct the problem.

 

[tomelex]

But it is also a fact that all topping devices that are delivered with the cast modules have a noticeably higher failure rate.
So far there has been little effort on the part of Topping to support buyers or to own up to the errors and correct the problem.

Can you show a picture or describe what you mean by cast modules, for example is it these 4 in the 90D?

 

[Roland68]

Can you show a picture or describe what you mean by cast modules, for example is it these 4 in the 90D? View attachment 385957

Exactly the 4 big ones that have topping written on them.
You can find out more about this in the PA5 threads.
Poll for Topping PA5 owners only please
Topping PA5 fix - D01 Module Replacement for everyone