I have both, and like the original better. The channel matching is .1db or less so it's not an issue. They're very close in terms of sound, but the dot matrix display, remote which I never need, and controls via jog wheel is mainly why I like the original. Simple, just pop a Topping D10b on top of the original A90 and you're end game without MQA, bluetooth, remote controls, or needing to read a manual. I also have an A70Pro and with the menus at least it's more straightforward to navigate than the A90D. Sit the A70Pro on top of a 5 volt DAC like the SMSL DL200 and you'll never upgrade again... I put a D70Pro Octo stack together, but it makes little difference, both have the same size form factor, so it fits.Is the og A90 as clear and detailed as a A90D?
I'm with you on that. I own the A70, A90 and A90D, of all three of them I much prefer the Original A90, not only for the simplicity of the controls, the good quality toggle switches, but the overall sound signature, it's sparkly, energetic, crystal clear in sound reproduction, and other Toppings I find to be too boomy in the bass and I feel like they are not quite as detailed as the OG A90. I'm feeding it with an SMSL SU-10 and it's my daily driver/reference!I have both, and like the original better. The channel matching is .1db or less so it's not an issue. They're very close in terms of sound, but the dot matrix display, remote which I never need, and controls via jog wheel is mainly why I like the original. Simple, just pop a Topping D10b on top of the original A90 and you're end game without MQA, bluetooth, remote controls, or needing to read a manual. I also have an A70Pro and with the menus at least it's more straightforward to navigate than the A90D. Sit the A70Pro on top of a 5 volt DAC like the SMSL DL200 and you'll never upgrade again... I put a D70Pro Octo stack together, but it makes little difference, both have the same size form factor, so it fits.
I suspect this may be related to your noise/ground issues you mentioned with the USB cable, as they are all totally flat, there is no bass emphasis. You might be getting some added AC hum (60 Hz) due to some cabling issue on the others.other Toppings I find to be too boomy in the bass
Yep, I've been listening to an SMSL DO400 all week, and just pulled out a Topping D10b and original A90 to compare again. As soon as Bruce Hornsby came on I remember why I like the original A90 so much. Going to keep this stack for a daily driver for a while. No remotes, MQA, bluetooth antenna, or anything else to fuss with. They got the A90 right the first time, but the A70Pro is amazing too if you want the high tech approach and it can handle a 5 volt DAC better. Piano, acoustic instruments, and vocals really stand out on the original A90, forgot how nice it sounds.I'm with you on that. I own the A70, A90 and A90D, of all three of them I much prefer the Original A90, not only for the simplicity of the controls, the good quality toggle switches, but the overall sound signature, it's sparkly, energetic, crystal clear in sound reproduction, and other Toppings I find to be too boomy in the bass and I feel like they are not quite as detailed as the OG A90. I'm feeding it with an SMSL SU-10 and it's my daily driver/reference!
I doubt that the Topping A90 is a superb amplifier, but in my opinion it is too analytical for better or worse,
I myself prefer an amplifier that has a warmer sound, like an OTL amp or Violectric if you prefer Solid States.
That’s why in all new Topping amps, including the A90D, they put a Ground Loop Switch.
View attachment 284943Although I don’t have any problems with noise here , I have found that the sound is so much better in the ground position rather than in the lift position, therefore uses be aware !
Yes, that’s the way.How do I connect to two subwoofers. Do I hook rca left to left subwoofer and right rca to the other? The xlr output is already hooked to the power amp
Yes.so , i want to connect , topping e50 over optical to my streamer and then rca out to topping A90D , but I want output from 4.4 headphone out. Is this possible?
Yes, that is possible.so , i want to connect , topping e50 over optical to my streamer and then rca out to topping A90D , but I want output from 4.4 headphone out. Is this possible?
thanks!Yes.
thanks!Yes, that is possible.
Alternatives (SE = RCA, Bal = 4-pin XLR and 4.4 mm, balanced):
SE in/SE out
Bal in/SE out
SE in/Bal out
Bal in/Bal out