Topping L70 Headphone Amp Review

[renaudrenaud]

I took the plunge, and I’ll be connecting the L70’s RCA inputs to my DX3Pro+ RCA outputs. Next year, hopefully by March, I’ll be able to afford and match it with the Velvet…

… any thoughts on how to best configure the DX3P+?

May I ask why the Velvet?

Measurements of Topping E70 VELVET DAC - L7Audiolab

台式设备 随着"三小强"中SMSL和Gustard都推出了自己的4499EX解码器，拓品的研发总让我感觉是不是有点滞后？不过随着我拿到这台 Topping E70 VELVET 我打消了疑虑，拓品还是他家的老样子……

www.l7audiolab.com

https://cdn.l7audiolab.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/1670734188-SMPTE-Ratio.jpg

 

[rarewolf]

May I ask why the Velvet?
…

If for any reason, as a respectable alternative to DX3Pro+…

 

[renaudrenaud]

If for any reason, as a respectable alternative to DX3Pro+…

When I compare the measurements, it seems to me the Velvet is a bit behind the non Velvet version and is more expansive. That's why I was asking.

 

[rarewolf]

When I compare the measurements, it seems to me the Velvet is a bit behind the non Velvet version and is more expansive. That's why I was asking.

I cannot imagine purchasing before this spring, so I’ve been waiting for Amir’s tests in these forums. I don’t “listen” to test measurements but I usually begin there, and then to peer listening experiences. Care to share the measurements you speak of?

 

[staticV3]

Care to share the measurements you speak of?

E70
E70 Velvet

 

[renaudrenaud]

So, at the moment the 2 sound the same and it's impossible to tell, with your ears, which one you're listening, why to choose the more expensive, especially if the measurements are inferior?

 

[elole]

Are there any disadvantages using this as a preamp to active speakers instead of topping pre90?

 

[hartyewh]

Just blew my 789 so I'm thinking between this and Singxer SA-1, which is $100 more. E50 as DAC. Any reason to pay more for the Singxer?

 

[Nordling]

Just blew my 789 so I'm thinking between this and Singxer SA-1, which is $100 more. E50 as DAC. Any reason to pay more for the Singxer?

Singxer SA-1 has analog volume control while L70 uses relays. Furthermore: Singxer does not have a display, while L70 does have a large display. Dimensions: Singxer is larger.

 

[Bleib]

I'm thinking of using this as a pre-amp for a poweramp. Is this ohm compatible with either of these?

AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC XLR Class D Stereo Amplifier Ncore 2x250W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

The Audiophonics MPA-S252NC XLR is a stereo amplifier based on an amplification module Hypex Ncore NC252MP. This solution is ideal for anyone who wants to have a large power reserve (2x150W) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.

www.audiophonics.fr

AUDIOPHONICS LPA-S500NC Amplificateur Stéréo Class D Ncore 2x500W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

Stereo amplifier based on amplification module Hypex Ncore NC502MP with RCA and XLR inputs.

www.audiophonics.fr

Plan to use XLR

 

[Nordling]

I'm thinking of using this as a pre-amp for a poweramp. Is this ohm compatible with either of these?

AUDIOPHONICS MPA-S250NC XLR Class D Stereo Amplifier Ncore 2x250W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

The Audiophonics MPA-S252NC XLR is a stereo amplifier based on an amplification module Hypex Ncore NC252MP. This solution is ideal for anyone who wants to have a large power reserve (2x150W) without sacrificing sound reproduction quality.

www.audiophonics.fr

AUDIOPHONICS LPA-S500NC Amplificateur Stéréo Class D Ncore 2x500W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

Stereo amplifier based on amplification module Hypex Ncore NC502MP with RCA and XLR inputs.

www.audiophonics.fr

Plan to use XLR

Oh yes I think both poweramps are very compatible. If I'm not mistaken, the input impedance is 47k Ohms, while the output impedance of the L70 is 20 Ohms SE and 40 Ohms BAL. This makes an output-input factor of 1175 or greater, which is pretty much perfect. The L70 won't 'see' the poweramps.

 

[cesjr02]

I just ordered the Topping L70 to act primarily as a preamp between my Pontus II DAC and powered monitors. (I know, quite the price disparity between the two.) Hopefully it will be a suitable for my needs.

 

[Bleib]

Oh yes I think both poweramps are very compatible. If I'm not mistaken, the input impedance is 47k Ohms, while the output impedance of the L70 is 20 Ohms SE and 40 Ohms BAL. This makes an output-input factor of 1175 or greater, which is pretty much perfect. The L70 won't 'see' the poweramps.

Thanks. Someone can confirm?

Also, checking again. Both SMSL c200 and do100 would work as XLR sources right. Again referring to the ohm debate that has been around some Topping products.

 

[Nordling]

@Bleib The 'ohm debate' is mostly about relative low input impedance of for example a preamplifier or amplifier in combination with a relative high output impedance of the connected device. For example the input impedance of the Topping Pre90 is 2k Ohms (Balanced). When connecting a DAC with output impedance of 200 Ohms that would make an output-input factor of only 10 (2000 divided by 200) which is low. You better use a DAC with lower output impedance of preamp with higher input impedance.

About your SMSL DO100 DAC: according to Headfonia the input output impedance of the SMSL DO100 is 100 Ohms. So when connecting this DAC directly to one of your NCore amplifiers with an input impedance of 47k Ohms, that should be no problem because the output-input factor equals to 470 (47000 divided by 100).

 

[Bleib]

@Bleib The 'ohm debate' is mostly about relative low input impedance of for example a preamplifier or amplifier in combination with a relative high output impedance of the connected device. For example the input impedance of the Topping Pre90 is 2k Ohms (Balanced). When connecting a DAC with output impedance of 200 Ohms that would make an output-input factor of only 10 (2000 divided by 200) which is low. You better use a DAC with lower output impedance of preamp with higher input impedance.

About your SMSL DO100 DAC: according to Headfonia the input impedance of the SMSL DO100 is 100 Ohms. So when connecting this DAC directly to one of your NCore amplifiers with an input impedance of 47k Ohms, that should be no problem because the output-input factor equals to 470 (47000 divided by 100).

Again thanks. I guess the idea is to go with DAC --> L70 --> poweramp, to get myself ready for more demanding floorstanders.

 

[Nordling]

That's what I'm doing, but given the impedance values there's nothing wrong with connecting the SMSL DO100 DAC directly to your NCore power amp, apart from the risk of starting with 100% volume...

 

[Zeliya]

Nice PCB.
Display simply Led.
Power drivers looks clever. Capacitors ar outside.

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Nice PCB.
Display simply Led.
Power drivers looks clever. Capacitors ar outside.

Nice, I wonder why these mornsun psus are so scratched. It looks like it was used.
Is topping using some b-stock parts?

 

[Zeliya]

Nice, I wonder why these mornsun psus are so scratched. It looks like it was used.
Is topping using some b-stock parts?

No
This is reflect of flash ))
Flash increas any defects )

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

No
This is reflect of flash ))

All those scratches are reflections? :O

ps. I opened a lot of different devices for couple of last years, recaped some old LP/CD players and I've never seen any part to be as scratchy as this one.