Topping L70 Headphone Amp Review

[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.

 

[Zeliya]

All those scratches are reflections? :O
View attachment 255617

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.

See datasheet.
09/2022.
Not time to reuse )))

 

[Χ Ξ Σ]

Just wanted to show off my L70 and the whole setup.

 

[gmoney]

I finally got one of these and think its amazing strictly for the easily switchable headphone output via remote. I can have all 3 of my cans permanently plugged in and just tap "B" on the remote to switch between them + it saves the gain/volume between the 3. No more unplugging and plugging crap in constantly as I tend to use 2 separate open backs for enjoyment and gaming as well as a closed back when necessary.

The real question is why does topping not produce a all in one unit that combines the L70 and E70. Having the E70 paired with this is such a huge waste of space and cable mess. Give me both in one unit and I'll pay a $100 premium vs buying them separately.

 

[rarewolf]

I finally got one of these and think its amazing strictly for the easily switchable headphone output via remote. I can have all 3 of my cans permanently plugged in and just tap "B" on the remote to switch between them + it saves the gain/volume between the 3. No more unplugging and plugging crap in constantly as I tend to use 2 separate open backs for enjoyment and gaming as well as a closed back when necessary.

The real question is why does topping not produce a all in one unit that combines the L70 and E70. Having the E70 paired with this is such a huge waste of space and cable mess. Give me both in one unit and I'll pay a $100 premium vs buying them separately.

Offering them separately at least allows you (in any case, me) to purchase them separately. I purchased the L70 first and connected it to my DX3P+ (DAC mode).

It works well with the DX3, the bass is accurate and punchy, and the treble air is a bit more present. It was a mystery to me when I first used this more powerful amp why the volume setting was what the DX3 was set at, that is, until I looked up the specs and its SE power output is pretty much at the same level as the DX3. I’m still good because I really intend to use its balanced output with a pair of Fostex T60 Argons, which won’t be on my head for another 2 weeks… cannot wait!

Some time this spring give me 3mo to figure out the audible difference between the E70 and the Velvet, and if the latter is worth the extra $100…

Edit… grammar…

 

[rarewolf]

Offering them separately at least allows you (in any case, me) to purchase them separately. I purchased the L70 first and connected it to my DX3P+ (DAC mode).

It works well with the DX3, the bass is accurate and punchy, and the treble air is a bit more present. It was a mystery to me when I first used this more powerful amp why the volume setting was what the DX3 was set at, that is, until I looked up the specs and its SE power output is pretty much at the same level as the DX3. I’m still good because I really intend to use its balanced output with a pair of Fostex T60 Argons, which won’t be on my head for another 2 weeks… cannot wait!

Some time this spring give me 3mo to figure out the audible difference between the E70 and the Velvet, and if the latter is worth the extra $100…

Edit… grammar…

… and speaking of the Topping L70 versus the Velvet, the future DAC doesn’t really need to be Topping, although they stack much better than with the DX3…

… any suggestions on what my peers would choose?

 

[Zeliya]

… and speaking of the Topping L70 versus the Velvet, the future DAC doesn’t really need to be Topping, although they stack much better than with the DX3…

… any suggestions on what my peers would choose?

You realy not need any E70.
Buy E50.

 

[rarewolf]

You realy not need any E70.
Buy E50.

Cannot argue with the price, and it does have an excellent DAC and balanced outputs, but I do often rely on the DX3P’s Bluetooth input, which the E50 does not have…

 

[kekotron]

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

What's the disassembly procedure? mainly concerned about the display ribbon. What's holding the front glass panel?

 

[cesjr02]

I received the L70 and had a chance to run it through its paces. Overall I'm very happy and it suits my needs well. It's neutral, clean, and quiet. I'm currently waiting on a "balanced" 4-pin headphone cable for my HD600's.

My only nitpick if I had to choose one: I'm not a big fan of the capacitive on/off/select button on the front. I guess it lends to the clean look of the unit, but I'd personally prefer separate toggle switches.

 

[GPJ]

… any suggestions on what my peers would choose?

If I had the L70, I would choose the E70. The ESS SABRE ES9028Pro is an incredible cutting edge piece. IMO, the stack is one of the nicer looking one's around, I really like the look of the silver units. I have a D30 Pro and A90 as a stack and as much as I like the L70/E70 it would be a very unwise move for me to even think about switching over.

 

[rarewolf]

If I had the L70, I would choose the E70. The ESS SABRE ES9028Pro is an incredible cutting edge piece. IMO, the stack is one of the nicer looking one's around, I really like the look of the silver units. I have a D30 Pro and A90 as a stack and as much as I like the L70/E70 it would be a very unwise move for me to even think about switching over.

I’m only a bit concerned regarding the DAC chip in the E70. I cannot find where the ES9028 chip is used in any other Topping (over the x038 and x068 chips), and the AKM in the Velvet is supposed to be AKM’s flagship. Even my DX3P+ is using the x038 chip). Maybe someone can put me at ease without using the “cannot hear any difference” argument over these Sabre DAC versions compared with the AKM in the Velvet—but one reason for me to consider AKM is that I already have an excellent DAC in the DX3’s x038, and for that reason I'm in no particular hurry.

 

[staticV3]

I’m only a bit concerned regarding the DAC chip in the E70. I cannot find where the ES9028 chip is used in any other Topping and the AKM in the Velvet is supposed to be AKM’s flagship.Maybe someone can put me at ease without using the “cannot hear any difference” argument.

What comes out of the DAC is the only thing that matters.
Obsessing over flagship this, tier that, class that leads nowhere.

 

[rarewolf]

What comes out of the DAC is the only thing that matters.
Obsessing over flagship this, tier that, class that leads nowhere.

That’s an opinion I’d appreciate gathering myself from peers willing to share their actual experience with both versions of the E70, thank you…

 

[Veri]

I’m only a bit concerned regarding the DAC chip in the E70. I cannot find where the ES9028 chip is used in any other Topping (over the x038 and x068 chips), and the AKM in the Velvet is supposed to be AKM’s flagship. Even my DX3P+ is using the x038 chip)

The DX3 Pro+ uses 9038Q2M. E70 uses 9028PRO. The latter is a higher tier product, in any case..