Topping L70 Headphone Amp Review

[blanc]

L70 can amplify input voltage up to 6dB for the case BAL IN/BAL OUT and Gain = L. If the input is 5Vrms, the output can provide 10Vrms maximal. Is it correct?

 

[staticV3]

L70 can amplify input voltage up to 6dB for the case BAL IN/BAL OUT and Gain = L. If the input is 5Vrms, the output can provide 10Vrms maximal. Is it correct?

Correct.

 

[blanc]

It seems L70 HPA and Preamp specs are almost identical except output impedance. Is it possible both use the same circuit plus an additional output driver?

 

[Roland68]

It seems L70 HPA and Preamp specs are almost identical except output impedance. Is it possible both use the same circuit plus an additional output driver?

Both methods use the same circuit, without additional output drivers.
This is the case with most devices of this type.

 

[1roger]

All measurements on page 1 is XLR IN/OUT? kinda looking for RCA IN/XLR OUT. topping spec on power seemingly look identical

 

[staticV3]

All measurements on page 1 is XLR IN/OUT?

Amir's measurements are XLR->XLR as well was XLR->1/4"

kinda looking for RCA IN/XLR OUT. topping spec on power seemingly look identical

Topping spec for RCA->XLR is actually a smidge better than XLR->XLR, because internally the volume control is single-ended so RCA input has fewer components in the chain which cuts down on noise and distortion a bit when compared to XLR in.

Not that that difference would in any way be appreciable, but technically it's there.

On the flip side, RCA in has a greater chance of mains hum and lower signal levels, requiring more gain from the Amp to reach the same volume.

No worries though, 2V are sufficient to drive the L70 to maximum output power.

 

[bequietjk]

Is the high gain +12db noise penalty on the XLR in/out 300ohm audible?

 

[Roland68]

Is the high gain +12db noise penalty on the XLR in/out 300ohm audible?

I think you're making several misconceptions here.

1. Do you actually own 300-ohm headphones that require so much power that you have to turn on the high gain?Ehrlich gesagt bezweifle ich das sehr, aber ich könnte mich irren.

2. In any audio chain that generates such high gain, regardless of where it occurs, you'll always also have a corresponding increase in noise, irrespective of the device used.

3. And this is probably the biggest misunderstanding: Is amplifying the noise really not a problem if your headphones have such low efficiency that they require this high gain. Because the signal-to-noise ratio doesn't change much compared to low gain and more sensitive headphones.

 

[staticV3]

Is the high gain +12db noise penalty on the XLR in/out 300ohm audible?

Depends entirely on your headphone's sensitivity, your hearing ability, and the noise floor of your listening environment.

 

[bequietjk]

I think you're making several misconceptions here.

1. Do you actually own 300-ohm headphones that require so much power that you have to turn on the high gain?Ehrlich gesagt bezweifle ich das sehr, aber ich könnte mich irren.

2. In any audio chain that generates such high gain, regardless of where it occurs, you'll always also have a corresponding increase in noise, irrespective of the device used.

3. And this is probably the biggest misunderstanding: Is amplifying the noise really not a problem if your headphones have such low efficiency that they require this high gain. Because the signal-to-noise ratio doesn't change much compared to low gain and more sensitive headphones.

I'll be using the R70XA. For convenience and more power i have a balanced xlr cable on the way for more power so I can have more headroom to play with. I doubt it will be perceptible but am just curious.

 

[HiFiHelp]

Wolf's measurements appear better at a 16 ohm load than L30ii or L50. Would this extrapolate to 12 ohms too, @staticV3? Thanks!

https://www.l7audiolab.com/f/topping-l70//

L70 - - Topping audio

TOPPING, born in 2008, has evolved into a beloved global HIFI brand favored by users worldwide. We firmly believe that higher-quality music playback devices are essential for truly showcasing the allure of music. By investing extensively in professional technology and exceptional industrial...

www.toppingaudio.com

 

[blanc]

Assuming the input is Vrms = 5V and L70 is set to L, is it necessary to leave a headroom, say of 10dB, to avoid distortion?

 

[HiFiHelp]

The L70 easily goes into protection with EQ'd sub 16 ohm planars and extremely high dynamic range content

 

[blanc]

I’m not sure my understanding is correct. I mean L70 peak output is 0dB, but the distortion increases while running near 0dB so a safe headroom is necessary.