Topping LA90 Discrete Amplifier Review

[Mr_T]

New monoblock B200 https://www.toppingaudio.com/product-item/b200

 

[DrIacozKnows]

New monoblock B200 https://www.toppingaudio.com/product-item/b200

Which is it class?

 

[Mr_T]

Which is it class?

AB i guess, like LA90D but monoblock and no gain knob.

 

[DrIacozKnows]

AB i guess, like LA90D but monoblock and no gain knob.

Thanks. But there are two sets of gain: 11.6/22 dB.

 

[lateparty]

I am now ABing volume matched A90D, LA90D and monoblocked AHB2's and they're all identical. If you need want a linear amp for your headphones/speakers, A90D and LA90 really are all you need.

Sorry to dig this up. Similar to you I have a pair of Diana V2s, an RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE and a bit of money to burn and am looking at getting some Susvaras now that unveiled is out. I was doing some research on whether I should get the LA90D to power the Susvaras, but see that A90D and LA90 is "all you really need" which is the better match for the Susvaras given I would be getting an amp especially for the Sus, since my RME powers my Dianas (and DCA E3) just fine.

Also on a completely separate note I'm not sure whether to get Susvara or HE 1000SE given Amir's damning review.

 

[Architectorus]

Just ordered LA90d for my Dali Ikon 6 + Fiio k9 pro ESS. Wondering if I will get neutral sound to balance with a little to bright sound of Ikons. Speakers are 91.5Db sensitivity. Can I run them on low gain in 20sq m room? Or do I need a second la90? How to understand if adding one more amp will gain a performance?

 

[staticV3]

Hi @Architectorus! Welcome to ASR.

How to understand if adding one more amp will gain a performance?

If you drive both Dalis from a single LA90D, and you hear the Amp distorting before you can turn the volume knob all the way up and achieve satisfying loudness, only then will you gain performance by buying a second LA90D.

With 4Ω speakers, buying a second LA90D and using them bridged will allow you to play about 20% louder than just one LA90D.

With 8Ω speakers, two can play about 40% louder than one.

The gain with 6Ω speakers will be somewhere in between.

 

[Lab_Experiment]

Does this thing run properly on 120V 60Hz AC? What did you test at? If you did not test at 120V do you think it would change the results?

I cant find this information anywhere.

 

[staticV3]

Does this thing run properly on 120V 60Hz AC?

The included power supply is universal (100-240V, 50/60Hz).

What did you test at?

Amir is in the US, so did his tests at 110-120V 60Hz.

 

[Architectorus]

If you drive both Dalis from a single LA90D, and you hear the Amp distorting

Thanks. Hope that one will power my speakers properly. Because buying the second one brings the prive of amplifier section to another level where another interesting devices can be found

 

[netcipher]

Just ordered LA90d for my Dali Ikon 6 + Fiio k9 pro ESS. Wondering if I will get neutral sound to balance with a little to bright sound of Ikons. Speakers are 91.5Db sensitivity. Can I run them on low gain in 20sq m room? Or do I need a second la90? How to understand if adding one more amp will gain a performance?

I use the LA 90D in mono mode with Dali Ikon 7. If the speakers are not directed at the listener, as recommended by the manufacturer, then there will be no brightness in the sound. Using two amplifiers in mono mode gives a power reserve for peak scenes in movies.
About the Fiio K9. I wouldn't use it, since the ES9068AS didn't sound good to me (Gustard DAC-X16) and it doesn't have a R2R volume control. I am currently using Topping E70 Velvet -> L70 -> 2 * LA 90 Discrete.

 

[Hayabusa]

I use the LA 90D in mono mode with Dali Ikon 7. If the speakers are not directed at the listener, as recommended by the manufacturer, then there will be no brightness in the sound. Using two amplifiers in mono mode gives a power reserve for peak scenes in movies.
About the Fiio K9. I wouldn't use it, since the ES9068AS didn't sound good to me (Gustard DAC-X16) and it doesn't have a R2R volume control. I am currently using Topping E70 Velvet -> L70 -> 2 * LA 90 Discrete.

If it is the current limit of the amp that causes the distortion, bridging one per speaker will net help you out.
I had the LA90D on my electrostatics and they clipped current horribly, like some oscillation happened.
I now switched to the Quad Artera mono and all is good now.

 

[Architectorus]

gives a power reserve for peak scenes in movies.

And what about music listening? Have you compared songle/dual setup?

Topping E70 Velvet

But have you heard K9 ess? Is it bright or what's wrong?
I can now get used D90, first AKM edition for a very good price. What do you think of it?

 

[Architectorus]

Quad Artera mono

Sounds like "Just sold my Toyota Corolla" and purchased Gelandewagen and it's good))

 

[Hayabusa]

Sounds like "Just sold my Toyota Corolla" and purchased Gelandewagen and it's good))

I don't follow your attempt of humor I guess?
I sold nothing...

 

[Architectorus]

I don't follow

Sorry, silly from my side

 

[netcipher]

But have you heard K9 ess?

I didn't listen to this particular device. I listened to and owned other DACs that are based on the ES9068AS chip.

Is it bright or what's wrong?

Listening to DACs that were based on the ES9068AS chip, I was always missing something. Then the width of the stage, then the position of the instruments, and so on.

I can now get used D90, first AKM edition for a very good price. What do you think of it?

I didn't listen to this particular device.

 

[VeerK]

Over a year later, how are owners feeling about the reliability of the LA90D?

 

[Pulkass]

I would love to buy 6 of them, to be used in my 3 way electronic X overed system. I mean 6 to be used in mono. The problem is musical, not pure X -Y graphs, how it handles complex signals. Like in serious music, string instruments in an 'allegro' situation. To have them well dimensional and not confused.

Couple of these could come handy to drive my mid-high section as long as they stand my standard couple of years time test without multiple failure reports.

Thanks Amir!

 

[manisandher]

Over a year later, how are owners feeling about the reliability of the LA90D?

I've had the following in one of my active systems for nearly a year now:

2x LA90 (both in mono mode)
2x LA90D (both in stereo mode)
2x PA7 Plus

All still working/performing perfectly. (But only switched on a few hours per week.)

Mani.