Topping LA90 Review (Integrated Amplifier)

[Aokman]

The LA90 doesn't have RCA. Only XLR and 1/4" TRS Bal.


There's no need for such an expensive DAC. The SMSL D-6 or DO100 will give you the same 100% transparent sound and Balanced output as the D90, for a fraction of the price.

Sorry I meant I was using RCA from my Heritage DAC into unbalanced TRS... More so if there is a significant gain advantage from unbalanced vs balanced XLR...

 

[staticV3]

Sorry I meant I was using RCA from my Heritage DAC into unbalanced TRS... More so if there is a significant gain advantage from unbalanced vs balanced XLR...

A balanced DAC like the D-6 or DO100 will be 65% louder than your Klipsch DAC, simply because of higher output voltage (4V vs 1.8 on the Klipsch)
The D90SE can even get a bit louder still at 90% louder than the Klipsch (5.25V instead of 1.8).

However, the LA90 doesn't even properly support single ended sources, so I wouldn't be surprised if the gains are even higher still.

 

[Aokman]

A balanced DAC like the D-6 or DO100 will be 65% louder than your Klipsch DAC, simply because of higher output voltage (4V vs 1.8 on the Klipsch)
The D90SE can even get a bit louder still at 90% louder than the Klipsch (5.25V instead of 1.8).

However, the LA90 doesn't even properly support single ended sources, so I wouldn't be surprised if the gains are even higher still.

That's all I needed to give another DAC a go as I love the LA90 otherwise... I'll check out those recommendations and see what's available locally... Many thanks

 

[DrDen]

That's all I needed to give another DAC a go as I love the LA90 otherwise... I'll check out those recommendations and see what's available locally... Many thanks

My current DAC is Audiobyte Hydra Vox, 3,8V at 0db output both XLR and RCA. LA90 in low gain. Volume control remotely on DAC -12 — -20db. I like the sound much more than with Gustard X26Pro (5V at 0db, listened at -20 — -30db).

 

[DrDen]

The LA90 doesn't have RCA. Only XLR and 1/4" TRS Bal.


There's no need for such an expensive DAC. The SMSL D-6 or DO100 will give you the same 100% transparent sound and Balanced output as the D90, for a fraction of the price.

IMHO D90 is not too expensive for this amp. It’s just good enough.

 

[staticV3]

IMHO D90 is not too expensive for this amp. It’s just good enough.

It's $800 (D90LE) and doesn't sound an ounce better than a D-6 at $170.

Sure, it plays 20% louder at 5.25V, but if you really need that extra voltage, just get an SU-9 Pro at $250.

 

[Guddu]

SU-9 Pro at $250.

Is that right?

 

[DrDen]

Is that right?

499$ on Shenzhenaudio.

 

[staticV3]

@guddu @DrDen My bad. I saw this listing on AliExpress and failed to look further into it:

If you click on it, you see that it's the DA-9 that goes for $250. Not the SU-9 Pro.

The least expensive DAC with 5Vrms output seems to be the E70 at $350 (sometimes $300).

 

[Guddu]

@guddu @DrDen My bad. I saw this listing on AliExpress and failed to look further into it:
View attachment 280240
If you click on it, you see that it's the DA-9 that goes for $250. Not the SU-9 Pro.

The least expensive DAC with 5Vrms output seems to be the E70 at $350 (sometimes $300).

No problem.
For a moment I decided to spend 250$ so quickly

 

[PeteL]

A balanced DAC like the D-6 or DO100 will be 65% louder than your Klipsch DAC, simply because of higher output voltage (4V vs 1.8 on the Klipsch)
The D90SE can even get a bit louder still at 90% louder than the Klipsch (5.25V instead of 1.8).

However, the LA90 doesn't even properly support single ended sources, so I wouldn't be surprised if the gains are even higher still.

What's make this amp not support unbalanced source? beside lower voltage but you seem to suggest something else. If so it's a real problem, It is not rocket science and with proper wiring I have never seen an amp that would discriminate an unbalanced source.

 

[staticV3]

What's make this amp not support unbalanced source?

"Supported" to me means tested and validated by the manufacturer.
Afaik that's not the case for the LA90. All inputs are strictly Bal and all marketing material shows strictly Bal sources being used with the LA90.

 

[Aokman]

I ended up with the SMSL SU-9 Pro and fits the stack nicely anyways, put that saved money towards my STAX X9000 budget hahaha.

It's louder obviously, nothing crazy like double the loudness or anything but enough for my STAX transformer box now being high impedance... Thanks!

 

[Snix]

There's no need for such an expensive DAC. The SMSL D-6 or DO100 will give you the same 100% transparent sound and Balanced output as the D90, for a fraction of the price.

I support this 100%.
I am currently using DX7 Pro and D-6 with 2xLA90D, can't tell the difference.
Also, heard the D90 with LA90(non-D), to be completely honest, also couldn't tell the diff lol.

At one point, I think you just buy a decent DAC that fits your usages (inputs, outputs, bells and whistles) and call it a day.

 

[Abe_W]

View attachment 202372

 

[Xulonn]

View attachment 282195

Probably the stupidest post I've ever seen at ASR.

 

[Doodski]

Probably the stupidest post I've ever seen at ASR.

I am confused as to what the message is.

 

[Abe_W]

Compared to the PA5, I guess it’s just for those that want the bragging rights, otherwise I‘d go PA5.

If i gave you 800 dollars for free, would you still claim it is just for "bragging rights" and go with the "non-braggart" PA5, or go with the LA90 instead?
We all know the answer.

Wallet restrictions can make a guy say all kinds of things on a forum that he doesn't mean, irrespective of what he's thinking deep down. "Audio Science" takes a backseat when the wallet comes in play, doesn't it?

 

[MZKM]

If i gave you 800 dollars for free, would you still claim it is just for "bragging rights" and go with the "non-braggart" PA5, or go with the LA90 instead?
We all know the answer.

Wallet restrictions can make a guy say all kinds of things on a forum that he doesn't mean, irrespective of what he's thinking deep down. "Audio Science" takes a backseat when the wallet comes in play, doesn't it?

The PA5 has a decent bit more power, enough to be appreciable. If this was for a desktop, then sure, but a living room I’d take PA5.

 

[dmbaggett]

I have an LA90 (IC version). Using with a near-field setup with B&W 803d speakers fed from a Matrix X-Sabre DAC from ~5 year ago. I have zero problems with power; it's plenty loud and it sounds essentially perfect to me (as the specs would suggest). One general question I have: what is the right approach with levels through the chain? I've been assuming I should have the PC source (Idagio) maxed, the DAC maxed, then adjust the volume with the LA90 volume knob. But is this actually correct? My assumption is you want want to reduce amplitude at the very end of the chain?