• Welcome to ASR. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!

Topping LA90 Review (Integrated Amplifier)

Rate this amplifier:

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 36 4.3%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 53 6.4%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 198 23.9%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 541 65.3%

  • Total voters
    828
Thank you for the reply. Generally I would listen at lower volumes. I have not yet found any high quality measurements, there is a grainy scan of one on the last page of this FOCAL shared PDF review, from a French magazine: https://www.focal.com/sites/www.focal.fr/files/shared/catalog/presse/1311_Aria948_FR.pdf

Image also attached below for my best guess of the numbers from the PDF review, unfortunately not a very clear source.

Do you expect at lower/low-mid volumes the 2xLA90 might be ok in mono mode? Seating is ~3m from speakers.

That review is extremely useful, hard to read because of the poor resolution, but if you try hard enough you can figure it out for the most important parts.
The following information should be applicable to answer your question "Would it be safe to run 2x LA90’s bridged to power Focal 948s?"

Assuming the 85 dB 1 kHz indicated on the graphs below refers to 1 meter distance, then you can safely assume it will apply to 79 dB at 2 meters and 71 dB at 4 meters as that would be with just one speaker and zero room gain.

The graphs show the following worst condition in terms of loading:

At 100 Hz:

Current: 0.361 A
Output voltage: 1.46 V
Power: 0.52706 (W), Note that the unit is W, that is, watt, is only correct for resistor test load otherwise it should be VA for speaker load that is reactive.

So if you bridge two LA90, the current would increase to 0.722 A and the output power would be 1.05412 W
Since you know your distance, speaker sensitivity and the spl you need, you should be able to figure the current required for your worst case condition.

The LA90 specs say:
  • Output power
    • Stereo
      • 90W x 2 @4Ω THD+N<1%
So when bridged, it should be able to handle 45 W X 2 safely, assuming the amp does not have current/impedance sensing protection schemes to trip it most likely will be fine because Amir did test it for 2 ohm and said:
Edit:
Power Tests at 2 Ohm (Stereo) and 4 Ohm (Bridged)

Requests were made to test the amplifier beyond its minimum load impedance specs. Let's start with 2 ohm load while driving one channel in stereo mode. Dashboard still shows superb performance:
1657974967905.png
 
Thank you for the reply. Generally I would listen at lower volumes. I have not yet found any high quality measurements, there is a grainy scan of one on the last page of this FOCAL shared PDF review, from a French magazine: https://www.focal.com/sites/www.focal.fr/files/shared/catalog/presse/1311_Aria948_FR.pdf

Image also attached below for my best guess of the numbers from the PDF review, unfortunately not a very clear source.

Do you expect at lower/low-mid volumes the 2xLA90 might be ok in mono mode? Seating is ~3m from speakers.
You have great speakers, do them a favour, and get a better amplifier. 2x200 W 8R, 2x350W 4R.
 
I recall the measured sensitivity of 948 to be 88.5 or 89dB. If you are sitting 3m away, that would mean it only draw 10w for 88-89dB (which is very loud, and not recommended for long listening session). La90 should be handle that with ease.
 
I recall the measured sensitivity of 948 to be 88.5 or 89dB. If you are sitting 3m away, that would mean it only draw 10w for 88-89dB (which is very loud, and not recommended for long listening session). La90 should be handle that with ease.

The French review he linked shows 91.8 dB/2.83V/1m, that is a little closer to the manufacturer's specs 92.5 dB/2.83V/1m

1657979214966.png
 
The French review he linked shows 91.8 dB/2.83V/1m, that is a little closer to the manufacturer's specs 92.5 dB/2.83V/1m
I found two other reviews that I google translated with some measurements, linked below.

As long as there are no issues, I'll test out the LA90. I may regret it later due to future issues and need to look for a purefi/hypex system as advised, but quite curious to run a full topping combo if it's possible! Have been running an E50/PA5 combo since launch on my PC, which has been ok so far.

Screen Shot 2022-07-16 at 11.02.09 PM.png


Screen Shot 2022-07-16 at 11.01.40 PM.png
 
Check out HPA-S400ET before purchasing your la90 ;). I think from a purely technical measurements, la90 is a great amp, one of a kind even, no denying that. But measurements alone are not everything :)
 
Check out HPA-S400ET before purchasing your la90 ;). I think from a purely technical measurements, la90 is a great amp, one of a kind even, no denying that. But measurements alone are not everything :)
Ok will do! Price difference would be + ~10% / €150 for the HPA
 
And you have that large external power supply. My wish is another version of this amp with built-in power supply, motorized volume control with bridge mode standard.
I'm sure it's been said already, but I'm not going over a 78 page thread. THIS! Topping, Sabaj, SMSL, Loxjie, Schiiiiiiitt, JDSlabs and all that ilk, are you paying attention? Stop using those idiotic elephant bricks and learn how to make good integrated power supplies! There are some good devices out already (though I'm still waiting on Amir's judgement) like the Sabaj A10/20a, SMSL A300 etc, but it is still way too common for manufacturers to take the easy cheap route. Oh, and while on the subject: include a hard power switch on the back or front please! I'm not too lazy to walk over to the amp to switch it on (I have to work to pay for electricity, good training for not being lazy).
 
Stop using those idiotic elephant bricks and learn how to make good integrated power supplies! There are some good devices out already
Including the two TPA3255 amplifiers I've mentioned - the Audiophonics TPA-S100...

11.jpg

and the Aiyima A08...
22.jpg
 
Stop using those idiotic elephant bricks and learn how to make good integrated power supplies!
I agree!

But doubt that will happen.

Appears to me "they" are trying to both maintain a "desktop" footprint to appeal to both desktop and non-desktop markets and that "easy cheap route".

If they can't fit the power supply internally to maintain a desktop size, they'll put it in an external power supply
 
I bought a LA90 after the measurement buzz. I was curious to know if I would hear a difference. Few years ago,n I got a pass lab amp on loan for a weekend, I was amazed how big the difference was with a Marantz PM 15S1. After that I bought a classé audio cap2100. It is not as good as the passlab but better than the Marantz. For the price, I’m very happy with it. I own also BW 802d loudspeakers.

hen I powered on the LA 90 for the first time, I encountered the same already discussed issue that it switched off immediately. After upgrading the software, it was fixed. Still, I’m wondering how a company can sell a device that doesn’t power on.

When I listened the LA 90, I was immediately stunned by the lack of bass. The weigh and the slam of my 802d wasall gone. The rest of the spectrum is ok. In term of bass impact and dynamics, the difference is huge with the classé audio. I’m wondering how can the frequency response is flat in the low octave. It is the proof that measurement on a bench is not enough. Clearly you notice immediately the difference, what is the point of SINAD when in a real world, the loudspeaker has lost the impact and extension in the bass. Is it still hi resolution and hifi amplifier?

To summarize, I’m clearly disappointed. I’m surprised that some people are happy with it.
 
To summarize, I’m clearly disappointed. I’m surprised that some people are happy with it.

I wouldn't consider using the LA90 with my previously owned B&W 802 Nautilus, 802 D2 and 802 D3. They need something more substantial to get pleasing bass response. A MOON 600i v2 was barely enough for the D3's.

With high(ish) efficiency speakers I was very happy with the LA90. Sound quality was comparable with any pricey amp I've owned. It was suitable with 91 dB Martin Logan Electrostatic hybrids as well but the soundstage was smaller compared to Purifi EVAL-1 and Nord NC500 amps.
 
Last edited:
I bought a LA90 after the measurement buzz. I was curious to know if I would hear a difference. Few years ago,n I got a pass lab amp on loan for a weekend, I was amazed how big the difference was with a Marantz PM 15S1. After that I bought a classé audio cap2100. It is not as good as the passlab but better than the Marantz. For the price, I’m very happy with it. I own also BW 802d loudspeakers.

hen I powered on the LA 90 for the first time, I encountered the same already discussed issue that it switched off immediately. After upgrading the software, it was fixed. Still, I’m wondering how a company can sell a device that doesn’t power on.

When I listened the LA 90, I was immediately stunned by the lack of bass. The weigh and the slam of my 802d wasall gone. The rest of the spectrum is ok. In term of bass impact and dynamics, the difference is huge with the classé audio. I’m wondering how can the frequency response is flat in the low octave. It is the proof that measurement on a bench is not enough. Clearly you notice immediately the difference, what is the point of SINAD when in a real world, the loudspeaker has lost the impact and extension in the bass. Is it still hi resolution and hifi amplifier?

To summarize, I’m clearly disappointed. I’m surprised that some people are happy with it.
The opinion that the bass of LA90 is lacking was also pointed out in the following Youtube.
I was planning to buy the LA90, but I gave up after hearing some opinions that the bass was lacking.
 
I bought a LA90 after the measurement buzz. I was curious to know if I would hear a difference. Few years ago,n I got a pass lab amp on loan for a weekend, I was amazed how big the difference was with a Marantz PM 15S1. After that I bought a classé audio cap2100. It is not as good as the passlab but better than the Marantz. For the price, I’m very happy with it. I own also BW 802d loudspeakers.

hen I powered on the LA 90 for the first time, I encountered the same already discussed issue that it switched off immediately. After upgrading the software, it was fixed. Still, I’m wondering how a company can sell a device that doesn’t power on.

When I listened the LA 90, I was immediately stunned by the lack of bass. The weigh and the slam of my 802d wasall gone. The rest of the spectrum is ok. In term of bass impact and dynamics, the difference is huge with the classé audio. I’m wondering how can the frequency response is flat in the low octave. It is the proof that measurement on a bench is not enough. Clearly you notice immediately the difference, what is the point of SINAD when in a real world, the loudspeaker has lost the impact and extension in the bass. Is it still hi resolution and hifi amplifier?

To summarize, I’m clearly disappointed. I’m surprised that some people are happy with it.

Send it back, get a refund and move on. Garbage is garbage.
 
I bought a LA90 after the measurement buzz. I was curious to know if I would hear a difference. Few years ago,n I got a pass lab amp on loan for a weekend, I was amazed how big the difference was with a Marantz PM 15S1. After that I bought a classé audio cap2100. It is not as good as the passlab but better than the Marantz. For the price, I’m very happy with it. I own also BW 802d loudspeakers.

hen I powered on the LA 90 for the first time, I encountered the same already discussed issue that it switched off immediately. After upgrading the software, it was fixed. Still, I’m wondering how a company can sell a device that doesn’t power on.

When I listened the LA 90, I was immediately stunned by the lack of bass. The weigh and the slam of my 802d wasall gone. The rest of the spectrum is ok. In term of bass impact and dynamics, the difference is huge with the classé audio. I’m wondering how can the frequency response is flat in the low octave. It is the proof that measurement on a bench is not enough. Clearly you notice immediately the difference, what is the point of SINAD when in a real world, the loudspeaker has lost the impact and extension in the bass. Is it still hi resolution and hifi amplifier?

To summarize, I’m clearly disappointed. I’m surprised that some people are happy with it.
Interesting. I have the LA90, but to be honest, I didn't notice a lack of bass for a couple of reasons.

One, the LA90 is powering my 2 way mains that have a 6" woofer, so I'm not going to have a whole lot of slam out of it to begin with.

Two, I have a pair of 12" subs with more than enough power to them, so I get my low bass from those.

But for what I use the LA90 for, it sounds good.

Doesn't matter to me anyways as I'm saving my nickels for an ABH2. After that, I'll be rid of all things Topping including the LA90.
 
Has anyone done a comparision with the Audiophonics Purifi amp? The Topping costs 700€ here in Germany and the audiophonics amp about 1400€. Two LA90 almost have the same power as the Purifi and I can't decide which one to get for my LS50.
 
Has anyone done a comparision with the Audiophonics Purifi amp? The Topping costs 700€ here in Germany and the audiophonics amp about 1400€. Two LA90 almost have the same power as the Purifi and I can't decide which one to get for my LS50.
The purifi.Easier service ( hope you'll never need it).
 
Has anyone done a comparision with the Audiophonics Purifi amp? The Topping costs 700€ here in Germany and the audiophonics amp about 1400€. Two LA90 almost have the same power as the Purifi and I can't decide which one to get for my LS50.
it will be quite overkill for your LS50, better save up for a speaker upgrade. But between those two, Audiophonics Purifi, no contest.
 
Back
Top Bottom