Topping LA90 Review (Integrated Amplifier)

[Sokel]

Between the ATI and LA90 there is 21db difference in noise levels. That is huge!

I you ever bother to take the test I posted earlier in the thread you will find hard to hear distortion even up to -65db,let alone -99 or -120.
Don't confuse the right engineering indicators with audible performance.

 

[pepie34]

I have a D90SE linked to my LA90. It seems that the DAC output is quite low comparing to other sources (like my phono preamp, a S3B project which works very well with the LA90).

The D90SE let me choose between a peak level at 4V (default) or 5V at 0db.
Should I change to 5V without damaging my LA90 ? I'm only risking sound clipping or it can physically damage the amp ?
I noticed that 4V is the standard for XLR balanced line level.

 

[Aaron7]

I have a D90SE linked to my LA90. It seems that the DAC output is quite low comparing to other sources (like my phono preamp, a S3B project which works very well with the LA90).

The D90SE let me choose between a peak level at 4V (default) or 5V at 0db.
Should I change to 5V without damaging my LA90 ? I'm only risking sound clipping or it can physically damage the amp ?
I noticed that 4V is the standard for XLR balanced line level.

I use it with Marantz 8805. I have to boost the Marantz by 3.5db. I use the low gain setting on the LA90. I have had no issue doing that. Although I do not know for sure, logically I cannot imagine 1V destroying the Amp.

 

[DrDen]

I have a D90SE linked to my LA90. It seems that the DAC output is quite low comparing to other sources (like my phono preamp, a S3B project which works very well with the LA90).

The D90SE let me choose between a peak level at 4V (default) or 5V at 0db.
Should I change to 5V without damaging my LA90 ? I'm only risking sound clipping or it can physically damage the amp ?
I noticed that 4V is the standard for XLR balanced line level.

L90 input sensitivity is 6,9V (low gain), so 5V is okay.

 

[DrDen]

L90 input sensitivity is 6,9V (low gain), so 5V is okay.

I mean LA90. My DAC has 5V XLR output (X26Pro).

 

[pepie34]

L90 input sensitivity is 6,9V (low gain), so 5V is okay.

according to the doc it is 2.2V in High Gain which is ridiculously low for balanced XLR no ?

 

[staticV3]

according to the doc it is 2.2V in High Gain which is ridiculously low for balanced XLR no ?

That's with the volume knob bypassed btw.
If you turn down the volume some on the Amp, then you can input 4Vrms in high gain without issues.

 

[DrDen]

according to the doc it is 2.2V in High Gain which is ridiculously low for balanced XLR no ?

I use LA90 as power amp, controlling volume by DAC. Even if I accidentally turn on the DAC at 00db (5V), there won’t be any clipping with low gain.

 

[antcollinet]

Bear in mind the sensitivity is the voltage at which full power will be reached (with voume at max if the amp has a volume control)

It is not in any way a limit on input voltage.

 

[xaxxon]

Is this amp supposed to be more reliable than a pa5? I didn't want to spend this much for amps for my secondary setups but I'm sick of dealing with pa5 failures.

Right now I've repurposed ahb2's from my home theater setup into my office and bedroom but want to move them back.

 

[pepie34]

Is this amp supposed to be more reliable than a pa5? I didn't want to spend this much for amps for my secondary setups but I'm sick of dealing with pa5 failures.

Right now I've repurposed ahb2's from my home theater setup into my office and bedroom but want to move them back.

Before the first firmware upgrade booting was unstable. The firmware upgrade must be done on windows only and with an usb A -> usb C cable (not documented). besides that it is working perfectly since 1 month...

 

[James Romeyn]

Thank you, Amir for this wonderful review!

I own and enjoy Topping's wonderful Pre90 and yes, it is indeed a giant killer.

I consider the LA90 and am quite sure I would need 2 Bridged. The speakers employed vary in sensitivity, the lowest being 89-90 dB @ 8-ohm, 6-ohm minimum and benign phase angles, a reasonable match for Bridged LA90.

With Pre90 > 2 Bridged LA90s > 90 dB speaker, which sensitivity and level setting is ideal on the LA90s?

I'd love to hear the results of an AB test, LA90 vs. Benchmark AHB2 w/the speaker load identified for reference.

Thanks for your kind help.

 

[Sieniek]

I believe amps like the Neurochrome MODULUS series, the recent batches of Purifi and NCore modules, and the Benchmark AHB2 are endgame if you want fidelity. Numbers prove this. If someone wants color then it is another matter.

What do you mean by recent batches of Purifi ? Is that mean there been any problem with old batches ?

I have Audiophonics Purifi mono amps and that's why I'm asking. I bought them in the first half of 2021.

 

[mocenigo]

What do you mean by recent batches of Purifi ? Is that mean there been any problem with old batches ?

I have Audiophonics Purifi mono amps and that's why I'm asking. I bought them in the first half of 2021.

No, I just meant the latest stuff.

 

[James Romeyn]

Waiting for the L12 series...

1200 US $
120 dB
120 W

If such exists, I respectfully request a link referencing a coming Topping higher powered Class AB amp. TX!

 

[F1308]

If such exists, I respectfully request a link referencing a coming Topping higher powered Class AB amp. TX!

I still find none yet to guide you onto, but engineers are happily earning their hard earned money and are always keen to realising their dreams, be it as AB, D or whatever, a fact to add to Christmas being again around the corner...

 

[okok]

class ab?
what chip is this using? any tear down
is it opamp

 

[DrDen]

I still find none yet to guide you onto, but engineers are happily earning their hard earned money and are always keen to realising their dreams, be it as AB, D or whatever, a fact to add to Christmas being again around the corner...

Some people should write to Santa. He really can save their hard earned money.

 

[El_Arte]

I was selling this amplifier made in a small-lot production in 2011 at $2500. You speak about arm chair engineers, may I humbly ask if you are a real engineer? In what field?

View attachment 202479

Description

Solid state, dual mono design, stereo power amplifier. Inputs: 1 pair balanced (XLR). Outputs: 2 pairs binding posts. Protection circuits: DC output, AC current overload, DC current overload.

Specifications

• Output power 2 x 300W/4 ohm, 2 x 150W/8 ohm
• Input impedance 94kohm balanced
• Frequency range 0.5Hz - 130kHz (-3dB)
• Harmonic distortion <0.03%/100W/8 ohm
• CCIF 19+20kHz intermodulation distortion <0.03%/40Vp/8 ohm
• Slew rate >80V/us
• Gain 27dB
• Dimensions 450 x 440 x 190mm
• Weight 30kg approx.

Slew rate >80V/us

OMG

 

[Talisman]

You are making an assumption that what you do not hear does not affect the music you are listening to.
If on your room calibration software you cut off all frequencies above 17K, It will sound different than if you let it go all the way to 20k. This is despite the fact that you can not hear anything above 17K. It is because those frequencies do affect the total sound. Hence noises at levels you do not hear do effect the frequencies and music you are listening to.

I find it incredible how religion also wants to take root in the world of science. And so we are faced with people who can swear on their loved ones to hear a difference day and night between two amps at -100 and -121db when they normally wouldn't be able to hear distortion at -50db (and I swear, it's really hard to recognize. ....)
Most of us (including me) have enormous difficulty distinguishing an MP3 320kb / s from a HiRes file, but just seeing and knowing that that model offers even greater "purity" makes us feel this feeling so clearly ... .
Listen without looking, you may find that you can't tell your LA9 even from a € 50 nobsound