I'm back... Today I measured Pre90 Preamplifier and Ext90 Extender from Topping.
This is a set of equipment that I have been looking forward to for a long time...I have received the prototype a few months ago, but my audio analyzer was lent out. When the analyzer came back, unfortunately, the review time lock in the prototype had been activated-the entire device was locked and unusable.
I contacted Topping and got a "retail version" of this measurement.
Anyway, look at things first
Previously, Topping's A90 could be used as a preamplifier, but it was limited by the basic design (no remote control, only the volume can be adjusted manually). The preamp function of A90 is just better than nothing for me. (But it might be useful for desktop users) What I need is a preamplifier for "living room" or "audio room". So when I knew that Topping was going to develop a preamplifier with remote control, I looked forward to it and made some suggestions of my own.
First, it is almost completely transparent, almost as transparent as the signal cable measured by APx555.
Then, it must have enough volume adjustment range and very good channel balance:
In addition, it can expand more input ports (actually, I originally recommended daisy-chain connection so that you can connect multiple extenders at the same time... but Topping rejected this requirement). This is for users with multiple audio sources The user is more friendly.
Then it is very important to use experience! First of all, there must be a volume memory function (different signal sources have different output levels, and a volume memory function can ensure a good experience when switching between different input sources.)
But is the volume memory enough? No, that's not enough... Let's assume a scenario (actually I have actually encountered it), when a source is not turned on or there is no sound from the source, maybe I unknowingly turned up the volume. Then I found that the source was not turned on, so I switched to another source. Two days later, I turned on the source that was not turned on before, and then switched. Due to the volume memory function...maybe I was deaf right away...so at my request, Topping added a safe volume function:
The logic of this function is that when the memory volume is called, if it is higher than the set safety level, it will be muted first, let you press OK to call it or press VOL + to gradually adjust it.
Okay, stop talking nonsense... Measurement is the most important thing...
XLRin 4V Dashboard
XLRin 5V Dashboard
RCA in Dashboard
EXT XLR Dashboard
THD+N Vs Freq
FR:
Multitone
And Output impedance:
I know that for many users, the necessity of preamplifiers is debatable. But I believe that there is a certain market for pre-amplifiers with multiple inputs, good functions and user experience, especially if it has excellent performance and inexpensive prices.
This is exactly what I want.
This is a set of equipment that I have been looking forward to for a long time...I have received the prototype a few months ago, but my audio analyzer was lent out. When the analyzer came back, unfortunately, the review time lock in the prototype had been activated-the entire device was locked and unusable.
I contacted Topping and got a "retail version" of this measurement.
Anyway, look at things first
Previously, Topping's A90 could be used as a preamplifier, but it was limited by the basic design (no remote control, only the volume can be adjusted manually). The preamp function of A90 is just better than nothing for me. (But it might be useful for desktop users) What I need is a preamplifier for "living room" or "audio room". So when I knew that Topping was going to develop a preamplifier with remote control, I looked forward to it and made some suggestions of my own.
First, it is almost completely transparent, almost as transparent as the signal cable measured by APx555.
Then, it must have enough volume adjustment range and very good channel balance:
In addition, it can expand more input ports (actually, I originally recommended daisy-chain connection so that you can connect multiple extenders at the same time... but Topping rejected this requirement). This is for users with multiple audio sources The user is more friendly.
Then it is very important to use experience! First of all, there must be a volume memory function (different signal sources have different output levels, and a volume memory function can ensure a good experience when switching between different input sources.)
But is the volume memory enough? No, that's not enough... Let's assume a scenario (actually I have actually encountered it), when a source is not turned on or there is no sound from the source, maybe I unknowingly turned up the volume. Then I found that the source was not turned on, so I switched to another source. Two days later, I turned on the source that was not turned on before, and then switched. Due to the volume memory function...maybe I was deaf right away...so at my request, Topping added a safe volume function:
The logic of this function is that when the memory volume is called, if it is higher than the set safety level, it will be muted first, let you press OK to call it or press VOL + to gradually adjust it.
Okay, stop talking nonsense... Measurement is the most important thing...
XLRin 4V Dashboard
XLRin 5V Dashboard
RCA in Dashboard
EXT XLR Dashboard
THD+N Vs Freq
FR:
Multitone
And Output impedance:
I know that for many users, the necessity of preamplifiers is debatable. But I believe that there is a certain market for pre-amplifiers with multiple inputs, good functions and user experience, especially if it has excellent performance and inexpensive prices.
This is exactly what I want.
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