The Ultimate Topping Stack! A90 / D90 / LA90
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- Опубліковано 13 жов 2024
- Is it even that good?
A90 Here - apos.audio/pro...
New A90 Descrete Here - apos.audio/pro...
D90SE Here - apos.audio/pro...
Cheaper D90LE - apos.audio/pro...
LA90 - apos.audio/pro...
CESS Cables - amzn.to/3nT4wSd
Genelec Monitors - amzn.to/3atMWkN
SVS Ultra Towers - amzn.to/3av88XI
TOP 3 FAVORITE BUDGET HEADPHONES
🥇 HD560S - amzn.to/3NwLeNM
🥈 SHP 9600 - amzn.to/3NEsoEo
🥉 K361 - amzn.to/3xxKQsM
Favorite headphones
🥇 DIANA TC - abyss-headphon....
🥈Arya - apos.audio/pro....
🥉 DT1990Pro - amzn.to/3MzsBrg
TOP 3 FAVORITE CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Sony Z1R - amzn.to/3aDxOB4
🥈 Sony Z7 - amzn.to/3O0C2Bd
🥉 K361 - amzn.to/3xxKQsM
BEST Amplifiers -
🥇 Topping A90 - apos.audio/pro....
🥈 THX 789 / 887 - amzn.to/3QdJ0Vq
🥉 DX3 Pro - amzn.to/3O1wF4H
IEMS
🥇 Sennheiser IE300 - amzn.to/3Q8svd3
🥈 Moondrop Aria - amzn.to/3aEytlG
🥉(budget Option) - Tin T2 - amzn.to/39g6eta
SPEAKERS
🥇 SVS ULTRA Towers - amzn.to/3xzt9sU
🥈 Vanatoo T1E - amzn.to/3O5ag6q
🥉 Micca RB42 - amzn.to/3aBmXHP
ACCESSORIES
iFix It - amzn.to/3NCok7O
Soundrise Pro Stands - amzn.to/3tphpXt
IEM TIP Storage - amzn.to/3NAMQ9r
Headphone Case - amzn.to/39xOlk...
My Filming Equipment
Camera - A7S-3 - amzn.to/3mynq00
Sigma 24-70mm - amzn.to/3MtKBmQ
Sony 90mm - amzn.to/3QarT6P
Sachtler Flowtech 75 - amzn.to/3H4WEG9
Ronin RS2 - amzn.to/3HdOgUP
GVM Slider - amzn.to/3Q8nEIV
These are my genuine recommendations in various categories. They are affiliated links that help pay for this UA-cam channel at no additional cost to you.
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📷 / joshua.valour
🔔 / joshvalour
📫SENDING FOR REVIEW??📫
Email Me - JoshuaValourYT@gmail.com
#Topping #Amplifier #Speakers
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The updated A90 discreet comes with a remote. Solves the volume issue at is designed to be a pre amp with the ability to remember a set volume setting. Works great.
Awesome! Should get here soon hopefully!
@@JoshuaValour Sir, can you kindly do a review for edifier stax spirit 3 wireless planar headphone.. please..
@@JoshuaValour q0
Nice review. I use the A90/D90 stack for headphones and also run the A90 balanced out into a Hegel H160 and B&W speakers. Works like a charm
Hi! I’m a little confused on the stack the Josh shows. The A90’s input is connected to the LA90’s input. Should it be connected to the A90’s output instead?
For studio monitors check out the Core speakers from Dynaudio, they are awesome, on the expensive side, but also used in some of the finest studios in the world.
I can vouch for the CESS cables. Out of all of the RCA cables I own these seem to be the best quality and they aren't as stiff as other heavy duty RCA cables so there is flexibility there, they are more on the expensive side but are way better than the monoprice competitor variant.
I run a A90 Discrete, LA90 Discrete and D90SE with my LS50 Meta, Susvara and Meze Elites. Very happy with the setup.
I've been running this stack with the Arendal 1961 Monitors and Subwoofer 1S, as well as the HD 800S and MDR-Z1R, for about three weeks now. I'm extremely happy with how everything looks and sounds. The only two things I'd like to see are the addition of a subwoofer output and high pass filter.
What you're not factoring into the dollar comparison is that you'll need to get a tone matched subwoofer that works with the DSP on your studio monitors and has XLR/RCA pass-through, in order to actually use the DSP on your monitors. Those subwoofers from Genelec/Neumann/Adam Audio are pretty terrible with regards to price to performance. Genelec's subwoofer with comparable performance to the Arendal 1961 1S is the 12" 7370A, which has the same frequency response, but 150W lower total power, 7 dB lower max SPL, and costs more than 4 times as much ($3950 compared to $899).
You could go with the Genelec 8030.LSE 2.1 package for $2565, or you could get a much better speaker system with the Arendal 1961 Bookshelves, 1961 Subwoofer 1S, and Topping LA90 for $2508, or swap the bookshelves out for the Monitors for $200 more.
I used to have the original standard D90 paired with a Pre90 to feed an integrated amp in a far field setup, using the remote from the Pre90. At the same time, my desktop setup consisted of a D70s paired with the A90 the fed powered speakers and Sundara headphones. Had to downsize so no more far field system, I reorganized components and preferred the D90 directly feeding my integrated amp. The amp has a 3.5mm jack for the headphones and left/right preouts to feed the powered speakers. I use the speaker outs on the amp to connect to the high level inputs of my sub. My amp, Keces E40, also has a USB DAC that is on par sound wise with the Topping E30, so that could be your Frankenstein device DAC/headphone amp/preout for powered speakers/power out for passive speakers. In my setup I heard more detail and nuance with the D90 directly connected to the Keces E40 amp, rather than having the A90 in between them. The Pre90, A90 and D70s have been sold.
Nice review, i have the svs ultras, topping A90, Genelec 8010A among many other devices that measure well. If I have to choose between all of them which has been the best investment I have to say is the 8010As, I use them every day in my office while working, at low volume paired with a cheap sub, every time I pause and listen to the music it blows my mind how clean they sound even at low volume, it is such a pleasure.
Best investment I did is buying the apple dongle to use as a dac. This 15 dollar thing is measurably transparent already, I felt stupid after buying A90/D90 for headphones so I sold it all.
@@aviatoFPV that's true if you use IEMs only, but if you have full-size headphones the apple dongle will have difficulty driving most of them, A90/D90 are state of the art in that regard, can cleanly drive about everything. but if you don't care about soundstage which is the major advantage of full-size headphones over IEMs then you are good.
Nice coverage of use cases. I'm using the Topping E50 + L50 + PA5 stack at my desk powering passive monitors or headphones. I like the flexibility and having two physical volume knobs within easy reach. Of course the sound is beyond reproach.
Thank you for not preaching about MQA like other people do, it sucks.
Everything in the stack is XLR. No idea why you’d mix RCAs. My input is a Mac mini ssd server with Audirvāna. This gives me a 32 channel equalizer to play with if wanted. I don’t use headphones. I used the DAC for a remote but now have the PRE90. When warmed up it’s not clinical and etched it’s lovely. I have a nice pair of self powered LSXs but they’ve not in the same league as the LA90 and Wharfedale speakers.
What XLR cables did you use Joshua? 3:56 - might need a couple like these myself
I used to have the A90 D90 stack, sold it after AB testing it against an apple dongle. LA90 seems like an interesting product, but the PA5 already gives me enough power and insane transparency so I'm not going to bother overpaying again for something where I won't hear the difference.
What azzes who actually believes you. U must be deaf or have really cheap headphones listening to less than mp3 quality files 😂😂😂
Which headphones
@@TheTastefulThickness Hifiman Arya, range of Beyerdynamics, AKG K7XX and a lot of in-ears.
@MW Labs weird, I tried to ab test apple dongle with my new e/l30 ii stack and I run my sundara with +7.5db bass shelf and -8db pre amp so I don't get digital distortion, the apple dongle doesn't get loud enough to do an ab test so for me a dedicated amp was a must to get my desired sound. Although with iems the dongle and the stack was identical, but with eq and sundara sensitivity the dongle was a non starter on its own.
@@aviatoFPV dude trolling on 1,000$ headphones with apple dongle. Good times.
I would hope an ultimate stack wouldn't have as many cons, maybes or drawbacks as I'm hearing. Sure it's nice to get a stack of devices all from the same company for consistency, but if it's not the best at the price is it even worth mentioning? Also I don't understand why Topping uses 6.35mm jacks, such as with their D10 balanced. They should at least use XLR and if they need the space then 4.4mm!
Josh, can you tell a difference between the stock Diana vs Superconductor cable?
I'm actually in the market for upgrading my headphone setup. I'm torn between the THX 887 and the A90. My ideal sound characteristic is neutrality and clarity. I listen to everything from Chopin to Phish to Metallica. If the musician's aren't careful turning their sheet music, I want to hear it. If they have a sore throat and their voice cracks, I want to hear it. Any suggestions for a DAC and an amp?
Apple dongle no joke, sold my a90/d90 setup. You should try out AB testing before spending a lot of money on dac/amps.
@@aviatoFPV you offer sage wisdom, and under most situations I’d be giving myself the same advice. my problem is I live in an area where stores carrying my needs are a road trip of 300+ plus miles just to listen to what I’m looking for.
Is a Topping MX5 not a mini and toned down version of all of them combined? I mean it is a dac/headphone amp/speaker amp combo and that for a ridiculously cheap price
I would love to see the Topping Pre90 added to the stack for review.
Great video as always. I have the Toppings D30 + A30 stack for my headphones and would like to include reference speakers to my desktop system. Can you recommend a power amplifier that would work well with my toppings D30 + A30 stack?
Great video as always.
Quick question :
I plan on getting the Sundara 2020, hd560s, and ath-r70x (which one do you recommend the most?)
Would the stack (a90 and d90le) sound significantly better than just using the the d90le alone?
Hey Joshua, need some assistance with the following could you connect in place of the LA90 Amp with a WIIM Amp as it has a sub out and add a Topping PRE90 pre amp to increase the power of the WIIM but can they all be connected as the WIIM Amp connections are different to the LA90? Any help would be greatly appreciated or maybe you can do a video about it. Love the channel keep up the great work.
I have a TOPPING D90SE and A90 and love them to death.
Schitt Audio and Sweatwater Sound have a nice selection of conversion cables
Would have been nice to show the power brick for the LA90 when you did the discussion on the slightly awkward cabling. In any case, if I got anything out of this review, it's that I need some Genelec mini monitors 😅
i've been wanting to add LS50 Meta to my setup I didn't know this was out there. I own the D90SE/A90 combo already. I think I will be getting one of these LA90
Can you please review rme dacs and amps please, would love to know your opinion about rme stuff.
But what about 2 LA90’s? Lol. I use my A90 with the Geshelli Labs J2 DAC and they sound great together. Even after adding the usb module it’s half the price of the D90. It doesn’t have a remote or volume control though. It has 3 levels of output adjustment though (if I remember correctly). I highly recommend that DAC if you don’t need those features.
Honestly topping needs to figure out their pricing for their PAs I wont buy them at their price points. I have the E50 stack and i will not buy the PA5 until its dropped to around 200. To many good options out there.
I wanted to ask if the DX3Pro+ would be an audible upgrade to my gaming and music pc compared to the steelseries gamedac gen2.
Sorry to ask here but Would you mind sharing the mono output cables you used for La90❤
It would be great to hear an audiophiles opinion on pro audio DAC and ADC and powered monitors like Focal 6be. How does a Drawmer MC3.1 effect soun d? Right now I am listening from Mac / Apple Music everything set for hi res out to Apogee Groove into Arya Stealths or Focal Clear mgs or mg pros or DT1990's etc. for headphones. I also use a Y cable RCA's into Drawmer MC 3.1 to Focal 6bes or headphone outs. I bought the Arya's from your video suggestions. I'm thinking about the toppings DAC + Headphone amp. Then going into the MC3.1. Maybe RME new DAC they came out with this year. Just listening through phones would bypass the MC3.1 and If just listening I could connect directly to the outs of the DAC to Monitors. What would be your first thoughts?
Could you take a look at the rest of the Topping 90 series? (U90, PRE90, EXT90)
Someday - this will be my endgame stack
I use LA90D and DOSE to connect my iPhone via USB and listen to music. I'm interested in the PRE90, but do you think it's better with or without a preamp?
I believe I could buy Bowers and Wilkins 606 for desktop audiophile use, and save myself enough to buy a dedicated amplifier for them or even a receiver (like Yamaha R-N303)
Hey Josh, I have a question, coming from shopping around for dacs and amps: have we reached a point where we pick the “prettiest box”? I find myself unable to “pull the trigger” on any particular stack or combo because I genuinely don’t know how to decide on the right thing.
I was in the same position as you a couple months ago. Honestly, it entirely depends on what headphone, headphones (cans), or speakers/monitors you plan on using with the system. The hobby is a bit complicated, so I feel starting may be different for everyone. I'd say watch reviews for products that you're interested in, and that will fit in your budget. I don't think a person needs to buy the most expensive equipment to listen to "High Fidelity". You can definitely be an audiophile, or upgrade your listening quality without entirely breaking the bank! Anyways, if you're starting out I'd recommend looking into entry level dac/amps from JDS LABS, SCHIIT, or Topping, in no particular order. I myself started with a Schiit stack (Magni, Modi, and Loki) but recently upgraded to an RME ADI 2. Hope this helps in some way!
I really want to get the LA90 but can't justify the cost for the amount of power. I would probably end up using it with my Aeon Noires and a XLR to Banana plug adapter and keep using my integrated Denon for my speakers
I feel you!
You won't need any more power. This thing gets LOUD.
Just ordered the Monolith/Monoprice THX AAA 887 on sale for $250 to pair with the Bifrost 2 DAC. I almost pre ordered the A90 Discrete amp at $600... but something in my gut told me the A90D wouldn't be worth $350 more than the THX AAA 887
I'd say value for money, you're absolutely right. I myself have got an 887 and I am very happy with it.
Granted, I've never heard an a90 or anything else Topping. I am, however, eyeing something class A, just to taste the difference.
@@masterxyr I'm basically trying the 887 in a secondary audio setup that's hooked to an Entertainment center and going into a Bifrost 2 DAC via optical. I've already got the LYR3 and Lokius in the chain which are probably already enough. But I figured I'd try a cheap route to add a SS amp to the mix to have some variety. I wanted try a THX amp first to see if it can deliver some decent Bass... punch/slam and dynamics for Gaming and Movies. If I don't like it I'll just return it to Monoprice who has a good Return Policy. Then I'll wait to hear some reviews on the A90D
I went with JDS Labs and Schiit to keep it American designed and made.
My guy Josh out here trying to get new to spend more money. You're killing me bro.
Studio monitors need to get more love from the audiophile community. I have a pair of Iloud MTM’s at my desk and they kick well above their price especially when you consider the extra cost associated with amplifying passive speakers.
I've seen people call them cheap ugly desk speakers before, I would rather get the vanatoo T0, much better design.
@@houssamalucad753 I dont know about Vanatoo T0 but I have seen the MTM’s compared favorably to some of the lower end Genelec while beating them in price.
@@Crankier yeah the iLouds sound great, they just look hideous.
Is this still the best combo for the price point for just headphones?
I know it is $300 but what would you think of the topping MX5, it is a headphone amp, integrated DAC and speaker amp?
MX5 is considerably weaker in power output. (if you ignore the high distortion numbers). So the speaker amp section is not that useful. The headphone amp is good enough for most headphones though.
Hello, I'm a beginner beginner. I haven't bought anything yet. I've settled on the HD660S with the Schiit Mobius/Magnius stack. I have no idea about which cables to buy, how to install anything especially what goes from the computer into the stack. You do a really good job of explaining the things you choose to talk about. However, you skip the basics that a beginner like me needs.
Try reddit
Hi Joshua...don't forget to review Topping MX5. I'm interested in a true all in one setup for my desk
i would love to see your opinion on it
so much topping stuff haha
@@JoshuaValour
much topping
So amplifier
There is a rumor that the sound quality of the DOSE is better in DAC mode.
XLR/balanced usually nets you 3dB of gain compared to RCA. Is something different going on here?
Z reviews seems to be the only one trying the speaker taps on the la90 to ppwer headphones with a adaptor. I realize this is very nitch and for a small amount of crazy headphone users but anyone notice this?
What about remote controller? Can we. Control everything from a si gle remote?
Y'all can ask all the questions you want, but it seems you wont ever get an answer.
This stack with LS50 meta and KC62 sub at 11ft listening distance, mid volumes living room... will it work?
I’m using the Topping A90 with SMSL DO200 DAC, unfortunately with lack of reviews
11:04 everythign you said but with the d70 squarish chasis and heat sink like the la90
Is the Apple Studio Monitor Speakers any good? 😂 jk
Ya, studio monitors are cool. DSP trips me out tho… I can hear it working usually.
About the LA90, still working?
Have you tried Topping LA90 with Hifiman Susvara ?
I'm not a fan of the clinical, dry, fatigueing, and lifeless topping house sound. If you enjoy staring at graphs, it's great.
maybe next you can do a schiit stack but wait... a Bifrost $700 and a Ragnarok $1500 should be superior to the Topping stack?
Would anyone know why the volume is so low on the a90 ? I’m just using that without a dac on my computer and my ark mk2 mayflower sounds better to me. What am I missing ?
My pair of d90+a90 gets really hot when one stands on another, don't know why
Anyone know if I can plug a THX AAA789 into a LA90 to create a pre-amp, power amp scenario? Asking for a friend.
I don’t think so because the rca pass through is just a passthrough. You should be able to use your dac as a preamp though.
Hmm I know that this setup probably objectively measures better, but I doubt most people would hear a difference with just say my JDS Labs Element III. I do like the LA90 as a dedicated Hi-Fi speaker amp, but doubt most people need something better than a Vanatoo T0 and you don't need a LA90 for those at all. I guess I'm just with DMS on the fact that good amps have gotten pretty boring.
Streamer when? DDC when?
Ultimate stack that most people should skip :)
Dear Santa, AudioValve Solaris.
Anyone know how this stack compares with the Enleum 23R?
5th omg i would like to thank my mom for this award. Great video josh I haven’t even started
What about the A30 pro / D30
It is not ultimate stack because Topping offers power supply and usb bridge.
I'm thinking of this stack vs element X2. Lol I can just save 2K
Can Topping a90 run ls50 meta?
Guys i hope someone could help me. Im looking for headphones that have great soundstage in 1000 USD/ EUR category. What do you guys recommend?
here's my problem with most reviewers. none of them ever do blind testing... i bet solid money no one here would be able to "hear" the difference between a $200 dac/amp combo and a $500 dac/amp combo and a $1000 dac/amp combo. lossless source, plus your favorite cans... you're not coming out of that AB/X test a winner. I've watched it time and time again with my own two eyes longer than any of these reviewers have been alive.
definitely love joshua, dms, zeos, crin, and everyone else in the game - but reveiwing/selling gear should be presented as what it is actually and not what we want it to be. don't @ me if you haven't AB/X tested yourself with gear... don't @ me if you listen to gear "after" knowing how much it costs and what features it has... the brain, especially with sound, is a strange thing indeed. if i sit you down and tell you nothing about the mag/mod stack and then sit you down in front of this - there is a negative chance you're saying one is worth nearly $1000 more than the other one.
again, love the content, but my only negative take away is the value of gear is misrepresented when it comes to sound quality vs other gear... the differences are so minute and subtle ray charles posing as stevie wonder wouldn't be able to describe it.
Yes, yes, yes, you are right, .......but....maybe .. are we asking too much?; let me explain; First and most important: Human ear is a very lousy sound measure device, but it can get a little better if you have the training, where you can improve in basic areas like tonality and distortion assessment. Most youtube reviewers have no training at all (except Amir). have you ever seen any of them talking about distortion proficiency in a particular speaker or headphone?, they do not know where to look for it or how to hear it even the worst offenders. So again, Is it too much to ask reviewers to complete training before making reviews? maybe it is, after all, for most of them, this is more like a hobby, and few of them get any important income from it. Imagine spending the time and money in an area with little chance of any important economic retrival.
Now blind testing....yes it is the scientific gold standard, but in a practical way, extremely hard to do, it is too time-consuming, you have to watch for all types of biases, and even Amir does it only seldomly. i have done it twice, it is so much work to answer only a single question of a dozen or more questions you have on a particular device, imagine trying to answer all.
So in summary, don't trust any youtube reviewer, except the very few that have the technical knowledge and training, but with so many new devices coming every day, measurements is usually the only thing you have to know if a stuff is good.
use a LA90 for a headphone amp
A90 single ended is the same sound as topping L30.
$2k headphones not included damn
Boom 2 amplifier for Mac/Pc “RULES”not the 3D version crap 💩 7 day free trial-check it out. Let’s Go
Not everyone likes perfect music. They pay extra for boutique amplifiers to dirty it up with poor performance.
Imagine having $2000 and spending it on this crap. Yeesh.
JUST - you know JUST - its nothing its JUST - Like trump its JUST $2000
Good Job first
bet you wrote that before watching all of the video, innit? Can't win the race if you're leisurely chilling with Josh!
Topping Amps and DACs are the worst sounding units under the sun. Stay away from this crap.
how about something us non 1%-ers can actually afford
The 1% can afford something way way nicer than a Topping stack.
Get a Focusrite scarlet solo, and monitors costing the rest of your budget. Then you can even add a microphone if you have any friends to talk to :-)
watch?v=r-WLV4HQOMY
Or really any dac/head/preamp if you are like me and don't have friends
are you new to the club? I wish 500 was the top-tier stuff... but it's far far from it