[TomKorn]

It's here!

 

[TomKorn]

I made a little unboxing video, but can't upload here unfortunately.

 

[gLer]

It's here!

Glad to see the review/demo units are shipping. Look forward to your first impressions, if you're allowed to post them here before general availability.

 

[twister6]

I made a little unboxing video, but can't upload here unfortunately.

Curious to see what is included inside of the retail package. As far as I know, only a few official review samples were sent out and it was before retail package was available. So, I assume you got it because you are a retailer and probably can't post it due to being MoT? But can you at least let us know if the packaging box the same as Odin and other EE releases? And I assume, Final Type E eartips included, as well as launch edition Vishnu leather case and double-pocket mesh sleeve, right?

 

[gnahra]

Curious to see what is included inside of the retail package. As far as I know, only a few official review samples were sent out and it was before retail package was available. So, I assume you got it because you are a retailer and probably can't post it due to being MoT? But can you at least let us know if the packaging box the same as Odin and other EE releases? And I assume, Final Type E eartips included, as well as launch edition Vishnu leather case and double-pocket mesh sleeve, right?

I don't want to speak for @TomKorn, but the video is posted on IG. From what I saw:
-the packaging is not the same 'tiered' box as more recent releases; it's a new design
-i didn't see a mesh sleeve
-couldn't tell what sorts of ear tips were included, but they looked like their typical final E tips
-the unit he unboxed is not a launch edition (i.e., it came with the metal puck case, not the Vishnu leather case)

To be clear, the box was labeled as "demo," and so it's not entirely clear if this reflects the full retail version.

 

[Leviathant]

Absolutely. My Bifrost 2 + THX AAA 789 outperforms all of my DAPs. Recently, I purchased a Chord Hugo TT2 and it is spectacular with my IEMs.

Thanks. I’m definitely leaning towards keeping Bifrost 2 and adding an amp. Then I think I’ll use the Shanling as a portable device and move on the Hugo2.

The Topping A90 is great for both headphones and IEMs.

Thanks for this recommendation. I’d forgotten about this unit. From what I can tell it has the same footprint as the Bifrost as well so can happy stack those two. Seen a few good prices for some second hand ones too.

Got a couple of follows for you…

Does the A90 run hot at all? My old Ragnarok OG was an absolute killer for heat.

Is 4.4mm balanced headphone out still ok for IEMs, or is there too much power?

How is the stage width/depth of the A90?

 

[MatW]

Does the A90 run hot at all? My old Ragnarok OG was an absolute killer for heat.

No issues. I have it stacked with the D90.

Is 4.4mm balanced headphone out still ok for IEMs, or is there too much power?

It is excellent for IEMs. Dead silent. One of the main benefits of this device is its versatility.

How is the stage width/depth of the A90?

It does a great job all around imo, certainly for this price point.

 

[TomKorn]

Curious to see what is included inside of the retail package. As far as I know, only a few official review samples were sent out and it was before retail package was available. So, I assume you got it because you are a retailer and probably can't post it due to being MoT? But can you at least let us know if the packaging box the same as Odin and other EE releases? And I assume, Final Type E eartips included, as well as launch edition Vishnu leather case and double-pocket mesh sleeve, right?

I'll upload some pictures later. I guess that I am still allowed to do... And yes, I believe that is the retail package.. They changed it.

 

[Leviathant]

No issues. I have it stacked with the D90.

It is excellent for IEMs. Dead silent. One of the main benefits of this device is its versatility.

It does a great job all around imo, certainly for this price point.

Thanks, helps a lot!

 

[TomKorn]

Glad to see the review/demo units are shipping. Look forward to your first impressions, if you're allowed to post them here before general availability.

Would love to. But: MoT. Can't give my opinion anymore. I'll have to leave that to others. I will though post some impressions in my own blog. Of course, I am not allowed to link it here.

 

[MatW]

Thanks, helps a lot!

I just plugged in my Andromeda MW10 to double check. As you know CA IEMs are notorious for hiss, but with the A90 there is absolutely zero hiss. Remarkable. It's probably a good idea to attenuate the incoming volume from the DAC, to have more room to manoeuvre on the volume dial.

 

[richoval]

Would love to. But: MoT. Can't give my opinion anymore. I'll have to leave that to others. I will though post some impressions in my own blog. Of course, I am not allowed to link it here.

 

[Zachik]

I am not allowed to link it here.

If you have your own website, I think it is allowed to put it in your signature.

 

[Joshyy73]

It's here!

Thx Tom!!! Let us know your impressions!

I don't know if I am allowed to post links to Instagram but here is the unboxing video from Tom / Audioessence: https://www.instagram.com/p/CUFd1d-FGr3/

Personally, I like the new box and interesting to see the IEM is now in the case. Love the cable + IEM combo though!

Enjoy all!

 

[TomKorn]

If you have your own website, I think it is allowed to put it in your signature.

Thanks. I believe only of you're a sponsor.