bifcake
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2002
- Posts
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What type of trouble did you have with the A90?After all the trouble I had with the A90 I'd get another Gustard device over Topping any day.
What type of trouble did you have with the A90?After all the trouble I had with the A90 I'd get another Gustard device over Topping any day.
I found the volume pot to be a tool of the devil. It had bad channel imbalances even at higher volumes, so to find that sweet spot I had to fiddle with volume elsewhere, and when I'd change the headphones I would have to do the pot and volume dancing again to get the balance right. Secondly, even with the volume turned all the way down, there was some sound delivered to headphones. The pot itself had some slack, so turning it didn't immediately effect a change in volume. Finally, I think the A90 blew my AFO because the headphone broke right after I started using it with the A90.What type of trouble did you have with the A90?
wow sorry to hear that, the AFO is my next cans after getting AFC..I found the volume pot to be a tool of the devil. It had bad channel imbalances even at higher volumes, so to find that sweet spot I had to fiddle with volume elsewhere, and when I'd change the headphones I would have to do the pot and volume dancing again to get the balance right. Secondly, even with the volume turned all the way down, there was some sound delivered to headphones. The pot itself had some slack, so turning it didn't immediately effect a change in volume. Finally, I think the A90 blew my AFO because the headphone broke right after I started using it with the A90.
Enjoy. I'm still gutted about my AFO dying. It was my first proper piece of audiophile gear.wow sorry to hear that, the AFO is my next cans after getting AFC..
Wow!!! I'm sorry to hear about that. That's what seems to happen: A new piece of gear comes up on the market and everyone goes ga-ga over it, hyping it up and about 6 months later, you start hearing the horror stories.I found the volume pot to be a tool of the devil. It had bad channel imbalances even at higher volumes, so to find that sweet spot I had to fiddle with volume elsewhere, and when I'd change the headphones I would have to do the pot and volume dancing again to get the balance right. Secondly, even with the volume turned all the way down, there was some sound delivered to headphones. The pot itself had some slack, so turning it didn't immediately effect a change in volume. Finally, I think the A90 blew my AFO because the headphone broke right after I started using it with the A90.
I actually sold my A90 because it had too much power for my needs. I got the H16 and it still has power to spare. I don't even need to take it up to mid gain despite using some power-hungry sets. Hifiman Arya is loud enough at volume 15, ZMF Atticus needs a bit more, maybe 20-25 for comfortable listening volumes.My only comment is I wish H16 was as powerfull as A90.
I have the A90 (paired with Soncoz LA-QXD1 DAC).Might get the H16 later.Curious how the Topping's sound signature differs from that of H16's.Since you have heard both,is H16 better or just different?TIA.I actually sold my A90 because it had too much power for my needs. I got the H16 and it still has power to spare. I don't even need to take it up to mid gain despite using some power-hungry sets. Hifiman Arya is loud enough at volume 15, ZMF Atticus needs a bit more, maybe 20-25 for comfortable listening volumes.
I honestly couldn't tell you because I only had the A90 for about a month before I sold it. The wonky volume pot was another reason I got rid of it. I was fiddling with knobs more to get the right channel balance more than just enjoying music.Since you have heard both,is H16 better or just different?
I am also considering the D1SE + H16 combo.Do post impressions on the synergy between the two.Cheers!I used to listen to the Mojopoly and Vorzüge exclusively for years, and after getting the H16 and its wonderful performance I think it deserved a balanced DAC. The obvious choice would be the X16 but after hours of thread reading I chose the new VMV D1se as it seems to be a new benchmark for the price. Reviewers claim it to be a more organic DAC compared to the X16 that pulls the listener more into the music. I'll post some impressions of the match after receiving it tomorrow.
While I'm typing this the H16 is really fun to listen to already. The dynamics seem to have increased slightly and the tonal balance is really excellent. I don't have anything else of the competition to compare it to but it still seems like it has been money well spent.
I am also considering the D1SE + H16 combo.Do post impressions on the synergy between the two.Cheers!