Help with Topping D70s MQA/ A90 outputs

[Rantenti]

Hello all,

I'm a newbie headfier and there is so much to learn here. I enjoy the ifi micro iDSD Signature for my Sennheiser hd660s and Hifiman Ananda. However, since the iDSD Signature only has line RCA outputs, I need to build my second stack for my Neumann KH 80 DSP active speakers which only accepts analogue XLR input. I am looking at the Topping D70s MQA DAC and the Topping A90 headphone amp.

1. The Topping D70s outputs 2.5V RCA/ 5V XLR instead of the usual 2V RCA/ 4V XLR. I was wondering if the Neumann KH 80 DSP can take 5V XLR without damage or clipping. I could only find the following info for the Neumann speakers: "Maximum Input: +24 dBu for 94 dB SPL setting/ +18 dBu for 100 dB SPL setting/ +10 dBu for 108 dB / SPL setting+4 dBu for 114 dB SPL setting". I have no idea whether whether I can calculate the maximum allowable input voltage from this.

2. Keeping all settings unchanged, are speakers louder using an XLR to XLR cable or an RCA to XLR cable assuming the same DAC has both RCA and XLR outputs?

3.. The fully balanced Topping A90 has 145dB SNR and Dynamic range using Single-end in and Balance out, versus 138dB using balance in/ balance out. Does that mean the SE/Bal out is actually better?

Please forgive any ignorance / lack of knowledge on my part, and thank you in advance for all your ideas!

 

[iFi audio]

Hi there,

1. I think that 5V from a DAC won't be an issue, but if I were you I'd ask at Neumann just to make sure.
2. It's more than likely that a XLR-XLR cable will make your speakers louder.
3. 145dB SNR is better (lower) than 138dB, but both these values are very good and I'd use whatever i/o that's more convenient for you, or you can stick to the balanced route (XLRs) if your entire setup can be balanced.

 

[Rantenti]

Thanks for the advice!

Hi there,

1. I think that 5V from a DAC won't be an issue, but if I were you I'd ask at Neumann just to make sure.
2. It's more than likely that a XLR-XLR cable will make your speakers louder.
3. 145dB SNR is better (lower) than 138dB, but both these values are very good and I'd use whatever i/o that's more convenient for you, or you can stick to the balanced route (XLRs) if your entire setup can be balanced.

Hi, and thanks for the advice!

 

[iFi audio]

Thanks for the advice!

Hi, and thanks for the advice!

Sure, anytime

 

[Zbell]

Damn, I love my Topping d70s paired with a Jot2 (balanced) and a TA-30 (RCA). However, the 2.5V RCA output seems to be screwing with a Woo WA6 amp I recently picked up. Amp works fine with normal 2V dac output, but when I connect to the d70s, getting audible hum/crackling. Not end of the world, because the WA6 is for a second bedroom setup, but not ideal either because I like having some flexibility with gear. Just wanted to put this experience out there since it does seem like the hotter ouput voltage of the d70s can have a negative impact with certain tube amps.