DotaDondo
New Head-Fier
I've had one of these for a while and I drive HD6xx, 660s, and 800 with them. Quite the treat, clear and crisp. THX doing some good stuff for audio.
I would think of it more as a side grade.Made a similar post on the A90 thread:
For those of you who have tried both, how noticeable is the difference between this amp and the Topping A90? Thinking of picking up the A90 because I saw some reviews describing it as being a little warmer, but not sure if it's worth the trouble if I already have a 789.
I don't find the 789 to have a lean or cold sound, but it is clearer and more detailed than the Marantz HD-DAC1 I've been using. Today a Topping D50s arrives, and I'm eager to see how it works when paired with the 789.
Good to hear. I don't care about the size mismatch because the units will be side by side. I'll be used Focal Clears and Senn HD-600's.I've actually been using a D50S and 789 for the last 6-7 months. I've been pretty happy with it so far (paired with Fostex TH-900 for a while before I sold them, MDR-Z1R, and Verite Closed). Was looking at the A90 due to recent sales + "grass-is-greener" thinking haha, but no real complaints other than the size mismatch between the D50S and the 789
Just wanted to add some kudos for this amp. I simply needed an amp to troubleshoot an issue, needing a 'second opinion' as it were. I figured I'd get it, test with it, experience a total letdown sonically, and return it. I went in thinking this would be a clinical, bright and edgy, non-engaging sounding amp. And for $300, what would one expect? I was/am pleasantly surprised. I've owned a dozen amps or so, prices all over the map, and this little dude has to be the new price/performance leader. I'm seriously considering keeping it just to have on hand, if not make it my semi-permanent daily driver, at least for now. I'm enjoying it! Driving my Abyss 1266 Phi CC just fine.
I'd been using a Marantz HD-DAC1 both as headphone amp and DAC. The THX added clarity to complex classical orchestral music with the Marantz as DAC. A Topping D50s DAC in place of the Marantz added an out-of-the head soundstage to my Focal Clears that I didn't have before. Very happy with the combo; I was concerned the result would be bright, clinical, and dry, but the result isn't any of these things.Just wanted to add some kudos for this amp. I simply needed an amp to troubleshoot an issue, needing a 'second opinion' as it were. I figured I'd get it, test with it, experience a total letdown sonically, and return it. I went in thinking this would be a clinical, bright and edgy, non-engaging sounding amp. And for $300, what would one expect? I was/am pleasantly surprised. I've owned a dozen amps or so, prices all over the map, and this little dude has to be the new price/performance leader. I'm seriously considering keeping it just to have on hand, if not make it my semi-permanent daily driver, at least for now. I'm enjoying it! Driving my Abyss 1266 Phi CC just fine.
I'd been using a Marantz HD-DAC1 both as headphone amp and DAC. The THX added clarity to complex classical orchestral music with the Marantz as DAC. A Topping D50s DAC in place of the Marantz added an out-of-the head soundstage to my Focal Clears that I didn't have before. Very happy with the combo; I was concerned the result would be bright, clinical, and dry, but the result isn't any of these things.
@tholt, I really don’t think gain will change any aspect of signature other than added volume. But perception of this added or decreased volume via gain is perceived by the headphone used. Low Mid High are all adding or decreasing volume applied to the resistance of the headphone. Your perception is correct, I have noticed the same and it is a fun dance. Finding the gain setting plus volume position for optimum pleasure with various headphones. Very nuanced you must have good ears, blessed for sure.
The gain setting is primarily there to overcome resistance. Each gain setting can be perceived as optimal for any particular headphones resistance..