Topping A90 Discrete aka A90D

[BeardSplinter]

I have 2 x L30 II topping amps that I've wired up like monoblocks and a Schiit Jotunheim, I always seem to listen to the toppings amps. I'm looking for an upgrade, I have plenty of power from my L30's, is the A90D going to do a better job in some repects e.g. sound stage, details, more slam / punch etc.
The other amp I'm wondering about is the Cayin Audio iHA-6, fully class A I believe, similar price to the A90D, I'd appreciate any help / thoughts.

The A90D is certainly a very quiet and revealing amp. I find that it also has good dynamics with 49Vpp. For staging I do consistently find that class A brings more depth/width.

While I have not tried one I hear the SINGXER SA1 V2 amp is equally impressive to the A90D in terms of clarity/details/power but with the class A sound. It sounds like it may be the perfect blend between the two amps you have listed.

 

[MacMan31]

The A90D is certainly a very quiet and revealing amp. I find that it also has good dynamics with 49Vpp. For staging I do consistently find that class A brings more depth/width.

While I have not tried one I hear the SINGXER SA1 V2 amp is equally impressive to the A90D in terms of clarity/details/power but with the class A sound. It sounds like it may be the perfect blend between the two amps you have listed.

Didn't know there is a version 2 of the Singzer SA-1. Also I'm thinking of getting either an A90D or LA90D.

 

[tommo21]

I see Topping are going to release a D90 Discrete Dac in the near future...now that has peaked my interest....

 

[dunring]

I see Topping are going to release a D90 Discrete Dac in the near future...now that has peaked my interest....

I've had every Topping DAC except the new D90 III and to be honest I think they hit perfection with the E70 9028Pro which I use for a daily driver with an A70Pro amplifier. I've had all the other D90's and E70's like the octo, sabre, and velvet. The fast rolloff filters sound a little fuller with pre and post ringing, and slow ones finish cleaner. When I compare them at the same time with the same filters and volume match, I don't think anyone could tell the difference between them in a blind test. There's features and connectivity, the D70Pro Octo looks amazing with the A70Pro and the displays going off. But audibly I just couldn't tell any difference between it and the E70 9028Pro so it was my stopping point.

 

[Leonarfd]

Question, anyone else with this problem? Or if its any solution to fix it.

Been A90D user for long time now, almost since launch. When inserting IEMs or headphones I get a loud pop, way more worse on IEMs than headphones. I need to use a pigtail adapter for safety, as it only happens when inserting into the amp. Happens on all the sockets.

Started to appear 4-6 months ago and only gotten worse and worse. Quite concerned for my IEMs, not that much with headphones as they can handle way more. Makes me consider changing A90D out, but there is not that many amps that are good both for hard to drive headphones and sensetive IEMs also.

 

[fidgeraldo]

Been A90D user for long time now, almost since launch.

I have A90D, but I have never had that POP.
Perhaps you could ask on the A90D thread if anyone had the same thing...

Cheers!

 

[ShangriLa]

When is the A90D next gen coming out? Based on their product release cycle it should be coming out, no? Sure current product is good enough, but when new product comes out, usually you will have the option to go with the new one, or pay less for the A90D.

 

[fidgeraldo]

Question, anyone else with this problem?

Hahahah...why weren't you laughing????
You are not that polite!!!!! I am now as crazy...laughing!

I just realized and saw that it is the A90D thread...
I automatically answered and thought you asked at Discovery....ajjj Motorhead really got me this afternoon!!!

I hope you will find the solution!

Cheers!

 

[drspeter]

Question, anyone else with this problem? Or if its any solution to fix it.

Been A90D user for long time now, almost since launch. When inserting IEMs or headphones I get a loud pop, way more worse on IEMs than headphones. I need to use a pigtail adapter for safety, as it only happens when inserting into the amp. Happens on all the sockets.

Started to appear 4-6 months ago and only gotten worse and worse. Quite concerned for my IEMs, not that much with headphones as they can handle way more. Makes me consider changing A90D out, but there is not that many amps that are good both for hard to drive headphones and sensetive IEMs also.

I remember that pop sound was one of the issues that was raised by many users after release of A90D. Iirc, it happens mostly (if not exclusively) at the 6.5mm plug. I guess Topping had to replace some of the users unit to the revised unit for that issue.

 

[Leonarfd]

Hahahah...why weren't you laughing????
You are not that polite!!!!! I am now as crazy...laughing!

I just realized and saw that it is the A90D thread...
I automatically answered and thought you asked at Discovery....ajjj Motorhead really got me this afternoon!!!

I hope you will find the solution!

Cheers!

Haha, I read it and didn't really think more about it

I remember that pop sound was one of the issues that was raised by many users after release of A90D. Iirc, it happens mostly (if not exclusively) at the 6.5mm plug. I guess Topping had to replace some of the users unit to the revised unit for that issue.

Interesting, I am way outside warranty timeline. I could reach out Topping and ask for solution.

 

[daveman_84]

Has anyone bought an A90D from Drop? It says final sale so I’m concerned about reliability/warranty issues. If I have a problem, am I SOL or will Drop or Topping help?

 

[maynardewm]

Hello everyone, today when I turned on my A90D, I got an error code on the front "-7". I tried installing the firmware but it fails and just shows a .TXT file that says "UNKNOWN.TXT". Is it dead? Or does someone know how to fix it? Thank you.

 

[fidgeraldo]

Or does someone know how to fix it? Thank you.

I have no idea how to fix it, but something should always be done first after things like that happen.
Have you, in any case, unplugged it from the electricity sockets and plugged it in again?

Cheers!

 

[pythagore]

How to disable the volume control on the A90D? Since I am using an external preamp, I enable the HPA mode, but somehow the volume control is still active. Is there a way to bypass it?

 

[gahan]

How to disable the volume control on the A90D? Since I am using an external preamp, I enable the HPA mode, but somehow the volume control is still active. Is there a way to bypass it?

The A90D cannot be used as a pure amplifier, so you cannot connect it to an external preamp, it does not have that function.