Topping A90

[Wolvebain]

I'm keen to see pics and read impressions of the Topping A90 paired with a SMSL M400.

 

[TheRealDz]

Nice to hear you are using A90 with Hugo via RCA as I heard from some reviewer/owner that RCA was inferior to XLR input and some even complained about distortion and noise, thats why I put my purchase on hold. I have a Hugo 2 and doesn't want to invest in another DAC for balanced XLR so if RCA input on A90 and does improve the power without sacrificing the details then I will go for it. Please also share what type of RCA cables you are using. Thanks.

I run my Hugo permanently plugged in, and am using Analysis Plus 3.5mm to RCA cables (https://analysis.plus/product/mobile-device-cable/). I am running my A90 on max gain, and only start to hear ANY noise at about the 3 or 4 o'clock position - this is of course without any music playing. With music, I can't go above 11 or 12 o'clock.

TL;DR: even with a single ended source, it is the quietest device I have heard.

 

[yolosauce]

Ordered a A90/D90 for my susvara. I will give my impressions vs asgard 3 after it arrives.

 

[KPzypher]

I'm keen to see pics and read impressions of the Topping A90 paired with a SMSL M400.

I have both D90/A90 and the SMSL M400, but why pair A90 with the M400?

If you already own the M400, you should wait for SMSL's matching amp (SP400), which should be released soon, hopefully.

If you have the A90, than you're probably better off getting the D90.

The only thing M400 has over the D90 is that the unit runs much cooler than the D90. Other than that, rest are pretty identical/comparable. I like the interface better on the D90 as I can control the output (XLR/RCA) separately.

 

[Wolvebain]

I have both D90/A90 and the SMSL M400, but why pair A90 with the M400?

If you already own the M400, you should wait for SMSL's matching amp (SP400), which should be released soon, hopefully.

If you have the A90, than you're probably better off getting the D90.

The only thing M400 has over the D90 is that the unit runs much cooler than the D90. Other than that, rest are pretty identical/comparable. I like the interface better on the D90 as I can control the output (XLR/RCA) separately.

From the reviews I've read, the SMSL M400 is slightly smoother..
Please tell me your feedback tho? and with what headies used, etc.

I'd be super interested if you A/B'd the DACs -- RCA and XLR inputs on the different DACs with something like a Roon grouped zone, then switch inputs to 'hear the differences'

 

[John Massaria]

Just wanted to add I have bought the D90 a while back (maybe 3 months) still loving it and still discovering which amps work best - I still really like the Bottlehead Crackw/sb with HD600 and D90. But all my other HPs are being put against the Pass Whammy Class A w/dual opa627 upgrade- and Topping A90 with the D90. So far the A90 is crazy in it's ability to reveal what ever you hook up to it- wire wise- cable talk ya that... I find my TG HSRi Power wire works best with A90, Signal Power MagicPower Power Cord wire works well with D90. I have been testing wires again... this time XLRs between A90+D90....here is a little write up I am working on - please enjoy- https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/xlr-shoot-out-capistranocables-vs-grimm-tpr-vs-chifi-xlr-vs.24634

 

[nigel801]

I have a question regarding 4.4 balanced output is output level and SQ is same as XLR out I was wondering if I should invest in XLR or pentagon 4.4mm cable which is lighter and convenient to carry, planning to use with Arya. If there are any Arya owner then would welcome their feedback. Thanks

 

[elricofchaos72]

I have a question regarding 4.4 balanced output is output level and SQ is same as XLR out I was wondering if I should invest in XLR or pentagon 4.4mm cable which is lighter and convenient to carry, planning to use with Arya. If there are any Arya owner then would welcome their feedback. Thanks

I could not hear a difference between the two. But it was nice to have the 4.4mm and its extra surface area when using my UE18+ Pro.

 

[John Massaria]

I have a question regarding 4.4 balanced output is output level and SQ is same as XLR out I was wondering if I should invest in XLR or pentagon 4.4mm cable which is lighter and convenient to carry, planning to use with Arya. If there are any Arya owner then would welcome their feedback. Thanks

I think they are both outputting equal sound quality (4.4 balanced vs XLR) for headphone output. They seem matched sonically. I personally love he convenience of both - what a great idea more companies should employ.

Here is some specs-
The Single-Ended 25V pp with Balanced 49V pp high output voltage along with high output current and less than 0.1-ohm output impedance

 

[TheRealDz]

Ok - bad news; I am getting noise when plugged into my PC as a source. This same configuration never caused an issue when my Drop Liquid Carbon was in my playback chain.

I will investigate and let you all know what I find...

 

[yolosauce]

Ok - bad news; I am getting noise when plugged into my PC as a source. This same configuration never caused an issue when my Drop Liquid Carbon was in my playback chain.

I will investigate and let you all know what I find...

Are you connecting the a90 directly into pc with rca or is it pc-dac-a90. Also is your set-up balanced or unbalanced?

 

[TheRealDz]

Are you connecting the a90 directly into pc with rca or is it pc-dac-a90. Also is your set-up balanced or unbalanced?

PC via USB or Coax - DAC - single ended/RCA to A90 - balanced to headphones

 

[John Massaria]

Ok - bad news; I am getting noise when plugged into my PC as a source. This same configuration never caused an issue when my Drop Liquid Carbon was in my playback chain.

I will investigate and let you all know what I find...

hmmmmm.... something wrong- trace the wires one by one- what kind of noise is it? A humm? Hiss? Digital noise? what?

 

[KPzypher]

PC via USB or Coax - DAC - single ended/RCA to A90 - balanced to headphones

Problem is likely your SE interconnect. They are noisy. Balanced should be noise free. I've had the same issues.

 

[iFi audio]

Problem is likely your SE interconnect. They are noisy. Balanced should be noise free. I've had the same issues.

It depends on how a balanced circuit is done, those can be noisy as well But yes, I'd start from checking things easy to check, and those SE ICs are a good start.