[guatavofujinohara]

How does it compare to the SMSL SH-9? I'm thinking of upgradind to A90 but dont know if would Be worth it or not.

Gonna pair it with the SMSL SU-9 Dac. And listen on the Sundara, Hd650 and some iems, such as Mangird tea and Moondrop variations.

 

[muslhead]

I have the su9 and just got the a90 and am very happy with the combo. Driving my HE1000v2s with ease.

 

[muslhead]

The next challenge (while tougher than the HE1kv2, it should pass with flying colors) will be to drive the DCA Stealth's which are on the way.

 

[Sanlitun]

How does it compare to the SMSL SH-9? I'm thinking of upgradind to A90 but dont know if would Be worth it or not.

Gonna pair it with the SMSL SU-9 Dac. And listen on the Sundara, Hd650 and some iems, such as Mangird tea and Moondrop variations.

Right now I am using the SU-9 and THX 789. I am strongly considering the A90 but I have heard from more than a few sources that the imaging on the 789 is better. And I do love the imaging and holographic quality of the 789. (https://www.head-fi.org/threads/topping-a90.927412/page-21#post-15720846) etc. I am also considering the Singxer SA-1 but I think that neither of these amps will get me farther ahead than the 789. I will probably hold off on making a decision for a while, or wait until the A90 is on sale.

 

[bemeurer]

The next challenge (while tougher than the HE1kv2, it should pass with flying colors) will be to drive the DCA Stealth's which are on the way.

Did you get the Stealth? How are they with the A90?

 

[reg66]

Anyone got both the A90 and NJC Audio Reference Series Headphone Amplifier Mark II? http://njc-audio.co.uk/products.html

Can't afford either right now, but having read (in dream land again!) briefly, I see that the A90 has a very neutral signature (or rather none at all - in a good way, according the review I read). So I'm wondering which to save the pennies for... The handmade NJC or mass produced Topping, hmm. I do prefer the modern aesthetics of the A90, but that won't influence my eventual choice if anyone can offer an insight as to one over the other...?

 

[squadgazzz]

Hi there! Has anyone tried to use A90 with IFI iDSD micro BL?

 

[bifcake]

To me the THX 789/887 sounded like nothing. Like, you just hear the music but is total background/laid-back/little impact or involvement kind of sound. Which is great for a work set-up or something I guess, but I eventually sold my THX amp. L30/A90 don't suffer from this (as much).

Could you compare the L30 and A90 (both with single ended outputs?) Thanks

 

[squadgazzz]

Hi there! Has anyone tried to use A90 with IFI iDSD micro BL?

And one more question. Is there any difference to connect a DAC to A90 using XLR or RCA?

 

[Baten]

Could you compare the L30 and A90 (both with single ended outputs?) Thanks

Currently only have L30 on hand, sorry. They sounded quite similar, with A90 maybe a touch better from all inputs due to superior design. But L30 is no slouch.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

And one more question. Is there any difference to connect a DAC to A90 using XLR or RCA?

The answer is depend on your dac. On single ended dac with xlr output, they should be the same. With full balance dac, xlr out would provide twice more voltage swing, and better crosstalk compare to rca out.

 

[bifcake]

Currently only have L30 on hand, sorry. They sounded quite similar, with A90 maybe a touch better from all inputs due to superior design. But L30 is no slouch.

Given your experience with both, would you consider upgrading to A90 from the L30 if you're using single components or do you think it's not worth the price difference?

 

[Blackrao]

Has anyone else have a similar problem? My topping a90 is makes a scratchy static noise when I move it while listening to music. Definitely didn't use to do this.

 

[Baten]

Given your experience with both, would you consider upgrading to A90 from the L30 if you're using single components or do you think it's not worth the price difference?

It's a difficult question and depends on how hard your headphones are to drive. I really enjoyed A90 with multibit balanced source. L30 with good SE DAC comes close though.
But now there is is also A30 Pro and L50. Which I am sure are also good. L50 is balanced L30 with less max output than A90. A30 Pro is the ideal single ended amp if you need lots of power and L30 is not enough, it uses 10 cascading OPA1656 which sure is interesting. But haven't heard that one nor L50...

So. Many options. I'd personally buy somewhere with easy returns. Like in EU there is audiophonics.

 

[bifcake]

I already have the L30 and it drives my HD580 headphones without a problem. I was just wondering if there was anything the other, more expensive amps offered in terms of sound quality that would be worth the upgrade.