i don't hear a difference when using any filter of the group
Topping D90
- Thread starter m-i-c-k-e-y
- Start date
I hear differences in room decay/reverb with the different filters available in HQplayer but the built-in filters in the AKM chip sounds more alike than truly different, this is with a HD800 setup.
Skooks
500+ Head-Fier
How can you see what firmware you have on the D90? And, how can you install latest firmware? I've looked thru and thru the manual and can't find anything about firmware. I am using a Mac mini.I see you've got a Dunu IEM cable plugged in. Which model? I'm using a DK2001 with my A90 / D90 MQA and they are amazing.
The DK2001 in ear fit can be painful for me after hours, the back of my ear canal gets sore, I've reduced that pain effect with different eartips - AZLA SednaEarFit ML - but I think a 2 or 3 level tip might help push the painful pressure up off of the ear so I am going to search for those next. Any tips on eartips you've found work with the Dunu IEM's would be appreciated.
As much as I like the swappable cable ends - I bought the whole set and use 4.4mm mostly - I find the cable itself can be improved upon and have swapped in KB EAR 16 core Copper and KB EAR 16 core Silver cables - both have interesting effect on the DK2001 sound vs stock cable.
I may get the next cable up in the Dunu series of connector swap cables, just about to start looking at what is affordable - the KB EAR cables are outstanding quality for $29-$39 so tough to beat for their sound improvement nature on a budget.
I've also found that putting the D90 MQA into PRE mode @ -30db allows me to set the A90 to M Gain and H Gain range and I get improved sound qualities in both over L Gain, something I'd love to have confirmed by another owner.
The DK2001 is very sensitive and even in L gain it helps to run the D90 MQA in PRE mode dropping down to -15dB / -12dB / -3dB to give more range on the A90 volume dial in L Gain.
I use XLR cables to connect the D90 MQA to the A90 and upgraded audiophile USB cable to connect to my PC. The stock USB cable is shrill on my test tracks as compared to the upgraded cable btw.
Are you using a Windows PC or Mac to drive the D90? The 1.24 firmware is only needed for Macintosh - there was a bug only in the MQA version of the D90 MQA on Macintosh. I updated as well just in case I ever need to connect up a Mac to my D90 MQA in the future.
How goes the testing?
Skooks
500+ Head-Fier
My headphone system consists of a 2018 Mac mini i7 with Audirvana, Topping D90 DAC, Liquid Platinum Headphone Amp with Telefunken NOS E88CC tubes (so far my favorite tubes). My LP has just had the good mod put in by Head-Fier ksorota Keith Sorota and is on the way back to me... Friday scheduled delivery. I also have an AudioLab 6000 CD Transport in the system. I mostly listen to FLAC files downloaded from HDtracks.
I have been most impressed with how the D90 couples with the LP... it may be my best headphone system ever in 11 years of headphone listening. When I have an excellent recorded file, such as from Chesky Records... the soundstage is very wide and deep with excellent definition and transparency... just shut my eyes and see all the instruments "out in the room."
One album that I use to test my system when I make any change is Chesky's "Dreams of New Orleans" with Wycliffe Gordon... you shut your eyes and you are sitting on the stage with each instrument having its place surrounding you and spread out as if you are actually there! Gordon's trombone is at your 9 o'clock, about 7 or 8 feet away. The trumpet is at about 10:30... the big tuba is at about 11:30... saxaphone is at 2:30... banjo is at 4:00... drums at 5:30 behind my right shoulder. The definition and nuances of each instrument is spot on! The dynamics of each are displayed with appropriate quickness. Head-Fiers, If you don't have this album, you are missing a real treat in music listening! And, if it doesn't make the hair on your neck stand up, something is wrong with your system.
I have a question for you Head-Fiers who are using the D90 DAC in your system... how can I know what firmware is in my D90... and how do you upgrade it? I have looked thru and thru the D90 manual and don't see a word about firmware.
I have been most impressed with how the D90 couples with the LP... it may be my best headphone system ever in 11 years of headphone listening. When I have an excellent recorded file, such as from Chesky Records... the soundstage is very wide and deep with excellent definition and transparency... just shut my eyes and see all the instruments "out in the room."
One album that I use to test my system when I make any change is Chesky's "Dreams of New Orleans" with Wycliffe Gordon... you shut your eyes and you are sitting on the stage with each instrument having its place surrounding you and spread out as if you are actually there! Gordon's trombone is at your 9 o'clock, about 7 or 8 feet away. The trumpet is at about 10:30... the big tuba is at about 11:30... saxaphone is at 2:30... banjo is at 4:00... drums at 5:30 behind my right shoulder. The definition and nuances of each instrument is spot on! The dynamics of each are displayed with appropriate quickness. Head-Fiers, If you don't have this album, you are missing a real treat in music listening! And, if it doesn't make the hair on your neck stand up, something is wrong with your system.
I have a question for you Head-Fiers who are using the D90 DAC in your system... how can I know what firmware is in my D90... and how do you upgrade it? I have looked thru and thru the D90 manual and don't see a word about firmware.
I think this page contains comprehensive information:
http://www.tpdz.net/newsinfo/396959.html
The rest is readme.txt from the archive with the firmware.
The current firmware version is visible in the driver control panel.
hmscott
1000+ Head-Fier
Thanks, the "D90 MQA" 1.24 firmware change was to fix a bug the D90 MQA has with MacOS, if you have the D90 non-MQA the shipping firmware is aok.
I'd also mention we can download the latest Windows driver (4.82) from: http://www.tpdz.net/download - but not sure if an update will happen for Windows 10 2004...
Topping's technical support service promised to update the driver to 4.86 next week:
"TUSBAudio - Thesycon USB Audio 2.0 Class Driver for Windows
Revision History
-----------------------------------------------------
V4.86.0 (June 19, 2020)
-----------------------------------------------------
* New: support for Windows 10 (2004/VB)
[...]"
sajunky
Headphoneus Supremus
It is a fix to the broken Visual Basic support in Windows version 2004.
If you don't update to the version 2004, the old driver still work and you can avoid many nasty problems.
If you don't update to the version 2004, the old driver still work and you can avoid many nasty problems.
About ten more changes and fixes announced by the manufacturer in the new driver version - not enough reason to update it, regardless of the current version of Windows?
Dionysus
1000+ Head-Fier
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Yeah agree if it ain’t broke, don’t update firmware. I don’t mind doing this OTR on my Dap, but if my desktop is working fine, I won’t update. Only if there is an issue to resolve a problem I’ve encountered like the one previous to fix the issue on my 2018 Mac Mini.
I’m thoroughly enjoying the THX 789/ D90 MQA combo immensely.
I’m thoroughly enjoying the THX 789/ D90 MQA combo immensely.
Eric M
100+ Head-Fier
Oh well no wonder 4.82 caused my DX7 to stop working completely in Windows 10 v2004. Reverting to the Microsoft drivers restored functionality.
Skooks
500+ Head-Fier
What issue are you having with the 2018 Mac mini? I also have a 2018 Mac mini 3.2 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7... D90... LP with caps mod.
Thanks...
Hugh
Marlowe
500+ Head-Fier
I installed the 2004 upgrade to Windows 10 a couple of days ago. So far, my D90 with the Topping 4.82 driver appears to be working fine. I will be on the lookout for the new driver though.
Dionysus
1000+ Head-Fier
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None now, not after I installled the 1.24 update. It was the shipping firmware that had an issue for some on Macs in general. like i mentioned in my previous post.
anyone know what fuse amperage is in the topping d90? looking to go with a new fuse for it
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