A50S (the mini A90) - Review

In this video I review the topping A50S headphone amplifier!
(amazon and apos affiliate links)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐A50S (the amp in this video): apos.audio/pro...
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐A50S with DAC: apos.audio/pro...
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐A90 (the BIG amp): apos.audio/pro...
⭐⭐⭐K361: amzn.to/37wT4TG
⭐⭐⭐⭐DT1990: amzn.to/3lM5rjV
⭐⭐⭐⭐Sundara: apos.audio/col...
⭐⭐ SR80e: amzn.to/2VEWAGc
EARLY ACCESS to Videos! / dms3tv
New merch!
SHIRTS and Sweaters: teespring.com/analog-line
My social media:
--- / dms3tv
--- / dms3tv
--- Snapchat @dms3tv
--------- Forums: forum.hifiguid...
--------- Hifiguides tool (beta): hifiguides.com/
If you want to join the discussion checkout our discord community:
--- discordapp.com...

[@stipeslol]

1:13 "sure it's nice when you have a bigger knob" 😂

[@iPain3G]

My A50s arrived yesterday and i stacked it with my D50s. This stack sounds amazing with my HD660s. I highly recommend the stack D50s+A50s :)

[@KEGosti]

I have the same headphones and planning to get the same stack, are you available to elaborate a bit more on comparison with your old setup? I'm thinking of this stack because I don't have to upgrade my audio interface when I hopefully get a HD 800S down the line. Thank you.

[@st-christian14]

@@KEGosti :(

[@HiFiGOAudio]

The A50s is a brilliant mid-level offering from Topping, appericiate your detailed review!! Thank you

[@BaronCorrino]

I own the whole stack which is the D50s, A50s and the power supply. The previous iteration which was the A50 didn't compete well on output impedance . The A50s corrected that by using same modules as the A90. Also the A50 had a balanced 2.5mm , with SE 4.4 and 6 inputs. The 2.5 input was very close to the volume dial which people found an 'issue. (Minor if in my experience if you had a dac with volume) General consensus is for SE get the L30, for balanced get the A50s.

[@CidiousX]

I got it paired with the D50s for a month or so now. I FREAKING LOVE IT! I threw my Lehmann (class-A discrete) onto the shelves and never looked back... It's exactly as he says. POWER on the balanced port and surgical precision. It let's the cans sound like the cans. Using with Mr Speakers Alphadogs, Sennheiser HD660S, Beyerdynamics 600oihm (custom), Koss KPH30i, Audio Technica M50X. D50s + A50s = Killer combo! (Also threw my ES9018 custom DAC onto the shelves in favor of the D50s)

[@VidyabhushanTiwari]

How does it sound with 660 S? Does it sound bright?

[@apkenna]

Found your channel thanks to Linus. going to enjoy watching lots of your videos, you really know what you are doing and talking about and cant wait.

[@michaelgee568]

I really appreciate the rundown of headphones that the amp drives. It helps me decide if I need a more powerful amp or not.

[@origamicaptain5664]

I just purchased this and the 560s. I hope it is worth it. I’ve been listen to music primarily on my iPod pros. I’m new to audio stuff. I’m not sure it is worth it, but I’m excited.

[@PapaDragonMK]

I would love to see an top tier of amps and dacs.

[@ggroch]

And the Toppng L30 is a mini A50s but with 3 gain choices not 2, and does not require you to unplug your headphones for the preouts to work.

[@hannahjoygregorio5046]

This!

[@tysontyson1244]

The L30 uses AC power and the A50s uses DC power.

[@clementc7297]

Balanced output and input are totally different things. Balanced input are there to cancel out noise from cables. Balanced output is just a separation of the ground channel that doubles the output voltage for more power. There ist no "true" balance if one amp has both. Keep up with the good reviews. Thanks

[@jonharvey6295]

Was waiting ages for these to have a review

[@testek3053]

9:47 a few things i noticed on the "bad side": - the volume knob is not as precise as it could (starts moving slightly before engaging volume change) - no output selector (you need to disconect headphone jack for rca out, unlike a90 dedicated switch) - on/off swith is same button as gain switch (annoying when you want to power it off and it goes high gain instead! unlike a90 dedicated switch) - damn stickers on the top and side instead of bottom (ok this one nitpick and easily fixed XD)

[@Glokta]

- the movement is so tiny that's not ever a problem - agree, but I can see why they haven't, it's already tiny - never happened in practice, I was afraid of the same thing - that barcode sticker on the right side indeed triggers the hell out of me, that's why every equipment has a bottom side...

[@testek3053]

@@Glokta - very annoying, i hate when knobs do that, makes the feedback feeling kinda squishy. i'm used to more precise knobs (like the very impressive ones on my schiit) - there is enough space for 2 switches if you put them where the big round button is (same as on a30) - happened to me, and i'm sure will again. it's annoying to have to be careful about something that should be stress free (like a flip switch on a30) - hope someone at topping will think about it, but that's the one that bothers me the less since it's the only one grief i can fix.

[@divinginthedeep]

Damn those Abyss Dianas.... Lady... Diana's... Much worthy wearer. They suit you like anything, DMS!

[@lonestar1664]

I am looking forward to SU-9 review and specially comparison with D90

[@prabinpaudel5572]

You should've compared it to ifi zen can. Please try to get your hands on one. Also. Schiit asgard 3

[@Lockk9]

@DMS - If you do get to try the regular Zen-Can make sure to use just a regular 5V power supply as their iPower plug is dirty and introduces some distortion that reduces detail and clarity. But the amp itself sounds so good when used Balanced In+Out. I think it's a fantastic Amp, especially for $149.

[@MrAhuraMazda]

@@Lockk9 i totally disagree. Their iPower Low Noise 5v was a dramatic improvement for me off a windows machine. You got a defective unit

[@josuad6890]

​@@Lockk9 try using a phone power bank to power it. you can buy a USB to 5v DC about anywhere cheap, just make sure you get a 5v 3a cable, not the really cheap 5v 1a. power for these kind of things literally cannot get any cleaner than a battery output afterall. AC to DC still create a lot of junk, however if the power is already on DC 5v, it just need to get passed through.

[@a.l-x1612]

Can you please make a video about amp and DAC basics? I want to start my audiophile hobby but I don‘t really know how to power what with what.

[@Trio3224]

Would love to see this compared to the Schiit Magnius. Same price of $200 with true balanced and larger build. I was choosing between the two and went with Schiit. Waiting on the amps to arrive late this week

[@DrAg0n3250]

I have that stack and an Element II. I use the Magnius XLR in SE out instead of BAL out all the time because full BAL makes the music too clinical and I cant afford decent balanced cables for my 660s (not like they need BAL at 150ohms, I never get past 12oclock). I also bypass the Elements' DAC and feed it with the Modius for the same reason. They both use and AKM4493 chip though, my ears just like the Modius more for some reason.

[@DrAg0n3250]

Jason Koester Upon doing a quick comparison the SE combo on the stack had a softer sound when you’re doing SE through the whole chain. I hadn’t been using high gain and after trying it I might be using it more often, pretty rich sound using it SE, highly detailed on XLR but the highs were boosted a little too much on the 660s on XLR

[@Trio3224]

@@DrAg0n3250 Interesting. Thanks for sharing your results. I can't wait to test it out when mine comes in. I had the monolith thx dac amp combo before this so that's mainly what I'll be comparing to. I mainly didn't like the slow electronic features on there. Got kind of irritating after awhile

[@DrAg0n3250]

Jason Koester Np👍. I still have my 789 and miniDSP that I was using before this. It sounds like a weird combo to replace and the miniDSP drove my powered studio monitors that I used for mixing and mastering. (Quick flex) The songs sounded almost as good, or better than, songs from big name labels streaming on the same platform and impressed normal people who aren’t into audio gear. I did something right I guess 🤷😅 But that’s not too hard to do in the amateur hip-hop/trap scenes...

[@mariadaluzsobral2020]

So what you-re saying is that balanced is better uh? On a less jestering note, have you modified the 880s? Great vid as per usual!

[@CanadianN1NJ4]

I'd love for you to review any of the thx AMPs/DACs since they're so popular and they seem to be good

[@keithjohnson2863]

I started with the E30, L30 combo. Upgraded to the A50s because the serial number of the L30 was in the range that was frying headphones. Definite step up in headphone output when using the balanced output. The preamp, with I use 95% of the time, is definitely better. But the user interface is driving me crazy. The volume knob is too small. And I hate that plugging in the headphones automatically disable the preamp out. Sound wise, I can't go back to the L30. So, I just ordered the A90, it has the toggle switch controls that I like so much from the L30.

[@Just_Pele]

HIFIMAN HE-6? Just kidding, I know that's very unlikely. I'm still running mine directly off the speaker taps of a McIntosh MC275LE (and the pairing is pretty damned amazing). IMO, they're STILL the hardest-to-drive cans ever made.

[@KaneAmaroq]

I mean, they're 50 ohm, 83.5 SPL/mW sensitivity. If you wanted to get them up to 102 SPL at peak (which is very loud), you'd need around 65 mW of power to do so. A50S can put over 2000 mW into 50 ohms no problem, on its balanced connector. So even if you wanted it louder, you could crank up the pot and get what you want. So.. yeah. I'm sure you could power them without problems, with no distortion because of it's extremely low output impedance.

[@TrueUnbound]

Would really like to know the story behind your custom diana's. Dedicated video maybe? Also nice review.

[@DMS3TV]

I just made them ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ that's about it

[@TrueUnbound]

@@DMS3TV I have so many more questions now but it's fine lol. Anyways they look very cool and I kinda wish they were offered like that.

[@josuad6890]

appreciate you include a R70x in your review. It is a hot headphone since crin put it on three star worth the blind category, and I think ATH weren't ready for it so the thing regularly sold out in my country. it is a 470ohm pair of can, and it is hard to drive. So yeah, people stuck with it thinking their phones will drive it maybe need a recommendation from someone.

[@emarshallp]

Great Review!!!!!! Does ir worth update líquid spark for this? I have hd6xx. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mjsdabest]

What headphones is he using? Maybe I missed it in the video? They look amazing!

[@phatanhduyle7259]

I believe it is either the Abyss Diana Phi or Diana v2. On an LTT vid he said that he wears the Phi at home to it is more likely to be that.

[@mjsdabest]

@@phatanhduyle7259 Thank you 🙂

[@chefsteve8381]

what tubes are you using in your little dot mk2 ? they make a big difference when you upgrade!

[@hunter4229]

I'm on a D50s/A50s stack (no P50, D50s plugged in to a mobile phone charger) and Hifiman Sundaras. Loving these but wondering if they are enough for Aryas? I believe it only does 2W per channel with the D50s with a 2Vrms output.

[@Jisooee]

Yep they're enough for aryas. But you'll have a perfect system with the Topping A30Pro & Topping D30Pro with the aryas.

[@droidsuperuser]

I also have A50s with my arya, 2w is not enough for arya.

[@howglucosemoves]

A50s/d50s or schiit magnius/modius?

[@ethanoux10]

I think you should try showing the frequency response of amps by using all of them on the same headphones. Maybe the 6xx since it does balanced and single ended

[@newkid7]

Hi DMS, my v2 is on the way, I only have Zen Dac for now, but I like its sound a lot, considering buying a Zen Can, but sound wise would you say A50sD50 is a better combo? A50s is at least twice more powerful on paper. Does ifi do justice to v2?

[@dannybos7024]

Yeah, that’ll be good.

[@emeerhakeem532]

Where is the amp tier list?

[@nonnegaard]

I would LOOOVE to see this.

[@st-christian14]

You've got great taste in music.

[@raybbo]

Kermit really gives great audio advice haha

[@wider7998]

I can't unhearit now, dammit

[@WillxAdams]

I literally have the A50s/D50s stack with my elegias lol good review

[@nellywhads7175]

@DMS Any thoughts on the A50S with the Diana Phi? The much lower load impedance gives me some pause. L30 does... okay... with it. Wondering if it's worth even trying it, or just wait to purchase a Broadway or GSX mini when I can afford it.

[@DMS3TV]

A50S powers it well (balanced output) in my case. Though it definitely sounds better on a Broadway or GSX mini.

[@nellywhads7175]

@@DMS3TV was unimpressed with the L30 driving it. I'll give the A50S a try. Cheers!

[@wolffi90123]

Kid A amazing album!

[@MrLimaify]

Hi, A50s with HD6XX?

[@alondite215]

No. Tubes with HD6XX.

[@wider7998]

AlonditeMX what do you recommend under 300$ ?

[@carlsitler9071]

Schiit Magnius is it's competitor.

[@BilliumGates]

Can you recommend a DAC in the

[@SmashKuro]

Topping D50, the partner model. Same size, same design, has everything you need.

[@noahdomingo1162]

@@SmashKuro Also adjustable volume. Very good especially for running high efficiency heaphones.

[@SmashKuro]

@@noahdomingo1162 Tried some IEM with the D50s and A50 (not s). I hear weird noise floor sounds from the A50. But with Headphones its fine.

[@zergadis0]

Will it give any performance boost for HD650 over driving it purely from Chord Mojo? My current opinion is, that depending on music sometimes they can sound really good (mainly with very good produced recordings), but often I feel like they are lacking some energy in highs (even for me, a person, for which Sundaras often have too much energy in this area) and I need to add ~1-2db to highs in eq to make them sound not too "veiled". I also eq low bass by 4db, but I guess that's quite common when it comes to the 600/650/660s family. In the internet I was able to find kinda different opinions on if Chord Mojo is able to drive HD650 sufficiently or not.

[@DMS3TV]

Yes imo. The mojo is kinda thin on power. A few things to consider: -Are your pads old? As 650 pads get old they lose some treble. If you get replacements only get brand-name Sennheiser ones. Off brand ones ruin the sound. -Something like the A50S will bring out more highs if you're using it balanced with 650 over the mojo BUT I think you might be better off with the little dot MK2. It's a AMAZING amp for HD650 and since it's a tube amp you can swap in brighter tubes. The ones that come with it are already *slightly* brighter than the normal 650. apos.audio/collections/our-products/products/little-dot-mk2?sca_ref=407782.HZTHHWK4T2

[@zergadis0]

@@DMS3TV Hi, thank you for your answer. Actually my HD650 are almost new, I just bought them in September. I am also thinking about little dot MK2, but they don't sell it in my country (Poland), so I would most probably have to buy it with international shipment (most probably from Aliexpress), and it would be hard execute a warranty in case of any issues. On the other hand, I think that most probably even with some additional tubes and tax included little dot MK2 would be still cheaper than buying A50s from official distribution (currently it's around $245), so maybe that's the way to go.

[@DMS3TV]

@@zergadis0 not sure if Apos ships internationally or not, but they seem helpful from my interactions with them.

[@stevenmishos]

P50 external power supply actually reduces balanced output power, and doesn't "clean up" the (already great) sound of the A50S, so... ... you're basically paying for rather expensive cable management if you buy the P50.

[@benoitdugas745]

Great review!

[@KittySneeze]

The L30 requires a 3V input from the DAC to reach its peak power output. Since most DACs run the standard 2V line output, your feeling of it lacking power compared to the A30s, may be caused by not running it with its required 3 volts.

[@lambdastorm7787]

Hey dms, would you say the A50s lags behind the L30 if I'm only using the quarter inch connector? My usage scenario is 90% 1/4'' and 10% 4.4mm as i only have one headphone that comes with a 4.4mm cable. Thx.

[@DMS3TV]

If you're only using 1/4" yes.

[@BitWolf]

Damn... something just told me to check my KZbin... 7 seconds after upload :D Waiting for mine to come, should be here within this week

[@stringbreaker87]

If It wasn't for me finding the A90 @ 250 bucks cheaper than msrp, I would have definitely ended up with this amp.

[@MalvixStudio]

Where did you get it for that price?

[@stringbreaker87]

@@MalvixStudio used @ Apos Audio

[@str0y]

6:30 did you use balanced inputs whit a50s and unbalanced whit L30 ? it's better than the dyanolo?

[@DMS3TV]

I explained all that in the video...

[@andrexiao2499]

Just for asking, will a50s be to much for mh334?

[@spud1300]

For curiosity.... what would be the "I need an A90/D90 instead" factor compared to the A50S? Would you be able to tell the difference blind-folded?

[@DMS3TV]

More gain/power, slightly smoother. More IO options and settings.

[@HowardOlsen]

In other words, not really...

[@ghty56222]

is it overkill for HD 660s? i know they are only 150ohm but would like some room for future headphones

[@origamicaptain5664]

It might be overkill, but I purchased them with the 560s which is 120 ohms.

[@PIDOFREAK]

Try the Monoprice Monolith M1070 - great planars.

[@smoloms]

I have 2. It's great

[@simianinc]

I was looking to purchase the a90 when I came across this video. Is there any reason I would want to purchase the a90 rather than this?

[@DMS3TV]

If you want the extra bit of power or performance.

[@simianinc]

@@DMS3TV Thanks

[@fallenpumpkinhead]

Is the single-end output on the A50s better than the L30?

[@alessandrofrancescocastell4960]

Dt880 600 ohm: you should run them balanced. For those one who didn’t mod the dt880, can you try them SE and give us your impression? Anyway, great review as always!

[@Glokta]

I've tried my DT880's on this little beast before balancing them and you pretty much have to crank it up past 3 o'clock on SE but even if they get loud enough, you can feel that you need more voltage and it's not making them "sing" properly. The question is why wouldn't you balance them, properly driven they sound amazing and they often surpass headsets that I have that are six-seven times the price.

[@azitaulava]

@@Glokta hey do you have the turorial how to balance dt880 250?

[@Hmkls]

3:10 What? L30 outputs 2300 mW into 32 ohms, A50S outputs *3500* mW into 32 ohms. That's 35% difference! How is that "similar"? If two pairs of headphones perform 35% apart are they also "similar" then?

[@carlosesteban6454]

great review :-)

[@alivm8088]

i whaiting for a50s vs ifi zen can comperson😁

[@MrDoctorBryce]

This or jds labs for dt1990 pro?

[@docfmf8404]

can i pair this with a modi 3+? i have the schiit stack with modi and heresy at the moment. will it sound too similar to the heresy?

[@alondite215]

It doesn't sound like Heresy, and Heresy is better (just don't use low gain).

[@harackmw]

Wondering if this would be good with the hd600s

[@alondite215]

High Z Senns like the HD600 want tubes.

[@harackmw]

@@alondite215 tubes?

[@alondite215]

@@harackmw A tube amp.

[@ashtonmurch2142]

DMS do you find the A50S to be slightly harsh on higher frequencies? I have one paired with my HD6XX and Modi 3 and some genres/tracks it gets a little fatiguing. I'm using the 1/4 inch output, maybe balanced output would tame it down a tad?

[@DMS3TV]

I wouldn't say harsh, but its certainly a very clinical amp.

[@ashtonmurch2142]

@Dnn I wouldn't say its sterile or lifeless, but I also have only heard several solid state amps. The A50s sounds very similar to the THX 789. But lacks a bit of the space the 789 has. Both I think sound very lively and energetic on my HD6XX. The DT880s sound dead on the 789 but sound fantastic on the A50S. I guess its headphone dependent.

[@alondite215]

Harsh treble is a Topping trademark. Everything they make is the audio equivalent of having shards of glass jabbed into your ears.

[@DMS3TV]

@@alondite215 Definitely not that bad lol. That's more like the THX amps.

[@alondite215]

​@@DMS3TV The 789 is the only THX amp I've listened to, and while it is on the brighter side of the spectrum, it doesn't have the same harsh treble _character_ that the Topping amps have. It's a lot like the OG Jotunheim (v1.1 was a bit warmer and more laid back).

[@some_developer]

How do you like R70X?

[@DMS3TV]

Great. Super linear FR. Ultra light. Kinda like 560S with less treble and more bass.

[@djhmax09]

How do you find out the proper amount of voltage you'd need from the dac?

[@Glokta]

You mean from the DAC...?

[@djhmax09]

@@Glokta yes, thanks for the correction!

[@Glokta]

@@djhmax09 You can measure the DAC's output with a multimeter, you plug in the RCA cable, you use a tone generator at 200 Hz full volume and you measure it touching the tip and the sleeve of the RCA's. But I can tell you from now, most of the DAC's output 2 V on RCA, they have 4 V only on the balanced (XLR) output. So unless you have a 1:1 converter laying around that can preserve the voltage when you get from XLR to RCA, there's no way you can use the full potential of A50S, I mean to be on par with the official measurements. Maybe DMS knows a DAC that spews 4 volts on the RCA output.

[@djhmax09]

@@Glokta I see, thanks for the explanation

[@thespanishinquisition7560]

does anyone know the name of the song in the background? it sounds amazing.

[@wbishop]

did you found out that? im curious too

[@avinashaiims2007]

Please review audeze lcd mx4 and lcd 24

[@bronzedarkness12]

Man that sounds like it’s totally worth the try now...

[@michaelreed649]

I think you received a bad L30 Which seems more likely, everyone in the comunity is wrong AND Topping made a bad amp using the L90 configuration? Or your coppy is not up to speed?

[@alondite215]

The L30 is a piece of shit that uses cheap knock-off parts. It also has a nasty habit of blowing the gain stage opamp and taking headphones with it because the idiots at Topping didn't even put a fuse in the thing. Anyone who says the L30 is anything but a piece of shit has no idea what they're talking about.

[@michaelreed649]

@@alondite215 good to know.

[@alondite215]

@@michaelreed649 Just don't buy gear from China. There is good Chinese gear out there, but most of it is like just about everything else made in China: Cheap. Knock-off parts (they're "branded," but all of the labeling/serialization is wrong, indicating that they're knock-offs), poor engineering, and manufactured with borderline slave labor.

[@matthewhilty4209]

How's the Lexus ?

[@DMS3TV]

A year later I still smile every time I see it

[@amargnwalkr]

Little Dot vs Dark Voice?

[@DMS3TV]

Coming soon!

[@zzezzobike]

DarkVoice über alles, skip Little things and enjoy the music.

[@dark-california]

Darkvoice owner here ... 👌

[@carlsitler9071]

3 1/2 watts at what ohms??? Magnius has 6 watts low resistance.

[@DMS3TV]

@32ohms Magnus was a noise machine when I heard it, but I’ll give it another shot.

[@davidmason8212]

Lexus 😍😍😍

[@nill_music]

Can she push a BEYERDYNAMIC DT 990 PRO 250 OHMS?

[@DMS3TV]

yep. Most things can.

[@nill_music]

@@DMS3TV Amazing, thank you very much!

[@negvey]

I have a mayflower electronic DAC, what is the best amp for it? can someone please tell me

[@dannybos7024]

What do you want to drive and what is your budget?

[@negvey]

@@dannybos7024 hd650, pair of speakers.... 200$

[@dannybos7024]

@@negvey The A50S is good. The Magnius is also fine.

[@negvey]

@@dannybos7024 thanks

[@Moshm4n]

I like a good thick knob. Playing with my knob is... alright, I'll stop

[@darrellross8609]

Geshelli, buy American.

[@DMS3TV]

I would if they make something impressive for the price. Geshelli is headed in the right direction but isn’t there yet.

[@Megamanding]

Dude your finger pecking is triggering my misophonia

[@chengo51]

Eh eh eh eh .....how many can ear anything above 12000 !!!

[@DMS3TV]

most people. Average adult is is 20-17000hz to 20-20000hz.

[@chengo51]

@@DMS3TV that's in books, go to you doc for an earing checkup, you'll be surprised.

[@DMS3TV]

@@chengo51 I go yearly. Still over 20khz. Hearing protection is super important to me!

[@Cassus123456]

to me the apple watch always looks like a 2 dollar 80ies digital watch :)

[@DMS3TV]

agreed. It's built like crap, but very useful

[@Cassus123456]

@@DMS3TV yes - plus looking like an 80ies watch is not nessessarily bad :) it has this nerd factor beauty.

[@stephenoverton8352]

Can I PLEASE rip those so-called discs out of your ear lobes? Otherwise I really enjoyed your review video.

[@gehteuchnichtsan7911]

I can't take recommendations from some one whose head is as deep in the ass of the apple ecosystem as yours. Sorry but it always gives me the feeling as if people have really a unlogical and irrational way to make their decision. I mean choosing a fashion brand over functionality and paying double the money...