The BEST Amplifier Just Got Better! Topping A90D

[@carlcamper]

My unit also experienced the restart issue when plugging and unplugging to the 6.35mm unbalanced. After applying the firmware update (which added the ability to change gain via the volume knob aside from the remote), it also fixed the restart issue! (now it momentarily shows a -5, then keeps on working as before) Kudos to Topping for adding a firmware update capability via the usb-c port! (the port is finicky though, and only works with type-c to type a wires like the one included, not type-c to type-c)

[@xrhythmsx]

im having a lot of trouble with the firmware update and my computer does not even recognize it

[@morrimoto]

i have the A90. losing the toggle switches is an absolute deal-breaker for me. i use them constantly and would hate to fumble for the remote constantly.

[@carlcamper]

Theres a firmware update out to change the gain via the knob

[@dixter1652]

@@carlcamper I couldn't find any firmware update for the A90 that would allow the A90 to change gain...

[@carlcamper]

@@dixter1652 I meant the A90 Discrete. Initially you could only change the Gain via remote, but with a recent firmware patch, it can be changed via the volume knob. Its not as convenient as a dedicated toggle switch, but still a good compromise

[@AudioHead809]

I’m on the same boat as you. I love my A90. Gaining a remote at the cost of the switches not worth it at all. The display is a nice touch but even then not enough. They should have left the internals the same, kept the switches, added the display and remote and called it a day. But at least Topping is still trying to improve all the time! Looking forward to an A90 Pro one day that puts all the good things in one unit. Then I will upgrade.

[@dasboss9111]

Not only, but they feel and look so nice. Real classy stuff

[@tanachip]

Thanks for doing the blind A/B test. I appreciate you incorporating this into the test!

[@msteele0]

I love the front switches on my A90. I'm always switching between my main monitors and my headphone/IEM outputs and gain levels. Extremely sad to see them go.

[@maplebrook1955]

Kudos to Topping as a company that produces quality sounding components for comparatively reasonable prices. I have two of their D90's and the A90. I've been very happy with these products. They also know how to drive audiophiles crazy by continuing to improve a line that is already very good. There are a few deals on A90 amps, and it's tempting to want to try the A90D. That's part of the fun in this hobby, and I must admit I've thought about upgrading too. For now, I think I'll keep the old toggle switches, and look into some new headphones. Joshua's tier list will be useful to look at again. The beat goes on! Best wishes to everyone in your own audio journey.

[@Vamp898]

About your question, what causes them to sound different. The biggest influence in Sound, by far, in an amplifier are the capacitors. Use the exact same amp, replace the capacitors and you can have (depending on what capacitors you choose) an day to night difference. The Sony WM1Z for example is an DAP that is very famous for its modding community. And 99% of the modding is replacing the capacitors with all kind of different ones and it changes the sound signature completey. From narrow and warm to wide and cold. From fat slammy bass to thin and lifeless bass and so on. This is becasuse resistence is not linear. Resistence is always rated at 1kHz but that only tells you exactly this one frequency response. All measurements take place at 1kHz so they can measure identically, but sound completely different because the resistence at 100 Hz might be completely different for both amps. Panasonics Capacitors for example measure almost all identical at 1kHz but very different before and afterwards. So the measurement is not wrong, the opposte. Its perfectly correct, it just doesn't tell you anything important. And every single capacitor does have a different resistence at different frequency ranges (called ESR). Some companies like panasonic publish official information that shows the ESR depending on waht capacitor you choose. And its different from technology/material, size and so on. It even changes with temperature and that can be measured. Two identical Amps will sound different if one has its capacitors at 0°C and the other one at 60°C. So capacitors are _the_ thing that make the sound in an amp. So if those two sound very different, they have different capacitors. Here are some example measurements for different capacitors, just to show how different they can be: www.mouser.de/images/marketingid/2014/microsites/107134725/KEMET_T495_Tantalum_Caps_ESR_Frequency.png As the impedance of headphones also arent flat and in addition tothat, this value changes depending on how much power you draw out of them, its pretty much impossible to measure it correctly. It will be different with every headphone at every volume. Not to mention that most Amps don't use one capacitor, but like 20 of them and different kinds with different ESR and so on. Its just impossible to know. You have to buy it, plug your headphone in and test it, thats the only way.

[@chrisvanhorn]

You should swap your SM7B’s pop filter. You seem to get some pretty heavy plosives coming through on your vocals. The larger filter in the box is meant for vocals and fixes this.

[@TheMarkRich]

Toggles, dials and physical buttons are always nice and preferred but once set, I'm unlikely to play with them much. My existing amp is set and ignored. Would be interested in this one.

[@Dampfaeus]

Kinda true. I never touch the input switch and very rarely the gain. But I do switch between Pre-Amp and Headphone Amp at least 5 times a day. This Pre/Head switch was the sole reason I bought the A90 in the first place, and I love it :D Had I not wanted that switch, I probably would have cheap'ed out and bought the A30 Pro, since I already use the D30 Pro DAC.

[@zenstrata]

The A90D information about the remote being required for switching things is incorrect. - A quick single tap of the volume knob will change between XLR and RCA - A quick double tap of the volume knob will change between PRE and HPA - Press and hold the volume knob to turn the unit off, then a quick tap to turn it back on. - All settings can also be accessed by using the power switch on the back and pressing and holding the volume knob in while you turn the unit on. It will enter a settings menu system that you can navigate and exit to change all settings. But this is a bit more complex because it requires you to reach around the back of the unit for the other settings... But the remote is entirely not-required to reach every setting the unit has.

[@vitaliistep]

The bass is in the center usually, so that's the beauty of the discrete volume control, when the channels balance is always right, hence more defined impact on lows/low-mids and better stereo imaging, as it's widest and deepest, when it's centered.

[@b00m3rh4nd_sol]

With all due respect, I have given both the A90 and A90D a chance and I keep going back to SMSL SP400. More open, more holographic, better timbre, more power. SP400 is very hard to beat IMHO.

[@psychurch]

What headphones are you testing with?

[@b00m3rh4nd_sol]

@@psychurch He1k

[@iXzenoS]

Just bought a A90/D90SE stack half a year ago, but looks like I'll be selling the A90 for the new A90D. The warmer lower-end sound signature should be a better perfect match to pair with my Sennheiser HD800S.

[@808lilmac]

If you like a warmer bass focused sound you may want to consider schiit asgard 3 or jotunheim 2 (also bigger soundstage), they are a lot warmer, these toppings are kind of the opposite more flat and lean If you want a stack the bifrost 2 dac is also considerably warmer than the d90, I had both stacks and kept the schiit

[@OmarDaily]

@@808lilmac I was looking at the A90D for my HD800s, is the soundstage and warmer sound better?. Have you listened to the A90D yourself?.

[@808lilmac]

@@OmarDaily only the regular a90, the a90d is a bit bassier but it also has thinner body to it according to reviews, really not a good match for hd800s but thats just my opinion Jot2, monolith liquid platinum, quicksilver headphone amp, are big and warm, with way more soundstage than the original a90

[@OmarDaily]

@@808lilmac I see, I’ll have to try it since the A90 and A90D sounds pretty distinct from each other according to reviews.

[@808lilmac]

@@OmarDaily yeah do that, I would keep in mind the a90d is still an analytical amp which means not actually warm and big even tho its more than the og

[@FelixTran]

Do you get a kickback for these product links? Do you publish all other A/B trials for other products? Or, did you just link this A/B trial because it worked out a certain way. In this video you constantly plug your A/B trial in a way that entices your viewers to purchase a product so they can also "hear" some audible difference. Unless you are transparent with all other A/B trials you've done with other products, this seems like cherry picking data which is non-transparent.

[@vDereks]

I have the A90D, and unfortunately the USB-C port for firmware updates does NOT follow USB-IF specifications. This means you can NOT use a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect it to your computer for firmware updates. The borked A90D USB-C port only works with a USB-C to USB-A cable. This violates USB-IF specifications, and is likely due to a couple of missing resistors in the USB-C port design. And nothing on the Topping site or firmware update instructions indicate this issue. The problem was confirmed by a Topping rep on one of the audio forum sites. I opened a support case with Topping and waiting to hear back if they are going to revise the hardware with a compliant USB-C port, or not. Either way, my A90D is being returned and I'll only buy another if they fix the USB-C port. Going back to my regular A90 for the time being.

[@pasi123567]

This may be an actual problem on this unit but I don't really see this as a dealbreaker.

[@cinder88]

Very small thing to get hung up about, let alone returning the unit over. How often do you expect to be using the USB-C port over the lifetime of the device? I would expect not more than what you can count on one hand...

[@alexandermyrthue1987]

I have tried using a Usb-C to Usb-A, but it didn't work. So I'm very "glad" to see this thread

[@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016]

Just use an adapter type-c to usb-a can you ?

[@alexandermyrthue1987]

@@Greg.Siucrazyforaudio2016 I don't have an adapter, but do you really think there is a difference between using an adapter and then using a cable that is just made with usb-C at one end and usb-A at the other??

[@lucaswegener2010]

Looks great… but I don’t think I could ever buy a product that you can only change inputs and gain with a remote, too risky. If they had the toggle switch’s I’d be all over this!!

[@zaim_ipek]

You can change settings with the knob. It also can act as a selector button.

[@zenstrata]

The A90D information about the remote being required for switching things is incorrect. - A quick single tap of the volume knob will change between XLR and RCA - A quick double tap of the volume knob will change between PRE and HPA - Press and hold the volume knob to turn the unit off, then a quick tap to turn it back on. - All settings can also be accessed by using the power switch on the back and pressing and holding the volume knob in while you turn the unit on. It will enter a settings menu system that you can navigate and exit to change all settings. But this is a bit more complex because it requires you to reach around the back of the unit for the other settings... But the remote is entirely not-required to reach every setting the unit has.

[@dfels]

OK - this may not be the place, but I thought I would give it a try: I bought both the D90LE and A90D, thanks in part to your reviews (very helpful!). The results are mostly astonishing and beautiful. One notable exception below. I am listening with a pair of HD6XX (may update later), and I notice a wide variability in sound quality (FLAC files between 44.1 and 192KHz). In particular, I have noticed that in some older recordings, the vocals get buried in the mix. I am talking about Hi Def releases from groups like The Rolling Stones, where Mick’s voice on Gimme Shelter (and other tracks) is almost gone. I have checked polarity on my cables (balanced from the D90 though to my headphones), tried swapping cables - nothing seems to help. I also tried some EQ, but there is no way to boost the vocals without messing up the rest of the mix. I suspect this is just bad mastering (most recordings sound great). Is there anything else I should try? Aside from this issue, I am loving what I am hearing. Even the instrumentals on the Stones recordings are great - just the vocal balance is off. One other thing: I am using Media Center for playback and the audio path has no modifications - clean digital from stereo file to the DAC.

[@iScorpio1971]

Great honest take! I've been looking into Topping for years and would value your opinion on which DAC meets, and combines in a synergic way. Thanks!

[@yuckysamson]

That is the most 80's awesome intro music anywhere.

[@plocky401]

Audiophiles when they get 1 extra poopcockity sound wave in their headphones 😱

[@frederf69]

Thank you for revealing that the a90d has issues; some reviewers would not have, respect for that.

[@JohanVandershmut]

I propose Topping use rocker toggle switchs. These allow a front facing switching function that does not interfere with remote control use. They return to their centered resting position, and could be mounted to work alongside the display.

[@SzymonSaysStuff]

I wanted to buy it. Not being able to change the gain without the remote is dumb af and made me reconsider. Staying with the L50…

[@Viewer13128]

u can change it without remote via the knob

[@SzymonSaysStuff]

@@Viewer13128 how?

[@zenstrata]

@@SzymonSaysStuff look for my post in this topic, I go over the easily accessed controls there, all control options can be accessed by manipulating buttons directly on the unit itself, Z Reviews has a rather lengthy portion of his video on this amplifier which goes over all the settings and how to access them.

[@zibikonti8901]

Would you recommend A90D working with REM ADI-2 DAC FS as an AMP upgrade? I am very happy with ADI-2 DAC but wonder if I can "upgrade " the AMP part with A90D.

[@chrisheydenrych4054]

Hey Josh, Id love to see you review the Rapto Hook-X IEM. Its got a really interesting design with it being somewhat openback.

[@bezchlebalukas1779]

Hi Joshua thanks for video, can you compare EF600 and Topping A90D + D90SE please? Is it heaven and dude or is comparable on same level? Thanks for answer

[@even1313]

So I already have A90 and am perfectly happy with it. The question then is it worth buying the A90D if you already have an A90?

[@808lilmac]

Nope these type of updated editions come out all the time and they are almost always just a tiny bit better, with any headphones or amp dac is not worth to do that

[@zenstrata]

I would say no. But I can definitely say the new A90D definitely sounds better, but the difference is not massive or even noticeable with every song. - It's sort of akin to liking the color Purple, but the A90D is just a slightly different shade of purple (and I think it's better, but it's not a huge difference at all.)

[@JesseDriftwood]

wow a comment number!

[@andyaranda2460]

Now i want to buy the new version even more. What DAC would you pair this with and would you recommend this for the Sennheiser HD6xx and for the hifiman XS?

[@pascalaspirot1821]

I bought the D90SE that I use in USB and the A90 Discrete and I also bought the TCX1 cable that I plugged into the 2 devices so how do I plug in after RCA speakers? the speakers on the D90SE or on the A90 Discrete another question I have no sound on the A90 Discrete when I plug in my HIFIMAN why

[@moblitzz]

Great review - I just received some Mass Drop 6xx headphones and I really like them. I am using a Fiio K3 to drive them and that is okay but it feels a tad bit under powered. I am looking to spend about $200 for an all in one DAC/Amp. I have it narrowed down to the Schiit Hel, Fiio K5, or the Topping DX3 pro. In your opinion, which would be the better choice here? I am not a gamer, just purely for music, but I hear the Schiit sounds pretty good.

[@SubjectE57]

I would suggest spending just a bit more money as the 6XX scale really well going from low to mid-end dac/amps. Maybe something like the Topping DX5.

[@moblitzz]

@@SubjectE57 Thanks for the tip, I will look into that one

[@SubjectE57]

@@moblitzz No worries, the 6XX is a great headphone but needs some love to sound it's best.

[@SubjectE57]

@@moblitzz It might be worth watching this video in relation to pairing the 6XX. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmeYc4WopqeFabs

[@revelationsoundstudio]

The best consumer amp....maybe, but recently I saw a review of the Lake People G111 which one reviewer stated has better micro dynamics (the sound after the big macro dynamics) in music over the Toppings.

[@DarthWitcher]

Hello there! I'm confused.... I currently have Arya Stealth with dx7pro+, and should I upgrade to a90 and use dh7pro+ as a DAC? Or even replace dx7pro+ with a90/d90 stack? I don’t plan change Arya for something else... I just hear a lot of reviews that it’s difficult to distinguish dx7pro+ from a90/d90 without a blind test... Thanks!

[@adamwalters9651]

Is this overkill for LCDX? Will it pair well?

[@bomuliu2170]

Good day！how about a90d compare to the a70pro？

[@brendanliddell240]

Any better than the original to be used with the Sennheiser HD800S, or still better with tubes?

[@networkn]

Doh after agonizing for months over the A90 I went and bought it and less than 3 months later this comes out and is warmer which I prefer overall. The A90 was supposed to be my end game.

[@networkn]

@@808lilmac doh I typed D90 and I meant a90. I have a90

[@808lilmac]

@@networkn well if you like it id say dont upgrade yet these updates come every 2 years and dont replace the previous version, but the one that will come next might

[@networkn]

@@808lilmac yeah, I mean there is always going to be something better but the apparent warmth is something I think I'd quite like. It will be a while before it's available here and goes on a. Decent special and I might have forgotten by then!

[@MistaLova-Lova]

@@networkn Don't rush buying the new A90 - wait until there's more reviews and more feedback on forums. It might just be my unit but I have them both at the moment and the new A90 sounds cleaner but at the same time more analytical than the original (with my gear). Definitely not warmer.

[@alphaniner3770]

Differences amongst amps are not that large - you can get all the warmth you need by looking for the right set of headphones. The A90 can perfectly be your endgame.

[@TakakoTokiwa8699]

Hi Joshua, will you recommend Hifiman Arya Steath and SMSL M400 to pair this Topping A90D?

[@hdsarma]

@Joshua Valour How does this compare to the Singxer SA-1, I was holding back on the OG A90 because of its analytical and dry singanture.

[@alphaniner3770]

very close - probably the Singxer is still a bit warmer. In the end I think that the headphones, and how they pair with the amp, are the most important factor.

[@luismiguelclemente3232]

Hi! Just a simple question: may I use both outputs at the same time: XLR (to amp - speakers) and RCA (to headphone amp). Thanks

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

I can connect speakers to that thing? or only headphones?

[@Sushanttechworld]

Please review rme edi 2 and edi 2 pro also, would love to know your opinion on rme stuff.

[@fdude555]

How is the remote? Do you still have to point it directly at the unit to get a response? Or can you get something even if not pointed directly?

[@zenstrata]

The 'target' for the remote is a series of holes that are just near the volume numbers, so if this is blocked from the angle you are using the remote from, then the signal will not reach the target. The remote is just flashing infra-red light at the unit after all. So if it can't reach the inputs, then it won't work. As for aiming, you have to point the remote at least in the general direction of the amp. Think of it like a flashlight.

[@mariorossi6142]

Do you think that it will be a good amp for the Arya and hd800s ? (Rme ADI 2 as DAC)

[@thewop0628]

What kind/where did you get the short (6in im guessing) 3pin XLR cables @ 8:15 ?

[@parthmadhubhai689]

Default vol at 69. Nice.

[@sickhcivc]

This or the fiio k9 pro... Help me choose!

[@PunisherOfDeath101]

How would you say the element amp dac compares to the a90d?

[@asan1050]

Thanks!

[@fixxxer4234]

Test this amp with Arya Stealth please

[@funnyjelo]

My unit has the same ground issue.

[@paullieb213]

Topping internals are junk. Thats one of the reasons i got the singxer which use high quality everything. Just look at the alps pot used in the singxer as an example. ( quadruple alps rk27)

[@20puskinas1992]

@@paullieb213 it was the case vs og a90, but discrete have better than Singxer r2r wolume control.

[@paullieb213]

@@20puskinas1992 yes but singxer uses other very high quality parts that i don't believe topping uses. Better Capacitors etc.

[@20puskinas1992]

@@paullieb213 Thats true.

[@zenstrata]

Construction quality and part quality does make a difference. And although they have gotten a lot better, there is still a difference in quality based on where things are manufactured. For example, Japanese capacitors are much more expensive, but also tend to be better with stricter quality controls. And beyond just the components involved, the place they are put together makes a difference too. For example, some very good audio equipment comes out of Germany. But it costs a lot more. Funny sometimes how if you pay your employees better, they tend to put out higher quality work. But that is reflected in the final price at retail. So it's a 'pick your poison' scenario. Most of the time, you get what you pay for. (snake-oil potential not-withstanding)

[@CombatBanana]

man has upside down plant

[@gordyboy01]

' Wow....says Owen Wilson 😂

[@whoisvahid]

what's the music at 09:27 ?

[@chingbilling8287]

i got the a90 is it worth the upgrade?

[@macabrecreation1067]

No.

[@karlskooter3493]

looks like you're saying this is the endgame headphone amp.

[@sml2238]

The toggle switch amputation is a shame and extremely sad to see an A90 have to go through life crippled with no limbs. Not to mention the A90's partner has to deal with the consequences as well. I do like some of the features of the A90D like the R2R volume, volume memorization, trigger/switch, ground loop switch feature, and ofc the display. I really think requiring a remote for basic functions is a no go. The majority of owners and potential owners use these units as desktop headphone amps and DAC's in which the units are within arms reach. I really enjoy being able to just reach slightly to the right of my desk mat/keyboard and mouse and use the front facing toggle switches of the A90 and buttons on the D90. Also I'm not necessarily sold on the sound "improvement", I'd have to hear it for myself and I do wonder which unit is actually more neutral. I prefer my DAC's and amps to be accurate/neutral with solid and let the headphones and/or EQ/DSP to add any color. Show less

[@20puskinas1992]

Less failure points, very durable wolume control. Sucks for you, but for me its a win.

[@zenstrata]

Everything can be accessed without the remote. You could lose the remote entirely and still get to every setting the unit has fairly easily. I know, I own this amplifier. I put a listing of how to get to the settings in another post I put in this thread, or you can reference the manual for the A90D online.

[@ilovehotdogs125790]

if it still had the front switches then I would've gotten this, not a fan of remote-only control.

[@SkyZippr]

Damn that display is sexy as hell. And I don't even need this. I don't even have anything that outputs to the input of this. And somehow it makes me want it.

[@stevendavis1135]

Yea, I'm still going for a burson conductor

[@TheHope12322]

I went with topping for the toggle switches! Deal breaker!

[@zenstrata]

All of the settings on the A90D can be accessed without the remote, and the output and inputs are easily accessed without anything complex - this review neglected to mention this because I think he didn't know that the volume knob is also a button you can press, and quick presses access different things, and a long press will turn the unit off, then a quick press to turn it on again. Z Reviews goes over all this in his video.

[@johnsoriano3812]

Awesomeness

[@saab_9]

That is a big claim, Please test exposure 2510.

[@MeBarnson]

nice

[@mikylenaidoo1779]

Taking this with a pinch of salt purely because you are saying that the a90 was the best amp. I've owned it... And no it's not the best , not even close. This is typical affiliate link jargon.

[@Lemonpinesol]

Maybe you just dont have the super hearing required to tell the difference between two A90s. In also seriousness though this channel has the best memes.

[@thehawk05]

A90 is one of the most overhyped amps ever. Tried one and returned it shortly after. Sounded like a THX 789 with a tiny bit less edge in the highs. Great amp if you like an analytical, sterile sound.

[@20puskinas1992]

@@thehawk05 Maybe your headphones suck

[@mikylenaidoo1779]

@@20puskinas1992no no no, He is right and i agree 100% with his description of it sounding a little like thx amps. Once you move on to summit-fi equipment, the A90 becomes obsolete. At least in my case it did, and I realized how sterile it actually sounded. Measurements is one thing, actual sound presentation is another. Its great if you're on a budget. So calling it 'the best', like Joshua did, is actually really questionable to his legitimacy as a reviewer.

[@20puskinas1992]

@@mikylenaidoo1779 what is your headphones?

[@davestevens4193]

My Audio-GD Master 9 runs rings around this. It weighs 32 pounds. Seriously?!

[@MistaLova-Lova]

Pretty much the opposite of what I'm hearing. The new A90 sounds leaner and more analytical compared to the OG. I remember how Joshua compared the THX 789 and the OG A90 and said that the former presented music in a sharper manner whereas the A90 was rounding things off just ever so slightly, whilst maitaining the same detail. The new A90 to me sounds like an updated THX 789 - same manner of sound presentation, less body to the sound (but not sterile like the THX). The OG A90 in comparison has a little warmth added to it, more body which results in music being "felt" rather than just heard. Perhaps our units don't sound the same. It's also possible that we're hearing things very differently.

[@zenstrata]

I think it's the way the amplification is handled, i'm not an 'expert' by any means, but i have also noticed that the A90D feels warmer, but it is also more precise, this feeling of precision comes from the way the bass hits. - i'm not an electrician, but if you look at the board of the A90D you will notice a big difference between the physical construction of each one. The added parts basically give the A90D access to more power reserves, and that is what I think people are hearing. It's not about volume, it's about precision and the ability to give the quick controlled yet powerful hits that bass tones can require. - and to my ears, they do sound different. It's not easy to detect, especially initially, but if you know what to listen for, the differences between the A90 and the A90D are definitely present, this has also been confirmed by other reviewers.

[@DarkPa1adin]

You could have, The Best Amplifier just got topped

[@nagumaninagu9368]

Hi sir good to see you. From India sumal former. Big audiophile. Need help. Please give one amblefire.

[@mobcrusher4193]

The cable costs more than the amp 😂

[@gitmobob6266]

How can it be that 2 amps with essentially the same specs sound so different. This just goes to show that specs are basically meaningless when judging sound characteristics and your ear should guide your purchase. I have had nothing but problems with these Chinese products and their service is horrible.

[@ethr95awd]

best... lol

[@nayanpitlam5621]

wow third!

[@m4nc1n1]

69 lol

[@pIayboicarti]

wow second!

[@MegaEpstein]

In my opinion topping is the Crappiest Chinese company

[@basementrockets5798]

Fantastic editing, mediocre description of the sound.

[@cjonwickham1933]

Look at schiit and fiio...way cheaper.

[@123nemsis]

what DAC you pair with the A90D and thanks for the content josh much love ❤

[@regis.c4696]

It might have been necessary to use 2 or 3 headphones including the Focal Clear that you like a lot... (I have the Clear and the A90!) because on some forums some find the A90D more analytical than the A90, it must depend on the headphone...

[@SubjectE57]

The A90D is definitely an analytical amp, it does have that added sub-bass thud but I can't hear any warmth in the lower mids. There is also some slight siblance like there was with the original A90.

[@FabioKasper]

Hype. Hype. Hype.

[@alphaniner3770]

the sound difference you mention is quite like the sound difference I found between the A90 and the Singxer Sa-1. I sold my A90 because I liked the Singxer more.

[@OrganNLou]

I bet there will be a firmware update for that issue you had, Josh. GREAT REVIEW!!!

[@behemothinferno]

I'll pass on this one since they decided to change out the toggle switches for a remote control. Not sure why a remote control is better than toggle switches since most of these units will be used on people's desks where physical switches make a lot more sense. Hopefully they will release a model with toggle switches and make most of us happy and sell a crap load more of them.

[@jamiee156]

The A90D's volume control also acts as a switch for various features of the unit and of course ON/OFF. The remote allows control of a few additional functions. BTW, I have the original A90 as well and was rather surprised by the sonic difference between both units. Josh, make sure you have the latest firmware installed, I believe they fixed the headphone plug-in problem for single ended can's

[@iXzenoS]

Hold on, so just to clarify, pressing the volume knob on the front also acts as a Power On/Off switch? If so that's wonderful because when I checked the A90D manual that wasn't mentioned anywhere - it just states the knob as "Volume knob/Multi-function Button."

[@jamiee156]

@@iXzenoS yes, press and hold the volume dial to power ON/OFF the unit (after the main power switch is flipped at the back). With Firmware 2.3, the volume dial can now be used to to switch between LOW & HIGH gain as well, and switches between the mode & output's, etc...

[@iXzenoS]

@@jamiee156 That's awesome. Thanks for confirming.

[@MistaLova-Lova]

I also have them both at the moment and found the new one sounding a little cleaner but at the same time also more analytical and fatiguing. There's more body to the sound with the original A90. I must admit that I had expected the opposite to be the case. Has this been your experience as well?

[@jamiee156]

@@MistaLova-Lova No... To me the A90D definitely has more weight down low & in the mids/lower-mids. Top end extension is similar to the A90. To be fair, I mostly listen through HEDD studio monitor speakers via balanced XLR.

[@marchood04]

Josh, how does this amp compare to the Monolith AAA DAC/amp? I bought the AAA after your recommendation and enjoyed it. Just wondering if this is a worthwhile upgrade. I use an Ares 2 as my DAC.

[@sheechien2979]

There's a latest firmware update for A90D. Version 2.4.. Fixing the error code 5 Joshua experienced. And the gain switching can now be done with the volume knob, not only with remote control anymore Latest update also introduce volume curve profiles. Which gives more sensitive volume adjustment to use with sensitive headphones with small dB steps increments. Enjoy ;) thanks for the great review. Using it with my 2021 LCD-X balanced and I do got the same sound experience as Joshua. Was using D90 Mqa A90 for the past 2 years. Not sure if the added warmth is due to the increased current output from A90 0.5A to A90D now 1.1A continous New A90 also removed the fuse at the power input. Which gives more direct connection maybe.

[@kalmtraveler]

Seems like a nice overall upgrade but for those of us happy with our D90 it sounds like we're fine just sticking with them. In my case, I've been going for as close to neutral as possible since I'm still fairly new and have been seeking as close to technically-accurate reproduction as possible but I know that most people seem to prefer warmer sound signatures so this new amp is probably a better choice for them.

[@zenstrata]

The A90D information about the remote being required for switching things is incorrect. - A quick single tap of the volume knob will change between XLR and RCA - A quick double tap of the volume knob will change between PRE and HPA - Press and hold the volume knob to turn the unit off, then a quick tap to turn it back on. - All settings can also be accessed by using the power switch on the back and pressing and holding the volume knob in while you turn the unit on. It will enter a settings menu system that you can navigate and exit to change all settings. But this is a bit more complex because it requires you to reach around the back of the unit for the other settings... But the remote is entirely not-required to reach every setting the unit has. - so you could lose the remote entirely and still access all settings.

[@jimatyeo]

I am looking to move up from my BD DT1990/Thx789 combo to possibly the Neumann NDH30's and the Topping A90D. Or maybe just one or the other. Can't seem to find a direct head to head with the DT1990's and the NDH30's. In the review people seem top talk around this comparison without actually addressing it. Thanks if anyone has that knowledge

[@M1cRaa]

Please do the review of new Topping D70Pro Sabre / A70Pro

[@M1cRaa]

Please do some comparison with Burson Soloist

[@christianblais3350]

soundwise, how does the A90D compare with the Hifiman EF400 DAC/AMP?

[@808lilmac]

The ef400 is bass boosted and warmer focused sound, its currently the best price-sound quality ratio, the topping had a neutral bright further away type of sound, its quite analytic and also better build. I prefer the hifiman.

[@christianblais3350]

@@808lilmac Thanks for sharing your impressions!

[@zenstrata]

@@christianblais3350 I personally do not own the Hifiman EF400, so I can't say for certain, try posting on the HiFi Guides forums, i've found that a good place to get more thoughts on audio stuff.

[@DamienRamirez]

Sounds like the A90D is a better match in sound to the SP400, than the A90.

[@allan5692]

Is this better than the Burson Soloist 3X?

[@biswajeetsatapathy9532]

I have this paired with Gustard X16 and the Senn HD 560 S cans and they sound awesome. I had purchased the A90 D for $599 and now they are going for $399 at DROP. I just picked up a second one. Love it for what it is. This is my best headphone amp. from a list of pretty collective collection. :) Great review Josh!

[@dxbydt]

Would you recommend pairing the D90SE with this amp? Or is there a better DAC you would prefer?

[@Lauren080508]

I applaud your choice to do a blind test, I wish more reviewers do that, in context of practicability of course. You will get some critique about your methodology tough, randomness is lacking, ABX methodology like shown in the ABX Comparator in foobar would be scientific stronger. But I am glad for any comparative test, is a good step forward.

[@dxbydt]

Your favorite headphones links for the Diana/Arya both have broken links.

[@barnabasjuhasz]

Thanks for the great review! You've really been a guiding force in my journey into the audiophile hobby. It's crazy to think that just a few years ago I was using Apple earpods. While this particular amp is still a teeeeny bit outside of my price range, your reviews have been extremely helpful not just in helping me decide what stuff is worth buying, but in discovering what I personally like the sound of.

[@808lilmac]

The topping L30 sounds almost the same as the previous a90 mate in case you wanna try, and for a warmer more lush sound the schiit amps are even better specially the magni 3+ and the asgard 3

[@rickjones5713]

The latest firmware will fix the unit going out when plugging in the 6.35 connection. So that issue has been resolved.

[@spiritualarchitect4276]

So you have the Clear MG, do they sound great through the A90/A90D?

[@johnwi4142]

I have an E50/L50 topping stack and I’d like to improve the audio quality changing one of them. Should I get the A90D or the D90SE ?

[@rvgr12]

I wouldn't change a thing unless the L50 doesn't power your headphones. The E50 is a really lovely dac! I have the E50 into the Schiit Lyr3 and I do tube rolling and mainly listen on the HE6SE V2.