Topping LA90 Class AB Amplifier Real World Experience

Topping LA90 Amplifier
Price: 899USD (Jun,2022) amzn.to/3trLbuG
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ½
Pros: Smooth Transparent Sound, Quality Build.
Cons: Needs Better Bass Control.
Sound Stage: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Highs: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Midrange: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ½
Bass: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Build Quality: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Price: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Demo Music by Grace Mahya: ebay.us/5WV1Ny
Associated Equipments,
KLH Model Five Speaker: amzn.to/3zqULBJ
Musician Aquarius DAC: amzn.to/33Wzan9
Sony HAP-Z1ES: amzn.to/3ckCZ5w
Denon PMA-SX11 Integrated Amplifier: ebay.us/NllM5G
Denon DP-47F TT: ebay.us/mVSTSZ
Denon DL-301MKII MC Cart: amzn.to/3P2WH8O
, ebay.us/liwkG4
Viborg Silver RCA Cables: amzn.to/3KTmZHj
Audiocrest Spike Isolation Feet: ebay.us/PxmBH8
Oyaide Neo Class A USB Cable: amzn.to/3uGFAi4
Mogami AES Cable: amzn.to/3q5RYaV
Mogami 2549 XLR Cables: amzn.to/3KGq0ej
Belden 8402 XLR Cable: ebay.us/730SXI
PS Audio AC-12 Power Cable: ebay.us/LCeF6V
Oyaide Black Mamba Alpha AC Power Cord: ebay.us/5T2uZP
TBR Custom Speaker Cable: • Making High Quality Sp...
TBR Custom AC Power Cables: • Easy DIY Shielded Audi... , • Audiophile Grade Power...
Hey!
Only Option To Listen KZbin Sound Demo is with good headphones, not your favorite sound system because listening to two rooms at once is not a good thing, no matter how good your sound system is.,
Closest to listen my Sound Demo is with
Sony MDR-7506 amzn.to/2wAkk54 or
MDR-CD900St amzn.to/3p4PHNM
If you use these links above to purchase any items from Amazon or eBay(No Extra Cost To You), I get a small percentage which help support my work and helps me keep going.
Video Timeline
0:00 LA90
6:56 Sound
10:13 Bass
12:11 Monoblocks
13:24 Sound Sample

[@tommy-be-good6580]

It is astonishing how a small amp like this can drive those speakers that good. Seems to be very good value for money. I think your reviews are made in a very pleasant way. I appreciate it. Just subscribed ;)

[@GloryOnSight]

I am looking forward for next level upgrade of my amplifier in mono block. Another wonderful review and demo on the power amplifier that I am researching on. Thanks mate. Really looking forward for mono block review and demo on this product if Topping is generously enough :).

[@hemanthsonu4]

Wonderful Record !!

[@viktorvito5958]

Thank you!

[@digitalnation2876]

Nice review, Much love from Indonesia,

[@davidtomsett]

Bass control depends on the damping factor and how low your speakers go down to in hz. At that price bracket I can’t recall another amp with specs that can touch this amp. I game the little VX1 by Topping at at £99 when purchased. It offers exceptional value.

[@bienramos7587]

This is what I like Tharbamar..after they review of one unit ..there is a music which we can hear and judge..

[@ErickReyes-oc2or]

Hi Tharbamar, I bought the Topping PA5, at first I doubted it because it is class D, but I found it to be an excellent amplifier, the best thing for me is the amazing transparency, control of the bass and the price, which makes me doubt whether to invest in this LA90, hopefully, one day you can review the PA5, thanks for your work, I already bought a Loxjie Dac for your recommendation.

[@Tharbamar]

I will definitely check out PA5 when I have more time, thanks

[@Leo-yn5fx]

i use the pa5 too for my desktop setup. Sounds amazing!

[@LelandPratt-nw9ix]

I have both and they’re both great sounding but the LA90 is definitely more refined, a little closer to the real thing. They seem to be equal in power.

[@charleslee1612]

In addition to this great review, I am obliged to thank you for your video about making speaker cables. I do make a pair of them, great value for money.

[@Tharbamar]

Thanks for sharing!

[@IDontExist14]

He was just paid by them ,i can bet he doesnt use on his system only to get some money, if he was genuine he wouldn't be making the same brands again and again , he is not genuine , but that's what the audio buisness is like it's the truth and new audiophiles are what they target

[@charleslee1612]

@@Tharbamar Try not to be deflated by those infamous comments.

[@charleslee1612]

@@IDontExist14 I bet Tharbamar comes up with the same brands because he wants to make a point of reference. Now, I 'd love to see you give solid evidence for your accusation, not just these weak arguments.

[@IDontExist14]

@@charleslee1612 sommer eclipse wipes the floor with any cable he is talking about skip the terminals if u can they cause the most harm , solder it directly onto crossover , i build speakers for a living have done 31 rooms at this point , working on my next one , this makes me qualitfied to speak on this topic , go try sommer then come back here , thats just one 😉 i got a lot more

[@Tunnelsnakes]

I wonder if these would pair well with the Polk R700s as monoblocks.

[@TheMikecho]

I enjoy your show. I don’t know this amp is class AB. Did you ever open the case to check?

[@m.j.s.3838]

Interesting that topping obviously lifted your Denon’s design. The topping looks (and acts) like the Denon’s little sister. Good enough for apartment dwellers in cold countries, though.

[@michalzielinski148]

Hi Tharbamar Thanks for another test. It's nice that you're doing this. Are you planning to test the Soncoz SGP-1 too? I think it could be much better than Topping. I wonder how close it would be to your reference point? Kind regards

[@Tharbamar]

They are going to send me a sample but they have not.

[@noseonscent1935]

Did you try the LA90 as monoblock pair? It can deliver up to 220 watts into 8 0hms and still 180 very clean watts again into 8 ohm! Very impressive.

[@Tharbamar]

It’s all dynamic power not RMS.

[@-MarkWinston-]

In your opinion, how does the bass of the LA90, which is obviously power related, compare to the likes of the A0200/DA9?

[@Tharbamar]

AO200 was slightly better in control, LA90 is cleaner.

[@charleskatz2606]

You can't use 4 ohm speakers in mono so Maggie owners need not apply.But it looks like a great match for a Klipsch

[@stevenconnectingtogether6703]

If this price is 499$-599$i think it could be a best sales among other options .. topping is a-bit rush on this product.

[@gasolin75]

why is there only one album with grace mahya on tidal ?

[@adityabharadwaj1195]

How does the bass control and quality compare to Denon PMA2000IVR? Would you say they are about the same or is any one better by lots more?

[@Tharbamar]

Bass control and drive PMA200IVR is in different league not even close.

[@adityabharadwaj1195]

@@Tharbamar Thank you. Appreciate you taking the time to reply. 🙂👍

[@robertgruber982]

Unfortunately, in mono mode the minimum load is 8ohms. Not sure that would work with the Model 5's as I think they are 6ohm.

[@geevee1045]

ASR just measured the amp in dual mono mode and it is stable into 4 ohm speakers, and even at 2 ohms.

[@robertgruber982]

@@geevee1045 Interesting as Topping makes it pretty prominent in their literature that 8ohms is the minimum in dual mono. Thanks. Will have to check that out.

[@geevee1045]

@@robertgruber982 What isn't clear to me is whether the amp is over-heating or not, though I would think ASR would have mentioned it, if it was. (www.audiosciencereview.com)

[@MegaTotalloss]

I am seriously considering getting my hands on the new model 5. The review are of the charts which make me wonder if the hype is justified. Do you like it and can recommend on them?

[@robertgruber982]

@@MegaTotalloss Yes and yes. They do an amazing job of balancing a good amount of heft in the bass without being at all boomy and having a more modern, detailed top end without being clinical. I was coming off a pair of modern towers with much smaller bass drivers which were rated as going deeper in the bass frequencies, but the difference was more in the presence of the bass and the overall sound of the speakers. It's a room filling sound that has a bit of warmth.There are also great looking speakers if you like the aesthetic and the finish of the walnut versions I have is top notch. My only caveat is that they respond really well to higher power amplifiers. Although you could use a 30-50 watt amp, if you can manage something in the 80+ watt range, you will be rewarded.

[@VinnieMoore1986]

WoW 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼

[@momonone]

ive found that the PA5 is a bit harsh sounding, i am curious with this LA90.. hmmm.. btw bro that KLH sounds amazing =)

[@westsider1442]

Maybe your speakers are bright. Neutral amps tend to bring out whatever qualities the speakers have. I heard the PA5 is neutral

[@Leo-yn5fx]

@@westsider1442 i own the pa5 and i agree

[@Hirnlego999]

PA5 sounds terrific with Guru Audio Junior

[@RoyFJ65]

In terms of clarity and accuracy, how does it compare to SMSL VMV A2 or SA400?

[@Tharbamar]

LA90 is better is clarity in my system, accuracy is comparable but LA90 is more refine in sound with my paring.

[@RoyFJ65]

thats quite interesting even with less dynamics than the other two@@Tharbamar

[@saedamad]

Good morning

[@Tharbamar]

Good morning ☀️

[@Jil8840]

I would love a comparison test with another amp. Sounds good but maybe expensive for this tiny amp. It's around $800, correct???

[@Tharbamar]

It’s about $900, major selling point is ultra low distortion and transparency.

[@Jil8840]

@@Tharbamar it also doesn't have remote control!!!!

[@fletchermunson6225]

I like Denon products but their reluctance to include pre-outs or sub-outs is a problem for me. I don't understand that design decision as it should be no problem to include.

[@filipviljamaasvensson]

Agree! I'm currently looking to buy a Denon amp and I will first give wiring my sub via actual speaker cables on my old amp a go. REL uses this method, so I'm thinking at least it can't be horrible. But yeah... and a rec out? That is just rubbing it in your face.

[@fletchermunson6225]

@@filipviljamaasvensson Not every sub takes high level inputs. Just in case you missed the point, .Denon does not include low level sub outputs nor can you use it as a preamp adding an auxiliary amplifier via pre-outs. Using the high level speaker outlets to hook up a sub is not exactly a secret. You seem to have a firm grasp of the obvious.

[@fletchermunson6225]

One more observation. What is it with manufacturers obsession with record in and out? How many people use R to R recorders or cassette machines these days much less hook up a graphic equalizer into those jacks vs the people who use subwoofers? Tharbarmar's amp came up for sale locally but I passed on it because of the lack of Pre-outs. Also the #55 pounds helped that decision.

[@filipviljamaasvensson]

@@fletchermunson6225 Exactly, my sub has high level in so I'm going to try it out and see how it sounds before committing to an amp without any other options. Guessing your sub doesn't have one? Too bad in such case.

[@babagandu]

They want to get the high amp to get those features, the cheaper ones remove it

this or Sabaj A8 as monoblock?

[@Tharbamar]

If you like more power Sabaj A8 way to go.

[@sc0or]

I have no idea how do they do that, but if I design power amplifier schematics for myself, THD is very low at full power. This seems to be some trick to have 0.0001% - 10% range. I cannot explain this. I've never seen such range with a good design. I pretty sure its power supply cannot feed this amp starting from 90W. PS Oh yeah... "Power supply 64V 4A" For A/B class this is NOT enough to declare 200W of output power on bananas. This is a reason of high THD after 50% of max power. The second reason is that THD graph looks identical to some OpAmp one. Besides, the heat sink of such design won't dissipate ~100W of heat. So, as usual, China product tries to impress with numbers, being over optimized inside. PSS Sounds like a mess ))) "Pfff" after each "Boom", highs are like a glue. Try Cambridge Audio 550A for example x3 times cheaper (or AXA35 x2 times cheaper). Full control of a sound. Because this is respectable company.

[@V1ralB1ack]

They listed a higher power output than necessary because the usable power on this is low. They didn't do anything wrong and people should learn to read words and graphs. The USABLE power of this amp is around 50 watts. If I remember correctly you can bridge it to about 80. Also probably because you don't actually use as much power as you think most use 2-20 watts at most. Power usage goes up exponentially not linearly as the volume goes up.

[@babagandu]

Yup typical Chinese junk which is touted by KZbinrs for money

[@geevee1045]

I'm guessing that it's a very very high feedback design to get those distortion numbers.

[@geevee1045]

@@johnm3544 Perhaps, but oddly this amp has extremely low distortion that Class AB has never approached before, even surpassing Class D. I'm suspicious whether it affects sound quality or not.

[@geevee1045]

​@@johnm3544 I appreciate your wealth of knowledge on the subject John, and agree that it has to fall on the analytic side. The ASR website has pronounced the Topping LA90 as the "best amplifier in the world" based on measurements alone, so I was interested in hearing a subjective viewpoint. It's generally thought that very high feedback is a detriment to sound quality. And the distortion in this amp is so infinitesimal compared to other Class AB amps that I just assumed it was achieved through extraordinarily high feedback. So, I found it interesting that Tharbamar preferred his own amp, and pointed out several subjective shortcomings in this so-called perfect amp. However, it may still be worth a listen, if 36wpc@8ohms and 56wpc@4ohms is sufficient.

[@DSupremeLounge]

Thanks. Lost me at no rca inputs or remote

[@babagandu]

Yeah Chinese junk... Denon way better

[@DSupremeLounge]

@@babagandu That's a racist statement and there's no place here for that. Careful or you'll get flagged.

[@babagandu]

@@DSupremeLounge oh wow.. how come ??

[@Carl-bd1rf]

85db range. Wow that’s unacceptable at that price point. I’ve hit 114dbc levels with my current system. Guess this amp ain’t for me.

[@Hirnlego999]

Well, it's not for all speakers of course. There's a downside to making something very clean sounding it lacks power

[@ramonrequilman2127]

The PA5 is more involving and cheaper than LA90.

[@baredesigns1]

Performance is excellent however all these Topping and similar brands fail to last beyond 1 year. They are designing these models as Use&Throw. That is the sad fact. By buying them, customers are inadvertently contributing to E-Waste. None of these reviewers focus on this aspect.

[@robertfontaine3650]

Comparing a $5000 amp with an $800 amp. Things that make you go hm. For 2400 you can buy 3 of these amps for a 2.1 or for $5k you could buy 5 of them.

[@Tharbamar]

It’s not definitive comparison just stating the difference.

[@maskxxx9881]

hope one day, someone could use HQ / AMSR to recording the testing....................

[@maskxxx9881]

.

[@HungryEatNow]

Setup mono with your own money and review again…

[@philb-ze8sz]

Gosh, it a long-known fact the power supply of any product makes or breaks any gear. Anything can make sound, but that's not the point. TOPPING is what it is just look at the size of it, no way can it sound good like everything you said about it. There is no free lunch. TOPPING is a waste of money.

[@Tharbamar]

So you don’t even watch whole video, so your comment is irrelevant.

[@athathsonty2925]

Pardon me, but I felt it was waste of your precious time reviewing this loser Amp. Its another matter, I totally love your presentation, lucid, serene audio nirvana.

[@-MarkWinston-]

Pardon you but I felt your comment was as dumb as you are, maybe a little dumber. Loser.

[@juliangst]

Why is it a loser amp? Only because it's chinese? It's one of the cleanest amps out there

[@ErickReyes-oc2or]

Thanks to the chinese products I enjoy my music in another level on my low budget.

[@babagandu]

You're right, it's sponsored Chinese junk.

[@babagandu]

@@juliangst cleanest farts you mean

[@michaelgalanos981]

Save your money 💰 buy a Crown XLS or a Behringer NX 3000 you can drive any speakers you want no problem for half price of your topping amp you can even get a Chinese Lab grupen for less money and with that you have a rock concert this hi fi equipment is never worth the money.