Topping LA90 Power Amp Review - Block Rockin' Beats!

My written review can be found here: soundnews.net/amplifiers/powe...
Get the Topping LA90: bit.ly/39JlxuV
Get the Topping PA5: bit.ly/3xRqCcz
Video Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Build Quality
01:19 - Controls
01:46 - Tech inside LA90
02:57 - Sound Performance
05:55 - Power Output
08:07 - Noise Floor
09:26 - Transient Response
11:11 - Resolution & Transparency
12:48 - Soundstage & Imaging
14:20 - Bass
15:05 - Midrange
15:51 - Treble
16:37 - LA90 Vs Benchmark AHB2
16:57 - My Conclusion
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
📱 www. Soundnews.net/
📷 / soundnews.net_
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Desktop headphones I’m using:
🎧 Hifiman Susvara: bit.ly/3a39pm2
🎧 Hifiman HE1000SE: bit.ly/3gwkXRW
🎧 Hifiman Arya Stealth: bit.ly/3HORBss
🎧 Audeze LCD-5: bit.ly/3nb5KbD
🎧 Audeze LCD-4: bit.ly/35LFYAK
🎧 Kennerton Rognir: bit.ly/3zD1IxT
🎧 Erzetich Phobos V2021: bit.ly/3HMWBhf
🎧 Apos Caspian: bit.ly/3nab1QO
Portable headphones I’m using:
🎧 Sennheiser Momentum 3: amzn.to/2SrzzWf
🎧 Sony WH1000XM4: amzn.to/3xkU0ph
IEMs I’m using:
👂 7Hz Timeless: bit.ly/3q7RNgm
👂 Meze Rai Penta: bit.ly/3j2EhVa
👂 FiiO FH9: bit.ly/3zSWka5
👂 FiiO FH7: bit.ly/3iwZeqm
Loudspeakers I’m using:
🔊 KEF Reference 3: amzn.to/3qZKbMm
🔊 Natural Sound NS17: bit.ly/2TuUXx3
🔊 Sound Of Eden Crescendo UNO: bit.ly/3f5jO1X
Integrated/Power Amps I’m using:
💪 Benchmark AHB2: amzn.to/37jcR9M
💪 KECES S300: bit.ly/2XL8sHT
💪 Kinki Studio EX-M7: bit.ly/3gEoVVJ
💪 Burson Timekeeper 3i: bit.ly/3K514hs
Best DACs I have tried:
🥇 Rockna Wavelight: bit.ly/3hD33xl
🥇 Audiobyte HydraVox: bit.ly/2VXJjZM
🥇 Musician Aquarius: bit.ly/2U9qwwT
🥇 Matrix Audio Element X: bit.ly/2xU6hbC
🥇 Matrix Audio X-Sabre 3: bit.ly/34oBFyG
🥇 Gold Note DS-10 Plus: bit.ly/3f7pYie
🥇 Gustard X26 PRO: bit.ly/2ORB7Ko
🥇 SMSL VMV D2: bit.ly/3q9lIF7
🥇 Topping D90SE: bit.ly/3gC5FcO
Best Mid-Fi DACs:
🥈 Musician Pegasus: bit.ly/2OvCOgn
🥈 Matrix Mini-i Pro 3: bit.ly/3t97FkN
🥈 Topping D30 PRO: bit.ly/3taPWcE
🥈 Gustard X16: bit.ly/3JU3pLN
🥈 SMSL VMV D1SE: bit.ly/3nbaTjT
🥈 SMSL M500 MKII: bit.ly/3F4qLe5
🥈 SMSL SU-9N: bit.ly/32U7qj3
🥈 Soncoz SGD1: bit.ly/36IUQ5r
Best Entry-Level DACs:
🥉 Soncoz LA-QXD1: bit.ly/3gf8ONt
🥉 Topping E50: bit.ly/3q9e6CE
🥉 Topping D10S: bit.ly/3r1hWNh
🥉 SMSL SU-6: bit.ly/3FdRghk
🥉 SMSL M200: bit.ly/3cCtFsw
Best DAC + Headphone Amp combos:
🎶 Flux Lab Acoustics FCN-10: bit.ly/2Y74daK
🎶 Burson Audio Conductor 3: amzn.to/2xcfSKx
🎶 Audio-GD D.28 Full: bit.ly/359E6S5
🎶 xDuoo XA-10: bit.ly/39UsS7K
Best Headphone amps:
💣Ferrum OOR + Hypsos: bit.ly/3tbjNSn
💣Burson Soloist 3X GT: bit.ly/3q7nrus
💣Flux Lab Acoustics Volot: bit.ly/3fJegep
💣Benchmark HPA4: bit.ly/2xb6hn5
💣Sparkos Labs Aries: bit.ly/2xcOps1
💣SMSL SP400: bit.ly/3sAUEO2
💣Topping A90: bit.ly/2YBwCnZ
💣Singxer SA-1: bit.ly/3eI6aCC
Best DAPs:
🎵 FiiO M17: bit.ly/34pgo84
🎵 Shanling M9: bit.ly/3r4swDh
🎵 Hiby RS6: bit.ly/3t9mUKw
My Video/Photo Gear:
📷 / 🎥 (1): amzn.to/2ToU9de
📷 / 🎥 (2): amzn.to/2VHeNnf
🔍 (1) amzn.to/3eTCsZp
🔍 (2) amzn.to/2UTAG4R
🔍 (3) amzn.to/2yPR6A5
🔭 amzn.to/2zAuGn1
💡 amzn.to/2VEDC3l
☂️ amzn.to/2VETyT6
🎤 (1) amzn.to/3yeeS2h
🎤 (2) amzn.to/3aLjYXv
These are my honest opinions in different categories. Some of them are affiliated links that help me manage this KZbin channel at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
#topping #LA90 #poweramps

[@asan1050]

Thanks!,

[@dragonstone6594]

Great review! Can also you review the new Topping B200 mono and compare it to LA90?

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Pinpoint imaging accuracy is probably helped by those luscious KEF. LA90 a new reference amp. But no headroom for power crests of well recorded high dynamic range music when using the low sensitive speakers that are becoming standard today when listening in large rooms. I expect absolutely superb results "mid field" in smaller places with the right speakers.

[@nabildanial00]

It's pretty apparent that you didn't even try it in bridged mono mode before making the statement that it won't work speakers with lower than 8 ohm load. ASR tested the amp in that mode with 4 ohms load (!) with it putting out 200W of power and the internal shutdown circuitry didn't even get triggered.

[@V2760]

Thanks for your review, is this amp enough for bring ELAC Debut Reference DBR62 to 90+ db?

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Is there any dac that you could recommend that could possibly overcome/ make up for la90's weakest points? According to your reviews I was thinking about Gustard X26 Pro...

[@nmnate]

Shame about that external power supply. I really prefer an internal unit. I'd love to move my LS50 into the bedroom (after upgrading my living room). Super happy with the performance of my AHB2, wouldn't mind having something similarly clean. If they did a slightly more powerful unit with an internal supply, I'd be sold.

[@Soundnews]

Agree on that too

[@sonusancti]

I see an external power supply as a potential big plus actually. In this case, the default is it's weakest link imo but one that can be replaced with a beefier high current SMPS. The result would be something I'd be very curious to hear and expect to address some if not most of the reviewer's observed cons.

[@nmnate]

@@sonusancti I could see me changing my opinion if they had a really high quality external power supply that was stackable with the LA90 (similar to some of the holo audio stacks). Definitely not a power brick, though.

[@sonusancti]

@@nmnate The brick is clearly intended to meet their business objectives but it's easily upgradeable via DIY. This is what makes this hobby so much fun, for me at least. I get to discover ways to elevate performance on my own. Cheers!

[@Hirnlego999]

Internal units traps more heat inside which I think is good to avoid

[@javiermiranda3474]

Did you tested it as monoblock?

[@Egofileo1]

Is it possible that is an amplifier for a desktop set, with the other 90-series electronics ? So DAC, headphone amp and speaker amp for a pair of monitor or near field speakers ? In that view the power output shuld be adeguate for the work. What do you think ?

[@Soundnews]

For near field listening, LA90 is absolutely fantastic and would never run out of breath. You can form a beautiful stack too (D90 + A90D + LA90). I stay 3 meters from my speakers and I need more power for a similar SPL vs near field

[@seanb3303]

Nice review. Not surprised with lack of bass seeing that it uses a laptop power supply.

[@r423sdex]

I have this amp, plenty of bass. Super wide soundstage, but that's all to do with speakers ! If power is not of concern, this amp is fantastic. It's flat and has superb dynamics. Noise floor is non existent. They are going to make a more powerful one next year. State of the art.

[@Soundnews]

I have a switching mode power supply in the AHB2 as well (it's inside the unit), but it never lacked grunt or bass extension. I believe power output is the limiting factor here

[@Flavius7]

Probably the Benchmark was the inspiration. Looks nice and clean, but not surprised about the lack of base. Some companies ar good for speakers, others for headphones, Topping is clearly second category.

[@Soundnews]

I feels that way, at least for now

[@trubadyr99]

Thank you for this review. I am trying to find the optimal solution for my upgraded setups #1 and #2. From an economical and value-for-money standpoint, I was looking either towards room correcting Genelec Ones, wireless KEFs -beautiful looking speakers and the most economical option, or possibly some passive speakers with something like Lingdorf amp with room correction, which probably would be the least economical setup. What are your thoughts?

[@johnanderson3853]

How is the reliability? I ask because a few years ago I bought a Topping TP60 class-D amp. Had great reviews. Loved the sound but after a couple months, it would blow its fuse every time I turned it on. Would dim the lights in my room when I turned it on, drawing way too much current. Tried all sorts of fuses. To no avail. And just out of warranty. Ended up with a useless heavy brick. Unbelievable that Topping would use a fuse these days. So I went with and old used Teac AH500. Small, reliable, heavy beast.

[@Soundnews]

hard to tell, as I've used it only for a few weeks and this is a new model

[@justanobody4983]

Dude id advise against getting any Chinese audio company components. Ive had a drawer full of them that just broke down with in a few weeks/months. They start out really good and one day just wont work. Save up for decent gear, my sony walkman still working to this day and ifi idac2 still works well after years of use. Cant say that to any of my topping, smsl, fiio, etc china crap.

[@ErickReyes-oc2or]

Thanks for your reviews, I think I'll stick with my Pa5, I don't think there is much difference in sound quality versus the difference in cost, also the Pa5 has better bass control, the Pa5 is like a sleeper car.

[@Soundnews]

Agree on all fronts

[@trubadyr99]

I am interested in what a Pa5 is. Never heard of them before. Can you tell me more? Thanks.

[@Soundnews]

@@trubadyr99 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnnIqWd9q9WleKs

[@dawido5226]

hi. you will test Topping A90 Discrete?

[@Soundnews]

It will happen at some point, probably next month

[@dawido5226]

@@Soundnews I'm looking forward. you are doing a great job

[@thibaultvandenbossche7639]

Hmm, should I replace my PA5 with this one? I'm driving LS50 meta's.

[@juliangst]

I don’t think there will be much of a difference between those. If you want more headroom and power I‘d go with the Purifi class D amp

[@Soundnews]

I wouldn't do that. PA5 is (still) more powerful, but not as technical as LA90 is.

[@Koopagamelouda]

Get 2 LA90S ;]

[@r423sdex]

I have this and PA5, you won't hear a difference. Both are flat and have a no noise.

[@m4nc1n1]

What KEF towers are they in the background?

[@Soundnews]

I mentioned them at least 10 times in the video, those are KEF Reference 3

[@larrywe3320]

@@Soundnews 😅

[@reallyoldcob]

how’s it sound with Susvara?

[@d_dude_is_here]

Same query here

[@Soundnews]

Not enough minerals! Oh wait, it's the wrong chat. Not enough power with Suzy, lightweight, too polite and up-front sounding with them, I wouldn't get it for Suzy

[@Nuevo_El_Nagual]

@@Soundnews what about Argons or HE6se?

[@20puskinas1992]

@@Soundnews nothing to do with power... it just lacks coloration. Open back headphones lack weight behind bass and vocals and need coloration. Not enough power is just bullshit.

[@jasonalec6573]

@@Nuevo_El_Nagual I bought if for my HE6se and returned it shortly thereafter. It's got a nice black background but the bass had no slam and the treble was too smooth. Switching to high gain actually made the treble a little hot.

[@decoryder]

That power supply is a no-go, what a shame!

[@r423sdex]

I have a separate power supply on my Naim amp and Cyrus amp. Definitely an improvement.

[@DonStevens68]

My experience would be not spending $900 for some stupid 65 watt per channel amp. Fools with to much money go for it. I guess the Chinese think Americans just have tons of money to through away. I'll stick with what I have. Companies have lost their reality for pricing in today's market.