Where do we go from here? || The Topping A90 Discrete ... A90D

[@ZReviews]

Thanks to Everyone who's supported over the years. And welcome all new supporters. Y'all Buku Dinky Dow, I Mean It. 👕www.Zboombox.com -- Merch Store ⚔www.SubscribeStar.com/Zeos -- Subscribe Star 🥇www.Patreon.com/Zeos -- Check out the Patreon

[@younglinna]

What are the brand of the XLR cables and the other one?

[@jamiee156]

FYI... HIGH & LOW Gain are select-able on the main unit w/o using the remote since firmware 2.3 (Press and rotate the volume button (at same time) UP/DOWN to select "H" or "L").

[@Lauren080508]

thanks

[@ZReviews]

Cool. Thanks for the tip. Its like a rubiks cube.

[@JWACOM]

That’s a lot of responsibility for a single dial!

[@tenveri]

@@JWACOM With that responsibility comes great power

[@JWACOM]

@@tenveri Well said.

[@JTB--]

The Black A90D looks way cooler than the Silver one. The numbers for the volume really pop nice on the Black

[@adrianmorrish8494]

they should go retro on the black and make it either neon blue or calculator red 😜

[@zenstrata]

I was thinking the same thing. Zeos likes the silver, but, (butt!), (🍑?), I personally prefer the black as well.

[@BlAznPhAzn]

Got the boi after a month wait. Sounds great but I thought mine was gimped as I wasn't getting the full power. Turns out mine already had the limiter firmwared and I accidentally fiddled with that secret remote button beforehand. Good on you for mentioning those two things!

[@ZReviews]

Yeah that was my mistake also after install.

[@pdk79]

And… purchased. These retailers better love Zeos.

[@ZReviews]

We will see.

[@bramvermeersch2690]

True i am debating to get a 2nd hedphone or iem but now i am not sure if i should and just get a a90 discrete 😅

[@FunkyPants3D]

I think Im finally replacing my 789...this was just too much praise...gonna sleep on it first tho :3

[@edithboozy1000]

@@FunkyPants3D Gonna sound exactly the same. Dont be a sheep

[@maciejburchardt7927]

@@edithboozy1000 Yes. There is still hope for this world where there are still some conscious people left. That’s exactly the point.

[@stephenbailey9969]

I picked up a discrete circuit headphone amp two years ago (Lake People G111) and haven't felt the need to get anything else. Powerful and natural sounding.

[@mebaugh1]

Listened to Zeos, Resolve, DMS, others. “Pointy”, edgy Zeos style sold me. Why, because his early comments if “ it’s just an amp, I usually listen for one hour, but this one 1,2, 5 F-ing hours!” That comment was so intriguing to me! Then I upgraded from A90, which I liked, new A90 D model ( in black). I then began to understand Zeos 5 f-hours comment. What he and then I found I might describe differently but it’s a compelling lens to look through. Here goes. Topping A90 D opens up the music, expands the sonic landscape into a “super-natural” experience. Not spiritual, but incredibly natural sonic experience. Music seems to come alive and cans, amp and DAC fade away. You are just immersed in the music and that is very pleasurable and ultra cool. DAC I use is SMSL SU-9 ( mid grade stuff) and paired with new Meze 109 Pro cans. This ultra natural immersion experience ( at least at this price point) leads to wanting to listen to your fav tracks and experience them newly. If you experience the D model yourself with very good cans you will find it confusing and “ ear opening” because words don’t do it justice. Best upgrade ever. Selling my old A90. Thanks ZEOS! I also bought on your reco, Adams Audio T5V monitors.

[@seans5159]

I bought it, and agreed, it's the best amp ever lol. $600 is a steal! If you love high detail and clean sound, this is a banger!

[@Lasvocesdelsuroficial]

need DAC?

[@ogcurated]

A90(amp)/D90(dac) is the stack.

[@TheTastefulThickness]

@@ogcurated i think im going with the topping l70 for $350 and pocketing the 400 bucks

[@shammy6064]

@@ogcuratedsorry im still fairly new to having mid range stuff. So this unit is both an amp/dac?

[@samza9622]

@Whammy it's only amp. Depending how you have your set up that's all you need but might be missing out on more higher end quality to your sound without a dac.

[@fnarvii1810]

"The THX AAA 789 changed the world . . . its up there on the shelf." 😢

[@ZReviews]

Three of them actually. All purchased by me. For Cash Money.

[@notesscrotes4360]

I kinda wish it still had the A90's little lever switches, those make a world of difference on my desk. Despite the sour grapes I'm feeling over the higher current on these new ones, switching from headphones to speakers with a remote seems like a pain in the ass.

[@willobst2772]

Agree. And even the remote has an invalid button… that’s really disappointing

[@jamiee156]

You don't need to use the remote for the main features because the multi-function volume dial on the A90D pretty much replaces everything the switches could do on the A90. Just be sure that you're on firmware v2.3 or later (which all units shipping today are).

[@ZReviews]

@@willobst2772 The Invalid Button gets reassigned with the firmware update. I talk about it in the video.

[@willobst2772]

@@ZReviews thanks - I know. Wrote it above …

[@xDivulGeX]

@@willobst2772 You didn't, actually...?

[@gavinhou3261]

Thanks for the review. I bought the KPH30i after watching your review, and then BTR-5, and then KPH40. Now, I'm pretty sure I should buy this.

[@zetapal]

You're talking about Rupert Neve, the guy who built the Neve 8028 Console which is the analog mixing board that Dave Grohl bought from Sound City Studios in Van Nuys. Did a documentary on it called Sound City. That board was responsible for some of the best albums of our day check it out. That Neve guy was a genius.

[@mikew9788]

That was a great documentary

[@Brighamdoc]

I'm looking for my first headphone amp. It's interesting how some reviewers find the A90D performance lacking compared to other amps in this price range. It makes me wonder if the synergy of the complete audio system or variance in build quality causes this. Maybe biomechanical differences in the reviewers themselves. As a neophyte to the audio world it makes buying things feel a bit like a roll of the dice. I did buy a A90D mostly from my respect of your work. Thanks for all you do. I'll let you know if my ear/brain combo sees the world like you do.

[@ilovehotdogs125790]

What do you think? I thinking of buying one too.. is it all hype or is it actually good?

[@Brighamdoc]

@@ilovehotdogs125790 I really like it and it sounds amazing to my ears - however - I like my BottleHead Crack better. The Toppings have a better clarity in the treble range but lack the body of the tube amp. They’re both nice but I like one sound over the other.

[@ilovehotdogs125790]

@@Brighamdoc I decided to get the schiit asgard 3.. for my beyer 1990 pros. It's single ended only which is what i need. And it has a ton of power. I wonder if it really is that much worse than the more expensive a90d.. I got the schiit for $250 so it was way cheaper

[@holygoat]

Pronounced NEEV. Dude is a legend in the recording industry. Great review as always.

[@stephenstrang590]

I hope he was joking.

[@brendanliddell240]

Thoughts on pairing with HD 800S? Or best to still use a tube amp? Considering this if any good, else considering a Woo Audio WA2.

[@iFaFo_0]

Bought this couple of days ago still waiting on shipping. Nice to see reviews start dropping

[@Kaisei1]

I'm not sure that firmware updating process is any easier than just having a separate flash drive that you drag a file into then take that and plug into the unit. The latter wouldn't require unplugging everything. IMO easiest way to update firmware is plug USB directly to computer and update directly without unplugging any other cables.

[@ZReviews]

I mean you can just shut off the power to the unit with the switch.. and if your PC is close enough you can leave the USB plugged in for no reason. So no unplugging.

[@bonanzabrandon6877]

When I heard "this is the best amp ever!" My Pavlovian response kicks in and I want to buy it, but then I remember that I already have the original A90, and upgrading to the A90D would require selling my old A90 at a loss and then I would receive the A90D and probably not notice the difference in sound...

[@ZReviews]

This IS the issue. You have to trust me. Trust me do it.

[@bonanzabrandon6877]

@@ZReviews Josh Valour also reviewed this amp and said that he could definitely notice the sound difference, even in a blind test, and the A90D is better than the A90, but he also didn't go crazy about it...

[@jamiee156]

@@bonanzabrandon6877 The A90D definitely has more weight and punch from the midrange down compared to the A90. Whether you like it more or not is a personal decision... I own both and run them in preamp and headphone modes (80% of the time as preamp to my studio monitors) and would say the A90D suites my tastes a little better.

[@jgabrieltrevino1348]

@@jamiee156 quick question regarding pre-amp mode … are both outputs working at the same time as variable? Would love to run this with both an external speaker amp and a subwoofer (via RCA) at the same time.

[@maciejburchardt7927]

Man it’s your own money and it’s not my business but all I can say is don’t be a audiofool. It would make zero audible difference to your ears but it’s up to you sir😉

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

So it’s the best headphone amp, now is it the best preamp? I think it deserves its own video on your speaker system. I kinda want to buy this for my Focal Sopra system now..

[@ZReviews]

It for SURE will be used as a Pre next round of passive speaker tests.

[@BastianUllr]

@@ZReviewspretty please! Looking to simplify my system. 600 for a preamp? Any day

[@alext2933]

We have all seen the snippet of you, introducing yourself, from the audio show a few years back. Do not worry Z.

[@cuccaio83]

But the real question is: is it better than the LA90 (as headphone amp)? I'm really impressed by my a90d with my stealth

[@erictracy1630]

That volume scaling function just sold me on this.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

I had a couple Bursons hp amps and OMG !! Their dacs are 🔥 also love to try this Topping in a video review when you do a 40min video something is up !! Thanks Zeos !

[@bobcoco6047]

Thx for the review Looking for upgrade of my current stack : SMSL SU-8 + SP200. I'm wondering how much of a worthy upgrade it would constitute, & how it compares to the SP400 (read it would be + clinical, which wouldn't necessarily be a service to the "non-hiFi gRaDe" files I usually listen to, & the coldness of the current chain toward my Focal Clear, which could benefit out of a bit + fun 🤩)

[@Johnny-Too-Bad]

When the Segway was being introduced those guys said it would change the way cities were designed. LOLz will be hilarious to come back to this review in a handful of years.

[@ZReviews]

I mean.. i don't know about you but I am watching on my Segway traveling to a Falcon Heavy launch.

[@mikeg2491]

I’m just waiting for Amir to call the next big amp the new perfect amp even though this one is supposed to be perfect already.

[@picklesandufos7860]

Need to find out if this A90D is better than the Singxer SA-1, and it's pronounced Rupert Knee-v

[@shawnpwatsons1]

Wow. Some big statements there Zeos. I love it.

[@martinnrrekjrgrndahl3715]

Oh yearh, that hidden volume scaling function. Just got it in black a few days ago, and was fiddling with the remote pressing "A" and suddenly the volume went way way down, but the number on the front was the same?! Had a short shock thinking I broke it, and then remembered hearing/reading about it elsewhere. Still in the initial state of excitement of having a new amp to test against my trusty old Perreaux SXH2.

[@RokujyuuyonShou]

Impulsively bought this after watching this video. Damn you Zeos! Any good bang-for-buck speaker amp recommendations to use with this baby when I'm not using headphones?

[@AudioHead809]

Despite there being some people that had quality control issues with theirs, I just bought the Topping pa5 and I’m super happy with it running my Elac Debut 2.0 bookshelf speakers. It sounds amazing. I don’t crank the volume though so I can’t give my opinion there. I’ve only had it a few days so can’t guarantee long term reliability but, if it’s anything like my topping d30 pro or a90 it should last. Fingers crossed. By the way another good bang for buck amp to consider is the smsl da-9. Some people say it sounds border line sibilant in the highs which is why I took the risk and chose the Topping pa5 over the smsl da-9.

[@ZReviews]

There are a Ton. SABAJ has those A10A's that you can even monoblock in the future.

[@RokujyuuyonShou]

@@AudioHead809 Topping PA5 looks really promising, thanks!

[@AudioHead809]

@@RokujyuuyonShou you’re very welcome man! Hope everything works perfect the way you want!

[@RokujyuuyonShou]

@@ZReviews The A10A looks really solid, not sure what monoblock means though

[@TomatePasFraiche]

You got me at "giggity"! I bought a Singxer SA-1 this year and I already feel cheated because of this one being extreeeemely close in terms of pricing.

[@ZReviews]

You did nothing wrong.

[@TomatePasFraiche]

@@ZReviews Gonna sleep well reassured tonight with this validation ;). I never had anything that sounded like this amp, but I'm glad Topping really pushes the boundary and pricing.

[@flaminggold7593]

I appreciate Modeus in the background ✊🏼

[@Think-Tank_Denkfabrik]

Zeos for entertainment and others for serious information ;)

[@ZReviews]

I mean Information like you are looking for is on the product page. You don't need a person to read that stuff to you.

[@Think-Tank_Denkfabrik]

@@ZReviews and quick-witted like a dead horse :D

[@zenstrata]

Thanks for the review! I did end up picking this up myself, it's a pretty good headphone amp. =-)

[@DeepishMoog]

This is your best review yet, Z, that I've seen. I have no further questions! I want it. Unfortunately, I still don't need it. But I want it. Ugh, decisions. There's One thing I wish it had... a subwoofer output. Because anymore, a headphone amp that's offering passive speaker out.. ought to have a sub out. The 2.1 desktop setup. That's what we want. Am I wrong? But there's only a few that offer it. NAD gets it...behold, the D3045. Have you reviewed it?

[@sonickiller360]

Have you taken a look at the topping dm7? It seems like it checks a lot of your boxes.

[@jibrilspencer8431]

I'm looking to upgrade soon(currently am on a thx 789/schiit modius combo with an hd800s as well as dunu vulkan iems) I'm looking at an a90 discreet/d90se stack or just an rme adi 2 dac fs. I primarily use my setup for competitive fps gaming, but I enjoy listening to music at high quality from time to time. Would you go with the topping stack or the adi 2?

[@mclement052164]

I have the HD800S, RME ADI2 DAC FS, A90, D70S dac, Yggdrasil A2 dac, Burson Soloist 3xp amp, Cayin HA1AMK2 tube amp, Schiit Lokius. The RME with HD800S is just too analytical sounding to my ears, regardless of any EQ adjustments. The RME is fantastic with HD6XX , and many other headphones, though. If the analytical hyper detailed sound signature is your thing, go for the RME/HD800S pairing. To me, it gets fatiguing after a while. I dont game. Its 95%+ music listening and the rest is an occasional movie. The RME/HD800S combo is just fine for movies to my ears. Idk if for gaming the investment you're suggesting would be worth the results. Im skeptical. For gaming purposes, or for movies, I think what you already have is fantastic. If you want EQ, keep what you have, and add a Schiit Loki/Lokius, and youll be doing great.

[@jibrilspencer8431]

@@mclement052164 thank you very much for your input, I’m new to the audio scene, only purchased my equipment within the last year. I didn’t even know the lokius existed, I will definitely be purchasing that in the near future. EQ was one of the few reasons I even considered the Rme, as well as the dedicated iem input and being an all in one unit. As for the amp/dac upgrades, I still want to invest in at least an a90 and maybe a d90 later on since the good reviews I’ve seen with them stacked, also the thx789 can be fatiguing imo after awhile. I would say use case is pretty split, gaming/music/movies - 40/30/30

[@iFaFo_0]

Just came in today... Holy shiiiiiiitssss 🤯 What's the opposite of buyer's remorse? About to just hit some volcano bags and listen to music all day

[@ilovehotdogs125790]

What did you have before it? To compare..

[@leiterfurkundenzufriedenhe1884]

Hey quick question, what do you guys think of the a90 or a90d as a potential upgrade to my dx1 sometime down the line. Would that be "overkill" or is the dx1 "good enough" to stick to it even with an amp this good? Thanks in advance!

[@arrowzen7433]

Such a shame they do not enable an external PSU on this when going for a discrete output. Also; I can’t really take this review seriously as long as it does not involve a thorough comparison w. the Singxer SA-1 you have…

[@gavinhou3261]

already got the D90le + A90D stack and love them. just come to say thank you.

[@jarjared3522]

So transparent the color correction of this Z review turned cool

[@RetroResurrectionAI]

Hey ZE0S I have an SPL Phonitor 2 that I don't really use much I was thinking of selling it and getting the A90 discrete. Do you think this would be a good idea? I paid over 2k for the Phonitor when it was new a few years back, would this be a good upgrade or a step down?

[@ZReviews]

Ive not used that amp.. SOooo Hard call.

[@bradthurkle7217]

Great review mate. Loved it.

[@GrandoSilver]

Zeos I completely agree with you bro! I bought the A90 Discrete over a month ago when it was just announced. And fuck! I'm so crazy excited! You said you were crying while listening. Bro! This is the most accurate description for conveying all the emotions that I experienced when listening to this amplifier. I was crying like a little boy... P.S Setup: D90SE + A90 Discrete + HiFiMan Arya Stealth. It remains now to buy LA90 for complete happiness :)

[@Lauren080508]

nice gear pal

[@Nordraw]

Next week you will be buying something else some clown tells you is great. Think for yourself.

[@Lauren080508]

@@Nordraw "clown"?...rude, anyway this amp has been tested by professional people using precise electronic devices, is indeed state of the art, educate yourself, you need lots of that.

[@Exetasia]

Hey man I just watched a old video about 2-3 years ago on the Tin audio T2 iems do you still recommend them for the price and if not what ones should I go with for the same price range

[@OblivionIce]

Nine Inch Nails Closer is my main audio test track! It sounded really good on Meze Elites.

[@bezchlebalukas1779]

Hi @ZReviews 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

[@davey_blue2739]

I’m in love with my Singxer-Sa1. I love the smooth/warm wide sound. This Topping really that good 🤔?

[@enzopied3015]

This is more towards the analytical side so if you enjoy that about the singxer you may not like this as much

[@msteele0]

I love my A90. Will be picking this up.

[@arec5049]

Hey I know you won't read this but are you using black Yaxi Pads for those KPH40s?

[@mclement052164]

Where do we go from here? Isnt it OBVIOUS?!?! Topping A100D Special Edition, Coming (i predict) by the end of 2023.

[@dickeyseamus]

I'm totally sold on this. Looking forward to the D90 review!

[@JWACOM]

Be prepared for a million “How do so&so headphones sound on the A90D?” questions. Speaking of which, have you tried the HifiMan Sundaras on them?

[@ZReviews]

/start automated response protocol..... "Great"

[@artpiggo]

What is the best dac in your opinion?

[@jasonschabler3003]

I have asked in Head Fi but some wierd responses . So Zeos can I use my Xduoo MT-604 as a pre tube amp because I like the separate L &R Vol controls and tube sound?

[@jamesbush2720]

This A90D setup or Yulong!Aquila? I'm sure the Topping is cleaner, but is Class A Yulong more dynamic?

[@life_in_solace]

What I want to know is...what is the Soundstage and depth like on this amp???

[@ZReviews]

It will just make your headphones SS and Depth apparent. It isn't tubes or magic. It makes what you have stand out.

[@life_in_solace]

@@ZReviews so my atriums are about to become more sexy. Got it

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

Amps don't have soundstage.

[@iliketohideincloset]

The new best thing that sounds like the best thing from yesterday. Save your money and enjoy the show.

[@matthewhilty4209]

Good to know there is a replacement for my second THX789. One already died. I guess 3 yrs is a good run now for electronics. Planned obsolescence sucks.

[@digitaltactics9234]

I put 4 medicine bottle caps under the feet to raise it of a desk or counter. Brought the temp down a good amount for me. I have had np with mine bought in May 11, 2020. So maybe that is what helped mine not break but I have had np with mine ever. Maybe that will help yours live longer this time just a thought.

[@arrowzen7433]

So bad…

[@sickhcivc]

Do i get this or the Fiio K9 Pro ESS?

[@carminedesanto6746]

Hi Zeos.😋 Got the 789, the Xduoo 604, the Loxji 20 and all being fed in balanced from the Drop Grace SDAC…..so do I really need another amp (or DAC) …..🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ZReviews]

IF YOU ARE HAPPY. Don't. If you feel like you are missing something and can back that up scientifically. Maybe.

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@ZReviews Goid advice , thank you. Btw, Moondrop Variations should be delivered today 👍😋👍

[@jaybrodnax]

604 is amazing

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@jaybrodnax for the money..a tubed , class A mini amp …what’s not to love..but I did add a little bear 🐻 input box as a master volume..and left the red L/R channels as true balance controls 😋

[@picklesandufos7860]

Problem with the Rupert Neve (Knee-v) RNHP, and possibly his other amps, not sure, but the RNHP atleast has an issue with being TOO CLEAN and too fast. I know that sounds weird, but it's SO clean that it has a lack of natural decay/air around various things. I heard people say that it sounds like you're listening to speakers in an anechoic chamber

[@ZReviews]

Odd that that sort of sound can be a negative. Need an Anechoic chamber now.

[@shawnpwatsons1]

I agree about the RNHP. My experience exactly.

[@donaldwolff]

Would this be good with an IEM??? just bought Elysian Annihilator 2023 and think I should upgrade from my THX789

[@Splungeworthy]

I'm a long time subscriber and have been watching your channel for years. This question is off topic, sorry, and really basic, but what media player do you use for your music? Is it foobar2000?

[@davidjameswales]

Yea it is.

[@EdreiZahari]

"When did Trigger become a thing?" Coincidentally, they was founded 11 years ago to the day this video was made, though it took them another 2 years before they released Kill la Kill, which was when they truly became a thing. This has been your weeb trivia for the day.

[@martinezdecap]

What is a better combo? this.... or the Xduoo TA-22?

[@bla_ank]

First day comparing the A90D with my Singxer SA-1. To my untrained ears, the hype seems way overblown. One isn't clearly superior to the other, more like they're different flavors in the same product class. The A90D's signature is what I would describe as neutral, while the Singxer takes that neutrality and smooths the edges off. There are trade-offs across the board: The SA-1 has a smooth, subtle warmth to it, but the bass on the A90D seems more tight and focused. There's rarely any treble bite with the SA-1, but when I switch to the A90D it feels like a veil is lifted and I can see more clearly into the music. Sometimes that gives tracks a harshness that isn't present on the SA-1. Tldr; focused clarity vs. laid-back musicality. Based on first impressions, I would have a tough time choosing between the two were price no object. I've heard that the A90D needs some burn-in because of the discrete components. Might be audiophile superstition, I guess I'll keep listening and see if anything magically changes

[@dalejail]

which would you say has better extension/impact/dynamics/texture in the bass?

[@bla_ank]

@@dalejail The A90D definitely wins on dynamics and impact. The edges of notes feel more clearly defined, both in the low and high end. The SA-1 seems comparatively rolled off. That's not to say the SA-1 is lower resolution, necessarily. Wavetheory did a great breakdown of the A90D on his channel that sort of expands on this idea of perceived resolution vs. actual resolution. But you will definitely perceive the A90D as being clearer, with greater dynamics, and extension

[@dalejail]

@@bla_ank would you describe the sa-1 mid/sub bass as softer, less defined and less impactful?

[@TheTastefulThickness]

Don't forget your also getting more power

[@bojanpounarov2561]

Would the Topping D10 Balanced be a good DAC for this amplifier? Or should I get a better DAC for this amp?

[@zaim_ipek]

d10 balanced is good enough for almost anything. You need to have almost superhuman hearing for the D10 balanced to not be good enough. It's a great dac. If you do actually have golden ears and can tell exactly in which direction a flea is farting, then upgrade your dac.

[@dagnisnierlins188]

Or just get the new topping l30 ii and save money.

[@zaim_ipek]

@@dagnisnierlins188 That's an amp. He is asking about a DAC. Unless you are telling him not to buy the A90 Discrete. . .

[@dagnisnierlins188]

@@zaim_ipek my bad, misunderstood the question, and yes d10 balanced would be great for the a90d, just make sure it's got the connection possibilities you need or want.

[@carlcamper]

Yes, it does excellently. Also consider the SMSL D-6 if you want to try the new dual AKM chips for a reasonable price

[@elliotdavies3555]

IMO, losing the toggle switches is only a problem because of the poor quality/layout of the remote. Why does such a premium amplifier come with a cheap and janky remote?

[@robertfontaine3650]

It is a completely transparent amplifier just as transparent as all the other transparent amplifiera. 5 hours to listen to the same sound as the other topping amplifiers. 42 minutes. I am clearly only here for the entertainment.

[@ZReviews]

Its doing more then other Transparent Amps. How you measure that is a question I leave to others.

[@robertfontaine3650]

@@ZReviews the only difference between 1 no audible difference and another no audible difference is gain.

[@Reeeepicheep]

@@ZReviews than* ;)

[@dagnisnierlins188]

A90d has perfect channel balance.

[@alebt17]

What do you think would be better to drive HD600/650 between this and the Singxer SA-1 if looking for something relatively transparent but also avoid listening fatigue?

[@bla_ank]

They seem to be driving my 6xx comparably well. I perceive the Singxer SA-1 to be the smoother, less fatiguing option, but it's also marginally less transparent (same ballpark, though)

[@behemothinferno]

I want to pull the trigger but the only thing holding me back is the lack of button/lever to change from headphone out to preamp out while sitting at my computer desk. Can you change my Zeos?

[@Chishing0002]

hello zeos, could you compare the rebelamp , a90 and this a90d?

[@lisyachy]

Is it worth upgrading from xduoo ta-30 to this Topping A90D in terms of amplification? Thanks

[@xyanide1986]

Violectric amps have this sort of quality, but at more cost. Love my, at this point vintage, early production V200.

[@edithboozy1000]

🤡

[@xyanide1986]

@@edithboozy1000 💩💩

[@georgelin6472]

Did you run into the issue where if you unplug the 6.35mm output the amp shuts off? Or every unit they ship now have that fixed

[@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

[@fcojmado]

Just wondering... how are different Geshelli Jnog (original) and Geshelli J2 with AK4493 DAC? Does worth to buy a Jnog2 vs a Jnog? Thanks Zeos.

[@ZReviews]

Probably close enough that it doesn't matter.

[@gregoryggood]

It sounds like Topping just got rid of any need for its Pre90 preamp since the new A90D seems to do all the same functions of their Pre90 plus also being a headphone amp.

[@xzpyth]

don't forget all the good stuff that happens in the HPA happens in the pre out too ... it's insane value

[@thewaygokid3135]

I’m moving up from my ZenDAC. I plan to get an Ares 2 DAC. I wanted to hear reviews for this amp to decide if it would be a good combo. I was originally leaning towards the Singxer but fear it might be too much smooth on smooth. Seems like this might be the better balance of DAC & AMP. Any thoughts?

[@stevendavis1135]

I'm actually in the same boat. I'm upgrading my schiit magni hersey and modi 3E stack to a singxer SA-1 and I'm wondering if getting a soncoz sgd1 would pair good or would it be smooth or smooth

[@thewaygokid3135]

The sgd1 is another I would like to hear. Plus the addition of Bluetooth would be nice sometimes. Good luck!

[@FabioKasper]

Hype. Hype. Hype.

[@jody2965]

What, what, what?!? Please review the Dekoni KPH30i pads along with the KPH40 pads. I still don't know if I want to spend more for the 30i pads than the actual headphones when the differences between them and the current Ultra pads are unknown. Hell, maybe I'll just want to skip the 30i pads altogether if the new 40's are awesome.

[@ZReviews]

Releasing Soooon

[@sixtyinsix]

Topping makes excellent products. I'm still rocking my TP32.

[@oahupc4688]

I'm glad this sounds amazing but there is no excuse in the world that this does not have a lcd color display that makes it easy to program and tell you what it's set to, for this price!

[@thierryfaquet7405]

What 600$ amp has that ? Price is actually quite low for all it offers.

[@oahupc4688]

@@thierryfaquet7405 a bunch of the smsl do

[@zenstrata]

I honestly prefer the older style look on things. (I wonder if I could make a wood case for this? hmmm....)

[@TheTastefulThickness]

499 now

[@TylerD1995]

Could this is amp be paired with the GOXLR? I’m needing an amp to power a pair of Sennheiser HD 800S Headphones

[@soulfulfool]

8:33 Zeos fav volume number is 69 🤣🤣

[@gambia1011]

Not seen a 16:10 video fill my whole screen before well done

[@ZReviews]

this video format must be just for you.

[@ar_xiv]

Y’all really gotta be more clear about this being only a headphone amp. Nobody before like 2 years ago would have called this just an “amplifier” period, now I have to scroll 80% down the product page to figure that out

[@cdv9028]

you said you could save so much space if you took everything out and had 4 of the A90 discrete. why would you want / need 4 of them?

[@jasonschabler3003]

Ordered thanks Z

[@Princeton_James]

I want that with the Geishelli that you mentioned.

[@afrancois1968]

Definitely a step up from my 887.

[@MegaFabioRocks]

New Toy syndrome at Gogo!

[@aidencoder]

OH COME ON you mean I have to change my A90/D90 stack now?! Everything i've heard about the A90D seems to "fix" some of the issues I have with the A90 being a bit too ... crystaline or attacky or cold

[@dap777754]

Anyone try the A90D with HE-6 HiFiman? Sure wish Z would include this discussion. Man you jump around a lot. Talking about specific headphone pairings, then you get distracted, move on, never to return to headphone pairings.

[@allan5692]

How do you compare this with the GS X Mini, if I can afford $2k no problem should I buy the GS X over this? Thanks!

[@ZReviews]

Class A noisy warmth. This is far far FAR more linear.

[@Maver1ck911]

@@ZReviews and the SA-1 at the exact same price point?

[@DanAlexandruGheorghe]

How would you compare it to ifi Pro-iCan-Sig?

[@mobcrusher4193]

Zeos I have a 2021 lcd x should I buy this

[@hdsarma]

I would also want to know if it pairs well.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

What source is he using for these reviews? Is it a particular streamer or something?

[@ZReviews]

Foobar2000 pulling Flac across my network. Feeding out with WASAPI to a Singxer SA-6 USB to Digital converter to various DACs

[@TheWaterslideHero]

if i want to do a little(Big...) uppgrade from a schiit stack magni/modi 2. I have thought about a fiio k9 pro for an all in one setup. But after this review maybe its better to go with a good dac and this A90 cause i guess that would be better sound wise.