Non-Affiliated link to purchase a Topping LA90: apos.audio/products/topping-la90-power-amp?_pos=2&_sid=9337ca8ec&_ss=r

@zelareka

Жыл бұрын

please review hegel p30a and h30a

@HawkFest

Жыл бұрын

Would a tube preamp be appropriate with the Topping LA90? EDIT: forgive my question pls, I haven't seen a tube preamp with XLR outputs yet

THOMAS, I APPRECIATE ALL YOUR IMPROVEMENTS IN YOUR PRODUCTION 🤗 COLOR,LIGHTING AND SOUND QUALITY 🤩🤩 plus keeping your objectivity for others individual tastes 😎💚💚💚

If you have a great measuring amp like this, you can make it sound however you want with digital treatment in a DAW with a few VST plugins and you can even correct the issues of your speakers. With the benefit of near perfect clarity and excellent dynamics. That's the beauty of it.

Great review Thomas. Simply enlightening. Thanks😊

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Great video👍👍👍 always with interesting products and interesting topics👏👏👏 you always take a slightly different approach than the other reviewers, comparing the reviewed products with your reference components is really helpful. You're storytelling helps me to understand the relative differences on product comparisons and sometimes funny too😁😁😁

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

Great conversation Thomas. Love how you piece the audio journey together so simply for folks. Also love that you keep bringing new items for enthusiasts to consider. Kinda wish you would have really crossed the line and put the Schiit Freya Plus with the LA90 ☺👍

@seanb3303

Жыл бұрын

Nobody pieces together the audio journey as simply as yourself 😉

@2ChannelListening

Жыл бұрын

@@seanb3303 *BLUSHING* ☺

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Would be nice if I can get my hands on one.

This is great! Your take is really on point.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

Hi Thomas, I really like you are honest about how your preferences have changed through your audio Journey. It mirrors mine in many ways. From Focal to Vandersteen , tubes to solid state. Love you reviews. Montreal, Quebec. Still people are slow to understand how important the room is. 😞

Thomas covey more info in his intro than other people in the whole review..... Love the "who is it for" and "not for" 👋👋

Warmth, soundstage and that the system envelopes me with heavenly music

This to me a great review because of it clarifying something for me. While acknowledging the awesome measurements (objective performance) it puts into perspective the subjective elements that go with it. So very educational and enlightening. I can appreciate that at least for amps, the the subjective is as important as the objective. I would love to continue to develop my ear to where I could make this level of subjective distinctions in sound quality. On the other hand, I'm still not there for speaker cables. 🤨

Great review! Your reasoning is always so grounded and well considered, and I try to tune in when there's a video. This is my price range, and I've been considering the Schiit Vidar 2 to replace my PS Audio Sprout together with some kind of preamps I am yet to figure out. I don't dislike the Sprout, but I have outgrown it with my speakers and it is the bottleneck of my system.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

🙋‍♂️GREETINGS THOMAS,THANKS 🙏 FOR SHARING THIS WITH US 💚💚💚

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Thank you too

Great video BTW, excellent analogies on amplifier sound characteristics and personal preference. You have a very pragmatic approach in your analysis of products - Very much appreciated. I've got a very detailed Olasonic Nano Campo UA1 integrated amp who's internal DAC was a bit harsh with the matching Nano CD1 Cd Transport set to 16/44.1K. There's an option for the CD1 to provide an 'Over Sampled Frequency' via SPDIF of 88.2K or 96K. I found that the 88.2K 'OSF' provided the smoothest sound signature. The amplifier presentation was still slightly bright using modern speakers. My solution was to get some slightly darker sounding vintage A/D/S L300c speakers. The balance of Bright vs. Dark yielded a surprisingly musical presentation. I later made a powered subwoofer using an A/D/S 7" woofer in a 1 cubic foot sealed enclosure to provide an octave and a half of lower bass, which completed the musicality trick.

나이쓰 앰프 ^^ 소개 감사합니다 ^^ 앞으로도 이런 장비 많이 소개해 주세요 ^^

Always wanted to know what partnering components would work well with this amp. Limited, due to only balanced inputs. Wonderfully put together put together review, as always!

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Oof, sound demo sounds bright, congested, and completely strangled! I know it's just a recording of speakers played through KZread and then my headphones etc. etc., but I've heard this song demoed on other setups on this channel before...guess it could also be the speakers? Might be fun if there was always a comparison setup to hear in a given video (different amp or DAC on the same speakers), since with so many things between us and your listening room, a comparison is maybe the most useful. Feel free to completely ignore this request haha, it's your channel! Fun video. On the topic of preferences and their evolution, I'm totally with you, when I first got into HiFi stuff I was super interested in detail retrieval / separation and not much else, because you revel in how much new stuff you can hear! Interestingly though, I've found that once you have heard a particular detail, if you know it's there and listen for it on less resolving gear, you can usually still hear it, it just may not be as far forward / obvious in the mix. For me that super forward and dry/clinical type of presentation got old pretty quickly, now I'm more interested in smooth / realistic sounding setups with big sound staging capability. I do still love my detail retrieval & separation / clarity, it's just not priority #1 anymore.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Ah, imagine if I paired it with a Topping D90SE DAC instead.

You came to a similar conclusion as I did. However, I used it with an Ayre Acoustics preamp to power my Maggies in a smallish room. It was superb.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! You should review my TS120!

Excellent review as always Thomas. Im curious if this would add some livelyness to speakers like Harbeth.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Probably.

It looks like those old push button light switches you'd find in old unit blocks, the ones that slowly pop back out and turn the lights off giving you just enough time to get to the next button ☺️

The benchmark amp is dang accurate too!

@frankgeeraerts6243

Жыл бұрын

Nothing is acccurate in the hearing experience, nor in the recording, processing and mastering .............to the reproducing source, amplifier and the whole system including the listening room and the volume setting....................

So, your feeling is its dry while checking all spec's, but lacking in soul. Hugs and welcome back....

Seems like a good amp if you want to keep things simple. Streamer + Denafrips Ares or Cambridge Audio CXN straight into LA90 and a pair of Golden Ear speakers would give you a really streamlined, unfussy system. Maybe not the most romantic system but would definitely let you hear the music without much editorializing.

Interesting topic on mixing gear. I have the A90d/D90le and was going to get either a Vidar 2 or the A90. I think using the A90d as a preamp driven by the D90le, it may be too analytical. Vidar 2 may be the way to go.

"There is almost no bad sounding gear today"... the a bold statement Sir.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

After trying over 100 amps, over 100 speakers, 100 whatever...that is what I realized. Only a handful are bad...

Hey Thomas are you interested in reviewing Martin Logan Motion XT F100 or F200 , I'm looking forward to see that how they compare with your other high end speakers,Love your channel,your video have educated so much people in their audio journey, all the best cheers !

This amp replaced SMSL VMV A1 in my main setup. A1 had more soul in it but was a little weak for Kef R3. Now A1 is used in my desktop setup as it’s really special and I want it to stay with me. And to complement LA90 I ordereg Gustard R26 which should be good match for it, I hope. Waiting for it to arrive.

@siamxiii

Жыл бұрын

In the end - it’s all about synergy and system as a whole.

@siamxiii

Жыл бұрын

@@r423sdex See no reason to change them.

The LA90 is the quintessential example of measurements versus sound quality. I have an LA90 and I find it very revealing, but a bit thin and dry compared to some of my other amps. The numbers aren’t everything, color and distortion can sound good. I have chased after the numbers in the past, and I ended up with a sterile sounding system that didn’t draw me into my music. It’s like you said Thomas, do you want to listen to your system or do you want to listen to your music? I say go with what makes the music sound good. If your system makes you want to listen to just one more song, you’re on the right track. Side note: Tone controls would really help the LA90. If you could warm it up a bit, it would be awesome. So glad you included tone controls on the Galion Thomas. Thanks for another great video

@BobTrainor

Жыл бұрын

@@r423sdex That’s kind of the point, measurements don’t always translate into the sound you like best. The reproduction maybe perfect, spot on, but maybe you like it better when you turn on the loudness button. What I was trying to say is measurements are a great place to start but just because one piece of gear measures better than another doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll like it better. And in the end you should listen to what you like. If you like the LA90 enjoy. I like to keep it for comparison. I enjoy something with a little more bloom in the mid range. But that’s just me.

@BobTrainor

Жыл бұрын

@@r423sdex I have a Willsenton R8 with upgraded tubes(Golden Lion KT88s), Topping LA90, and a 1972 Pioneer SX 9000 receiver. I also have a Douk Little Bear A/B switch. I Love that thing. Let’s you switch with the click of the remote from 1 amp to another & between 2 pairs of speakers as well. Let’s you really hear the difference between 2 amps. What amp are you using?

@4thewin759

Жыл бұрын

Careful, Amir from ASR might hear you

@BobTrainor

Жыл бұрын

@@4thewin759 Lol That’s funny! I love Amir’s channel too.

@4thewin759

Жыл бұрын

@@BobTrainor I think it's helpful to see measurements. Not helpful in helping me pick out audio gear that sounds good.

Top 💯🙏

Nice video, appreciate your subjective neutral approach to describing sound. Now looking to the Vidar more and more. Would you review the new Vidar? Vidar could be the main amp as you change speakers up to the Magnepan - based on reviews though !

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

I am chatting with Schiit right now and am considering asking them to send me one. Will see how it goes.

@francisdelacruz6439

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo It's going to be a Schitty day for a Schitty review, hahaha. Sooner than later....Getting back slowly to audio from powered speakers hopefully to a Triangle br02 and maybe an LRS Plus space permitting and that points maybe to the Vidar if your on a budget.

With a frequency response of +or- .2 db I think any brightness is an action or reaction to the speaker’s crossover and drivers. Variations this small are not audible just the same as.0001% distortion. Should check the damping factor. Tubes & transformers are probably smoother cause of the damping factor won’t overload a Xover’s limitations.

Thomas Would you pair the LA90 more with JBL Studio 530 or with KEF LS50 Meta?

Used with a good tube preamp it will sound awesome. If you use it with the pre90...it's only if you are mixing music....if that's the case one might as well buy a pair genelec monitor speakers

I think the LA90 might be a good match for my speakers. My speakers a bit on the polite side up top, might be just the right kick in the tweeter here.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, might be your anwser.

@athathsonty2925

Жыл бұрын

Nope. Nothing to do with Politeness : Topping is not Musical.

adding a tube preamp or tube buffer may be a good complement with the amp.

@frankgeeraerts6243

Жыл бұрын

Maybe ...and sometimes it may work that way .......but in my experience in most cases it is or was ...........WISHFULL THINKING ............where the brain imagines what the result would logicaly be , but the experienced emotions will tell you the truth ,

@simoncheung527

Жыл бұрын

@@frankgeeraerts6243 yes, you are right. Most of the time it depends. But I did try using tube buffer (6922 tube)and match with a D amplifier. It really make the sound turns more to the so call "warm side". I know someone will jump up to say it is distortion. But in my term, it is more musical!😂

@ThomasAndStereo do you know if i need 2 La90 to make it a proper stereo sound or i can use it just one as any other amplifier? thanks

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

You only need one for stereo.

Here's the amp I am using and is my reference - AkitikA GT-104. It is a kit ($425 shipped) OR you can buy it assembled and tested ($625 shipped). And there is a connection to the LA90 - which uses an TI LM3886 (or similar), and the predecessor to the GT-104 called the GT-102 - used this same output chip. The GT-104 is a discrete Class A/B amp - that is *far* better than the Schiit Vidar (which I own) and better than the B&K ST-140 (which was my amp for 35+ years). In fact, the AkitikA GT-104 is significantly better than the "combination" of the Vidar and the ST-140 - the dynamics and musicality and detail and soundstage - every quality is *wonderful* in the AkitikA. It is 60W/ch @ 4 ohms and 30W+ @ 8 ohms, and you can double that with two GT-104 amps in parallel mode. Oh - the AkitikA amps *look* like kit amps - they are sturdy enough, but completely mundane.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Nice, thanks for sharing.

I'm really happy with an emotiva 2-channel "baby" amp, basx a100 I think? It's a bit long, and it auto-shuts off too much for taste for my desktop...but it does plenty well when I run the Yamaha receiver pre-outs into it. As a wise person--wise guy? :)--has probably already said...just eq it when you do it. Here's an upthumb for the tour.

I would love to hear the 3 brands for comparison Advane Paris Myconnect 250 ....Anthem and AVM 90 ... Vincent SV-700

Thanks, Thomas for a great review. You are one of the minority of reviews who can acknowledge the importance of personal preference in one's selection of components. Listeners don't come a whole lot *older* than me so ... I mildly resent your suggestion that we, older listeners, prefer a softer sound. I have about 55 years of audio under my belt and I lean to the maximum clarity and transparency. Why clarity and transparency? Because in case of "best" recordings components with those qualities bring out their maximum potential. (So what do I mean by "best recordings"? I mean those that I have always found to have the greatest "air" and transparency regardless of the equipment I'm using. Perhaps I especially value those record qualities because I'm mainly a Classical music listener.) BTW and IMHO "musicality" I equate with relatively high 2nd and/or 3rd order harmonics. So my tip for those looking at for that quality is to study measurements with that sort of distortion spectrum -- an example would be the Schiit Aegir. FWIW, I use a Topping D90 DAC ahead of Sonic Frontiers Line 1 preamp ahead of a Purifi-based amp. If you like, the SF tube preamp adds just a little "musicality" to the chain.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Bill for sharing this. I personally like 2nd order harmonics.

Would have liked a a/b with the Vidar2 and your current range of price appropriate speakers

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Maybe I will.

How does this compare with SA3+PA3 combo from Iotavx if you remember those anymore? :D I might want to change to tube-pre and a solid-state power. With Revel F206s btw, great speakers.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

For a $5000 speaker, if you plan on changing the amp, I would suggest going higher end.

@stensarapuu5208

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo I got those for 2k as part of clearance sale in a local hifi store :D

Great presentation. True confessions. I don't care for your demo track. But it serves the purpose of showing differences between systems and I understand that it does not demonetize your video so we get to continue to be entertained and informed. The point? I disliked the demo song even more on this amp, but I also felt I likely heard the track in all its glory. Is it me or was the bass very thin?

@barkatthemoonlunatic1715

Жыл бұрын

You're not hearing the track in all it's glory when it is a recording of a playback in a persons room coming from his speakers and then played back by through youtube on your amp and your speakers.

@user-od9iz9cv1w

Жыл бұрын

@@barkatthemoonlunatic1715 Agreed. To understand exactly how that process plays out, I record my own system on my android phone and upload it to KZread. I actually find it a useful way to A/B test changes made to the system. It is not the same as being there, but it does actually show what's going on and to some extent removes the tricks your mind can play when you make a change and want to hear an improvement. I also use a demo of a benchmark system and use the same track to objectively compare. What does it have or lack that my system has. Quite revealing.

Hi Thomas, Love your channel. I just bought my husband a pair of KLH 5 just to find out that he would need an AMP or PreAmp to hook up with his record player. Do you have any recommendation for under 2k.....Thanks. He is most likely use it to listen to his old Jazz record.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

At $2k, you are better off buying an integrated amp. If he has a record player, you would want that integrated amp with a PHONO stage too.

@daphnetwu

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo Do you have any of those that you would recommend? Since I dont know much about it. I listen to your channel and know you would need a comparable one to your speaker to bring out the best of your speaker.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

@@daphnetwu It is not easy to have an integrated amp with a phono stage (unless he already has an external one) for under $2k that can bring out the best from the KLH. Most integrated amps under $2k are just ok, you do however best to get a subwoofer with the KLH5. So more like spending $1500 on an integrated amp and $500 to $600 on a subwoofer. The reason is KLH 5 is a sealed design and unless you have a lot of power, the bass on the KLH5 is not really dynamic so you would ideally have a subwoofer to go with it. I think for Jazz, the subwoofer will help with the low notes.

@daphnetwu

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereowhat integrate amp you would recommend for 1500? Or above 2k which integrate amp would you recommend?

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

@@daphnetwu Nothing comes off top of my head, that is why I did not recommend anything. Sorry. There are many integrated amps or even separates on the market, but when I recommend something, it has to have amazing synergy and I have not tried the KLH5 with any $1500 integrated amp that I would wholeheartedly recommend with the KLH 5.

Hi Thomas Which Lii speakers you recommend ?

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

You should ask Loic from the hificave, he is the expert.

rumor has it that schitt may be developing a cd transport.would be great if that will happen.

I've been thinking of picking up an la90 to pair with a set of ls3/5a's. Thoughts?

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

I have zero idea how it will pair, sorry.

It would be interesting to hear your opinion on Benchmark AHB2 amplifier. It measues well too but I wonder how does it sound? 🤷🏻‍♂️ Thanks

@ThomasAndStereo

5 ай бұрын

I am curious too.

Ha! I've been trying for a dozen years to switch to digital amplifiers. I've tried a slew of them. NONE have made music like my BEL 1001 Class A amplifier. I'll stick with old school thank you.

How would you think the LA90 would compare against the equally impressive measuring Benchmark AHB2, which is almost twice the price?

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

I don't know, I have never heard the AHB2.

I sold high end audio for many years. When customers mentioned specs or measurements, I would ask them what a spec sounds like ...

Those input sockets look like 'pro' gear sockets - they can take a 1/4 inch jack in the middle and if you use a stereo jack rather than TRS you will just connect neg and earth - same as a xlr to se converter.

Hello Thomas, I need your expertise :) I have sold my Linn Selekt catalyst but still have my Vincent 237 amp and my Harbets 30.2 XD. Which dac with streamer would you buy for it, with or without built-in amp doesn't matter, I've saved up and eaten noodles for a while so I can pay between 5000-10000 euros, your thoughts if you can bear it would be important for me to hear : )

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

My question would be more like, what do you wish there is more in your setup. If you say detail, then you would look for a DAC that is known for detail. At the price you are looking at, you need to customize the purchase to get the max out of your money.

6:26 It also accepts TRS inputs!

I heard very good things about the LA90. Apparently, it has better designed and optimize circuitry than other more famous, higher pedigree amps.

Recommended amp for LS50?

Hi Thomas Which open baffle is the best I would like to buy Pure Audio Project or Lii Leonidas Extreme or ......??? What is your opinion Please help me to make decision Thanks

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

I have only heard Liionidas and not pure audio so I don't know.

@mariuszs9263

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks So what is your opinion about Lii Leonidas Extreme. Are they sound great I'm looking for perfection for my three units GM 70 amps Sincerely Mariusz

Is this the LA90 or the LA90 Descrete? Never mind, I see that the Descrete has a decal on he front.

sorry...had you confused with another...so it seems you prefer the Arcam over the Anthem... I am looking to replace my Marantz model 40n for my 2.1 ...wanting to do 2.2 later...I don't need all the channels for mucho surround setup...I'm so confused watching so many reviews...not any good 2 channel setups with hdmi arc...I am able to stream my tv, movies , tidal and apple from Android TV box and airplay from iPhone...so I don't need a streamer... my LG Oled has optical and HDMI eArc...I like the sound of the new hybrid Vincent SV-737 however there is no HDMI eArc, only optical...if you understand and have some advice...much appreciation ! There's probably a million people just like me not needing all the channels of the AVM and AVR's but they have the HDMI's that we need🤪

finally put to rest that this amp is not for ME2! Thank you!

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

What was the deal breaker?

Extreme low THD usually means massive feedback loops. Good steady state testing but not good for sound! 60VDC, 4A? 60x4=240W max consumption from the PS for both channels and all other circuits. If you could deliver that full 4Amps to a single 8 ohm load (I^2R=P) you get a max of 128W. Now add the 2nd channel and all other circuitry.

Thomas, I have to ask you why you havent tested the best streamer and dac for the money on the world. Linn Selekt katalyst or the Organik ? ❤❤❤

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Just waiting for them to reach out to me.

From what I understand, you are a focal lover. Would you be so kind as to advise me on speakers and an amp? I was attracted by the Aria 906 for their quality but from what I understand, the quality of the bass is not at the top without a subwoofer, while, however, I listen to almost all styles of pop, rock to metal, reggae etc. So the bass is very important for me, but the clarity also etc, so my question is the following. What can you advise me as a combo speaker and amp from focal that would be much better and that is always Bookshelf speakers

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

I personally like their older Focal speakers, the 1008BE was pretty good as the bass is heavier. See if you can find a used pair.

@alexdenton6586

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo I just saw your review of the speaker from CSS, if I have to choose between this and the focal brand without looking at the price you would advise me what?

@alexdenton6586

Жыл бұрын

I am asking mainly because if it is worth it, I may consider buying the Focal Aria 906 speakers. Due to the price, they cost around $2000 in the USA but in France, they can be found new for €590 ($636) per pair. However, if the CSS speakers are much better, I would be more inclined to pay the difference in price.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

@@alexdenton6586 One is bright, one is dark. Choose which side of the force you want. People who love detailed bright sparkling speakers will hate smooth, rolled off speakers and vice versa. I mean, it is completely opposite

@alexdenton6586

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo As a newcomer to the world of hi-fi, I have been doing my own research to find an amplifier that is compatible with the Criton 1-TDX loudspeakers. I think prefer speakers that produce a smooth sound, as I find that it is less fatiguing to listen to for extended periods of time. After reviewing various options, I have compiled a list of several amplifiers that are maybe compatible with the Criton 1-TDX loudspeakers : 1. Yamaha A-S701 2. Marantz PM6006 3. Onkyo A-9010 4. Denon PMA-600NE In your opinion, are these good options or is it not enough, in terms of power, etc.?

Thomas I had two emotiva xp monoblocks with the smps power supply and found the same thing, lifeless, it's the smps

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I noticed SMPS has no kick, I mentioned that in my Burson monoblock review. There are exceptions now. This LA90, I was expecting the same when it comes to dynamics, but it was actually not bad for a 50w.

Did you happen to try the LA90 with the CSS 1TD-X Critons?

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Nope, sorry.

@fadofado1727

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo Given your experience, do you think they would be a good pairing?

A photo reference drawing is impressive “ it’s like a photo!” But it lacks the beauty of looser paintings like a John Singer Sargent or Monet.

Something like a Topping D30 Pro Dac would likely be a great match. or maybe a Topping E70 Velvet…

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Not a bad idea

Hello, anyone can confirm it is possible to use it just one as mono or the sound will be affected? i mean it is meant to work as stereo with 2 amplifiers or 1 can do everything?

There’s many audio characteristics there are no measurements for…air, instrument separation, soundstage and soundstage size, leading and trailing edges, balance, forward vs easy going, synergy with the rest of the system, shall I go on?

Aren't those combo connectors on the back? TRS/XLR?

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I think so.

The successor LA90D is amazing. Possibly the clearest amp in existance. Powerful? NO, two bridged amps (One per speaker) is the answer for most speakers, and that only goes so far...

I have a theory that when people say an amplifier, or in fact any component is analytical or too revealing, they are actually criticising the recording not the component. If a component reveals too much, it’s basically transparent and telling the truth. Which means it is presenting everything that was recorded. Ergo, the recording is the problem.

How can amp be “too transparent”? It’s either fully transparent or it’s introducing distortion

You will soon become the best hifi conman in America!

@ThomasAndStereo

6 ай бұрын

If I can be, I will be rich, not a bad idea.

@GeirRssaak

6 ай бұрын

Dear Thomas! I was a bit criticical, but I basically like your reviews! Merry Christmas and greetings from geir Røssaak, jessheim Norway!

@ThomasAndStereo

6 ай бұрын

@@GeirRssaak 😊 Thanks and happy holidays.

I ordered an A1 over this. I just made sure my speakers, in this case Klipsch RP600MIIs work with it. I still use my 4-5 year old SMSL VMV D1 for my DAC.

@siamxiii

7 ай бұрын

Have both LA90, D1SE and A1. A1 is so much better. Seemingly far less powerful, but drives Kef R3 better, although is not powerful enough to really disclose it’s full potential.

I like the way you incorporate broader discussions about audio into specific device reviews. Extreme detail can be fun, but I don't like it all the time. It feels more like a novelty to me than a representation of how sound actually sounds out in the world. I've played instruments my whole life. I've heard real instruments, both electric and acoustic, in a variety of real spaces a bazillion times. For me, the holy grail of audio is the illusion of sound being "real." To what extent can I close my eyes, and the sound can trick my imagination into believing the sound is coming from musicians and not speakers? I don't find that ultra-optimized THD+N is necessarily the top factor in making that happen.

So LA90 with D90 and Focal speakers maybe too much of a good thing?

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

I tried it with my Focal 1008BE and too much for me.

@RennieAsh

Жыл бұрын

It's likely the Focal sound. They just have that mix of lovely airy detail but sometimes can sound slightly harsh. I guess they could go well with tube amps.

Would you recommend this amp for full size 90db sensivity speakers?

@ThomasAndStereo

2 ай бұрын

Sensitivity is not an issue at 90db, it is more the 'analytical' sound that is to your taste or not.

@Overlordick

2 ай бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo I think that's what I need, because my second sound system is tube amp + paper cone speakers - very soft sound. So I want something different. But wondering how to connect phono preamp. Can I just bought cable rca-slr? Or it wouldn't work? As for DAC I have fiio k9 pro. I think it would fit, it have slr outputs

About to review Vidar 2 ampwith Noval Pre Amp. But Just got in my Xlr female to Rca Male cables, curious if they sound better than rca to rca 😆 Thanks Thomas

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Very nice!

@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo Just want to see if i can hear a difference instead of rca to rca - I think Zeos (Zreviews) likes the Topping la90 amp alot

@AT-wl9yq

Жыл бұрын

There is no difference. The new cable you bought is an RCA cable. If it sounds different, it will because the cable itself sounds different than what you are used to. It will have nothing to do with the xlr connector at one end. That said, you still have to be careful. "XLR" cables are typically used to connect 2 pieces of balanced equipment. Balanced operation and single ended operation are not compatible. However, there are different ways a component can be balanced, and there are different ways a balanced component can be wired. You will not get the same results every time you mix them with single ended components. This post can get very long, so be aware that a lot of details are left out. If you have already plugged the cables into your system and it sounds OK, then leave it. Just understand that the xlr end of the cable is doing nothing more than a regular rca cable. And if the component has rca connectors, as well, its always safer to just use those. If you plug the cable in and get a loud noise, stop and remove the cable. You're crossing wires and creating a short circuit. If you haven't connected the cables, check the owners manual to see if there are any special instructions or procedures for using the xlr outputs. If you don't see 2 sets of specs listed for xlr (balanced) and rca (single ended), and no warnings, the cable you bought should be OK. If the manual has 2 sets of specs, and the component is capable of running in balanced mode, do whatever it says to do in the manual. Most likely there will be a way to switch between single ended and balanced outputs. Follow the instructions and you won't have a problem. As for sound quality, in order to hear any type of difference, or improvements in sound, some requirements have to be met. The cable itself has to be balanced. That means you need at least a 3 conductor connector on each end of the cable (xlr, trs, din, etc...), and each of the 3 pins has to be connected to its own, separate conductor. The 2 components you are connecting, not only have to be capable of running in balanced operation, they must be operating in balanced mode. Quite often you'll have a choice for compatibility reasons. So, if you don't have 2 balanced components both running in balanced mode, and connect them with a balanced cable, the end result will always be an unbalanced connection, which is identical to using a pair of rca cables.

@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120

Жыл бұрын

@@AT-wl9yq i heard no sonic differences i tested out with my burson dac to my Yamaha Integrated amp - (As-1100) I a/b tested - afterwork last night

@AT-wl9yq

Жыл бұрын

@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 Of course you didn't hear a difference. You didn't make any changes to the system. There's nothing to AB.

It's possible the preamps are supplying too much voltage to the la90 and distorting the input stage making the high end sound harsh.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

I was using a Topping Pre 90, I would assume they build it to work together without supplying too much voltage.

Some of the best measuring equipment I've owned has been the most boring. Because of the 2nd hand connections I have to the music business ( Verve-UMG) I've had access to some of the best studio equipment going as far back as the Uni-Sync brand of the 80"s to some new Benchmark stuff. Studios daisy chain the stuff over and over so an engineer can hear even the slightest deviation from "perfection". The sound is extremely accurate but sterile. I asked an engineer what he listened to at home (pre pandemic). He used Devore Fidelity O/96 speakers and lots of KT88 tubes. Decidedly imperfect measuring stuff. At the beginning of My audiophile journey I sought resolution and clarity, as my palate became more sophisticated, I looked for that horrible cliche term, musicality.

@rockmusicvideoreviewer896

Жыл бұрын

So you would prefer a recording played through a an inaccurate system rather than the live performance. ok

When I went down my headphone journey years ago I realized I often hated the "audiophile" approved headphones. Often too thin and bright for my liking. Musical is where I need sound to be. I rather have Bose than many of the audiophile recommendations out there.

Schiit's stuff is known to take a dump on you suddenly! As an engineer here's my opinion. Get 2x LA90 amplifiers and call it for the power amp search, if you can afford then go for 2 x Benchmark AHB2. Now for pre amp or euphonic distortion then get a good tube pre amp(not Schiit freya). May be even a good tape deck and equalizer and add your own low end harmonics.

@rjbean13

Жыл бұрын

I can second this. I bought a schiit Freya plus for cmas. It lasted a whole three weeks before it popped. It's been longer sent away for repair then the time I've owned it. I'm disappointed to say the least. I'd love recommendations of a tube pre amp that isnt wallet busting. Does such a thing exist?

@stackoverflow8260

Жыл бұрын

@@rjbean13 I'm not a big fan of tubes but if you want a tube sound then try a Tube vitalizer from SPL audio and it will do many more things apart from that tube sound. You can even try a cassette deck that is single well, 3 head, bias and level adjustment capable. Get a cheap scope and characterize a cassette by sending a few sine waves from 50hz to 15khz. Use EQ just a bit (2db) at 50hz, 2.5khz, 15khz and you will be surprised how they can sound. Just don't fall for these incompetent reviewers and hokum claims about gear.

I wonder how Thomas would compare the Sabaj A30a to the Topping LA90.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

The LA90 is sharper and brighter, sparkles more. The A30a is warmer and smoother sounding.

@barkatthemoonlunatic1715

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo Do you mean "more accurate"?

Thanks Thomas , Schiit vidar 2 has a 5 year warranty hard to beat and no cheap chinese componetes inside 😃 made in 🇺🇸 Love to compare the Topping vs vidar 2 and run them both for a month str8 - 😃 Purposely trying to overheat both amps Like i did with the Doge 10 hell the tubes/fuses blew 1st in the Doge I must admit i couldn't believe the chinese built Doge amp held up so good for 3 years kind of crazy but hell of protection circuitry and componetes inside - Topping looks light weight means lack of heat sink for heat dissipation but i never judge a book by its cover ! But i do love warm bass netural mids and sweet cool highs 😃

No sub output, How to connect to subwoofer?

Too much prominence in the upper mids and lower highs does bother me. I've heard amps that display this and for me it doesn't work with speakers that I typically like to listen to. I think amps can still provide a mostly neutral sound and still be very resolving and transparent. A little boost in the low end helps as long as the bass is tight and not flabbly or syrupy sounding (ex., MF m2si). I have heard alot of amps, some sounding relatively alike but others significant;y different in frequency response, resolution, smoothness, grain, the list goes on. Perhaps we'd like to believe that an amplified signal should not have any sound characteristics other than what is in the recording and source player, but that isn't reality.

@klepp19

Жыл бұрын

Before you make this statement I hope your speakers are measuring good too!

@samza9622

Жыл бұрын

It's all about that synergy never forget that when on your quest for best audio. Also eq does wonders!!!

Hi I am looking for a class d amp with a sub out that has integrated cross over.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Buchardt i150

my best musicality is a 'home grown' crop - works for me :) ...

@sbwlearning1372

Жыл бұрын

😁😁Always the best "component" to improve any stereo

It seems to me that it lacks high frequency extension, sparkle and freshness.

Comparing its THD percentage to odds of winning lottery was 😂

Does KZread hifi ever heard of DAC brands like CraneSong, SOtM, Weiss Engeneering, Mytek, SPL etc ? Since years every DAC video is about the same brands SMSL, Topping, Schiit etc…. I realy like and watch all of your videos but i dont understand the repetition in DAC Reviews

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

We do but they don't reach out to us.

those are universal inputs. They accept XLR, TRS, or unbalanced 1/4 inch cables.

Ahahahahahaha... Sometimes I think.. James Hong has nothing on you... "I like Amps that weighs like a refrigerator...but my back says it likes amps light as a marshmallow~" I love the Design Esthetic, however I can't hang with the interconnects...

It's not hard to beat a vidar 1 in power and resolve. I had a vidar 1, and used the Chesky demo disc. The Vidar smoothed away ambient detail and that made it on the vague and soft side for me. Great if you are not into detail and want a softer/warmer presentation.

For solid state amplification it is preferred to have at least 700 watts RMS into 8 ohms.

perfect amp for amir 🤣

People still not realizing nfb leads to overdamped sound.

All topping dac and amp I have heard lack depth in dynamics and imaging... they love a crappy wall of sound... your recorded sample show this again with LA90

@sbwlearning1372

Жыл бұрын

I mean 50 watts a channel ........??? Really ??

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

I see, maybe not a good match with what you have?

@RennieAsh

Жыл бұрын

It's funny that people think they can hear the difference in an amp after it's been played through speakers, in someone's room, then recorded, processed and uploaded to KZread, then played back through another amp, and different set of speakers/headphones. And likely the comparison recording will have different speakers, mic not in exactly the same spot etc.

@sbwlearning1372

Жыл бұрын

@@RennieAsh This is preposterous isn't it? A strange human quality . Before I bought my dad his first real hifi he used to ask me to hold the phone to the speakers so he could "hear it" when I bought a new component!! Once he'd had his own and upgraded a few times we sat and laughed at how pointless his request was 😀

@rockmusicvideoreviewer896

Жыл бұрын

@@RennieAsh That's why S. Gutenberg never plays music on his channel

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.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

But technology improves.

@philb-ze8sz

Жыл бұрын

Yes, But power supplies remain key, improvements in gear can also be looked at as having a powerful power supply. That never changed and in 40 years in this hobby, I've heard many so-called good bargain gear, small in stature and it sounded that way, very clear but thin, with little midbass and full bottom end, and all music at the bottom and midbass support the mids on up. You just have to open one up and look at the power supply. Watts is one thing high current is another, the old saying is watts can be cheap current cannot. Not putting the topping down for the money might be nice. But this giant killer BS is just that. Of course, it would depend on the rest of your system, so that is a given and budget.