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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").

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

And… purchased. These retailers better love Zeos.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

That volume scaling function just sold me on this.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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..

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.

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

I appreciate Modeus in the background ✊🏼

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

So transparent the color correction of this Z review turned cool

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.

Zeos for entertainment and others for serious information ;)

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.

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.

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

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…

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...

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

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

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

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?

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 !

I love my A90. Will be picking this up.

Great review mate. Loved it.

I like sandwiches!

Hype. Hype. Hype.

Do i get this or the Fiio K9 Pro ESS?

I want that with the Geishelli that you mentioned.

Well...."best amp ever".....Im shocked 🤣

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

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.

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 🤩)

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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 :)

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

"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.

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!

8:33 Zeos fav volume number is 69 🤣🤣

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.

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

What is the best dac in your opinion?

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

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?

Cool as Penguin piss

Loving this 16:10 ratio.

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?

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?

You need to actually end the video after that statement! lol

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

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!

Definitely a step up from my 887.

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

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.

New Toy syndrome at Gogo!

Fine. I caved. The a30pro replaced the L30 at work. This lives at home.

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?

Ordered thanks Z

Nice concise 2 minute vid.

What an interesting volume you've landed on there...

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

38:39 Channelling Red Letter Media XD

Where is Audio_Gd these days?

Why is it blinking the whole time :-/ EDIT// I guess cause it was muted. Logical, but I still don't like it...

went with the Fiio K9 Pro. Did I choose right lol?

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

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?

Don’t forget to tune in next week Folks where Zeos will shrill about whatever lands on his desk next and claim it Trumps A90 and it’s the best thing since sliced bread 🧐

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

I bought it today to use as a preamp (discount on Amazon)

God damnit Z, stop spending my money! Bought the old a90 last week after the asr bros convinced me it's the same or slightly worse. Guess my ears will be the judge

This makes me want to sell my K9 ESS and go for a stack 😅

shnark +1 thank you, as always

16:45 I dont trust peuple that say "Schnark"

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

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

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?

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) …..🤷🏻‍♂️

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

Why did they call it a90 discrete, why not a99 or just something different...