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Topping LA90 Power Amplifier

Posted on by Steven Stone

Very sometimes, buying a part is the hardest a part of writing the evaluate. Usually, that’s not the case. Most occasions, one telephone name to the proper individual at a producer or distributor will begin a evaluate in movement, with the part arriving at an agreed-upon time. But with Topping issues haven’t been really easy. Unlike most producers who’re primarily based in nations apart from the United States, Topping has no U.S. distributor. Instead, all Topping merchandise are shipped instantly from China by way of DHL; the corporate has no bodily presence within the U.S. Instead, it depends on Internet retailers corresponding to Amazon and Apos Audio to deal with U.S. gross sales. So, as an alternative of sending out evaluate samples, Topping assigns that activity to its retailers. And whereas my contact at Apos Audio assured me a number of occasions that I used to be “on the checklist” to obtain a Topping LA90, after many emails forwards and backwards over greater than a month, I used to be nonetheless no nearer to getting a unit in my fingers for evaluate. That’s what occurs when there are too few evaluate samples on the market on this planet.

I can depend on one hand the variety of occasions I’ve bought a part earlier than I accomplished writing and delivering a evaluate. The Topping DA90 SE was the primary in a lot of years. I additionally broke down and bought the primary of the 2 Topping LA90s I’ve in my possession. (Why two? Read on.)

It was an impulse buy. I used to be perusing The Music Room’s choices (it’s a web-based retailer which makes a speciality of used and refurbished high-performance audio), and I got here throughout a “like-new” Topping LA90 for $794. Out of curiosity I went to the Apos web site to see what the present new value was. At this level, I used to be stunned when Apos Audio’s price-match AI introduced me with a value of $804 as an alternative of the same old new value of $899. So…I purchased it. Five days later it arrived.

After a few days listening to it in my nearfield system, I contacted Apos Audio to see if Topping provided an business lodging for a second LA90 and its PRE90. They did. But not like corporations that use brick-and-mortar retailers, Topping’s pricing doesn’t enable for the same old 40% or 50% low cost off checklist value. They provided a 15% low cost. I took it. A second LA90 and a PRE90 arrived per week later.

Topping LA90 Power Amplifier rear

The Question of Reviewer Bias

All my readers are human (I hope), and as people all of us have our private biases. As a reviewer I’m properly conscious of my very own predilections. In the introductory video I did not too long ago for The Absolute Sound’s YouTube channel, I enumerated a number of of them. Another bias I have to acknowledge is that I’ve a special degree of attachment to and affection for parts I personal versus ones which have been loaned for evaluate. It’s the primordial mine versus not-mine, I suppose…and since I do know myself properly sufficient to acknowledge my inclination, I counter it by being much more crucial of parts I personal than of ones which can be loaned for evaluate. Does that degree the enjoying area? Maybe, however be forewarned that I’ll take some additional house to notice all the LA90’s potential shortcomings.

Tech Tour

The Topping LA90 amplifier ranks as distinctive for a number of causes. The first cause it’s particular is that not like most new energy amplifier designs from China and elsewhere, the LA90 is an Old School Class AB linear amp as an alternative of a Class D or different digital variation thereof. Given its extraordinary specs, I inquired in regards to the nature of the design by way of suggestions. The response from Topping’s design workforce (routed via Apos Audio) was that “the suggestions construction is just like [that of] our headphone amplifiers. The S/N determine is obtained via cautious designs of energy provide, resistor decisions, and different fundamentals of design goodness.” Well, okay, then…

The LA90 has extra changes than your run-of-the-mill energy amplifier. You can change the achieve from 9.5dB to 19.5dB by way of a change on the again of the amplifier. This change places a resistor in entrance of the principle amplifier stage. Why would you wish to decrease the achieve? Depending in your preamplifier’s achieve, it’s possible you’ll discover that the decrease achieve places the preamplifier’s output right into a extra linear area.

Even 19.5dB of achieve is on the low facet for an influence amplifier. Most are likely to hover round 26dB, and a few just like the Clones Audio 25P ship 30dB of achieve. When you couple the achieve with the facility output, which relying on whose numbers you employ sits between 50 and 60 watts per channel in stereo into 8 ohms, you will have what most would take into account a lower-power amplifier, particularly when in comparison with the facility amplifier choices from Krell or Boulder.

One solution to get the LA90 as much as a extra respectable energy output is to transform it from a stereo amplifier right into a mono amplifier; each channels could be bridged collectively to make an amplifier able to 180 watts into 8 ohms, in response to producer’s specs. Now you will have two mono energy amplifiers able to driving most medium-sensitivity loudspeakers efficiently.

Inexpensive parts (something below $1000) often come within the equal of a plain brown wrapper—an oblong black or silver-metal undertaking field. The LA90 avoids that pitfall. Its chassis is made of 5 separate CNC-machined aluminum sections (they don’t name it billet aluminum although, like billet, it’s machined slightly than solid), designed to permit for max thermal circulate, in order that as an alternative of a fan or strong high-mass heatsinks, the LA90 makes use of slotted warmth fins that enable for air circulate in a approach that strong heatsinks can’t.

Topping may be very a lot a “numbers store,” by which I imply it prides itself on the excellent specs its merchandise ship. Even its least costly DAC has numbers any high-end producer would envy. The LA90 boasts a complete harmonic distortion and noise (THD+N) of 0.00008% at 20 watts into 4 ohms. Count these zeros…that’s greater than fairly good. Between its THD+N and printed sign to noise (S/N) of 143dB in mono mode, you will have an amplifier that ranks up with the easiest energy amplifier specs, such because the Benchmark ABH-2.

Setup and Ergonomics

As I famous within the technical tour, the LA90 can be utilized a number of other ways. I’ve tried all of them. First, I put in the LA90 in my nearfield laptop desktop system as an built-in amplifier, with the amount management each out and in of the circuit. Used as a stereo amplifier the LA90 had no hassle efficiently driving Audience 1+1 and Falcon LS 3/5A loudspeakers in my reference nearfield system. With extra power-hungry transducers, such because the ATC SC-7 II, the LA90’s 50 watts have been barely lower than what was wanted. But when two LA90 amplifiers have been used on the ATCs in a nearfield setup, there was sufficient present to energy the SC-7 IIs properly.

When used inside arm’s attain as a desktop built-in amplifier, the LA90’s lack of a distant management received’t be an excessive amount of of an inconvenience. But if you wish to use the LA90 as an built-in amplifier in a room-based system, the absence of a distant may provide you with some extra train. (When used as a primary energy amplifier with the amount disabled, the distant was, clearly, not a difficulty.)

When it comes time to modify the LA90 from stereo to monoblock, along with shifting a change you will need to connect a jumper cable between one pair of the amplifier’s speaker outputs. The equipped cable matches tightly, which is nice, however its inflexible strain-relief collars must be fastidiously angled in order that the cable doesn’t both stick up in a approach that partially blocks different cables or all the way down to contact the shelf floor below the amplifier.

Another ergonomic quirk: The LA90 amplifiers in mono mode can get sizzling and are higher off positioned with as a lot house as attainable round them. That’s as a result of they depend on thermal cooling techniques to direct air laterally via their chassis. If you will need to put them facet by facet, I counsel leaving open house round them and elevating them on footers to permit airflow below the amplifiers to cut back inside temperatures.

The exterior energy provide for the LA90 is sort of as heavy because the LA90 itself. It’s a beefy 64 volts and 4 amps. It additionally will get heat throughout operation. Its AC energy cable employs a easy two-prong/figure-8 connection. And whereas you may get some beefy AC cables with that termination, they don’t seem to be as widespread as the same old IEC variety. I used the inventory AC cords, which have been lengthy sufficient to maintain the facility provide away from every other cables and in a well-ventilated spot. I do know that for some people the concept of an exterior PS slightly than an inside one is “cheaping out,” however given the LA90’s thermal design I can’t assist however really feel that placing the facility provide in a bigger chassis with the remainder of the amplifier would have merely elevated the value and decreased the amplifier’s efficiency.

I exploit balanced cables every time attainable, so I had no points with the LA90’s all-balanced enter configuration. But you probably have already invested in some high-quality single-ended RCA cables, you might have to get some RCA-to-XLR or RCA-to-TRS adapters to interface with the LA90.

Even when the amp is in bridged mono mode, you may, if you want, have the amount management within the circuit. While it’s comparatively unusual to see a quantity management on most energy amplifiers bought within the U.S., my expertise with Ali Express-sourced energy amplifiers is that together with a quantity management (often an Alps Blue Velvet) on a primary energy amplifier is widespread in China. If you propose to run an over/below amplifier setup with one LA90 amp set in mono on every tweeter and a much bigger stereo or mono energy amplifier on the midrange/woofers (in a two-way system with separate speaker connections for the tweeter and midrange/woofer), having the ability to alter the LA90’s output would make it straightforward to steadiness the degrees between radically totally different gain-level amplifiers, if wanted.

Sound

My present energy amplifier choices embrace a number of Class A Hood-based designs, a Pass 150.8 class A/B, Texas Instrument chip amps from LSA and Clones Audio, in addition to a number of different Class D amps utilizing Sanyo chips or ICE modules, however nothing in my assortment sounds fairly just like the Topping LA90. It is just essentially the most sonically invisible energy amplifier I’ve heard and comes closest to the perfect of a straight wire with achieve.

Even with my most delicate loudspeakers, a pair of 93dB Omega single-driver prototypes, the Topping’s base noise degree is so imperceptible that even with my ears almost imbedded within the driver I hear no sound in anyway, with no distinction between the sound of the amplifier when turned on or off. Nothing. You’re in all probability pondering: “Big woo! I can get the identical outcome with my XXXX amp and my XXX audio system.” But, belief me, it’s not the identical. The LA90 disappears extra fully than any amplifier I’ve ever heard earlier than. By disappearing, I imply that apparently there may be much less of a way of “amplifier” affecting the sound. Instead, the music is introduced in a approach that looks like a extra direct connection between the supply and my ears.

I’ve a quiet listening room. It measures solely 35dB on my sound-pressure meter in A-weighted mode. In the previous I’ve rejected some very effective gear as a result of it was merely not quiet sufficient for my room. The LA90, even in high-gain mode (which was the way it was used, besides when put in in a nearfield setup), added completely no extra noise, and when coupled to the Schiit Freya S in passive mode, I may flip up the amount controls to most and nonetheless hear completely nothing via the Spatial X-2 loudspeakers (86dB sensitivity) even with my ear an inch away from the tweeter. If it wasn’t for the LA90’s front-panel LED, I wouldn’t have recognized it was turned on!

Ranking essentially the most spectacular features to the LA90’s sound, the primary must be the extra ease in listening. The lack of low-level noise imbues your complete soundstage with a quieter background than I’m accustomed to listening to, even with quiet amplifiers just like the Pass 150.8, which solely produce the slightest hiss (you have to put your ear extraordinarily near the tweeter to listen to it). There have been a number of heretofore-undecipherable throwaway traces within the background of some Billie Eilish’s singles that I take heed to frequently. Through the LA90 I may make out phrases that even via headphones had beforehand been a blur. Was I stunned? You wager.

The second most spectacular sonic attribute was the LA90’s readability all through its frequency vary. Even within the decrease midrange and higher bass, which often have essentially the most points with homogenization, sluggishness, and murkiness, via the LA90 these frequencies had a degree of element and lack of constriction that made music refreshingly straightforward to listen to and decipher.

In his latest evaluate of the Pear Blue Audio Odar turntable, Robert Greene writes: “As it occurs, that is true about audio normally. Low-distortion electronics additionally sound non-aggressive inside a given bandwidth.” I agree. While nonetheless lightning quick, the LA90’s higher frequencies don’t get onerous or brittle even throughout dynamic peaks. I seen this clearly by myself dwell recordings. The violins and brass throughout fff passages of my recording of Mahler’s Third Symphony from Mahlerfest 2013 (co-recorded with Jerry Bruck of Posthorn Recordings) remained musical even throughout massed dynamic peaks. Flutes and piccolos have been candy slightly than piercing.

This Mahler recording additionally demonstrated the extraordinarily correct picture placement inside the soundstage. Not solely was lateral placement exact, however the layering of devices, with the brass barely greater (they have been on risers) and farther again on the stage, was straightforward to listen to. The LA90 does the 3D factor (on recordings that include the spatial info) in addition to any solid-state Class AB amplifier I’ve heard.

Vocals via the LA90 have a exceptional readability coupled with pure heat. The Punch Brothers’ newest launch Hell on Church Street has a tune referred to as “Orphan Annie.” After an acoustic bass introduction that captures the essence of acoustic bass tonality, Chris Thile’s vocals start. Through the LA90/Spatial X-2/JL Audio Fathom f112 system, the sound of his voice had an arrestingly reasonable character. I’ve been round Chris at workshops and jams, so I do know what his voice appears like; this recording, via this method, had a degree of veracity that would, in J. Gordon Holt’s phrases, “produce goosebumps.” Also, in case you pay attention in a quiet room, you may even hear the rustling of clothes because the musicians transfer across the microphone.

Although I exploit a pair of JL Audio f112 subwoofers with the Spatial X-2 loudspeakers, I’ve the system arrange in order that the Spatial X-2s obtain a full-range sign with none crossover truncating their low frequencies. Turning off the JL subs let me hear how the LA90 was supporting the bass. Again, I used to be struck by the readability, particularly within the midbass area, the place the low ranges of synthesizers mixed with guitars and keyboards compete and battle on many pop releases. On Finneas’ “Partners in Crime” from Blood Harmony, the fluttery synth half had a degree of texture and internal element that was straightforward to luxuriate in.

I like Finneas. On his Optimist album, “the 90s” shouldn’t be solely an important tune, but in addition a torture take a look at of how properly a system can reproduce the sound of distortion. At 2:10, what sounds nearly like a sawtooth waveform on the synthesizer begins. Distortion as percussion. As the distortion builds, on some techniques the sound will get more and more foggy and imprecise. Through the LA90 the distortion sounds clear. What? Even as Finneas provides extra layers of distortion, every layer retains its personal identification as an alternative of merging right into a miasmic complete. At 2:53, the distortion halts abruptly, and Finneas solo voice begins, bringing a soothing feeling of calm to the combination.

Competition

Yes, I notice that selecting an influence amplifier isn’t the identical as a horse race. Or is it? At a sure level it does come all the way down to: “What can I get for the way a lot?” For the value of 1 LA90 you may get one Schiit Audio Vidar ($799), which can be a Class AB solid-state amplifier that may be bridged for mono. It has double the facility of the LA90 at 100 watts into 8 ohms, however not fairly nearly as good SNR determine at 115dB down. If you wish to devour extra vitality, have much less energy, worse specs, however get that Class A sonic character, Schiit additionally affords the Aegir ($899), which is a Class A model of the Vidar.

If we take a look at what’s within the value vary of two LA90s ($1798), the competitors will increase. The LSA Warp One amplifier I reviewed in Issue 331 lists for $1495. It has fully totally different topology, being a Texas Instrument switching energy amplifier, however it shares the LA90’s variable-gain characteristic, providing 4 totally different achieve choices by way of DIP switches. The Warp One additionally affords each single-ended RCA and balanced XLR inputs. In phrases of sonic variations, each are exceedingly clear and detailed, however as compared the LA90 delivers a barely hotter higher bass and decrease midrange with some loudspeakers, such because the Falcon LS35/A. Both amps had glorious low-level element and total readability, to the purpose the place the winner in a sonic shoot-out would rely extra on how a selected loudspeaker interacted with every amplifier slightly than variations in intrinsic sonic character.

Although in a totally totally different value class from the LA90, the Pass 150.8 ($7500), has been my main reference amplifier driving the Spatial X-2 loudspeakers. When I first attached two LA90s, I puzzled whether or not the mixture could be in the identical league in total sonic high quality with the Pass Labs amplifier. While the 2 amplifiers had related ranges of element and soundstage capabilities, the Pass had extra grunt and a larger sense of energy in reserve.

Although I not have it to match on to the LA90, the Benchmark ABH-2 ($2999) shared some sonic similarities with the LA90. The ABH-2 was equally quiet and equally good at putting devices precisely within the soundstage’s lateral aircraft, however I don’t suppose the ABH-2 had the identical degree of depth recreation or fairly the identical degree of low-level decision. Through the LA90 I felt listening into the combination was simply simpler and my engagement degree deeper.

Summary

More occasions than even I can keep in mind, I’ve learn audio part critiques which conclude with “I purchased it!” This is often the ultimate coup in most critiques, displaying that the product was so good even the reviewer couldn’t resist it (at a 40% to 50% low cost). That’s not going to occur right here. This type of “massive reveal” has already had its balloon popped within the third paragraph.

For most of my energy amplifier wants, one or two LA90s have been nearly superb. Obviously, I do plan to maintain the pair of LA90 energy amplifiers I already personal, and maybe, as time passes and so they turn out to be extra accessible on the secondary market, I would even decide up one other one or two, simply because….

If you will have mid- to high-efficiency loudspeakers that you just love, it’s possible you’ll discover the LA90 to be a great energy or built-in amplifier to your system, too. I can simply see a single LA90 because the “summer season amp” in high-efficiency horn techniques. I’d not advocate that house owners of 2-ohm Apogee Scintillas or Theil CS3.5s, or you probably have a big room with solely reasonably environment friendly audio system, run out and purchase a pair. Some loudspeakers merely want extra energy than even two LA90s can provide.

But until you will have a good friend who has already bought an LA90, your probabilities of listening to one or attempting one out before you purchase are just about nil. If you might be intrigued by the LA90’s potential, you’re going to must take a leap of religion (with a 45-day return window from Apos or 30-day from Amazon) and purchase earlier than you attempt, similar to I did. So, whereas I’d often end a evaluate by recommending you hear a product for your self, that’s going to be troublesome with the LA90. However, in case you’re feeling fortunate (just like the signature dialog from the movie The Mask), I encourage you to take a leap of religion and provides the LA90 a attempt. I critically doubt you’ll be disenchanted by its capabilities or efficiency.

Specs & Pricing

Type: Solid-state Class AB amplifier
Output energy: 50Wpc into 8 ohms stereo, 180W into 8 ohms mono
Inputs: Three XLR/TRA inputs
Output impedance: <3 ohms
Dimensions: 20.5 x 22 x 9cm
Weight: 2.7 kg
Price: $899

The put up Topping LA90 Power Amplifier appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

World News

Topping LA90 Power Amplifier

Posted on by Steven Stone

Very often, buying a part is the hardest a part of writing the evaluate. Usually, that isn’t the case. Most instances, one cellphone name to the appropriate individual at a producer or distributor will begin a evaluate in movement, with the part arriving at an agreed-upon time. But with Topping issues haven’t been really easy. Unlike most producers who’re based mostly in international locations apart from the United States, Topping has no U.S. distributor. Instead, all Topping merchandise are shipped straight from China through DHL; the corporate has no bodily presence within the U.S. Instead, it depends on Internet retailers resembling Amazon and Apos Audio to deal with U.S. gross sales. So, as a substitute of sending out evaluate samples, Topping assigns that process to its retailers. And whereas my contact at Apos Audio assured me a number of instances that I used to be “on the record” to obtain a Topping LA90, after many emails forwards and backwards over greater than a month, I used to be nonetheless no nearer to getting a unit in my arms for evaluate. That’s what occurs when there are too few evaluate samples on the market on the planet.

I can rely on one hand the variety of instances I’ve bought a part earlier than I accomplished writing and delivering a evaluate. The Topping DA90 SE was the primary in various years. I additionally broke down and bought the primary of the 2 Topping LA90s I’ve in my possession. (Why two? Read on.)

It was an impulse buy. I used to be perusing The Music Room’s choices (it’s a web based retailer which makes a speciality of used and refurbished high-performance audio), and I got here throughout a “like-new” Topping LA90 for $794. Out of curiosity I went to the Apos web site to see what the present new value was. At this level, I used to be shocked when Apos Audio’s price-match AI introduced me with a value of $804 as a substitute of the standard new value of $899. So…I purchased it. Five days later it arrived.

After a few days listening to it in my nearfield system, I contacted Apos Audio to see if Topping provided an business lodging for a second LA90 and its PRE90. They did. But in contrast to corporations that use brick-and-mortar retailers, Topping’s pricing doesn’t permit for the standard 40% or 50% low cost off record value. They provided a 15% low cost. I took it. A second LA90 and a PRE90 arrived every week later.

Topping LA90 Power Amplifier rear

The Question of Reviewer Bias

All my readers are human (I hope), and as people all of us have our private biases. As a reviewer I’m nicely conscious of my very own predilections. In the introductory video I did lately for The Absolute Sound’s YouTube channel, I enumerated a number of of them. Another bias I need to acknowledge is that I’ve a distinct degree of attachment to and affection for elements I personal versus ones which were loaned for evaluate. It’s the primordial mine versus not-mine, I suppose…and since I do know myself nicely sufficient to acknowledge my inclination, I counter it by being much more vital of elements I personal than of ones which can be loaned for evaluate. Does that degree the taking part in area? Maybe, however be forewarned that I’ll take some additional house to notice all the LA90’s potential shortcomings.

Tech Tour

The Topping LA90 amplifier ranks as distinctive for a number of causes. The first purpose it’s particular is that in contrast to most new energy amplifier designs from China and elsewhere, the LA90 is an Old School Class AB linear amp as a substitute of a Class D or different digital variation thereof. Given its extraordinary specs, I inquired in regards to the nature of the design when it comes to suggestions. The response from Topping’s design workforce (routed via Apos Audio) was that “the suggestions construction is just like [that of] our headphone amplifiers. The S/N determine is obtained via cautious designs of energy provide, resistor selections, and different fundamentals of design goodness.” Well, okay, then…

The LA90 has extra changes than your run-of-the-mill energy amplifier. You can change the acquire from 9.5dB to 19.5dB through a change on the again of the amplifier. This change places a resistor in entrance of the principle amplifier stage. Why would you wish to decrease the acquire? Depending in your preamplifier’s acquire, chances are you’ll discover that the decrease acquire places the preamplifier’s output right into a extra linear area.

Even 19.5dB of acquire is on the low aspect for an influence amplifier. Most are inclined to hover round 26dB, and a few just like the Clones Audio 25P ship 30dB of acquire. When you couple the acquire with the facility output, which relying on whose numbers you employ sits between 50 and 60 watts per channel in stereo into 8 ohms, you might have what most would contemplate a lower-power amplifier, particularly when in comparison with the facility amplifier choices from Krell or Boulder.

One solution to get the LA90 as much as a extra respectable energy output is to transform it from a stereo amplifier right into a mono amplifier; each channels will be bridged collectively to make an amplifier able to 180 watts into 8 ohms, based on producer’s specs. Now you might have two mono energy amplifiers able to driving most medium-sensitivity loudspeakers efficiently.

Inexpensive elements (something underneath $1000) normally come within the equal of a plain brown wrapper—an oblong black or silver-metal mission field. The LA90 avoids that pitfall. Its chassis is made of 5 separate CNC-machined aluminum sections (they don’t name it billet aluminum although, like billet, it’s machined reasonably than forged), designed to permit for max thermal movement, in order that as a substitute of a fan or strong high-mass heatsinks, the LA90 makes use of slotted warmth fins that permit for air movement in a means that strong heatsinks can’t.

Topping could be very a lot a “numbers store,” by which I imply it prides itself on the excellent specs its merchandise ship. Even its least costly DAC has numbers any high-end producer would envy. The LA90 boasts a complete harmonic distortion and noise (THD+N) of 0.00008% at 20 watts into 4 ohms. Count these zeros…that’s greater than fairly good. Between its THD+N and printed sign to noise (S/N) of 143dB in mono mode, you might have an amplifier that ranks up with the easiest energy amplifier specs, such because the Benchmark ABH-2.

Setup and Ergonomics

As I famous within the technical tour, the LA90 can be utilized a number of other ways. I’ve tried all of them. First, I put in the LA90 in my nearfield laptop desktop system as an built-in amplifier, with the quantity management each out and in of the circuit. Used as a stereo amplifier the LA90 had no bother efficiently driving Audience 1+1 and Falcon LS 3/5A loudspeakers in my reference nearfield system. With extra power-hungry transducers, such because the ATC SC-7 II, the LA90’s 50 watts had been barely lower than what was wanted. But when two LA90 amplifiers had been used on the ATCs in a nearfield setup, there was sufficient present to energy the SC-7 IIs properly.

When used inside arm’s attain as a desktop built-in amplifier, the LA90’s lack of a distant management gained’t be an excessive amount of of an inconvenience. But if you wish to use the LA90 as an built-in amplifier in a room-based system, the absence of a distant may provide you with some further train. (When used as a fundamental energy amplifier with the quantity disabled, the distant was, clearly, not a difficulty.)

When it comes time to modify the LA90 from stereo to monoblock, along with shifting a change you will need to connect a jumper cable between one pair of the amplifier’s speaker outputs. The equipped cable suits tightly, which is nice, however its inflexible strain-relief collars need to be rigorously angled in order that the cable doesn’t both stick up in a means that partially blocks different cables or all the way down to contact the shelf floor underneath the amplifier.

Another ergonomic quirk: The LA90 amplifiers in mono mode can get sizzling and are higher off positioned with as a lot house as potential round them. That’s as a result of they depend on thermal cooling methods to direct air laterally via their chassis. If you will need to put them aspect by aspect, I counsel leaving open house round them and elevating them on footers to permit airflow underneath the amplifiers to cut back inner temperatures.

The exterior energy provide for the LA90 is sort of as heavy because the LA90 itself. It’s a beefy 64 volts and 4 amps. It additionally will get heat throughout operation. Its AC energy cable employs a easy two-prong/figure-8 connection. And whereas you may get some beefy AC cables with that termination, they don’t seem to be as widespread as the standard IEC variety. I used the inventory AC cords, which had been lengthy sufficient to maintain the facility provide away from some other cables and in a well-ventilated spot. I do know that for some people the thought of an exterior PS reasonably than an inner one is “cheaping out,” however given the LA90’s thermal design I can’t assist however really feel that placing the facility provide in a bigger chassis with the remainder of the amplifier would have merely elevated the value and decreased the amplifier’s efficiency.

I exploit balanced cables every time potential, so I had no points with the LA90’s all-balanced enter configuration. But if in case you have already invested in some high-quality single-ended RCA cables, you might have to get some RCA-to-XLR or RCA-to-TRS adapters to interface with the LA90.

Even when the amp is in bridged mono mode, you may, if you want, have the quantity management within the circuit. While it’s comparatively unusual to see a quantity management on most energy amplifiers bought within the U.S., my expertise with Ali Express-sourced energy amplifiers is that together with a quantity management (normally an Alps Blue Velvet) on a fundamental energy amplifier is widespread in China. If you propose to run an over/underneath amplifier setup with one LA90 amp set in mono on every tweeter and an even bigger stereo or mono energy amplifier on the midrange/woofers (in a two-way system with separate speaker connections for the tweeter and midrange/woofer), with the ability to modify the LA90’s output would make it simple to stability the degrees between radically completely different gain-level amplifiers, if wanted.

Sound

My present energy amplifier choices embrace a number of Class A Hood-based designs, a Pass 150.8 class A/B, Texas Instrument chip amps from LSA and Clones Audio, in addition to a number of different Class D amps utilizing Sanyo chips or ICE modules, however nothing in my assortment sounds fairly just like the Topping LA90. It is just probably the most sonically invisible energy amplifier I’ve heard and comes closest to the perfect of a straight wire with acquire.

Even with my most delicate loudspeakers, a pair of 93dB Omega single-driver prototypes, the Topping’s base noise degree is so imperceptible that even with my ears practically imbedded within the driver I hear no sound in anyway, with no distinction between the sound of the amplifier when turned on or off. Nothing. You’re most likely pondering: “Big woo! I can get the identical end result with my XXXX amp and my XXX audio system.” But, belief me, it’s not the identical. The LA90 disappears extra fully than any amplifier I’ve ever heard earlier than. By disappearing, I imply that it appears there may be much less of a way of “amplifier” affecting the sound. Instead, the music is introduced in a means that appears like a extra direct connection between the supply and my ears.

I’ve a quiet listening room. It measures solely 35dB on my sound-pressure meter in A-weighted mode. In the previous I’ve rejected some very advantageous gear as a result of it was merely not quiet sufficient for my room. The LA90, even in high-gain mode (which was the way it was used, besides when put in in a nearfield setup), added completely no further noise, and when coupled to the Schiit Freya S in passive mode, I may flip up the quantity controls to most and nonetheless hear completely nothing via the Spatial X-2 loudspeakers (86dB sensitivity) even with my ear an inch away from the tweeter. If it wasn’t for the LA90’s front-panel LED, I wouldn’t have recognized it was turned on!

Ranking probably the most spectacular features to the LA90’s sound, the primary must be the extra ease in listening. The lack of low-level noise imbues your entire soundstage with a quieter background than I’m accustomed to listening to, even with quiet amplifiers just like the Pass 150.8, which solely produce the slightest hiss (you have to put your ear extraordinarily near the tweeter to listen to it). There had been a number of heretofore-undecipherable throwaway traces within the background of some Billie Eilish’s singles that I hearken to recurrently. Through the LA90 I may make out phrases that even via headphones had beforehand been a blur. Was I shocked? You wager.

The second most spectacular sonic attribute was the LA90’s readability all through its frequency vary. Even within the decrease midrange and higher bass, which normally have probably the most points with homogenization, sluggishness, and murkiness, via the LA90 these frequencies had a degree of element and lack of constriction that made music refreshingly simple to listen to and decipher.

In his current evaluate of the Pear Blue Audio Odar turntable, Robert Greene writes: “As it occurs, that is true about audio typically. Low-distortion electronics additionally sound non-aggressive inside a given bandwidth.” I agree. While nonetheless lightning quick, the LA90’s higher frequencies don’t get laborious or brittle even throughout dynamic peaks. I observed this clearly by myself stay recordings. The violins and brass throughout fff passages of my recording of Mahler’s Third Symphony from Mahlerfest 2013 (co-recorded with Jerry Bruck of Posthorn Recordings) remained musical even throughout massed dynamic peaks. Flutes and piccolos had been candy reasonably than piercing.

This Mahler recording additionally demonstrated the extraordinarily correct picture placement inside the soundstage. Not solely was lateral placement exact, however the layering of devices, with the brass barely greater (they had been on risers) and farther again on the stage, was simple to listen to. The LA90 does the 3D factor (on recordings that comprise the spatial data) in addition to any solid-state Class AB amplifier I’ve heard.

Vocals via the LA90 have a exceptional readability coupled with pure heat. The Punch Brothers’ newest launch Hell on Church Street has a tune referred to as “Orphan Annie.” After an acoustic bass introduction that captures the essence of acoustic bass tonality, Chris Thile’s vocals start. Through the LA90/Spatial X-2/JL Audio Fathom f112 system, the sound of his voice had an arrestingly sensible character. I’ve been round Chris at workshops and jams, so I do know what his voice appears like; this recording, via this method, had a degree of veracity that might, in J. Gordon Holt’s phrases, “produce goosebumps.” Also, in the event you hear in a quiet room, you may even hear the rustling of clothes because the musicians transfer across the microphone.

Although I exploit a pair of JL Audio f112 subwoofers with the Spatial X-2 loudspeakers, I’ve the system arrange in order that the Spatial X-2s obtain a full-range sign with none crossover truncating their low frequencies. Turning off the JL subs let me hear how the LA90 was supporting the bass. Again, I used to be struck by the readability, particularly within the midbass area, the place the low ranges of synthesizers mixed with guitars and keyboards compete and battle on many pop releases. On Finneas’ “Partners in Crime” from Blood Harmony, the fluttery synth half had a degree of texture and inside element that was simple to luxuriate in.

I like Finneas. On his Optimist album, “the 90s” just isn’t solely an ideal tune, but in addition a torture take a look at of how nicely a system can reproduce the sound of distortion. At 2:10, what sounds virtually like a sawtooth waveform on the synthesizer begins. Distortion as percussion. As the distortion builds, on some methods the sound will get more and more foggy and obscure. Through the LA90 the distortion sounds clear. What? Even as Finneas provides further layers of distortion, every layer retains its personal identification as a substitute of merging right into a miasmic entire. At 2:53, the distortion halts abruptly, and Finneas solo voice begins, bringing a soothing feeling of calm to the combination.

Competition

Yes, I notice that selecting an influence amplifier isn’t the identical as a horse race. Or is it? At a sure level it does come all the way down to: “What can I get for the way a lot?” For the value of 1 LA90 you may get one Schiit Audio Vidar ($799), which can be a Class AB solid-state amplifier that may be bridged for mono. It has double the facility of the LA90 at 100 watts into 8 ohms, however not fairly pretty much as good SNR determine at 115dB down. If you wish to devour extra power, have much less energy, worse specs, however get that Class A sonic character, Schiit additionally presents the Aegir ($899), which is a Class A model of the Vidar.

If we have a look at what’s within the value vary of two LA90s ($1798), the competitors will increase. The LSA Warp One amplifier I reviewed in Issue 331 lists for $1495. It has fully completely different topology, being a Texas Instrument switching energy amplifier, however it shares the LA90’s variable-gain function, providing 4 completely different acquire choices through DIP switches. The Warp One additionally presents each single-ended RCA and balanced XLR inputs. In phrases of sonic variations, each are exceedingly clear and detailed, however compared the LA90 delivers a barely hotter higher bass and decrease midrange with some loudspeakers, such because the Falcon LS35/A. Both amps had wonderful low-level element and general readability, to the purpose the place the winner in a sonic shoot-out would rely extra on how a specific loudspeaker interacted with every amplifier reasonably than variations in intrinsic sonic character.

Although in a very completely different value class from the LA90, the Pass 150.8 ($7500), has been my major reference amplifier driving the Spatial X-2 loudspeakers. When I first attached two LA90s, I puzzled whether or not the mix could be in the identical league in general sonic high quality with the Pass Labs amplifier. While the 2 amplifiers had related ranges of element and soundstage capabilities, the Pass had extra grunt and a better sense of energy in reserve.

Although I not have it to match on to the LA90, the Benchmark ABH-2 ($2999) shared some sonic similarities with the LA90. The ABH-2 was equally quiet and equally good at inserting devices precisely within the soundstage’s lateral aircraft, however I don’t suppose the ABH-2 had the identical degree of depth recreation or fairly the identical degree of low-level decision. Through the LA90 I felt listening into the combination was simply simpler and my engagement degree deeper.

Summary

More instances than even I can keep in mind, I’ve learn audio part evaluations which conclude with “I purchased it!” This is normally the ultimate coup in most evaluations, exhibiting that the product was so good even the reviewer couldn’t resist it (at a 40% to 50% low cost). That’s not going to occur right here. This form of “large reveal” has already had its balloon popped within the third paragraph.

For most of my energy amplifier wants, one or two LA90s have been virtually ultimate. Obviously, I do plan to maintain the pair of LA90 energy amplifiers I already personal, and maybe, as time passes and so they turn out to be extra out there on the secondary market, I’d even decide up one other one or two, simply because….

If you might have mid- to high-efficiency loudspeakers that you simply love, chances are you’ll discover the LA90 to be a great energy or built-in amplifier in your system, too. I can simply see a single LA90 because the “summer time amp” in high-efficiency horn methods. I’d not advocate that house owners of 2-ohm Apogee Scintillas or Theil CS3.5s, or if in case you have a big room with solely reasonably environment friendly audio system, run out and purchase a pair. Some loudspeakers merely want extra energy than even two LA90s can provide.

But until you might have a good friend who has already bought an LA90, your possibilities of listening to one or attempting one out before you purchase are just about nil. If you might be intrigued by the LA90’s potential, you’re going to need to take a leap of religion (with a 45-day return window from Apos or 30-day from Amazon) and purchase earlier than you strive, identical to I did. So, whereas I’d normally end a evaluate by recommending you hear a product for your self, that’s going to be tough with the LA90. However, in the event you’re feeling fortunate (just like the signature dialog from the movie The Mask), I encourage you to take a leap of religion and provides the LA90 a strive. I critically doubt you’ll be disenchanted by its capabilities or efficiency.

Specs & Pricing

Type: Solid-state Class AB amplifier
Output energy: 50Wpc into 8 ohms stereo, 180W into 8 ohms mono
Inputs: Three XLR/TRA inputs
Output impedance: <3 ohms
Dimensions: 20.5 x 22 x 9cm
Weight: 2.7 kg
Price: $899

The publish Topping LA90 Power Amplifier appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

World News

Topping LA90 Power Amplifier

Posted on by Steven Stone

Very sometimes, buying a element is the hardest a part of writing the overview. Usually, that’s not the case. Most instances, one telephone name to the suitable particular person at a producer or distributor will begin a overview in movement, with the element arriving at an agreed-upon time. But with Topping issues haven’t been really easy. Unlike most producers who’re primarily based in nations apart from the United States, Topping has no U.S. distributor. Instead, all Topping merchandise are shipped straight from China through DHL; the corporate has no bodily presence within the U.S. Instead, it depends on Internet retailers similar to Amazon and Apos Audio to deal with U.S. gross sales. So, as an alternative of sending out overview samples, Topping assigns that job to its retailers. And whereas my contact at Apos Audio assured me a number of instances that I used to be “on the listing” to obtain a Topping LA90, after many emails forwards and backwards over greater than a month, I used to be nonetheless no nearer to getting a unit in my arms for overview. That’s what occurs when there are too few overview samples on the market on the earth.

I can depend on one hand the variety of instances I’ve bought a element earlier than I accomplished writing and delivering a overview. The Topping DA90 SE was the primary in a lot of years. I additionally broke down and bought the primary of the 2 Topping LA90s I’ve in my possession. (Why two? Read on.)

It was an impulse buy. I used to be perusing The Music Room’s choices (it’s a web-based retailer which makes a speciality of used and refurbished high-performance audio), and I got here throughout a “like-new” Topping LA90 for $794. Out of curiosity I went to the Apos web site to see what the present new value was. At this level, I used to be stunned when Apos Audio’s price-match AI introduced me with a value of $804 as an alternative of the same old new value of $899. So…I purchased it. Five days later it arrived.

After a few days listening to it in my nearfield system, I contacted Apos Audio to see if Topping provided an business lodging for a second LA90 and its PRE90. They did. But in contrast to corporations that use brick-and-mortar retailers, Topping’s pricing doesn’t enable for the same old 40% or 50% low cost off listing value. They provided a 15% low cost. I took it. A second LA90 and a PRE90 arrived every week later.

Topping LA90 Power Amplifier rear

The Question of Reviewer Bias

All my readers are human (I hope), and as people all of us have our private biases. As a reviewer I’m effectively conscious of my very own predilections. In the introductory video I did just lately for The Absolute Sound’s YouTube channel, I enumerated a number of of them. Another bias I have to acknowledge is that I’ve a distinct stage of attachment to and affection for elements I personal versus ones which were loaned for overview. It’s the primordial mine versus not-mine, I suppose…and since I do know myself effectively sufficient to acknowledge my inclination, I counter it by being much more important of elements I personal than of ones which might be loaned for overview. Does that stage the enjoying discipline? Maybe, however be forewarned that I’ll take some additional area to notice all the LA90’s potential shortcomings.

Tech Tour

The Topping LA90 amplifier ranks as distinctive for a number of causes. The first motive it’s particular is that in contrast to most new energy amplifier designs from China and elsewhere, the LA90 is an Old School Class AB linear amp as an alternative of a Class D or different digital variation thereof. Given its extraordinary specs, I inquired concerning the nature of the design by way of suggestions. The response from Topping’s design staff (routed by way of Apos Audio) was that “the suggestions construction is just like [that of] our headphone amplifiers. The S/N determine is obtained by way of cautious designs of energy provide, resistor selections, and different fundamentals of design goodness.” Well, okay, then…

The LA90 has extra changes than your run-of-the-mill energy amplifier. You can change the achieve from 9.5dB to 19.5dB through a change on the again of the amplifier. This change places a resistor in entrance of the primary amplifier stage. Why would you need to decrease the achieve? Depending in your preamplifier’s achieve, you might discover that the decrease achieve places the preamplifier’s output right into a extra linear area.

Even 19.5dB of achieve is on the low facet for an influence amplifier. Most are likely to hover round 26dB, and a few just like the Clones Audio 25P ship 30dB of achieve. When you couple the achieve with the ability output, which relying on whose numbers you employ sits between 50 and 60 watts per channel in stereo into 8 ohms, you’ve got what most would contemplate a lower-power amplifier, particularly when in comparison with the ability amplifier choices from Krell or Boulder.

One solution to get the LA90 as much as a extra respectable energy output is to transform it from a stereo amplifier right into a mono amplifier; each channels might be bridged collectively to make an amplifier able to 180 watts into 8 ohms, in keeping with producer’s specs. Now you’ve got two mono energy amplifiers able to driving most medium-sensitivity loudspeakers efficiently.

Inexpensive elements (something underneath $1000) normally come within the equal of a plain brown wrapper—an oblong black or silver-metal mission field. The LA90 avoids that pitfall. Its chassis is made of 5 separate CNC-machined aluminum sections (they don’t name it billet aluminum regardless that, like billet, it’s machined reasonably than forged), designed to permit for max thermal circulation, in order that as an alternative of a fan or stable high-mass heatsinks, the LA90 makes use of slotted warmth fins that enable for air circulation in a manner that stable heatsinks can’t.

Topping may be very a lot a “numbers store,” by which I imply it prides itself on the excellent specs its merchandise ship. Even its least costly DAC has numbers any high-end producer would envy. The LA90 boasts a complete harmonic distortion and noise (THD+N) of 0.00008% at 20 watts into 4 ohms. Count these zeros…that’s greater than fairly good. Between its THD+N and revealed sign to noise (S/N) of 143dB in mono mode, you’ve got an amplifier that ranks up with the easiest energy amplifier specs, such because the Benchmark ABH-2.

Setup and Ergonomics

As I famous within the technical tour, the LA90 can be utilized a number of alternative ways. I’ve tried all of them. First, I put in the LA90 in my nearfield pc desktop system as an built-in amplifier, with the amount management each out and in of the circuit. Used as a stereo amplifier the LA90 had no hassle efficiently driving Audience 1+1 and Falcon LS 3/5A loudspeakers in my reference nearfield system. With extra power-hungry transducers, such because the ATC SC-7 II, the LA90’s 50 watts had been barely lower than what was wanted. But when two LA90 amplifiers had been used on the ATCs in a nearfield setup, there was sufficient present to energy the SC-7 IIs properly.

When used inside arm’s attain as a desktop built-in amplifier, the LA90’s lack of a distant management gained’t be an excessive amount of of an inconvenience. But if you wish to use the LA90 as an built-in amplifier in a room-based system, the absence of a distant may offer you some further train. (When used as a primary energy amplifier with the amount disabled, the distant was, clearly, not a problem.)

When it comes time to change the LA90 from stereo to monoblock, along with shifting a change you need to connect a jumper cable between one pair of the amplifier’s speaker outputs. The provided cable matches tightly, which is nice, however its inflexible strain-relief collars must be rigorously angled in order that the cable doesn’t both stick up in a manner that partially blocks different cables or all the way down to contact the shelf floor underneath the amplifier.

Another ergonomic quirk: The LA90 amplifiers in mono mode can get sizzling and are higher off positioned with as a lot area as attainable round them. That’s as a result of they depend on thermal cooling programs to direct air laterally by way of their chassis. If you need to put them facet by facet, I counsel leaving open area round them and elevating them on footers to permit airflow underneath the amplifiers to scale back inner temperatures.

The exterior energy provide for the LA90 is nearly as heavy because the LA90 itself. It’s a beefy 64 volts and 4 amps. It additionally will get heat throughout operation. Its AC energy cable employs a easy two-prong/figure-8 connection. And whereas you may get some beefy AC cables with that termination, they aren’t as frequent as the same old IEC type. I used the inventory AC cords, which had been lengthy sufficient to maintain the ability provide away from some other cables and in a well-ventilated spot. I do know that for some of us the concept of an exterior PS reasonably than an inner one is “cheaping out,” however given the LA90’s thermal design I can’t assist however really feel that placing the ability provide in a bigger chassis with the remainder of the amplifier would have merely elevated the worth and decreased the amplifier’s efficiency.

I take advantage of balanced cables at any time when attainable, so I had no points with the LA90’s all-balanced enter configuration. But in case you have already invested in some high-quality single-ended RCA cables, you might have to get some RCA-to-XLR or RCA-to-TRS adapters to interface with the LA90.

Even when the amp is in bridged mono mode, you may, if you want, have the amount management within the circuit. While it’s comparatively unusual to see a quantity management on most energy amplifiers bought within the U.S., my expertise with Ali Express-sourced energy amplifiers is that together with a quantity management (normally an Alps Blue Velvet) on a primary energy amplifier is frequent in China. If you propose to run an over/underneath amplifier setup with one LA90 amp set in mono on every tweeter and a much bigger stereo or mono energy amplifier on the midrange/woofers (in a two-way system with separate speaker connections for the tweeter and midrange/woofer), with the ability to regulate the LA90’s output would make it simple to stability the degrees between radically completely different gain-level amplifiers, if wanted.

Sound

My present energy amplifier choices embrace a number of Class A Hood-based designs, a Pass 150.8 class A/B, Texas Instrument chip amps from LSA and Clones Audio, in addition to a number of different Class D amps utilizing Sanyo chips or ICE modules, however nothing in my assortment sounds fairly just like the Topping LA90. It is solely probably the most sonically invisible energy amplifier I’ve heard and comes closest to the best of a straight wire with achieve.

Even with my most delicate loudspeakers, a pair of 93dB Omega single-driver prototypes, the Topping’s base noise stage is so imperceptible that even with my ears almost imbedded within the driver I hear no sound in anyway, with no distinction between the sound of the amplifier when turned on or off. Nothing. You’re most likely considering: “Big woo! I can get the identical end result with my XXXX amp and my XXX audio system.” But, belief me, it’s not the identical. The LA90 disappears extra fully than any amplifier I’ve ever heard earlier than. By disappearing, I imply that it seems that there may be much less of a way of “amplifier” affecting the sound. Instead, the music is introduced in a manner that seems like a extra direct connection between the supply and my ears.

I’ve a quiet listening room. It measures solely 35dB on my sound-pressure meter in A-weighted mode. In the previous I’ve rejected some very high-quality gear as a result of it was merely not quiet sufficient for my room. The LA90, even in high-gain mode (which was the way it was used, besides when put in in a nearfield setup), added completely no further noise, and when coupled to the Schiit Freya S in passive mode, I may flip up the amount controls to most and nonetheless hear completely nothing by way of the Spatial X-2 loudspeakers (86dB sensitivity) even with my ear an inch away from the tweeter. If it wasn’t for the LA90’s front-panel LED, I wouldn’t have identified it was turned on!

Ranking probably the most spectacular facets to the LA90’s sound, the primary must be the extra ease in listening. The lack of low-level noise imbues your entire soundstage with a quieter background than I’m accustomed to listening to, even with quiet amplifiers just like the Pass 150.8, which solely produce the slightest hiss (you want to put your ear extraordinarily near the tweeter to listen to it). There had been a number of heretofore-undecipherable throwaway strains within the background of some Billie Eilish’s singles that I hearken to commonly. Through the LA90 I may make out phrases that even by way of headphones had beforehand been a blur. Was I stunned? You wager.

The second most spectacular sonic attribute was the LA90’s readability all through its frequency vary. Even within the decrease midrange and higher bass, which normally have probably the most points with homogenization, sluggishness, and murkiness, by way of the LA90 these frequencies had a stage of element and lack of constriction that made music refreshingly simple to listen to and decipher.

In his current overview of the Pear Blue Audio Odar turntable, Robert Greene writes: “As it occurs, that is true about audio usually. Low-distortion electronics additionally sound non-aggressive inside a given bandwidth.” I agree. While nonetheless lightning quick, the LA90’s higher frequencies don’t get arduous or brittle even throughout dynamic peaks. I observed this clearly alone dwell recordings. The violins and brass throughout fff passages of my recording of Mahler’s Third Symphony from Mahlerfest 2013 (co-recorded with Jerry Bruck of Posthorn Recordings) remained musical even throughout massed dynamic peaks. Flutes and piccolos had been candy reasonably than piercing.

This Mahler recording additionally demonstrated the extraordinarily correct picture placement throughout the soundstage. Not solely was lateral placement exact, however the layering of devices, with the brass barely increased (they had been on risers) and farther again on the stage, was simple to listen to. The LA90 does the 3D factor (on recordings that comprise the spatial data) in addition to any solid-state Class AB amplifier I’ve heard.

Vocals by way of the LA90 have a outstanding readability coupled with pure heat. The Punch Brothers’ newest launch Hell on Church Street has a tune referred to as “Orphan Annie.” After an acoustic bass introduction that captures the essence of acoustic bass tonality, Chris Thile’s vocals start. Through the LA90/Spatial X-2/JL Audio Fathom f112 system, the sound of his voice had an arrestingly sensible character. I’ve been round Chris at workshops and jams, so I do know what his voice feels like; this recording, by way of this technique, had a stage of veracity that would, in J. Gordon Holt’s phrases, “produce goosebumps.” Also, should you hear in a quiet room, you may even hear the rustling of clothes because the musicians transfer across the microphone.

Although I take advantage of a pair of JL Audio f112 subwoofers with the Spatial X-2 loudspeakers, I’ve the system arrange in order that the Spatial X-2s obtain a full-range sign with none crossover truncating their low frequencies. Turning off the JL subs let me hear how the LA90 was supporting the bass. Again, I used to be struck by the readability, particularly within the midbass area, the place the low ranges of synthesizers mixed with guitars and keyboards compete and battle on many pop releases. On Finneas’ “Partners in Crime” from Blood Harmony, the fluttery synth half had a stage of texture and internal element that was simple to luxuriate in.

I like Finneas. On his Optimist album, “the 90s” just isn’t solely an excellent music, but in addition a torture check of how effectively a system can reproduce the sound of distortion. At 2:10, what sounds nearly like a sawtooth waveform on the synthesizer begins. Distortion as percussion. As the distortion builds, on some programs the sound will get more and more foggy and imprecise. Through the LA90 the distortion sounds clear. What? Even as Finneas provides further layers of distortion, every layer retains its personal id as an alternative of merging right into a miasmic complete. At 2:53, the distortion halts abruptly, and Finneas solo voice begins, bringing a soothing feeling of calm to the combo.

Competition

Yes, I understand that selecting an influence amplifier isn’t the identical as a horse race. Or is it? At a sure level it does come all the way down to: “What can I get for a way a lot?” For the worth of 1 LA90 you may get one Schiit Audio Vidar ($799), which can be a Class AB solid-state amplifier that may be bridged for mono. It has double the ability of the LA90 at 100 watts into 8 ohms, however not fairly nearly as good SNR determine at 115dB down. If you need to eat extra power, have much less energy, worse specs, however get that Class A sonic character, Schiit additionally provides the Aegir ($899), which is a Class A model of the Vidar.

If we take a look at what’s within the value vary of two LA90s ($1798), the competitors will increase. The LSA Warp One amplifier I reviewed in Issue 331 lists for $1495. It has fully completely different topology, being a Texas Instrument switching energy amplifier, nevertheless it shares the LA90’s variable-gain function, providing 4 completely different achieve choices through DIP switches. The Warp One additionally provides each single-ended RCA and balanced XLR inputs. In phrases of sonic variations, each are exceedingly clear and detailed, however compared the LA90 delivers a barely hotter higher bass and decrease midrange with some loudspeakers, such because the Falcon LS35/A. Both amps had wonderful low-level element and total readability, to the purpose the place the winner in a sonic shoot-out would rely extra on how a selected loudspeaker interacted with every amplifier reasonably than variations in intrinsic sonic character.

Although in a very completely different value class from the LA90, the Pass 150.8 ($7500), has been my major reference amplifier driving the Spatial X-2 loudspeakers. When I first connected two LA90s, I questioned whether or not the mixture could be in the identical league in total sonic high quality with the Pass Labs amplifier. While the 2 amplifiers had related ranges of element and soundstage capabilities, the Pass had extra grunt and a higher sense of energy in reserve.

Although I not have it to match on to the LA90, the Benchmark ABH-2 ($2999) shared some sonic similarities with the LA90. The ABH-2 was equally quiet and equally good at putting devices precisely within the soundstage’s lateral aircraft, however I don’t suppose the ABH-2 had the identical stage of depth recreation or fairly the identical stage of low-level decision. Through the LA90 I felt listening into the combo was simply simpler and my engagement stage deeper.

Summary

More instances than even I can keep in mind, I’ve learn audio element evaluations which conclude with “I purchased it!” This is normally the ultimate coup in most evaluations, displaying that the product was so good even the reviewer couldn’t resist it (at a 40% to 50% low cost). That’s not going to occur right here. This kind of “huge reveal” has already had its balloon popped within the third paragraph.

For most of my energy amplifier wants, one or two LA90s have been nearly supreme. Obviously, I do plan to maintain the pair of LA90 energy amplifiers I already personal, and maybe, as time passes they usually develop into extra accessible on the secondary market, I’d even decide up one other one or two, simply because….

If you’ve got mid- to high-efficiency loudspeakers that you simply love, you might discover the LA90 to be a really perfect energy or built-in amplifier to your system, too. I can simply see a single LA90 because the “summer time amp” in high-efficiency horn programs. I’d not advocate that homeowners of 2-ohm Apogee Scintillas or Theil CS3.5s, or in case you have a big room with solely reasonably environment friendly audio system, run out and purchase a pair. Some loudspeakers merely want extra energy than even two LA90s may give.

But until you’ve got a good friend who has already bought an LA90, your probabilities of listening to one or making an attempt one out before you purchase are just about nil. If you might be intrigued by the LA90’s potential, you’re going to must take a leap of religion (with a 45-day return window from Apos or 30-day from Amazon) and purchase earlier than you strive, similar to I did. So, whereas I’d normally end a overview by recommending you hear a product for your self, that’s going to be troublesome with the LA90. However, should you’re feeling fortunate (just like the signature dialog from the movie The Mask), I encourage you to take a leap of religion and provides the LA90 a strive. I significantly doubt you may be disenchanted by its capabilities or efficiency.

Specs & Pricing

Type: Solid-state Class AB amplifier
Output energy: 50Wpc into 8 ohms stereo, 180W into 8 ohms mono
Inputs: Three XLR/TRA inputs
Output impedance: <3 ohms
Dimensions: 20.5 x 22 x 9cm
Weight: 2.7 kg
Price: $899

The put up Topping LA90 Power Amplifier appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

Uncategorized

Meze Elite Headphones

Posted on by Steven Stone

Meze headphones hail from Romania. When I first came across them, I thought the company name was pronounced “meeese,” but in fact it is pronounced like “mez-eh” with a “z.” My first experience with Meze products was the 99 Classics headphone ($309), which I’ve owned for several years. It currently resides next to my exercise bike, attached to an Android tablet for sound during workouts. The 99 Classics is not only extremely light, comfortable, and easy to drive with a phone or tablet, it also sounds better than many of the other similarly priced headphones I’ve used. Given the excellence of its entry-level offerings, I was curious to hear how Meze’s flagship performed, and Meze was willing to accommodate.

The company was so eager for the review that it sent along its Liric closed-cup portable headphones ($2000) for me to listen to while it completed its latest production run of top-of-the-line Elite ’phones ($4000). And since I’ve got them, I will also include some thoughts on the Liric. So begins our latest headphone exploration, which has turned into a sort of a two-fer.

Tech Tour

Meze Audio headphones are the result of a unique design collaboration between Meze Audio and Rinaro Isodynamics. Rinaro is located in Ukraine, with offices in Poland. There, during the last 30 years, the company has focused all its design efforts on perfecting planar-magnetic transducers. The most advanced example of this collaboration is the isodynamic hybrid array found in the Elite headphones. This proprietary design produces extremely low harmonic distortion, measuring under 0.05% throughout its entire frequency range. The driver element is also lightweight at only 75 grams and has an upper frequency limit of 112kHz!

The Rinaro Parus planar diaphragm achieves an extremely low mass by utilizing an ultra-thin, biaxially oriented, semi-crystalline film. This membrane is produced through a special process that involves stretching it in transverse directions at high temperatures. This results in a film that contains a complex semi-crystalline microstructure that augments its strength, stiffness, and stability.

Instead of one unified voice coil the Elite uses a dual-driver system. The switchback coil, located in the upper section of the planar diaphragm, is more efficient on lower frequencies, while the spiral coil, located in the lower section, is more efficient on middle and upper frequencies. According to Meze, the reasons for this unique diaphragm design is because “a significant increase of direct sound waves can be achieved by positioning the most efficient part of the diaphragm in mid-high frequencies directly over the ear canal, resulting in improved 3D imaging and spatial localization.” So, in essence, the Elite is a two-way driver system with a passive crossover (or no crossover as the drivers’ innate frequency ranges act like a crossover system).

The Elite’s driver unit consists of three main elements. First, there is the earside casing, made of reinforced polymer designed to withstand the 12.7N load of the magnet array. The second section is the Rinaro Parus diaphragm, which has an active area of 4650mm. The third part of the sandwich is the hybrid magnet array made up of neodymium magnets arranged to produce a 0.35 Tesla magnetic field. The diaphragm is easy to drive; it can produce 101dB output from 1mW at 1kHz.

Even the Elite’s earpads and their attachment scheme has been designed in a way to sonically optimize the overall result. The Elite utilizes an isomagnetic earpad attachment method that not only holds the pads in place but also redirects the driver’s magnetic field back into the driver to improve its efficiency. The earpads also contain a screen that keeps 95% of stray magnetism from reaching your ears.

Ergonomics

If a headphone isn’t comfortable to wear, it doesn’t matter how well it performs. Meze has developed a unique headband design, originated on its Empyrean headphones, to increase the Elite’s wearability. In some ways, it is similar to the headband designs found on Dan Clark, HiFIMan, or Sendy headphones, but with a difference—patent-pending suspension wings. Instead of the standard U-shaped curve to the leather lower part of the headband, the design is almost W-shaped, which spreads the headphones weight over a larger portion of your head, making them more comfortable. My experience confirms that the Elite can be worn for extended periods without discomfort. The only downside is that you may, after a late-night listening session, forget they are on your head, and when you rise from your seat, have them unceremoniously yanked from your cranium. But they’re tough; they can take it.

The Elite comes with two pairs of earpads. Both have Meze’s magnetic-field shielding that reduces stray magnetic fields by 95%. Meze employs an “invisible” locking system that utilizes magnetism to hold the pads in place. The Meze Alcantara pads were originally developed for the Empyrean headphones and are 30mm deep. The second pair of pads are hybrid design that uses Alcantara interior and a leather exterior. This pad was created to lower the bass pressure and deliver an airier sound signature. I used both. Depending on the source material, I did have preferences. During the recent 2022 Grammys, the hybrid pads made the bass from the overly boisterous broadcast a bit more tolerable.

Most premium headphones come in large presentation cases with lots of additional bling. The Meze Elite does have a case, but instead of a heavy, useless wooden box, it is an aluminum, “Haliburton-style” flight case, which holds the headphones along with your choice of either a 2.5m OFC (oxygen-free copper) cable with 6.3mm jack, 1.2m OFC with 3.5mm jack, or 2.5m OFC with four-pin XLR connector, plus both pairs of earpads. While the Elite doesn’t fold down to a compact footprint like the eminently portable Meze Liric headphone, when ensconced in its aluminum case it becomes an easily transportable package.

Unlike many flagship, top-of-the-line, hard-to-drive headphones, the Elite is, as noted, highly sensitive at 101dB/1mW/1kHz, and low in impedance at 32 ohms. This translates into a headphone that is far easier to drive and needs less power than most. And while I used the cable with a balanced XLR connection, you don’t need balanced connections to drive the Elite. As a matter of fact, you can even power the Elite with your smartphone, if it has a headphone output. Obviously, a better source than your smartphone will yield a sonically superior result, but it’s nice to find a premium headphone that doesn’t need scads of power to sound optimal.

The supplied cabling from Meze was slightly stiffer than the cables from the recently reviewed Warwick Sonoma electrostatic headphones, but it was still fairly easy to coil and did not kink. I opted for the 2.5 OFC with XLR terminations. But given the Elite’s efficiency, there is no need to use the balanced termination (except when a headphone amplifier’s performance is superior on its balanced output connections), and a single-ended termination does offer greater compatibility with a wider range of headphone amplifiers.

Sound

Full-sized headphones come in two primary varieties: closed or open-back. Open-back headphones, where there is no enclosing rear surface to reflect the sound back into the headphone capsule, tend to produce larger, more spacious soundstages than comparable closed-back designs. But in some situations, such as in a library or during a live recording session, the sound leakage from open-back headphones is unacceptable, and closed-back units must be employed, often with some sonic sacrifice involved.

The Elite is an open-back design. It produces a huge soundstage that is comparable to other reference headphones with a similar backless design, such as the Warwick Sonoma system. Don’t confuse this big soundstage with a s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d soundstage, where all the instruments are wider than they should be. In comparison to the Liric, which is a conventional closed-back design, the Elite’s soundstage is more expansive, but each instrument still retains its proper dimensions. Going from the Liric to the Elite is like going from listening in a smaller space to a much larger one.

Several years ago, Harman developed a target EQ curve for its headphones that has been adopted by other manufacturers, including Dan Clark Audio. This curve differs from a “flat” curve in that it allows for some additional bass response that conforms with “room gain,” which is the bass energy added to a loudspeaker’s output by an average room. Many listeners, both naive and experienced, preferred the Harman curve in controlled blind tests. Some reviewers have gone so far as to insist that any variations from this curve are wrong. I take a different approach. In my world, there is room for more than one headphone sound. Between the differences in our individual ear geometry (everyone’s ear canals are different) and frequency sensitivities, there is room for more than one sonic “flavor” for a headphone. Also, it’s a lot easier to change headphones than it is to change loudspeakers; headphones offer audiophiles a way to include different sound signatures while not filling up their domiciles with multiple pairs of loudspeakers. So, I say vive la difference!

As I stated earlier, the usual reason that someone will opt for a closed rather than an open headphone is because the former minimizes sound leakage. Compared to a closed design, the Elite does not attenuate leakage as much as the Meze Liric or Dan Clark Stealth closed-back headphones do. If you use a pair of Elites at the dentist, during a root canal for instance, your practitioner will also get to enjoy your tunes. But if you are more than a couple of feet away, the Elite will not reveal your current musical choices.

Low bass and midbass through a pair of headphones is fundamentally different than what you hear from a room-based loudspeaker. No matter how much you turn up the volume, a headphone is never going to thump your chest like my pair of JL Audio Fathom f112 subwoofers can. But what the Elite headphones can do is deliver clean, fast bass with low amounts of harmonic distortion. The Elite’s bass resolution can also outpoint most room-based systems in pitch definition and speed. It’s bass that will appeal to your head, even if it doesn’t move your solar plexus.

The Elite’s midrange reminds me of an electrostatic headphone because it is fast and clean, with exemplary inner detail and resolution. On the just released 50th Anniversary edition of Karen Dalton’s second album In My Own Time, via Qobuz, I was impressed by the increased decipherability of the new version. The Telecaster licks that were largely buried on my original LP pressing were easy to follow on this version through the Elite.

It’s time for my standard high-frequency disclaimer. I’m old. My hearing extends to 13kHz on a good day, so if there are issues above that frequency, I won’t hear them. Although my hearing isn’t as extended as it once was, I’m still quite sensitive to the quality of the upper frequencies. On well-recorded female vocals, such as Rickie Lee Jones’ voice on The Magazine, the Elite captures the astringent edge of her voice while also retaining its mellifluous qualities. Some headphones, such as the Sennheiser HD700, veer into harshness during her vocal crescendos, but the Elite doesn’t.

I mentioned the Elite’s soundstage briefly earlier. It is as good as I’ve heard from any headphone. Using my own reference recordings, such as the acoustic group Mr. Sun, recorded at the Salina Schoolhouse, the Elite did a superb job of retaining all the subtle locational cues. Even Darol Anger’s violin, which was on the extreme left side of the soundstage, had a precise location that changed as he moved.

Dynamic contrasts through the Elite were also impressive. Take that ol’ reference chestnut “Up on The Roof” from Rickie Lee Jones’ Girl at Her Volcano, which begins at a volume level way lower than most and proceeds upward to a drum crescendo that has ruined many loudspeaker drivers. The Elite handles the entire range, from soft to loud, with aplomb. The quiet beginning passages don’t need to be turned up as much as they do with many transducers due to the Elite’s superb low-level resolution. Since it wasn’t turned up as loudly, there was no need to turn levels down at the end. The entire dynamic range fit comfortably without the need for any mid-song adjustments.

Summary

The Meze Elite is, in every way, a reference-quality headphone that earns its flagship status and price—worthy competition for other flagship headphones such as the Dan Clark Stealth, Focal Utopia, ZMF Verité, and Warwick Sonoma. The Elite’s strong points are that it is exceedingly easy to drive, supremely comfortable, ruggedly built, and sounds wonderful.

The Meze Elite is the kind of headphone that quickly and conclusively spoils listeners to the point that, after spending time with them, it’s hard to go back to headphones that are merely extremely good, such as the Meze Liric. So, if you’re in the market for a superb pair of headphones, give a listen to the Meze Elite. They will spoil you.

Specs & Pricing

Type: Planar, open-back, Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 101dB at 1mW/1kHz
Driver weight: 75gm
Price: $4000

Meze Audio
Luliu Maniu Street, No. 38, First Floor, Ap.2
Baia Mare, 43031 Romania
mezeaudio.com

The post Meze Elite Headphones appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

World News

Meze Elite Headphones

Posted on by Steven Stone

Meze headphones hail from Romania. When I first came across them, I thought the company name was pronounced “meeese,” but in fact it is pronounced like “mez-eh” with a “z.” My first experience with Meze products was the 99 Classics headphone ($309), which I’ve owned for several years. It currently resides next to my exercise bike, attached to an Android tablet for sound during workouts. The 99 Classics is not only extremely light, comfortable, and easy to drive with a phone or tablet, it also sounds better than many of the other similarly priced headphones I’ve used. Given the excellence of its entry-level offerings, I was curious to hear how Meze’s flagship performed, and Meze was willing to accommodate.

The company was so eager for the review that it sent along its Liric closed-cup portable headphones ($2000) for me to listen to while it completed its latest production run of top-of-the-line Elite ’phones ($4000). And since I’ve got them, I will also include some thoughts on the Liric. So begins our latest headphone exploration, which has turned into a sort of a two-fer.

Tech Tour

Meze Audio headphones are the result of a unique design collaboration between Meze Audio and Rinaro Isodynamics. Rinaro is located in Ukraine, with offices in Poland. There, during the last 30 years, the company has focused all its design efforts on perfecting planar-magnetic transducers. The most advanced example of this collaboration is the isodynamic hybrid array found in the Elite headphones. This proprietary design produces extremely low harmonic distortion, measuring under 0.05% throughout its entire frequency range. The driver element is also lightweight at only 75 grams and has an upper frequency limit of 112kHz!

The Rinaro Parus planar diaphragm achieves an extremely low mass by utilizing an ultra-thin, biaxially oriented, semi-crystalline film. This membrane is produced through a special process that involves stretching it in transverse directions at high temperatures. This results in a film that contains a complex semi-crystalline microstructure that augments its strength, stiffness, and stability.

Instead of one unified voice coil the Elite uses a dual-driver system. The switchback coil, located in the upper section of the planar diaphragm, is more efficient on lower frequencies, while the spiral coil, located in the lower section, is more efficient on middle and upper frequencies. According to Meze, the reasons for this unique diaphragm design is because “a significant increase of direct sound waves can be achieved by positioning the most efficient part of the diaphragm in mid-high frequencies directly over the ear canal, resulting in improved 3D imaging and spatial localization.” So, in essence, the Elite is a two-way driver system with a passive crossover (or no crossover as the drivers’ innate frequency ranges act like a crossover system).

The Elite’s driver unit consists of three main elements. First, there is the earside casing, made of reinforced polymer designed to withstand the 12.7N load of the magnet array. The second section is the Rinaro Parus diaphragm, which has an active area of 4650mm. The third part of the sandwich is the hybrid magnet array made up of neodymium magnets arranged to produce a 0.35 Tesla magnetic field. The diaphragm is easy to drive; it can produce 101dB output from 1mW at 1kHz.

Even the Elite’s earpads and their attachment scheme has been designed in a way to sonically optimize the overall result. The Elite utilizes an isomagnetic earpad attachment method that not only holds the pads in place but also redirects the driver’s magnetic field back into the driver to improve its efficiency. The earpads also contain a screen that keeps 95% of stray magnetism from reaching your ears.

Ergonomics

If a headphone isn’t comfortable to wear, it doesn’t matter how well it performs. Meze has developed a unique headband design, originated on its Empyrean headphones, to increase the Elite’s wearability. In some ways, it is similar to the headband designs found on Dan Clark, HiFIMan, or Sendy headphones, but with a difference—patent-pending suspension wings. Instead of the standard U-shaped curve to the leather lower part of the headband, the design is almost W-shaped, which spreads the headphones weight over a larger portion of your head, making them more comfortable. My experience confirms that the Elite can be worn for extended periods without discomfort. The only downside is that you may, after a late-night listening session, forget they are on your head, and when you rise from your seat, have them unceremoniously yanked from your cranium. But they’re tough; they can take it.

The Elite comes with two pairs of earpads. Both have Meze’s magnetic-field shielding that reduces stray magnetic fields by 95%. Meze employs an “invisible” locking system that utilizes magnetism to hold the pads in place. The Meze Alcantara pads were originally developed for the Empyrean headphones and are 30mm deep. The second pair of pads are hybrid design that uses Alcantara interior and a leather exterior. This pad was created to lower the bass pressure and deliver an airier sound signature. I used both. Depending on the source material, I did have preferences. During the recent 2022 Grammys, the hybrid pads made the bass from the overly boisterous broadcast a bit more tolerable.

Most premium headphones come in large presentation cases with lots of additional bling. The Meze Elite does have a case, but instead of a heavy, useless wooden box, it is an aluminum, “Haliburton-style” flight case, which holds the headphones along with your choice of either a 2.5m OFC (oxygen-free copper) cable with 6.3mm jack, 1.2m OFC with 3.5mm jack, or 2.5m OFC with four-pin XLR connector, plus both pairs of earpads. While the Elite doesn’t fold down to a compact footprint like the eminently portable Meze Liric headphone, when ensconced in its aluminum case it becomes an easily transportable package.

Unlike many flagship, top-of-the-line, hard-to-drive headphones, the Elite is, as noted, highly sensitive at 101dB/1mW/1kHz, and low in impedance at 32 ohms. This translates into a headphone that is far easier to drive and needs less power than most. And while I used the cable with a balanced XLR connection, you don’t need balanced connections to drive the Elite. As a matter of fact, you can even power the Elite with your smartphone, if it has a headphone output. Obviously, a better source than your smartphone will yield a sonically superior result, but it’s nice to find a premium headphone that doesn’t need scads of power to sound optimal.

The supplied cabling from Meze was slightly stiffer than the cables from the recently reviewed Warwick Sonoma electrostatic headphones, but it was still fairly easy to coil and did not kink. I opted for the 2.5 OFC with XLR terminations. But given the Elite’s efficiency, there is no need to use the balanced termination (except when a headphone amplifier’s performance is superior on its balanced output connections), and a single-ended termination does offer greater compatibility with a wider range of headphone amplifiers.

Sound

Full-sized headphones come in two primary varieties: closed or open-back. Open-back headphones, where there is no enclosing rear surface to reflect the sound back into the headphone capsule, tend to produce larger, more spacious soundstages than comparable closed-back designs. But in some situations, such as in a library or during a live recording session, the sound leakage from open-back headphones is unacceptable, and closed-back units must be employed, often with some sonic sacrifice involved.

The Elite is an open-back design. It produces a huge soundstage that is comparable to other reference headphones with a similar backless design, such as the Warwick Sonoma system. Don’t confuse this big soundstage with a s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d soundstage, where all the instruments are wider than they should be. In comparison to the Liric, which is a conventional closed-back design, the Elite’s soundstage is more expansive, but each instrument still retains its proper dimensions. Going from the Liric to the Elite is like going from listening in a smaller space to a much larger one.

Several years ago, Harman developed a target EQ curve for its headphones that has been adopted by other manufacturers, including Dan Clark Audio. This curve differs from a “flat” curve in that it allows for some additional bass response that conforms with “room gain,” which is the bass energy added to a loudspeaker’s output by an average room. Many listeners, both naive and experienced, preferred the Harman curve in controlled blind tests. Some reviewers have gone so far as to insist that any variations from this curve are wrong. I take a different approach. In my world, there is room for more than one headphone sound. Between the differences in our individual ear geometry (everyone’s ear canals are different) and frequency sensitivities, there is room for more than one sonic “flavor” for a headphone. Also, it’s a lot easier to change headphones than it is to change loudspeakers; headphones offer audiophiles a way to include different sound signatures while not filling up their domiciles with multiple pairs of loudspeakers. So, I say vive la difference!

As I stated earlier, the usual reason that someone will opt for a closed rather than an open headphone is because the former minimizes sound leakage. Compared to a closed design, the Elite does not attenuate leakage as much as the Meze Liric or Dan Clark Stealth closed-back headphones do. If you use a pair of Elites at the dentist, during a root canal for instance, your practitioner will also get to enjoy your tunes. But if you are more than a couple of feet away, the Elite will not reveal your current musical choices.

Low bass and midbass through a pair of headphones is fundamentally different than what you hear from a room-based loudspeaker. No matter how much you turn up the volume, a headphone is never going to thump your chest like my pair of JL Audio Fathom f112 subwoofers can. But what the Elite headphones can do is deliver clean, fast bass with low amounts of harmonic distortion. The Elite’s bass resolution can also outpoint most room-based systems in pitch definition and speed. It’s bass that will appeal to your head, even if it doesn’t move your solar plexus.

The Elite’s midrange reminds me of an electrostatic headphone because it is fast and clean, with exemplary inner detail and resolution. On the just released 50th Anniversary edition of Karen Dalton’s second album In My Own Time, via Qobuz, I was impressed by the increased decipherability of the new version. The Telecaster licks that were largely buried on my original LP pressing were easy to follow on this version through the Elite.

It’s time for my standard high-frequency disclaimer. I’m old. My hearing extends to 13kHz on a good day, so if there are issues above that frequency, I won’t hear them. Although my hearing isn’t as extended as it once was, I’m still quite sensitive to the quality of the upper frequencies. On well-recorded female vocals, such as Rickie Lee Jones’ voice on The Magazine, the Elite captures the astringent edge of her voice while also retaining its mellifluous qualities. Some headphones, such as the Sennheiser HD700, veer into harshness during her vocal crescendos, but the Elite doesn’t.

I mentioned the Elite’s soundstage briefly earlier. It is as good as I’ve heard from any headphone. Using my own reference recordings, such as the acoustic group Mr. Sun, recorded at the Salina Schoolhouse, the Elite did a superb job of retaining all the subtle locational cues. Even Darol Anger’s violin, which was on the extreme left side of the soundstage, had a precise location that changed as he moved.

Dynamic contrasts through the Elite were also impressive. Take that ol’ reference chestnut “Up on The Roof” from Rickie Lee Jones’ Girl at Her Volcano, which begins at a volume level way lower than most and proceeds upward to a drum crescendo that has ruined many loudspeaker drivers. The Elite handles the entire range, from soft to loud, with aplomb. The quiet beginning passages don’t need to be turned up as much as they do with many transducers due to the Elite’s superb low-level resolution. Since it wasn’t turned up as loudly, there was no need to turn levels down at the end. The entire dynamic range fit comfortably without the need for any mid-song adjustments.

Summary

The Meze Elite is, in every way, a reference-quality headphone that earns its flagship status and price—worthy competition for other flagship headphones such as the Dan Clark Stealth, Focal Utopia, ZMF Verité, and Warwick Sonoma. The Elite’s strong points are that it is exceedingly easy to drive, supremely comfortable, ruggedly built, and sounds wonderful.

The Meze Elite is the kind of headphone that quickly and conclusively spoils listeners to the point that, after spending time with them, it’s hard to go back to headphones that are merely extremely good, such as the Meze Liric. So, if you’re in the market for a superb pair of headphones, give a listen to the Meze Elite. They will spoil you.

Specs & Pricing

Type: Planar, open-back, Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 101dB at 1mW/1kHz
Driver weight: 75gm
Price: $4000

Meze Audio
Luliu Maniu Street, No. 38, First Floor, Ap.2
Baia Mare, 43031 Romania
mezeaudio.com

The post Meze Elite Headphones appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

Uncategorized

2022 Golden Ear: Topping D90SE DAC

Posted on by Steven Stone

Topping D90SE DAC

$899

Topping has emerged from China as one of their most technically advanced and internationally competitive audio firms. Topping’s most expensive DAC, the D90ES ($899), ranks as having some of the best digital performance specifications of any DAC, regardless of price or technology. The D90SE would not exist except for the fact that Topping’s previous flagship, the D90MQA, used a top-of-the-line AKM DAC chip. AKM had a catastrophic fire in its factory, which curtailed all its DAC-chip production. Topping had no choice but to redesign its DACs to use ESS DAC chips. While it is indisputably true that the D90SE is a Johnny-come-lately offering from a Chinese manufacturer with a limited track record with audiophiles here in the United States, the Topping D90SE delivers on all its promises. Its goal is to sound like the ultimate, straight, clean, no-added-romance, high-resolution DAC. After extensive listening, I found the D90SE to be exactly what it purported to be—a well-designed digital audio converter that performs on a par with reference DACs I have used in the past.

The post 2022 Golden Ear: Topping D90SE DAC appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

World News

2022 Golden Ear: Topping D90SE DAC

Posted on by Steven Stone

Topping D90SE DAC

$899

Topping has emerged from China as one of their most technically advanced and internationally competitive audio firms. Topping’s most expensive DAC, the D90ES ($899), ranks as having some of the best digital performance specifications of any DAC, regardless of price or technology. The D90SE would not exist except for the fact that Topping’s previous flagship, the D90MQA, used a top-of-the-line AKM DAC chip. AKM had a catastrophic fire in its factory, which curtailed all its DAC-chip production. Topping had no choice but to redesign its DACs to use ESS DAC chips. While it is indisputably true that the D90SE is a Johnny-come-lately offering from a Chinese manufacturer with a limited track record with audiophiles here in the United States, the Topping D90SE delivers on all its promises. Its goal is to sound like the ultimate, straight, clean, no-added-romance, high-resolution DAC. After extensive listening, I found the D90SE to be exactly what it purported to be—a well-designed digital audio converter that performs on a par with reference DACs I have used in the past.

The post 2022 Golden Ear: Topping D90SE DAC appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

Uncategorized

2022 Golden Ear: Meze Elite Headphone

Posted on by Steven Stone

Meze Elite Headphone

$4000

Meze headphones hail from Romania. Its products are the result of a unique design collaboration between Meze and Rinaro Isodynamics. During the last 30 years, Rinaro has focused all its design efforts on perfecting planar-magnetic transducers. The Rinaro Parus planar diaphragm achieves an extremely low mass by utilizing an ultra-thin, biaxially oriented, semi-crystalline film. This film is produced through a special process that involves stretching it in transverse directions at high temperatures. Instead of one unified voice coil the Elite uses a dual-driver system. The switchback coil, located in the upper section of the planar diaphragm, is more efficient on lower frequencies. While the spiral coil, located in the lower section, is more efficient on middle and upper frequencies. Meze has also developed a unique headband design that originated on its Empyrean headphones to increase the Elite’s wearability. Instead of the standard U-shaped curve to the leather lower part of the headband, the Elite’s is almost W-shaped, which spreads the headphones weight over a larger portion of your head, making them more comfortable. The Elite is an open-back design whose sonic attributes reflect that. It produces a huge soundstage that is comparable to other reference headphones with a similar backless design, such as the Warwick Sonoma system. The Meze Elite is, in every way, a reference-quality headphone that earns its flagship status and justifies its price. The Meze Elite is the kind of headphone that quickly and conclusively elevates listening to the point that after some time spent with it, it’s hard to go back to headphones that are merely extremely good.

The post 2022 Golden Ear: Meze Elite Headphone appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

World News

2022 Golden Ear: Meze Elite Headphone

Posted on by Steven Stone

Meze Elite Headphone

$4000

Meze headphones hail from Romania. Its products are the result of a unique design collaboration between Meze and Rinaro Isodynamics. During the last 30 years, Rinaro has focused all its design efforts on perfecting planar-magnetic transducers. The Rinaro Parus planar diaphragm achieves an extremely low mass by utilizing an ultra-thin, biaxially oriented, semi-crystalline film. This film is produced through a special process that involves stretching it in transverse directions at high temperatures. Instead of one unified voice coil the Elite uses a dual-driver system. The switchback coil, located in the upper section of the planar diaphragm, is more efficient on lower frequencies. While the spiral coil, located in the lower section, is more efficient on middle and upper frequencies. Meze has also developed a unique headband design that originated on its Empyrean headphones to increase the Elite’s wearability. Instead of the standard U-shaped curve to the leather lower part of the headband, the Elite’s is almost W-shaped, which spreads the headphones weight over a larger portion of your head, making them more comfortable. The Elite is an open-back design whose sonic attributes reflect that. It produces a huge soundstage that is comparable to other reference headphones with a similar backless design, such as the Warwick Sonoma system. The Meze Elite is, in every way, a reference-quality headphone that earns its flagship status and justifies its price. The Meze Elite is the kind of headphone that quickly and conclusively elevates listening to the point that after some time spent with it, it’s hard to go back to headphones that are merely extremely good.

The post 2022 Golden Ear: Meze Elite Headphone appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

Uncategorized

Heather Maloney: No Shortcuts (Live at the Academy)

Posted on by Steven Stone

During the past two-plus years there haven’t been a lot of live concert recordings released due to the death of in-person performances, but singer-songwriter Heather Maloney has bucked the trend by releasing No Shortcuts, recorded in 2019 in Northampton, MA. The 16 tracks include 15 originals songs and a cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Woodstock.” The album opens with “Enigma,” which serves as an introductory self-portrait into Maloney’s musical world. She isn’t a “political” songwriter per se, but her personally oriented subject matter often focuses on interior politics. For this record Maloney was joined by Ryan Hommel, who served as producer and musical director, created string arrangements, played guitar, and added backing vocals. Other musicians include Reed Sutherland on upright bass and vocals, Celaya Kirchner on violin and vocals, and Cynthia Tolson, Kasey Calebaugh, and Emma Hays Johnson in a string trio. Maloney’s version of “Woodstock” not only showcases Maloney’s impressive vocal range and musical dynamics. It also demonstrates how well the recording preserves both the location of her voice’s primary emanation point combined with the hall’s reverberance from the PA system as it adds an enveloping bloom and shimmer to the expansive soundstage.

The post Heather Maloney: No Shortcuts (Live at the Academy) appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

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