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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

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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

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EarMen ST-Amp Review

Posted on by Aldous

In this characteristic, we assessment the EarMen ST-Amp, which is a balanced desktop built-in DAC and a 1.85W succesful headphone amplifier. It is priced at $599. Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to us in trade for our sincere opinion. Headfonics is an impartial web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or standing. We thank EarMen for his or her help.  You can click on right here to be taught extra about EarMen merchandise beforehand coated on Headfonics. Note that this text follows our newest scoring pointers, which you'll be able to learn […]

EarMen ST-Amp Review

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Gryphon Commander Preamplifier

Posted on by Jacob Heilbrunn

In the movie Caddyshack, the character Ty Webb (performed by Chevy Chase) is an affable businessman and crack golfer who even performs properly when blindfolded. At one level, he undertakes to provide some free recommendation to the formidable teenage caddy named Danny (Michael O’Keefe). As the duo survey the course on the venerable Bushwood Country Club, Webb recites a saying that he fancifully attributes to the well-known Seventeenth-century Japanese thinker and haiku poet Matsuo Basho: “A flute with no holes in it isn't a flute. A donut with no gap is a Danish.”

So, what does that make the Danish Gryphon Commander—a black aluminum two-chassis design with no exterior knobs or switches that primarily does virtually nothing to the audio sign? I’m no thinker, however I can attest that it makes the Commander not only a preamplifier however one thing of a magical instrument.

Your eyes will let you know a variety of the story. Put bluntly, the Gryphon Commander preamplifier is a commanding object. Its separate containers are related by three cables, that are the one slender factor about it. The hefty energy provide sits silently, whether or not in operation or not. So does the signal-processing chassis. No noise, no vibration, no nothing. Just obsidian silence. Quite a feat for a big energy provide that incorporates 4 custom-made 36VA toroidal transformers, two for every left and proper channel, that go a great distance towards rendering this preamp as potent as a variety of amplifiers. The energy provide can be able to powering a forthcoming phono- stage from Gryphon in addition to a digital supply. A considerable distant management with a rubber pad on the again to keep away from scratching furnishings controls the Commander, until you resolve to make use of your fingers and make use of the 4.3″ TFT capacitive touchscreen.

Situating the Commander in my {custom} HR-X stand required two folks to make sure that the preamp didn’t get dented or scratched or take a bit out of the stand itself. Fortunately, Jeff Fox of Command Performance AV in Falls Church, Virginia, and Anthony Chiarella, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Gryphon North America, had been each available to assist set up it safely. All the fuss proved to be well worth the effort. The Commander, which is the successor to the corporate’s earlier Pandora preamplifier, didn't open up an auditory Pandora’s field. Instead, it provided a reminder of the significance of nice energy exercised with duty.

Gryphon Commander Preamplifier rear

In the previous few years, I’ve listened to quite a lot of wonderful preamps, together with the Boulder 3010 and the Ypsilon PST-100, Mk. II. My present reference is the Swiss battery-powered darTZeel NHB-18NS, which features a phonostage. The Commander introduced its personal distinctive mix of attributes to the sonic desk. I didn’t solely take pleasure in listening to it; I reveled in its dynamic prowess and its means to resolve fantastic particulars, each of which will be traced to its superlatively low noise ground. Throughout my audition, the Commander did as little to change the sign emanating from digital or analog sources as I’ve ever heard a preamp do. It could be exhausting to consider a extra linear and immaculate part.

It might sound paradoxical, however the quiescence of the Commander was instantly audible. It offered silky black backgrounds on recording after recording. One CD that I very a lot loved listening to on the Commander, as an illustration, was a reside recording from December 2010 of the legendary Chicago Symphony Orchestra brass part enjoying all the pieces from Bach to Percy Grainger, from Gabrielli to Prokofiev. All the facility on faucet meant that the Commander was in a position to situate every instrument securely in its personal area. This was notably noteworthy, because it had been, on a spooky piece by the Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas known as “Sensemaya.” The tuba emerged from what appeared like prehistoric depths with an virtually voluptuous tone, conveying properly the instrumental rendering of the Cuban poet Nicolas Guillen’s saga a couple of ritual Afro-Caribbean chant that's recited throughout the killing of a snake. And drumsticks had a extra authoritative and life like crack to them. Then there was the CSO brass’ rendition of Bach’s C minor Passacaglia and Fugue which vividly shows the clarion would possibly of the ensemble. The precision of soundstaging on Bach’s blockbuster work was actually marvelous, and the piccolo trumpets had a piping high quality to them that was wholly endearing.

Another factor all the facility of the Gryphon buys you is easy rest—not the soggy variety that you simply discover when collapsing right into a La-Z-Boy, however one thing a lot tauter and extra elegant. The sheer exactitude of the Commander meant that there was no sense of smearing or bloat, which translated into an enviable readability of musical line. This attribute was abundantly obvious after I streamed Roberta Flack, who made an abortive try at a profession as an opera singer then took R&B to new heights, singing “Jesse” or “I’m the Girl” on her traditional album Killing Me Softly. The Commander’s lack of grain and its iron-fisted management allowed it to spotlight the lilting and lissome high quality of her voice. Something comparable occurred on a Concord LP of the Warren Vache Trio known as Midtown Jazz. The elegant breathiness of Vache’s cornet enjoying on numbers akin to “I’m Old Fashioned” was by no means extra in proof on my stereo system. On Count Basie Remembered [Nagel Heyer Records], which options the New York All Stars enjoying reside in Hamburg, Germany, all the pieces snapped into place. When a preamp exerts the type of grip that the Commander does, it turns into rather a lot simpler to hint the interaction of an ensemble, in addition to its circulation. The rhythm turns into audibly snappier on swing music, because the devices, from piano to guitar, appear to cease and begin only a hair extra rapidly. The command of the Commander supplies that “you're there” sensation that each one audiophiles in good standing are inclined to covet.

The would possibly of the Commander additionally signifies that it could actually distill the music to its essence, stripping away any digital detritus or encrustation. This got here dwelling to me whereas listening to the well-known German soprano Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. She made many recordings beneath the supervision of her husband, Walter Legge, who headed the classical music division at EMI/Angel. One such LP was a 1975 launch on the EMI label known as Songs I Love that I not too long ago picked up off eBay. Its very good high quality instantly displays the notoriously authoritarian Legge’s fastidious consideration to element (he was recognized, amongst different issues, as “the autocrat of the turntable”). Two notable songs on this recording are Schubert’s “To Silvia” and “Still Sea.” In her insightful memoir of Legge, On and Off the Record, Schwarzkopf observes, “Schubert didn't soak himself in his poets; his nature was so filled with music, so wealthy in melody, that just about any piece of verse was sufficient to stimulate his creativeness.” Still, it virtually goes with out saying that these two songs, which set to music poems by Shakespeare and Goethe, traverse the very best inventive peaks, no matter Schubert’s inattention to poetry. In listening to them via the Commander, I heard an unprecedented stage of readability on the vocal traces and within the relationship between voice and piano that made it simplicity itself to comply with each the textual content and Schwarzkopf’s musical intention. In this regard, it jogged my memory of the mesmerizing transparency that I skilled when not too long ago visiting my buddy Ali Saad’s elaborate Avantgarde Trio setup in Beverly Hills.

More Schubert was on faucet after I reached for the Austrian baritone Florian Boesch’s 2012 recording of the Viennese composer on the Hyperion label. As you'll count on, Hyperion did a bang-up job, however the Commander took it to a brand new stage by way of pellucid playback. It could be simple to confuse the calm that the Commander conveys with placidity. But that’s actually not the case in any respect. Rather, the reserve energy signifies that essentially the most delicate tonal shadings at pianissimo ranges—these umbratile passages that may be so haunting in classical music—are conveyed with stupendous constancy on songs akin to “Der Wanderer.” My consideration didn't wander. On the opposite, on quite a few recordings I used to be impressed by the Commander’s means to seize the tonal shadings of quite a lot of singers.

As you'll count on, the brute pressure of the Commander additionally signifies that it exerts a level of management within the bass that's fairly uncommon. On jazz recordings, the place the recording of the standup bass can typically be slightly murky, the Commander reached proper down into the nether areas to clear issues up. And on numbers the place you simply rock out—Pharrell Williams’ Girl or Isaac Hayes’ Shaft—the Commander, in tandem with darTZeel 468 amplifier, offered a bass basis that was each richly sonorous and rock stable. On Williams’ hit music “Happy,” the cymbal within the background might hardly be crisper. What’s extra, there was merely no sense of bass bloat on numbers akin to “Gush,” the place Williams evocatively croons about “eager to get soiled, woman.” Suffice it to say that the efficiency of the Commander is all the time pristine.

Perhaps one of the simplest ways to explain the Commander is as a preservation machine. It preserves the sign about in addition to a Boulder preamp however provides a level of silkiness to the proceedings. And it’s received actual cojones. If you’re the type of individual that desires to go straight to the supply, as my colleague Jonathan Valin likes to say, then the Commander actually needs to be at your beck and name. Compared to the darTZeel preamp the Gryphon lacks a little bit of the supernatural musical circulation and midrange bloom that's the hallmark of that preamplifier. But the Commander has superior dynamics, a decrease noise ground, higher management of the bass, and extra correct transient pitch definition. The Commander occupies a spot on the very apex of musical playback and casts a fascinating spell, whether or not or not you occur to be a devotee of the fabled Basho.

Specs & Pricing

Inputs: Four pairs XLR balanced, two pairs RCA single-ended
Outputs: Two pairs XLR balanced, one pair RCA single-ended
Input impedance: 18k ohms balanced, 12k ohms single-ended
Gain: 18dB
Frequency response: 0.1Hz–1.5MHz at –3dB
Dimensions: Audio/management unit, 18.8″ x 9.3″ x 17.9″; energy provide, 18.8″ x 9.29″ x 17.3″
Weight: Audio management unit, 67.2 lbs; energy provide, 84.2 lbs.
Price: $63,000

GRYPHON AUDIO NA Inc.
9 Lynn Court, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677, USA
Anthony Chiarella, Director of Sales & Marketing
(201) 690-9006 (workplace)
(201) 264-7217 (cell)
[email protected]

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2023 Editors’ Choice: Preamplifiers $5,000 – $10,000

Posted on by TAS Staff

Audible Illusions L3B

Audible Illusions L3B

$5295

A purist design based mostly on a single Russian 6H23n-EB triode per channel, the L3A distills one of the best attributes of recent tube sound: exact transients, an in depth presentation, and pure but non-euphonic textures. It is its insistence on the sonic reality that defines it as a real reference line preamp. The L3A’s potential to retrieve the music’s rhythmic drive and drama makes it probably the most sonically persuasive line preamps in the marketplace. Audible Illusions’ greatest effort thus far and top-of-the-line line preamps DO has auditioned over time at any value: audible illusions on a grand scale! DO, 259

PrimaLuna EVO 400

PrimaLuna EVO 400

$5295

The EVO 400 just isn't solely PrimaLuna’s greatest line preamp providing ever, but it surely additionally holds its personal in opposition to ultra-high-end competitors. It’s laborious to flee the impression that it was designed from the bottom up on an influence amplifier chassis. It options huge and complicated energy provides, high-voltage regulation, unique passive components, and tube rectification through a pair of 5AR4s. Miraculously, it manages to mix the virtues of recent tube sound with the tonal heft and timbral realism afforded by classic tube preamps. If purity of expression and tonal realism are sonic priorities, get able to embrace the EVO 400. DO, 305

Atma-Sphere MP-3

Atma-Sphere MP-3

$5590 ($6500 with LOMC phono)

This no-frills tubed preamp from Atma-Sphere is a must-hear for the purist music lover. Offering a crystal-clear, clean, and concise window on the music, the MP-3’s expansiveness is an ideal match for each tube and solid-state amplification. Balanced-only operation, phono non-obligatory. SK, 184

Aesthetix Calypso

Aesthetix Calypso/Calypso Signature

$6000/$8500

The all-tube Calypso delivers many of the efficiency of Aesthetix’ two-box $13,000 Callisto linestage for a couple of third the worth. Sonically, the Calypso is characterised by extraordinarily good dynamics and dynamic nuance. Although the treble is clean and considerably laid-back, transparency and backbone are first-rate. Noise flooring is very depending on tube high quality, which has been variable. Competes with the megabuck preamps. The Signature model improves on the Calypso’s already terrific efficiency with an expanded soundstage, richer portfolio of instrumental textures, extra air, longer decays, and better-defined bass. AT discovered that the Signature model imparted a hotter forged to timbres. RH, 151; AT, 196

Pass Labs XP-12

Pass Labs XP-12

$6100

The XP-12 line-level preamp forgoes dual-chassis extravagance however sonically you wouldn’t understand it. Music abounds with gorgeous orchestral layering and complicated three-dimensional soundspace vistas. There’s a stage of harmonic bloom throughout the spectrum, most notably within the infusion of resonance and decay cues round strings and winds. Anchored by the precision of Wayne Colburn’s single-stage digital quantity management from the Xs line, the XP-12 produced an nearly eerie sense of music spontaneously bursting forth within the right here and now. An outright discount. NG, 286

Lamm Industries LL2.1

Lamm Industries LL2.1

$8490 ($8790, deluxe model)

This all-tube linestage preamp (with tube rectification) captures 80% of the sound of price-no-object preamps for a fraction of their price. Never in-your-face analytical, the LL2.1 frames particulars organically throughout the cloth of the music. Treble, bass, and transparency may be improved by utilizing the appropriate after-market tubes. DO, 198

McIntosh C53

McIntosh C53

$8500

McIntosh’s C53 preamplifier replaces an entire shelf-full of elements, rolling a state-of-the-art linestage, phono- stage, DAC, equalizer, and headphone amp right into a single elegant, albeit massive field, with no compromises in efficiency. With 16 inputs and three outputs, the C53’s connectivity is unequalled, its DAC supporting each widespread digital format, plus an ARC HDMI enter that appropriately decodes and mixes down film and TV sources for individuals who demand first-class AV copy by way of their two-channel setups. Its two phonostages are ok to obviate the necessity for separates. In addition to all this, the C53 gives battleship building and appears that simply radiate class, style, and elegance. One of PS’ reference preamplifiers. PS, 315

Aesthetix Janus

Aesthetix Janus/Janus Signature

$9000/$13,500

The Janus combines Aesthetix’ Calypso linestage with a scaled-down Rhea phonostage in a single chassis. The Signature model options upgraded components within the similar circuit. The models share quite a few qualities: velocity and element; a low noise flooring; exact rhythms; dynamics which are nearly reference-caliber; and a laid-back perspective. The quiet background and clean highs add as much as lengthy hours of wonderful, fatigue-free listening. AT, 196

MBL Cadenza C11

MBL Cadenza C11

$9200

With civilized sonics, each ethereal and open, dynamics which are vigorous, and dimensionality and imaging which are distinctive, the C11 is a pleasure to make use of in live performance with different Cadenza gear, the place management and communication through Ethernet hyperlink is glitch-free. It can also be outfitted with probably the most sonically clear analog quantity controls (through a motorized potentiometer) that we’ve come throughout. NG, 228

Mark Levinson No5206

Mark Levinson No5206

$9900

Part of the extra inexpensive (for Mark Levinson) 5000 Series, the No5206 sports activities a number of superior circuits and options. The dual-monaural sign path is direct coupled and pure Class A in operation. The audio path contains a single achieve stage mated to a digitally managed resistor-ladder quantity management. The No5206 is fitted with an integral DAC with MQA decoding and rendering and Bluetooth connectivity; the unit can deal with PCM as much as 384kHz/24-bit in addition to DSD as much as 11.2MHz. The No5206 even features a headphone jack with sufficient present drive to energy any ’telephones. The icing on the cake is an excellent mm/mc phonostage that includes a hybrid achieve expertise with an infrasonic filter and unusually complete cartridge-loading adjustment. The preamp is excellent with low-level passages, with decision restricted solely by the supply, not the preamplifier itself. AHC, 322

pass labs xp-22

Pass Labs XP-22

$9975

The XP-22 is a big improve from the earlier mannequin on this slot. Based on new semiconductors and a brand new quantity management, the two-chassis XP-22 vaults the efficiency into one other league. The dual-mono energy provides function double-shielded toroidal transformers for even decrease noise. The output stage is extra sturdy, with the power to drive lengthy cable runs. The XP-22 is so clear that it improves upon the sound of operating a supply part instantly into an influence amplifier—not one thing each linestage can declare. Musically significant element and backbone are wonderful. If the recording possesses the knowledge, the rendering of area may be dramatic and dynamics startling. AQ, 316

Yamaha C-5000

$9999

Yamaha put some coronary heart and soul into its return to the audio deep finish. While the NS-5000 audio system and GT-5000 turntable are more likely to entice many of the 5000 Series consideration, the C-5000 preamplifier deserves its personal highlight. This totally balanced, solid-state preamp incorporates an exquisite, totally discrete phonostage with a large 80dB of potential achieve. There’s a sense of a sign unimpeded. The C-5000 doesn’t require a sonic counterbalance elsewhere within the system. It additionally occurs to be probably the most rewarding elements to simply put your palms on and use. An fascinating and distinctive possibility in high-end preamplifiers, particularly if a turntable is a vital a part of your system. AM, 308

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2023 Editors’ Choice: Power Amplifiers $3,000 – $6,000

Posted on by TAS Staff

Audio by Van Alstine DVA M225

Audio by Van Alstine DVA M225

$3398/pr.

These high-power (225Wpc into 8 ohms), reasonably priced monoblocks hint their origin to the Nineteen Eighties and Frank Van Alstine’s remodeling of the Dynaco ST-120. That elementary circuit—realized with many refinements—kinds the center of the M225. Within its energy limits, the M225 is likely one of the finest, most impartial, and most revealing energy amplifiers round at any value. It could not have the dynamic power of much more highly effective amplifiers within the lowest frequencies at extraordinarily excessive volumes, however management of bass dynamics and element are superb. The M225’s soundstaging additionally will get excessive marks for its pure depth, width, and detailed placement of voices and devices. AHC, 327

Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000R

Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000R

$3599

While many amplifiers use Bang & Olufsen’s ICE switch-mode output module, the SX-1000R combines it with its personal direct-coupled, balanced, dual-FET enter stage, designed by Bascom King. The SX-1000R’s 625W of energy (1225W into 4 ohms) can effortlessly ship copious dynamics and particulars. Imaging by way of the SX-1000R is laterally exact. If you require an influence amplifier that may generate oodles of easy output, runs cool, produces a really exact lateral soundstage, gives substantial bass extension and management, has a impartial harmonic steadiness, and is exceedingly quiet, the Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000R needs to be in your brief checklist. SS, 273

Rogue Audio Dragon

Rogue Audio Dragon

$3995

The Dragon is a complicated, hybrid tube/Class D design that stands atop the Rogue Audio lineup. Boasting 300Wpc into 8 ohms, the Dragon gives a near-granular stage of finesse and readability. Speed and transient element are naturalistic and vigorous; tonal steadiness is predominately impartial, with glimmers of midrange heat and a well-defined presence vary. Strings are significantly well-rendered and distinct. Bass response and backbone are excellent. The Dragon can reproduce an organ pedal level or the left hand of a pianist on the underside octaves of a live performance grand with lifelike authority. Not simply one other high-powered beast, the Rogue Dragon is a very splendid piece of electronics. NG, 311

Cambridge Edge W

Cambridge Edge W

$4000

Reviewed alongside Cambridge Audio’s Edge NQ community participant/preamp, the 100Wpc EdgeW energy amplifier delivers on this London-based producer’s definition of Great British Sound. Opposing-symmetry twin transformers (which cancel electromagnetic interference) contribute to a considerable bodily presence, however the efficiency is something however heavy. Instead, search for sonic clues in a sign path of simply 14 parts. It’s this less-is-more strategy (additionally splendidly realized within the minimalist aesthetic) that has resulted in an influence amplifier with shocking transparency and composure. Neither imposing nor well mannered, the W is a becoming fiftieth Anniversary celebration from an organization recognized to offer innovation with worth. AM, 301

Audio Mirror SET

Audio Mirror SET

$4995

This 45-watt monoblock expands the attain of SET designs to incorporate even reasonably delicate 88-to-90dB loudspeakers. Each amp has a pair of Russian 6C33C-B triodes in parallel, thereby considerably extending energy supply. The bass vary is effectively outlined, which serves as a basis for a barely heat and highly effective presentation with satisfying tonal gravitas and a way of ease on dynamic peaks that's unusual for a typical SET. The Audio Mirror makes one helluva musical assertion and would have earned an enthusiastic suggestion even with a $10k price ticket. DO, 289

NuPrime Evolution STA

NuPrime Evolution STA

$4995

Class D amplifiers preserve getting higher and higher, and the NuPrime STA is a main instance. The power-stage topology is full bridge, offering push-pull differential operation with NuPrime’s proprietary MOSFET drive design. Power output is a beneficiant 230Wpc into 8 ohms and 310Wpc into 4 ohms. The entrance finish is absolutely analog. Both the preamp stage and Class D pulse-modulation circuit use the NJR MUSES8820 op-amp. The STA’s sonic persona is very like that of distilled water, missing intrinsic taste. It merely displays the character of upstream parts, making it a superb match for a tube preamp, should you’re after a candy and heat system persona. Its robust fits are tonal purity, soundstage transparency, an expansive depth perspective, and glorious bass management. It’s laborious to consider that any amp at this value level, not to mention a Class D amplifier, is able to such beautiful musicality. DO, 330

Atma-Sphere S-30 Mk 3.3

Atma-Sphere S-30 Mk 3.3

$5100

The Mk 3.3 model of this 30Wpc Circlotron OTL amplifier nudges efficiency greater in dynamics and soundstage transparency. Although responsible of slight timbre alterations and a considerably darkish tonal steadiness, these acts of fee, possible attributable to load interactions, level out the necessity for a suitable loudspeaker and front-end electronics. The S-30 strikes an clever steadiness between high quality and amount, focusing because it does on delivering a robust first watt. Its asking value is a small value to pay for a beneficiant slice of musical heaven. DO, 261

Pass Labs XA25

Pass Labs XA25

$5150

The XA25 amp is amongst Pass Labs’ most humble efforts thus far—at the least outwardly. And customers will admittedly have to be slightly respectful about speaker choice, since this solid-stater is rated at a mere 25Wpc into 8 ohms. But that wattage is delivered courtesy of Pass’ single-ended Class A design. So, buckle up and put together to luxuriate in pure liquid musicality. Pass gear typically suggests sweetness and heat, however the XA25 takes these qualities a luminous step additional. Beyond the extraordinary decision engraved within the XA25’s persona is a capability to rework a listening area right into a three-dimensional tableau of photos and atmosphere. A magical amp. NG, 286

T+A A 200

T+A A 200

$5450

This small however mighty (125/250 watts per channel into 8/4 ohms) energy amp is a part of T+A’s Series 200, a part stack that takes a novel—however undeniably legitimate—strategy to constructing a reference-level system with a small footprint. Since the absolutely discrete, thermally protected Class D A200 will get its personal chassis, it’s not topic to the digital and different noises that pollute modular built-in amps. The sound is straight out of the Swiss faculty: wide-open, pure, quick, and dynamic, however with an additional dollop of low-end richness. For these looking for reference-class efficiency in a compact, fairly priced amp, the A 200 is tough to beat. AT, 335

Bel Canto e.One REF601M

Bel Canto e.One REF601M

$5590/pr.

To Steven Stone’s ears, Bel Canto’s 15.4-pound, 300W (600W into 4 ohms) e.One Ref601M Class D monoblock is sweet sufficient to qualify as one of the best all-around energy amplifier he’s heard thus far, no matter expertise or circuit topology. Its mixture of extraordinarily low noise that makes it appropriate to drive even extremely environment friendly loudspeakers, precision three-dimensional imaging, relaxed and pure harmonic steadiness, and energy functionality, makes for a potent bundle. Couple all its sonic achievements with its comparatively modest value and you've got an influence amplifier that might effectively be a benchmark reference for a lot of audiophiles for years to return. SS, 269

Audio by Van Alstine DVA M750

Audio by Van Alstine DVA M750

$5598/pr.

This large hybrid monoblock with a 12AT7 enter stage and a transistor output part delivers a whopping 850W into 8 ohms. Industry veteran Frank Van Alstine pulled out all of the stops for the DVA M750, together with a circuit primarily based on the patented Fet Valve amplifier and weird lateral MOSFET output transistors. The amp gives a remarkably jaunty and silky sound—with a number of headroom—that all the time errs on the sound of musical bliss. Despite its excessive energy, the DVA M750’s presentation is elegant and refined. A discount in powerhouse amplifiers. JHb, 273

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Topping L70 Review

Posted on by Louis

Today, we review the Topping L70 which is a new balanced desktop NFCA headphone amplifier capable of up to 7.5 watts of output power. It is priced at $349. Disclaimer: This sample unit was sent to us in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank the team at Shenzhen Audio and Topping for giving us this opportunity. Click here to read more about Topping products that we have previously featured on Headfonics.  Note, that this article follows our latest scoring guidelines which you can read here.  As […]

Topping L70 Review

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PS Audio Stellar S300 Power Amplifier

Posted on by Neil Gader

When it appeared in Issue 313, I read colleague Jacob Heilbrunn’s review of the PS Audio M1200 monoblocks with interest and more than a little curiosity. Are you kidding me? Class D monoblocks driving Jacob’s $850k Wilson WAMM mega-system? And highly successfully, to boot? In the article’s conclusion, JH didn’t mince words, either. “Of the amplifiers that I’ve auditioned in this price range, the Stellar M1200 is by far the best, a gangbuster piece of gear that upends many old verities about switching amplification. I could live with it for a very long time. Stellar, indeed.” The cost for the amps? A piddling $6598 (gulp) a pair.

So, when I found myself in sudden need of a reasonably priced, 100Wpc stereo amplifier to review some recently received compact loudspeakers, I sought out PS Audio. Its team came up with the Stellar S300, the smaller stereo cousin to the mighty M1200 and also designed by PS Audio’s resident-wiz Darren Myers.

The $1649 Stellar S300 stereo power amplifier is a dual-mono design (separate power supplies and amp stages for each channel). It’s rated at 140 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 300Wpc into 4 ohms, and it’s based on a modern Class D ICE module, designed in Denmark. Like the M1200, it has a high damping factor for bass control and plenty of headroom for the difficult loads and lower sensitivities of some loudspeakers. As PS Audio points out, “Class D output stages provide near-perfect linearity, low distortion, and high efficiency. Because Class D amplifiers require an output filter to remove their switching noise, they do not have frequency extremes into the many hundreds of thousands of Hertz…modern Class D amplifiers, like the type used in Stellar, extend high frequencies to about 50kHz.” The input stage topology is known as the Analog Cell—a proprietary, fully differential, zero-feedback, discrete Class A MOSFET circuit. PS Audio makes no bones of the fact that it considers this hybrid design to be the best of both worlds. Note: S300’s Analog Cell input stage stands in contrast to the M1200 monoblocks, which have their own discrete tube input stage—a potentially significant difference.

PS Audio Stellar S300 Power Amplifier rear

The sleek, low-profile design of the S300 is matched by first-rate construction quality—a solidly assembled chassis with smooth rolled aluminum edges. The back panel features RCA and XLR inputs and a dual pair of high-quality nickel-over-copper speaker terminals. I listened to the S300 in a couple of system configurations. In one, it was driven by a Pass Labs XP-12 preamp and powered Vivid Audio Kaya 12 compact speakers. In another system, I enlisted the preamp section of the formidable Aesthetix Mimas integrated with the S300 driving the ATC SCM20SL compacts (with their low 84dB sensitivity). Power conditioning was from Audience and Shunyata. Cabling was Audience front- Row. Source components were by Lumin and dCS.

Like many audiophiles I’ve become accustomed to amplifiers of imposing girth and weight—the time-honored visual cues that signal power, dynamic headroom, stability, and (of course) heat. If you count yourself among this crowd, prepare for a little culture shock. With the S300 tipping the scales at a mere 13 pounds and its compact chassis rising to all of three inches in height, you may not be ready to contend with the high level of performance, power, and finesse that the S300 is capable of.

The S300’s tonal balance is essentially neutral and colorless, in the best senses of those words. Rather than making itself the center of attention within the system, the S300 became a chameleon—a virtually invisible part of the chain of source components in front of it. In sonic performance, the word that immediately came to mind was contrasts—dynamic contrasts from the micro level to the macro. Music simply snapped into focus in full harmonic bloom. This amp was as fast and as explosive off the mark as any I’ve heard. This speed and power were combined with a bass-range grip that could send most other amps back to the gym. When the thundering kettle drums enter during Copland’s Fanfare, the S300 reproduced their tactile energy with an intensity that jolts the listener to attention. Remember, I said this amp was neutral, not boring.

As for timbral contrasts, the amp’s ability to define with certainty the character and personality of each musical element was in full-color display. Instrumental and vocal texture and timbre were reproduced with purity and clarity. The amp vividly portrayed the woody resonance of cello and bass violin, the crackle of a snare, the sharp song of a piccolo trumpet, the rattles of a tambourine, the grit of rosin from a cello bow, the clatter of a flat pick, a singer drawing a breath. In addition to its astonishing grip, the S300 had a sensitivity to low-level information like backing vocal harmonies or microdynamic shifts, right down to the duration of held-note sustains and reverberant decays from piano soundboards. It’s these contrasts that I would argue constitute a large portion of the live experience (and why the stone quiet of this amp is not only important but paramount). A favorite example is Ricki Lee Jones’ “I’ll Be Seeing You” [Pop Pop]. Here on full display was the eerie and airy naturalism of the clarinet, the soft resonance of the nylon-string guitar—the S300 seemed to hang on to the edges of every note and extend each decay. Prolonged sustain and decay was also handily evidenced during Laurel Masse’s brilliant a capella performances in the vast acoustic space of the Troy Savings Bank.

The S300’s entire sonic picture came into even sharper focus when I cued up David Bowie’s smash hit “Let’s Dance.” This explosive and complex multi-track is all about transient speed, rhythm section focus, dynamic impact, and heavy, intense drumbeats, extending right down to the drummer’s foot pedal. The S300 wore its speed and rhythmic integrity like a badge of honor, making this cut leap forward, as if a nano-second ahead of the beat. Even if you never listened to the lengthier Euro 45rpm remix as I do, you’ll find the streaming version is also a stunning production. Co-produced with Nile Rodgers at the Power Station in New York, it offers the bonus of a blistering guitar solo by a youthful Stevie Ray Vaughn. And most of all, Bowie’s riveting, sensual, throaty vocal. “Under the serious moonlight,” indeed.

Toward the conclusion of this evaluation, I challenged the S300 a final time. Thanks to the generosity of MBL’s North American distributor (for which I’m forever grateful) I still had the remarkable MBL 126 compact Radialstrahlers on hand. And if there was an octave range where the S300 might show a little temperament, it would be through one of the most transparent midrange/tweeter combinations I’ve ever experienced. Few loudspeakers are more revealing of timbre and texture or as transparent and sensitive to low-level detail as these marvelous omnidirectional three-way compacts. However, they are sensitive to electronics, demanding accurate, reliable. and generous amounts of power. I typically drive them with MBL’s own Cadenza C51 180Wpc integrated ($9800), a Jürgen Reis-designed Linear Analog Switching Amplifier (LASA). The Stellar S300 put forth an excellent effort driving the Radialstrahlers. On larger-scale brass and wind pieces like the sweeping Liberty Fanfare [Wilson Audio], they demonstrated superb command and control over the barrage of heavy percussion. But in direct comparison, the S300 lacked the epic bass extension and hard-core slam of the MBL C51, a trademark of Reis designs. The top end might have been a little drier, too, lacking the effortless harmonic bloom of the MBL amp. Nonetheless, the S300 put on an impressive show, to say the least.

A final word on Class D, if I may. Digital artifacts and colorations (the early rap was flat mids, brittle, snappish treble, deep but stiffly controlled bass) of an earlier era have been largely expunged from today’s top crop of Class D amps. Candidly, I don’t even know anymore what it means to describe a contemporary amp’s sonic signature as “Class D.” Yet, many of us still have a negative knee-jerk reaction to the “D” word. It’s rather like acknowledging a superb recording on vinyl, and then finding out the transfer wasn’t pure AAA and deciding it wasn’t up to snuff, after all. This is a long-winded way of saying, listen first before you judge. The era of apologizing for Class D is over.

To describe the PS Audio Stellar S300 as a “good” value is an understatement. And with a retail price of $1649, I’m not joking when I initially thought this must be a typo. If you can’t get excited over an amp like the S300, you might reconsider your own high-end bona-fides. Enthusiastically recommended without reservation.

Specs & Pricing

Type: Stereo, dual-mono Class D power amplifier
Power output: 140Wpc 8 ohms, 300Wpc into 4 ohms
Inputs: RCA and XLR
Dimensions: 17″ x 3″ x 12″
Weight: 13 lbs.
Price: $1649

PS AUDIO
4865 Sterling Drive
Boulder, CO 80301
(720) 406-8946
psaudio.com

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Future TAS: JMF Audio HQS 7001 Monoblock

Posted on by TAS Staff

Renowned for performance, high output power, and natural sound since 1988, the French firm JMF Audio’s new line of analog products features new Orose-machined sealed cabinets with rose-gold engraving. Transformers, capacitors, and most major components are  bespoke, created to JMF Audio’s specifications. Products like the 700-watt HQS 7001 monoblock (pictured) are completely handcrafted and hand soldered, including the proprietary PGP gold-plated circuit boards. JMF Audio’s approach to power amplification includes huge reserves of energy  achieved with bespoke toroidal transformers and high-performance capacitors, plus high-voltage electronics for superior headroom and higher efficiency. Also featured are the shortest possible signal paths starting with a precision-trimmed balanced input stage. Two other amplifiers are available in this new series of amplifiers from JMF Audio—the HQS 6002 dual-mono amplifier and the flagship HQS 9001 mono amplifier.

Price: HQS 7001, $68,000/pr.

audioskies.com

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2022 Golden Ear: CH Precision L10 Dual Monaural Linestage Preamplifier and M10 Two-Channel Reference Power Amplifier

Posted on by Robert Harley

CH Precision L10 Dual Monaural Linestage Preamplifier and M10 Two-Channel Reference Power Amplifier

$76,000 (two-chassis L10), $132,000 (four-chassis dual monaural L10); $104,000 (stereo M10), $198,000 (per pair of M10 monoblocks)

CH Precision’s L10 preamplifier and M10 power amplifier are the highest realization of the Swiss company’s technology, build-quality, and musical aesthetic. They combine unprecedented set-up flexibility and control with simply stunning sound quality. For example, the two-chassis stereo power amplifier can be configured for stereo operation (300Wpc), or in two different monoblock configurations, or for passive bi-amplification or active bi-amplification (the latter with the addition of a plug-in board). The ability to independently adjust the amount of local and global feedback from the listening seat through CH’s control app allows the amplifiers to be precisely dialed-in for your loudspeakers. Sonically, the 10 Series has a pristine rendering and exquisite resolution of fine detail without sounding analytical. The highly detailed rendering for which CH Precision is known is there, but accompanied by body, timbral warmth, and dense tone color—a compelling combination. These electronics let you hear every nuance of musical expression and interaction between musicians in a way that is simply thrilling. A tour de force in amplification and my reference electronics.

CH Precision M10 Two-Channel Reference Power Amplifier

The post 2022 Golden Ear: CH Precision L10 Dual Monaural Linestage Preamplifier and M10 Two-Channel Reference Power Amplifier appeared first on The Absolute Sound.

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