Topping LA90 Review: High-Performance Integrated Amplifier

The Topping LA90 is a high-performing and high-definition amplifier. This amplifier is gaining attention in the community. With its accurate engineering and excellent sound quality, LA 90 has become the right choice for audiophile lovers and casual listeners. This Review explains the key features, specifications, and performance of Topping LA90, providing a detailed overview for those who want to add this to their audio setups. 

Built and design quality

The simple design of this case is impressive, similar to flagship models like the D90SE, A90, and PRE90. It is made with a single aluminum block with metal plates in the back or front and aluminum heatsinks on the sides for better heat dissipation. LA90 amplifier has a feature of mounted fans on the sides that keep it cool both at idle and under most load conditions, only getting slightly warmer with heavy use, but never hot.

To reduce wire interference, the front plate is thicker, a common practice in Hi-Fi equipment. The body of the LA90 amplifier has rounded corners and smooth lines that prevent damage from other equipment. The lack of visible screws adds to its sleek look. The LA90 includes an on/off input selector button with a low-intensity LED on the milled front plate to indicate the selected option. Four feet of rubber are placed underneath, keeping the unit stable.

Available in matte black and matte silver, it has a WAF ( Wife Acceptance Factor), due to its impressive design with only one low-intensity LED when powered on. Weighting around 2.75 kg or (6 Ibs) and measuring 220cm wide, 205mm deep, and 90mm tall. The LA90 amplifier fits well in tight spaces. 

Compared to larger models like the KECES S300, S125, Kinki Studio EX-M7, Hegel H190, and Cambridge Audio Azur 851A, it is more compact and this makes them ideal for small racks and for HiFi systems. An IKEA BESTA TV bench can even hold two LA90 units on a single shelf. Overall, the LA90 is a space-saving solution with excellent build quality that is evident upon close inspection.

Connectivity and Controls

Initially Topping LA90 was designed as a powered amplifier and then later added integrated features, which is why it doesn’t come with a remote. When the LA 90 amplifier is used as an integrated amplifier, you can adjust the volume with a large wheel; otherwise, you will need a separate preamp with a remote control.

The LA90 features a single ON/OFF button which works like an input selector. It only has XLR/TRS inputs, with two pairs of speakers terminal inputs, a 3 pin- DC power socket, and several switches to adjust gain, by choosing between integrated and powered amp mode, and switches between mono or stereo. For mono operation, you will need two LA90 amplifiers.

Benchmark included 12V triggers for those who plan to use multiple LA90s, along with their DACs and preamps, that allow you to control everything with one remote control.

Test Equipment

Topping LA90 is used in high-end stereo setups, mostly connected to a Gold Note DS-10 PLUS + PSU-10 EVO DAC, preamps, and streamers. However, it also worked with an Audiobyte HydraVox + HydraZap stack and with a Chord Dave for at least several days.

I wanted to compress the last drop of performance out of it. That is why I used two types of loudspeakers: my daily driver KEF Reference 3 ($15.21) and Sound Of Eden Crescendo UNO ($2933.36) bookshelf loudspeakers. Okay everyone, enough with the talk, let’s hit some eardrums!

Sound performance

First Impressions of Sound

I have almost every Topping and SMSL-integrated power amplifier out there. I still remember how they performed. After warming up the Topping LA90 for about two weeks, a few things stood out to me:

Cleanness and resolution Topping LA90

Without a doubt, I found the Topping LA90 to be one of the cleanest-sounding amplifiers from the Far East. I switched to a Benchmark AHB2 a year ago because of its ultra-clear and revealing sound that eliminated noise. The AHB2 left only pure, transparent sound without coloring the music. As an audio reviewer, I need equipment that provides the cleanest signal so I can accurately judge the sound of new DACs, amplifiers, or speakers. The AHB2 met these needs perfectly, though it sometimes clipped with high-dynamic tracks, so I got a second one to bridge for more power (380 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms). The Topping LA90 aims to replicate the AHB2’s sound at a fraction of the cost, and it’s doing a great job of revealing subtle details and low-level information that only the AHB2 could deliver until now.

Transient Response Topping LA90

The Topping LA90 controlled my speakers tightly and always sounded quick, handling even the most demanding tracks with ease. It’s great with fast electronic music, and double drums were no issue for it. Compared to Class-A and Class-AB amplifiers I’ve used, the LA90 has a shorter note decay, and it’s even shorter than with hybrid amplifiers. Sometimes it’s very impactful, sometimes less so, but one thing’s clear: if you need speed, the LA90 delivers it effortlessly.

Imaging

A single LA90 didn’t sound as spacious and airy as two AHB2s in bridged mode, but it excelled in imaging. The LA90 provided clear, defined edges and never blurred the overall picture. It highlighted subtle details, like the sound of musicians breathing, with impressive precision. Every small nuance was distinctly placed, creating excellent imaging. For its price, I was impressed. Noise Floor
Even though the Topping LA90 doesn’t use the latest Nested Feedback Composite Amplifier modules found in their headphone amps, it still benefits from that technology. No matter how high I turned up the volume, I couldn’t detect any noise from my ultra-sensitive UNI-Q speakers. Unlike other SMSL amplifiers I’ve tried, which often had noticeable background noise, the LA90 remained clean and quiet.

The LA90 doesn’t color the music. If you’re upgrading from budget Class-D amps, you’ll notice a faster pace, tighter, deeper bass, and no thin or harsh midrange. However, it won’t have the organic, relaxed, midrange focus of Class-A amps. The LA90 offers a good mix of natural sound and technical performance but won’t emphasize any particular frequency range or add extra warmth and presence.

Technical Specifications

Power Output:

• Stereo Mode: 2 x 90W @ 4 ohms, 2 x 50W @ 8 ohms
• Mono Mode: 1 x 180W @ 8 ohms
• THD+N: < 0.00008%
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz (±0.1dB)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): > 135dB
• Inputs: Balanced XLR, Single-ended RCA
• Output Impedance: < 0.1 ohms
• Gain Settings: Adjustable (Multiple Gain Levels)
• Dimensions: 250mm x 240mm x 50mm
• Weight: 3.5kg

Associated Equipment

DACs: Audiobyte HydraVox & HydraZap, Chord Dave, Gold Note DS-10 Plus & PSU-10 Evo
DAPs: Hiby RS6, R5 Gen2, FiiO M17, M11 Plus ESS, Shanling M7
Headphone Amps: Trafomatic Primavera, Trafomatic Head 2, Enleum AMP-23R, Ferrum OOR + Hypsos, Flux Lab Acoustics Volot, Burson Audio Soloist 3X GT, various Topping, SMSL,
Preamps: Musician Monoceros
Integrated Amps: Topping LA90, Enleum AMP-23R, Burson Timekeeper 3i
Power Amps: Topping LA90, Benchmark AHB2 (x2)IEMs: FiiO FH9, FH7, FA9, FD7, Meze Rai Penta, LittleDot Cu KIS, Kinera Skuld, 7Hz Timeless, and othersFull-sized Headphones: Hifiman Susvara, HE1000SE, Arya Stealth, Audeze LCD-5, LCD-4, Erzetich Phobos V2021, Phobos V2018, Erzetich Mania, Sennheiser HD800S, Kennerton Rognir, Gjallarhorn, Vali, Apos Caspian, Sendy Peacock, Apollo, Aiva, and othersLoudspeakers: KEF Reference 3, Sound Of Eden Crescendo UNOInterconnects: QED Reference (x2), Topping TCX1 (x2)Speaker Cables: Kimber PR8, Audioquest Type4Power Cables: Isotek EVO3 Premier (x3), iFi Audio SupaNova (x2)Balanced Isolation Power Conditioners: PLiXiR Elite BAC1500 (for stereo setup), Elite BAC400 (for headphone setup)

Pros and Cons of Topping LA90 Amplifier

PROS:

• Stylish and minimalist design
• Compact and lightweight, ideal for small setups
• Stays cool even under heavy use
• Good range of analog inputs (3 pairs of XLR/TRS inputs)
• Offers decent power; can add another unit for more if needed
• Wide frequency response
• No noticeable noise or distortion; very transparent sound
• Clean and detailed sound
• The neutral tone doesn’t emphasize any particular frequency
• Excellent imaging and note positioning
• Fast and precise transients
• Technically impressive and worth the price

CONS:

• Only has balanced inputs; needs adapter cables (RCA to XLR) for single-ended sources
• Lacks impact and punch
• Slightly lacking in sub-bass extension
• Soundstage and depth are limited, giving a somewhat flat sound
• Limited headroom and power; might clip with low-sensitivity speakers
• In mono mode, won’t drive 4-ohm speakers
• No remote control, so not suitable as an integrated amplifier
• External power bricks can be difficult to hide behind an audio rack

Conclusion

The Topping LA90 is a powerful amplifier that provides excellent sound quality with impressive clarity. It offers very low distortion and has a range of connection options, making it a top pick for serious audiophiles who want the best audio experience. With its strong protection features, it’s built to last. If you’re either upgrading your existing home audio system or starting a new setup, the Topping LA90 is a great choice that will significantly enhance your listening experience