I shouldn't think it would effect at 686 -they don't run that hot and there is lots of room int the case. Unless its running a lot of the time in Class A which it probably doesn't as it is a Class A-B amp.
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I shouldn't think it would effect at 686 -they don't run that hot and there is lots of room int the case. Unless its running a lot of the time in Class A which it probably doesn't as it is a Class A-B amp.
The 686 case barely gets warm to the touch, even when being on for a complete day.
With the wick turned up, vinyl replay sounds a bit clearer now. I suppose that the Herbie’s tube dampers and the Silent coat have helped reduce vibrations.
Today, I fancied a change, so I swapped my Topping Pre90 out for my Firebottle KIN.
Vinyl is still very enjoyable to listen to.
I still need to put my RME DAC back in, and have a listen to the digital side.
After about an hour of listening, I think I want to change my pre.
Ideally for a hybrid pre like the KIN, but with balanced inputs/outputs and remote source selection and volume control.
I think I prefer this sound the the Pre90, which I have been using for a long time.
Interesting stuff Kevin,
Alan's gear is top notch, not surprised your enjoying it so much.
Had his phono stage a few years back, it sounded terrific.
My experience is that a good Pre can make a big difference sound wise?
None of that "straight wire with gain" nonsense. :)
I've been running the Pre90 for a few Months in my system as well, and been very impressed by it.
Well... for all the "Hifi" reasons anyway?
It replaced my PS Audio BHK preamp (Im a sucker for a "Giant Killer") and whilst I enjoyed the lack of slight valve background hiss (probably cos the gain structure of my setup) the Pre90 was no where near as "real"sounding and emotionally impactful.
Thats what I look for in a system.
The Toppings very clear with literally zero background noise...sure, but after some months with it now, I feel theres something "missing", or more likely "added" and off about its sound, at least in my System.
I initially thought it might be that it was so "technically correct" it wasn't adding any of its own euphonic flavour like a lot of Pre's do?
But its not that.
Its not clinical sounding either, exactly, but I'm more aware now with the Pre90 and the new Dac having ran in more from new, that it puts a bit of a "cold sheen" over the music.. I'd liken it to adding a sharpness filter to a Jpeg image?
Technically it hits the marks with low SINAD and such, but theres definately something missing and an artificial aspect to its sound.
Its missing the magic sauce, basically, and shows that measurements arent the be all and end all.
Theres better out there,sure, but for the spend its OUTSTANDING.
Took a punt on it, but its flavour doesn't suit my likes/system... wish it would have taken £600 to tick that box but sadly not.
Think its a nested feedback Op-Amp based design, and I've found with some kit in the past that can add an artificial flavour to the sound.
Dunno, no expert, I just hear what I hear.
Synergy is everything, so just in my system to my ears.
Worth noting though that some folks reckon the Pre90 goes head to head with the much more expensive Benchmark LA4, so its obviously not a mediocre amp.
So Im moving on from the Pre90 as well.
Its a great amp but feel its holding my system back, especially in the areas that give me the fizz.
I'm missing what the PS Audio BHK Pre brought to the table, but dont miss the slight valve hiss.
Fantastic value though, and easily expandable with an additional well priced add on box if you need more inputs.
Good to be able to swap back and forth between pre's Kevin, see where your mood takes you at the time! :)
The Topping's only real fault is low input impedance, especially with the balanced inputs (2Kohm) and the unbalanced is still only 9.6kohm.
So if your source does not have low output impedance frequency response is going to skew off downwards especially with balanced connection.
The Benchmark is much more compatible in that regard (80Kohm balanced and 37Kohm unbalanced).
I don't know if this is the reason why you both seem slightly dissatisfied with the Topping, but there it is. Maybe look at the output impedance of your DACs and phono stages. If you're going in balanced you want them to be less than 200 ohm.
The Dacs output impedance is around 27.5 Ohms, so pretty low?
Its just a system sound preference thing with me I think.
I plumbed the BHK pre back in to confirm the sound change and yup, the "magic" came back.
Confirmed that Pre amps can make a difference...again.
Yes should not be any issue there. You must just like those noisy valves ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazjam
I like the sound of valves gently hissing as it lets me know my amp is on!:)