In this article, we review the Topping A70 Pro Desktop AMP, priced at $499 USD.
Disclaimer: Topping sent us the A70 Pro for this review. As always, this article reflects my unbiased experience with the product. We thank the Topping HQ for providing the review unit.
Topping Audio
Topping Electronics & Technology was founded in 2008 in Guangzhou, China. Over the years, the company has built a solid reputation worldwide for designing DACs and amplifiers with excellent value for money. Supported by a dedicated R&D team of experienced engineers and audiophiles, Topping invests heavily in state-of-the-art audio test equipment such as the Audio Precision APx555B, widely regarded as the gold standard in the industry.
My personal experience with Topping dates back to 2013, starting with the TP30 and NX1, both of which made a positive impression on me. Since then, I’ve tested over 30 of their products without any major issues. Building on this track record, Topping has demonstrated a continued drive for innovation and quality as audio technology continues to evolve.
Recently, Topping redesigned their website to offer a more polished and user-friendly interface, making it easier to stay up to date on their latest products. If you’re exploring Topping’s line-up, we’ve also reviewed their D90 III Discrete DAC, an excellent pairing for the A70 Pro. Make sure you check it out below:
Topping A70 Pro High-End Balanced Amplifier
Topping A70 Pro marks a new era for Topping, as there’s no longer any mention of the NFCA term in its specs. Instead, we have “T’ang-ku-la,” which means a mountain an eagle cannot fly over. I know there are easier names, but this is the name given to the new amplifier module that Topping has developed. It’s not exactly the simplest name to type, so I’ll stick to copy-and-paste.
I initially had doubts since it’s not NFCA -I’ve long been fond of NFCA amps for their neutrality- but this new module really caught me off guard. Topping has topped itself once again, and I’m honestly not sure how they keep pulling this off. By the end of this review, I hope you’ll have the answers you need about the A70 Pro, which, at least on paper, seems to offer fidelity on par with the flagship A90 Discrete. It’s pretty exciting!
The A70 Pro is available worldwide through various retailers for $499 USD. You can check it out on popular platforms like HifiGo or Linsoul, although availability can fluctuate during busy sales periods like Black Friday and Christmas. Restocking is usually fast, so patience will pay off if you can’t snag one right away.
Specs & Highlights
- New T’ang-ku-la AMP Modules
- R2R Volume Control
- Fully Balanced Architecture
- Aurora UI with 2-inch Color Display
- “Max” SNR (147dB)
- “Max” DNR (147dB)
- “Max” Output: 56Vpp (low gain), 54Vpp (high gain)
- Noise: : <0.6uVrms (low gain), <1.8uVrms (high gain)
- R2R Volume Control
- 17000mW into 16Ω Load
- 12600mW into 32Ω Load
- 670mW into 600Ω Load
- Input impedance 20kΩ
- Output Impedance <0.1Ω
- Ground Loop Noise Eliminator Switch
- HPA & PRE Modes
- 12V Trigger I+O
- L/H Gain
Packaging & Accessories
Just like the D90 III Discrete DAC we recently reviewed, the A70 Pro comes in Topping’s premium packaging. The box features a black, grainy wood-textured design with a minimalist aesthetic. There are no flashy product details or technical specifications printed on the outside. Instead, the Topping logo is printed on the front in a silver font, giving the packaging a sleek and minimalist look.
Opening the box reveals a foam compartment designed to securely hold the AMP and its accessories during transport. On the left side, there is a double cut-out for the remote control and the rest of the accessories. Unlike the DAC, the AMP comes with a printed manual and a warranty booklet instead of a QR card for product information. In addition, we get an IEC13 power cable and a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter in the box.
Design & Build Quality
This time, Topping introduces us to an entirely new design. The A70 Pro, measuring 222x176x48mm, has a rectangular shape with sharp edges that look sleek and modern. Its layout is clean and minimalist in nature.
The slightly protruding front display, the large color screen, the XLR 4-pin connector, the balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs, and the volume knob positioned on the far right all combine to create a very user-friendly layout. The aluminum chassis is stabilized by four round, polished, gold-plated feet with rubber pads. These feet reduce vibration and help the amplifier stay firmly in place, even when several heavy cables are connected. It is not light at 1.3 kg weight, but it’s not nearly as heavy as some desktop amps with gigantic PSUs.
Right next to the display, there are three capacitive touch buttons with easily recognizable icons. The screen’s size and resolution are also impressive, giving it a premium feel. The switch from sticky rubber feet to sturdy metal ones may have been intended to reduce vibration, but regardless of the reason, these feet grip the desk firmly and prevent the amplifier from moving. The CNC-machined metal case gives a sense of robustness and durability as usual.
In terms of I/O, the A70 Pro offers the rich connectivity you’d expect from a high-tier Topping unit. On the rear panel, from left to right, you’ll find the EXT port, balanced XLR inputs, unbalanced RCA inputs, unbalanced RCA outputs, balanced XLR outputs, 12V trigger in and out, a LIFT/GND switch, and a USB-C port for firmware updates. The standout feature here is the EXT port. This port works in conjunction with Topping’s EXT90 module to add two unbalanced RCA inputs and four balanced XLR inputs. It’s a great feature for setting up a system that stays connected to multiple sources simultaneously. Also, the balanced XLR inputs double as 1/4” TRS balanced sockets.
Overall, I have to say that I welcome Topping’s change in the design language from softened lines to sharper lines, which, in my opinion, look much more premium and better convey the perception of high performance to the user or buyer.
The review continues on Page Two, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.
Page 1: Topping, A70 Pro Desktop AMP, Packaging & Accessories, Design & Build Quality
Page 2: Features & Technology, Sound & Performance, Last Words, Summary
