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Topping A90 failure issues. Should I try a 3rd A90?

I purchased the Topping A90 & D90 MQA August 2020. The A90 lasted about 3 months then "blew up" with major static in one channel. I tried different headphones, connects (4 pin XLR, 4.4mm pentacon) and it was in fact the A 90. Apos exchanged the failed A90 (took a long time) and after using the 2nd A90 for less than a month, the same issue. So after 2 failed A90's I'm wondering if I try a 3rd or another headphone amp? I'm using XLR balanced (and have 2 headphones that are also balanced cables). Thanks for any counsel. 
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Showing 3 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,632 posts
 
The Topping DACs are excellent bargains in high end audio and good examples of how high end audio is not about price but intention.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,632 posts
 
But this is different. After a loud static discharge, one channel went out.
Sounds a bit like an opamp failure. And really bad luck, considering how well the unit measures.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,632 posts
 
@dreas  We have a new D90 (non-MQA) that had some odd distortion issues when we got it. We were running it from the USB port of our shop Mac Powerbook. Apparently the settings got scrambled and we had to reset what was being sent to the USB port. This cleared up the bursts of static and outright distortion. You might take a look and see if this is what is going on. We've not had a lick of trouble with it since.
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