Does the Topping A90 drive the Grado SR80x?

Computed from measured specifications · target SPL 110 dB · load 32 Ω

Verdict

Ample

The Topping A90 drives the Grado SR80x with ample headroom (~28.3 dB headroom at 32 ohms; needs ~3.0 mW, delivers 2000 mW).

Headroom
28.3 dB
Required (110 dB SPL)
3.0 mW
Delivered (@ 32 Ω)
2000 mW
Required voltage
0.34 Vrms

Power Headroom

Headroom: 28.3 dB 0 · target 28.3 dB below target marginal adequate ample -14 dB +10 +20 +36 dB

Scale shows dB headroom above the 3.0 mW required to reach 110 dB SPL. Amp delivers 2000 mW at 32 Ω (+28.3 dB above target).

Grado SR80x Dynamic · on-ear
Impedance (rated) 32 Ω
Impedance (measured) Source: reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/r… 38.8 Ω measured
Sensitivity (rated) 99.8 dB/mW
Sensitivity (measured) 105.3 dB/mW measured
Driver Dynamic
Spec basis Measured
Measured by Reference Audio Analyzer (https://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/report/hp/grado-sr80x.php) · Source ↗
Topping A90 Desktop Ss · Single Ended
Output impedance manufacturer 0.1 Ω
Power @ 32 Ω 2000 mW
Power @ 300 Ω 250 mW
Power @ 600 Ω 125 mW *est.
Power source Manufacturer
* Loads marked "est." are derived from the published voltage ceiling at a lower-impedance load (V = √(P·R) → P_higher = V²/R_higher). All derivations are upward only.
Topping A90 SE output per multiple reviews citing manufacturer spec: 2000 mW @ 32 Ω (some sources say 3000 — using conservative 2000 mW), 250 mW @ 300 Ω. Balanced output is ~4× higher. 600 Ω derived from 300 Ω. · Source ↗

Where to buy

Disclosure: links above are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Affiliate commissions do not influence verdicts; all analysis is computed independently from the data.

AmplifierHeadroom
Schiit Lyr 3 Ample 33.1 dB
Schiit Asgard 3 Ample 30.7 dB
Topping DX3 Pro+ Ample 27.9 dB
FiiO K7 Ample 26.2 dB
Little Dot MkII Ample 15.3 dB
Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Ample 10.2 dB
HeadphoneHeadroom
Koss Porta Pro Ample 28.6 dB
AKG K371 Ample 27.8 dB
AKG K702 Ample 17.4 dB
Sennheiser HD 660S Ample 17.4 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Adequate 8.4 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Adequate 7.3 dB