Hi all, here is my experience with the Topping PA5.
My room : 5 metres wide x 11 metres long
I'm 3,5 metres from my speakers when I listen to music (a lot)
My gear as you can see on the picture :
- Streaming : Amazon HD / Gustard X16 / PA5 / JBL L65
- Digital : Marantz CD 8006 / Gustard X16 / PA5 / JBL L65
- Analog : Rega P6 / Black Cube / PA5 / JBL L65
Gustard X16 is a clue. I run through this site almost everyday since Gustard X16 release minus 4 months.
The specifications of the speakers are attached to this post.
I received the PA5 3 days ago. Since then I listened to more than 12h of music (streaming/CD). (Jazz, Classical, Indie Rock, 70's stuff)
And I'm currently listening to some LPs : I just received a RCA to TRS converter.
I'm surely going to buy a
drv134 converter but there is no hurry as you will see.
Streaming and Digital peak levels :
- from my seat as measured by "Audio tool" on android :
- from 80db to 85db, volume knob pointing to 12h or 13h (from half and little more) depending on the sources.
- At this level I can endure at most 1 or 2 songs.
- I'm at ease between 65 db and 75 db.
LP Digital peaks :
- 80db volume knob at 12h.
- Well, this is unexpected. I was thinking while plugging the RCA to TRS converter that it was just for a quick test ; nothing enjoyable foreseen.
- I'm puzzled. The sound is "plenty". heavy bass, clear crisp sound, nothing screaming, "Eh I'm working half power, nothing will come out"
My subjective "in my context" experience :
- First : More bass !!
- Then : the sound is "generous" : more bass, more medium, more treble (sometimes too much).
- The sound fills the room : while eating (10 metres from the speakers) the volume was at 11h, we were enjoying a LP with a clean, dynamic sound.
- The "low frequency loudspeakers" as stated in the manual deliver more bass than ever : I tried Tale Of Us / North Star. Well, I'm so happy to have those 30 cm loudspeakers and no neighbours
Right now, volume knob at 12h, dB SPL from 65 to 80 (Joy Division LP / King Crimson LP).
... Just turn down to 11h, it's too loud.
And I am thinking... 350€ ! 350€!!! My previous amplifier cost me 2400€ 6 years ago ! With 6x more pleasure ? Unfortunately, no.