Poll for Topping PA5 owners only please.

[terrys999]

Currently suffering from a similar problem, sound on the right speaker cuts out sometimes, and i get random plopping sounds on occasion, i just switched the cables.( Left/Right).. Lets see what happcheck the transport units first.

Yeh definitely check cables or if streaming see if it’s router ect...

Otherwise. Welcome to the pink elephant awards forum.
We are all in the same boat.

 

[TOPPING-Service]

Hi every one, in the future, I will provide technical support and after-sales assistance for TOPPING products at ASR.

We are very aware of your anxiety and understand the inconvenience of users who experience product failures. I think we need to make the following clarification: From our statistics and complaints received, the PA5 failure rate is slightly higher than our PA3s, LA90, MX5. But since the failure rate is still within the normal range, and even if the product fails, it won't cause more harm, so we didn't stop selling. But we knew it would affect the user experience, so we took action and researched.

From the analysis of our recurring situation and the faulty products returned by users, the reason is that very few internal components will fail under long-term heating, and the faulty unit can be repaired after replacing the components. Our solution to this is to adjust the manufacturing process of the components for improvement.

Based on the fact that the vast majority of users who experience failures experience problems after a long period of use (1-3 months), we think it will take some time for us to see improvements. At the same time, we have decided to increase the warranty period of the current power amplifier products (including PA3s, PA5, MX5, LA90) to two years. Details are still being discussed and will be announced soon.

As a responsible manufacturer, TOPPING will not sell products to the market knowing that there is a problem with them. TOPPING will also respond to user needs in a timely manner and solve problems for users.

 

[delta76]

Good that we have manufacturer support here. a bit late, but that's much better than nothing. We want to love you and your products. Reasonable price, top performance, but the incident has been worrying a lot of ASR members from buying Topping products.

I look forward to a happy ending

 

[Sokel]

But since the failure rate is still within the normal range, and even if the product fails, it won't cause more harm, so we didn't stop selling.

WTF?!

 

[delta76]

WTF?!

the wording could be better, but it's not unreasonable IMO. the point is that the product is not harmful (Electric shock, fire etc.) even if it fails, so there is no need to stop selling and recalling (like with the infamous Samsung Galaxy Note 7).
Of course it could have been handled better, but the explanation is not that bad.

 

[Sokel]

the wording could be better, but it's not unreasonable IMO. the point is that the product is not harmful (Electric shock, fire etc.) even if it fails, so there is no need to stop selling and recalling (like with the infamous Samsung Galaxy Note 7).
Of course it could have been handled better, but the explanation is not that bad.

Sorry,it was spontaneous,I admit it but I have never heard such a cold admition.
Harmful?Explain that to a couple of beryllium tweeters if the terror occurs.

 

[terrys999]

These failures within normal???
Wtf
No these failures are high.

I knew it was over heating problem. Iam using a mates pa5 he had the problems but we attached a fan blowing into a side vent Problem went away.
And is still working fine.

It could also be that pa5 likes 2.6v
I bet folks are using full 4v. Dac on full volume. Dac needs dialling down 3.5 dB.
Which explains getting hot = failures

 

[tvih]

Would be weird if the failure rate would be barely higher, given there's certainly not been anywhere near as many PA3s failures reported. Though maybe more people buy the PA5, dunno. But if the problem is indeed heat related... I've already wondered about the fairly closed, unvented designs. Can't even properly add an aftermarket fan or anything without drilling additional holes yourself for the air to flow through. The few vents there are are on the sides which would make for a tiny fan indeed. Could be more like the MX5.

 

[terrys999]

Would be weird if the failure rate would be barely higher, given there's certainly not been anywhere near as many PA3s failures reported. Though maybe more people buy the PA5, dunno. But if the problem is indeed heat related... I've already wondered about the fairly closed, unvented designs. Can't even properly add an aftermarket fan or anything without drilling additional holes yourself for the air to flow through. The few vents there are are on the sides which would make for a tiny fan indeed. Could be more like the MX5.

Yep
The 2 pa5s I sent back got very warm. Especially on low volume. My dac was 0.0 dB full 4v that’s when I experienced speaker noises.
Then on my mates who had problems I set my adi 2dac fs to +13 dialled back 3.5db 2.6 ish. Volts and added a fan,
It’s not faulted again.
Seems 4 v is a NO NO

 

[Sokel]

Yep
The 2 pa5s I sent back got very warm. Especially on low volume. My dac was 0.0 dB full 4v that’s when I experienced speaker noises.
Then on my mates who had problems I set my adi 2dac fs to +13 dialled back 3.5db 2.6 ish. Volts and added a fan,
It’s not faulted again.
Seems 4 v is a NO NO

What's the spec'd maximum voltage range on input?

 

[terrys999]

What's the spec'd maximum voltage range on input?

Amirm measured optimal 2.6v
Many use full 4v
The dac that partners the amp outputs 4 v I bet that’s the cause of all failures including my own.

 

[Sokel]

Amirm measured optimal 2.6v
Many use full 4v
The dac that partners the amp outputs 4 v I bet that’s the cause of all failures including my own.

Aside from practice,what is the manual states?

Edit:found it myself in audiophonics:

You shouldn't put 4V then.
(even if that's not the right way to state on spec's,it should clearly define the range)

 

[terrys999]

The problem is. Topping should say don’t use 4 v.
Xlr use 4v
Actually safer to use rca out at 2.1 volt slightly under powered
I bet topping didn’t realise this and overlooked it.

Perhaps they should have mentioned that Don’t Use Full Power On Dac.
Ha

 

[nagster]

When the volume position of PA5 was the maximum and the input signal was 2.7Vrms, the THD+N ratio of the output was about 1%.
When the volume position of PA5 was 0dB gain and the input signal was 25Vrms, the THD+N ratio of the output was about 1%.
I haven't measured more than 26Vrms.

Topping PA5 Review (Amplifier)

THD+N vs input level

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[nagster]

Hi every one, in the future, I will provide technical support and after-sales assistance for TOPPING products at ASR.

We are very aware of your anxiety and understand the inconvenience of users who experience product failures. I think we need to make the following clarification: From our statistics and complaints received, the PA5 failure rate is slightly higher than our PA3s, LA90, MX5. But since the failure rate is still within the normal range, and even if the product fails, it won't cause more harm, so we didn't stop selling. But we knew it would affect the user experience, so we took action and researched.

From the analysis of our recurring situation and the faulty products returned by users, the reason is that very few internal components will fail under long-term heating, and the faulty unit can be repaired after replacing the components. Our solution to this is to adjust the manufacturing process of the components for improvement.

Based on the fact that the vast majority of users who experience failures experience problems after a long period of use (1-3 months), we think it will take some time for us to see improvements. At the same time, we have decided to increase the warranty period of the current power amplifier products (including PA3s, PA5, MX5, LA90) to two years. Details are still being discussed and will be announced soon.

As a responsible manufacturer, TOPPING will not sell products to the market knowing that there is a problem with them. TOPPING will also respond to user needs in a timely manner and solve problems for users.

It's strange that official manufacturer support will be carried out in external forums.
Anyway, I support this challenge, hoping that everyone will be happy.

 

[kelz0429]

New to the forum (although I've been a lurker for many months). I purchased the PA5 (serial number 2202xxxxxx) about a month ago based on many, many reviews, including the measurements posted here on ASR. I also purchased the E50, and added the stack to my living room setup, replacing my long-lived SMSL AD18. I have the E50 connected via balanced cables and an iFi Zen Phono connected via a balanced 4.4 pentacon to dual TRS cable. When playing content from my TV, I set the PA5 volume to 3 o'clock and control the content volume via the E50. When playing my turntable, I control the volume via the PA5 (generally listening with the volume/gain between 11 o'clock and 2 o'clock). I leave the PA5 connected to my power strip at all times and only power off using the switch on the front of the unit. I put my E50 into standby mode prior to switching the PA5 into standby mode but I leave the iFi Zen Phono on 24/7. The PA5 runs at least 12 hours a day, usually closer to 14 hours. Edit: I meant to include that the PA5 is powering Triangle Br03s. And I doubt this matters, but the E50 is powered by a P50 linear PSU.

I have what might be a really silly question but I want to ask in case my PA5 is about to become a statistic. When I power on the PA5 (again, via the switch on the front of the unit), I hear a fairly quiet but quite noticeable click (some may call it a pop, but to me, it sounds more like a click) in the left channel within about 3 seconds. When I switch off the PA5, this same click/pop occurs almost instantaneously. Is this sound normal or a harbinger of doom? I am not (yet--knock on wood) noticing any other noise/static but I'm very concerned.

 

[JeremyFife]

New to the forum (although I've been a lurker for many months). I purchased the PA5 (serial number 2202xxxxxx) about a month ago based on many, many reviews, including the measurements posted here on ASR. I also purchased the E50, and added the stack to my living room setup, replacing my long-lived SMSL AD18. I have the E50 connected via balanced cables and an iFi Zen Phono connected via a balanced 4.4 pentacon to dual TRS cable. When playing content from my TV, I set the PA5 volume to 3 o'clock and control the content volume via the E50. When playing my turntable, I control the volume via the PA5 (generally listening with the volume/gain between 11 o'clock and 2 o'clock). I leave the PA5 connected to my power strip at all times and only power off using the switch on the front of the unit. I put my E50 into standby mode prior to switching the PA5 into standby mode but I leave the iFi Zen Phono on 24/7. The PA5 runs at least 12 hours a day, usually closer to 14 hours. Edit: I meant to include that the PA5 is powering Triangle Br03s. And I doubt this matters, but the E50 is powered by a P50 linear PSU.

I have what might be a really silly question but I want to ask in case my PA5 is about to become a statistic. When I power on the PA5 (again, via the switch on the front of the unit), I hear a fairly quiet but quite noticeable click (some may call it a pop, but to me, it sounds more like a click) in the left channel within about 3 seconds. When I switch off the PA5, this same click/pop occurs almost instantaneously. Is this sound normal or a harbinger of doom? I am not (yet--knock on wood) noticing any other noise/static but I'm very concerned.

What you describe is sensible, fair use that should cause no issues. Any failure in your amp would be down to a faulty unit, just like some of the other members here have found.
You have a similar set up to me. I also heard a click, which sounded like a relay (I don't know what it was btw) and it all worked beautifully for months. Never bothered me.

FWIW there seem to be a couple of things to watch; recommendation is to leave the power brick plugged in and only power down the amp (just as you are doing). There's a suggestion that overheating causes issues, but you don't report that, and I didn't notice it.

You're doing nothing wrong - enjoy the music and hopefully you have one of the good units

 

[terrys999]

New to the forum (although I've been a lurker for many months). I purchased the PA5 (serial number 2202xxxxxx) about a month ago based on many, many reviews, including the measurements posted here on ASR. I also purchased the E50, and added the stack to my living room setup, replacing my long-lived SMSL AD18. I have the E50 connected via balanced cables and an iFi Zen Phono connected via a balanced 4.4 pentacon to dual TRS cable. When playing content from my TV, I set the PA5 volume to 3 o'clock and control the content volume via the E50. When playing my turntable, I control the volume via the PA5 (generally listening with the volume/gain between 11 o'clock and 2 o'clock). I leave the PA5 connected to my power strip at all times and only power off using the switch on the front of the unit. I put my E50 into standby mode prior to switching the PA5 into standby mode but I leave the iFi Zen Phono on 24/7. The PA5 runs at least 12 hours a day, usually closer to 14 hours. Edit: I meant to include that the PA5 is powering Triangle Br03s. And I doubt this matters, but the E50 is powered by a P50 linear PSU.

I have what might be a really silly question but I want to ask in case my PA5 is about to become a statistic. When I power on the PA5 (again, via the switch on the front of the unit), I hear a fairly quiet but quite noticeable click (some may call it a pop, but to me, it sounds more like a click) in the left channel within about 3 seconds. When I switch off the PA5, this same click/pop occurs almost instantaneously. Is this sound normal or a harbinger of doom? I am not (yet--knock on wood) noticing any other noise/static but I'm very concerned.

That’s the relay sound I thinks. Mines same

 

[MiNiMaL_FuSS]

Hi every one, in the future, I will provide technical support and after-sales assistance for TOPPING products at ASR.

We are very aware of your anxiety and understand the inconvenience of users who experience product failures. I think we need to make the following clarification: From our statistics and complaints received, the PA5 failure rate is slightly higher than our PA3s, LA90, MX5. But since the failure rate is still within the normal range, and even if the product fails, it won't cause more harm, so we didn't stop selling. But we knew it would affect the user experience, so we took action and researched.

From the analysis of our recurring situation and the faulty products returned by users, the reason is that very few internal components will fail under long-term heating, and the faulty unit can be repaired after replacing the components. Our solution to this is to adjust the manufacturing process of the components for improvement.

Based on the fact that the vast majority of users who experience failures experience problems after a long period of use (1-3 months), we think it will take some time for us to see improvements. At the same time, we have decided to increase the warranty period of the current power amplifier products (including PA3s, PA5, MX5, LA90) to two years. Details are still being discussed and will be announced soon.

As a responsible manufacturer, TOPPING will not sell products to the market knowing that there is a problem with them. TOPPING will also respond to user needs in a timely manner and solve problems for users.

Given that these failures are based on heat, is there any advice to help people with existing systems?

I assume we should untack the unit (mine has an E50 underneath it) and ensure it's in an open space with decent airflow?

Has anyone added a fan to their PA5 or a heatsink?

 

[MAB]

Hi every one, in the future, I will provide technical support and after-sales assistance for TOPPING products at ASR.

We are very aware of your anxiety and understand the inconvenience of users who experience product failures. I think we need to make the following clarification: From our statistics and complaints received, the PA5 failure rate is slightly higher than our PA3s, LA90, MX5. But since the failure rate is still within the normal range, and even if the product fails, it won't cause more harm, so we didn't stop selling. But we knew it would affect the user experience, so we took action and researched.

From the analysis of our recurring situation and the faulty products returned by users, the reason is that very few internal components will fail under long-term heating, and the faulty unit can be repaired after replacing the components. Our solution to this is to adjust the manufacturing process of the components for improvement.

Based on the fact that the vast majority of users who experience failures experience problems after a long period of use (1-3 months), we think it will take some time for us to see improvements. At the same time, we have decided to increase the warranty period of the current power amplifier products (including PA3s, PA5, MX5, LA90) to two years. Details are still being discussed and will be announced soon.

As a responsible manufacturer, TOPPING will not sell products to the market knowing that there is a problem with them. TOPPING will also respond to user needs in a timely manner and solve problems for users.

There seem to be several categories of fail. One is the sound of rustling leaves (or running water), seems that it comes from the left channel for most people.
Are you familiar with this symptom?
If so, is it heat-related?
My unit developed this after 1 week. The unit ran cool the entire week it was working, so heat doesn't seem to be the cause, and 1 week is not long.
Also, my unit started making a loud turn-on noise with a large DC offset that bottomed out the woofer. So, not sure about the no harm statement. I see in this thread that some people were using their PA5 as a tweeter amp, large DC offset to a tweeter is potentially harmful.

It did take too long for you to engage.
I have already had my 50 emails with Shenzhenaudio, and got my money back after extended negotiations. Seems they didn't know how to support your product warranty.