This may be premature because the new Topping PA5 ii and PA5 ii Plus have just started shipping. But given the earlier problems, it would be very interesting to have first impressions on sound quality (and reliability) from people who were brave enough to order.
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Early reports on new Topping PA5 ii and PA5 ii Plus?
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unpluggged
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Reliability is a statistical measure, and is a function of time.
restorer-john
Grand Contributor
Topping won't make the same beginners mistake potting modules again. But if they f#ck up the series 2, I'll have even less sympathy for them than I already do, considering how screwed over their customers were with the last PA5.
I mean seriously, somebody had to reverse engineer the stupid 'module'. A decent manufacturer would have publicly issued a mea culpa and released the gerbers for the PCB module, the internal schematic and values, because god knows, there's no actual parts available is there? That's the difference between a real HiFi manufacturer and a clown show.
There is no coming back from that fiasco in my book. And every single time I see another breathless review of a Topping piece here, I shake my head.
I mean seriously, somebody had to reverse engineer the stupid 'module'. A decent manufacturer would have publicly issued a mea culpa and released the gerbers for the PCB module, the internal schematic and values, because god knows, there's no actual parts available is there? That's the difference between a real HiFi manufacturer and a clown show.
There is no coming back from that fiasco in my book. And every single time I see another breathless review of a Topping piece here, I shake my head.
JSmith
Master Contributor
There is a thread already on this;
www.audiosciencereview.com
JSmith
New Topping PA5 MKII in the works
I asked a question about a comment where they had posted on Reddit. They are extending warranties of existing and a mkii is in the works.
www.audiosciencereview.com
JSmith
cptsantos
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Just bought a PA5 II and have been testing it for the last 3 days.
Works fine but I’m surprised to find it runs very hot even at idle.
In fact, it runs hotter on idle than my Sonos Connect Amp (ZP120) playing at high volume.
Is anyone else experiencing this?
Works fine but I’m surprised to find it runs very hot even at idle.
In fact, it runs hotter on idle than my Sonos Connect Amp (ZP120) playing at high volume.
Is anyone else experiencing this?
Bleib
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The original ran rather hot as well. I raised it up a bit (almost an inch) to make sure that cooler air can come underneath it and also make sure not to have any component below it that emits any heat.
I find myself unfortuately in need of an amp, as my 30 year old A/B amp died today. I was searching for some experience with the newer Topping amps in light of their early troubles. Although since my preamp is not balanced, I'm afraid a fully balanced amp will be an issue.
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JSmith
Master Contributor
That's a shame, I feel your pain. Are you sure it's completely shot and can't be easily repaired?
After the PA5 debacle, I personally wouldn't buy one their amps (DAC's for sure)... even though it seems the PA5 II is ok, ymmv.
Maybe take a look at a Fosi V3 or possibly a Hypex/Purifi based amp.
JSmith
I did own a Buckeye previous. Great amp!
I took a peek at the Fosi - good price!!! But Amazon has it flagged as a "Frequently returned" item. And I really wanted a 12v trigger. And Toppings issues are .... ???
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Then there is the Fosi ZA 3 with a 12V trigger or the V3 Mono blocks with AUTO triggers.
I had trouble with Auto amps in the past. When playing classical at low volume, sometimes it would shut off.
Good question. I thought it was shot. I just took it out of the cabinet and checked the fuses which were okay. But when I reinstalled it, it works again. Well, sort of. Now it’s on all the time. There is something amiss either with the 12v trigger switch or maybe the main power switch. The LED for power is always on. But, I suspect the repair will be more $$$ than a new Fosi.
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