The discussion revolves around Topping products, with users sharing their experiences and asking questions about the specifications and design of the amplifier. Reliability concerns are a major theme throughout the conversation, with some users expressing skepticism due to past issues. However, others have had positive experiences with Topping products, such as the A70 Pro Sabre headphone amp/preamp and PA3s amplifier.
Users ask technical questions about the amplifier, including its power supply and voltage input capabilities, gain and sensitivity, and channel imbalance and volume control. Some users also discuss the potential for using the amplifier in larger systems beyond desktop use, integrating it with other equipment such as subwoofers and DACs.
A review of the Topping PA5 II stereo balanced amplifier is shared, highlighting its excellent performance, low noise, and high power output. The reviewer notes that the amplifier easily lands in their top 20 best amplifiers tested, combining low noise and distortion. However, they also mention that amplifiers have a higher failure rate than other audio gear, and caution that large-scale production may show issues that did not occur in their sample.
Throughout the discussion, users continue to ask questions and share their experiences with Topping products, weighing the pros and cons of purchasing from the company. While some users are hesitant due to past reliability issues, others are willing to give the new version of the amplifier a chance, hoping it will prove to be reliable.
Reliability concerns remain a significant theme throughout the discussion, with users discussing Topping's reputation for producing unreliable products and sharing their own experiences with customer support from the company. Some users compare Topping to NAD, which has a similar reputation, and express concerns that Topping prioritizes sales over reliability and customer satisfaction.
Measurement comparisons are also discussed, with users comparing measurements between different products, including the PA5, PA5 II, and 3E audio modules with PFFB. There are discussions about the significance of small differences in SINAD measurements.
The discussion highlights the importance of considering both technical specifications and reliability concerns when evaluating audio equipment. While some users have had positive experiences with Topping products, others remain skeptical due to past issues. The review of the PA5 II amplifier provides a more nuanced view, highlighting its excellent performance while also cautioning about potential reliability concerns.
Additionally, users discuss design flaws and quality control issues in Topping products, including unbalanced inputs and small speaker wire holes in the original PA5. Some users question the company's design and manufacturing process, including the use of potted modules and ribbon cables. There are differing opinions on how to balance the need for objective reviews with the importance of warning consumers about potential issues.
The conversation also touches on the cooling system design in Topping PA5 II amplifier, with some users expressing concerns about safety and potential risks due to large vents on the sides. However, others argue that the device is low-voltage and certified, making it safe. Some users prefer side vents over top vents due to their specific use cases (e.g., stacking devices).
Overall, the discussion emphasizes the significance of reliability concerns when evaluating audio equipment, particularly in the context of Topping products. While some users have had positive experiences, others remain cautious due to past issues and concerns about the company's design and manufacturing process.
The debate also explores the importance of considering both technical specifications and reliability concerns when evaluating audio equipment. Users discuss the significance of small differences in SINAD measurements and the need for objective reviews that balance technical performance with warnings about potential issues.
Furthermore, users touch on the topic of bias against Chinese-made products, with some arguing that country of origin should not be a factor in judging product quality, while others believe it can be an indicator of reliability. The discussion also explores what constitutes "true" hi-fi gear, with some users arguing that it should encompass not only measurements but also reliability and real-world performance.
Personal experiences and expectations are also shared, with several users expressing frustration with Topping's customer support, while others defend their purchasing decisions based on factors like price and size.
In a related discussion, the original poster is considering purchasing speakers with 6 Ohm impedance and 87 dB sensitivity, and wants to know if the Topping D10 balanced DAC paired with either the PA5 II Plus or PA7 amplifier would be sufficient for their needs. They are concerned about the power recommendation from the speaker company and whether they should opt for a more powerful amplifier.
Several users responded with calculations and advice on how to determine the required power based on the speaker sensitivity, room size, and desired listening level. Antcollinet suggested that 6 dB headroom may not be enough for classical music and recommended aiming for 10-15 dB headroom. RhubarbRansom decided that the PA7 would be a more "worry-free" solution.
The discussion then turned to the topic of balanced connections, with Julf arguing that even an unbalanced source connected to a balanced input can still benefit from common mode noise rejection and ground loop avoidance. Antcollinet countered that impedance balance is necessary for true common mode rejection, and that simply using a differential connection does not guarantee balance.
The conversation continued with discussions on the benefits of balanced connections in real-world setups, with VVR noting that poorly designed circuits can negate any potential benefits. Julf and antcollinet debated the importance of impedance balance in achieving common mode noise rejection, with antcollinet emphasizing that system SNR is critical in determining the effectiveness of balancing.
The thread also included some off-topic discussions about amplifier measurements, hum elimination, and the use of balanced connections in high-energy physics experiments.
