It's particularly ironic that an amp like these Topping, who's only claim to fame is that they are designed to measured performance criteria, is still evaluated by some for demonstratively incorrect subjective comparisons. People love their hallucinations.
Sorry, I am not browbeating on you.
I appreciate your approach. I just find it infinitely ironic you are getting a shakedown for a subjective description of this amp.My entire reason for even purchasing these would be considered subjective (already running ZA3s with—gasp—rolled discrete op-amps, but I am overly curious about Class AB amps and the ZA3s are Class D), so feel free to bask in the irony of the entire proceeding!Sorry, I am not browbeating on you.
I bought a PA5, entirely based on the fantastic measured noise performance. I verified it does have less noise when using high efficiency compression drivers, measurably better and audibly noticeable. The PA5 failed after one week, same systematic fail mode that was endemic of the PA5. The reseller gave me an impossible time with the return. I eventually sent it (after the reseller shipped it back to me unrepaired
) to Gammerpaddy who reverse engineered a fix for the discrepant module.I did read about people having issues with the older models. Time will tell how these hold up; I intend to keep the ZA3s around as backups in case the B100s go kaput.I bought a PA5, entirely based on the fantastic measured noise performance. I verified it does have less noise when using high efficiency compression drivers, measurably better and audibly noticeable. The PA5 failed after one week, same systematic fail mode that was endemic of the PA5. The reseller gave me an impossible time with the return. I eventually sent it (after the reseller shipped it back to me unrepaired
I am more interested in the reliability of these. And if when they blow, they produce large DC offsets, or other damaging artifacts.
It's not like I was being completely objective when I bought the PA5, I wasn't able to notice the hiss of my old amp unless I was at hyper close range, and with no music playing. But I did get a completely objective result, the amp failed!
I would have held off before I tested the waters on this, especially given Topping's reliability history, and the lack of reseller support.
John Yang did acknowledge the issues, and how Topping planned on addressing. And was concerned about the reseller's lack of support to many customers. Like you say, time will tell. Most of my amps are Bryston, they are top of the pack for reliability and service so totally unfair comparison
. But for sure I am pulling for Topping to turn the corner on quality and reliability.For what it’s worth, the B100 reuses technology previously introduced/implemented in the A70 Pro headphone & preamplifier, so it’s not brand new, and it’s not related to the internal configuration of PA5 at all.John Yang did acknowledge the issues, and how Topping planned on addressing. And was concerned about the reseller's lack of support to many customers. Like you say, time will tell. Most of my amps are Bryston, they are top of the pack for reliability and service so totally unfair comparison
www.audiophonics.fr
That product page has the most detailed specifications breakdown I’ve seen anywhere. Great resource!Pre-order Audiophonics
TOPPING B100 Mono Power Amplifier Black
The Topping B100 mono power amplifier, little brother of the B200, is capable of developing 100W of power at 4 ohms.
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@EddNog
Class B? Or Class D?
Class B. Look at the bandwidth.
Please clarify a little about class B, I have not seen an amplifier in class B so far.
That is wider than any class D I've seen measured.
Aren't most small AB amps class B really?
