Topping’s new amplifier - Mini300

[antcollinet]

If the spec sheet is accurate and this really is Class D, then despite similarities it should be a completely different amplifier under the hood.

Wouldn’t be surprised if this were a TI TPA3251.

PA5 and PA5 II are also class D.

 

[antcollinet]

(How do you multi-quote in this forum?)

Select the text you want to quote in the post you want to quote from. A little "reply" button pops up. When you click it you get the quote like I have here.


Then you can quote some different text and quote that in the same way - like this.

and also Paco

But this only works when you are creating your reply - once you have posted it, this method no longer works if you try to edit it.

 

[VintageFlanker]

Looks similar to what they already had... What is the point?

We're talking about Topping, mate.

 

[Bleib]

It's a great amp in version II, I don't mind at all a lower price and better looks. Can't believe people would complain.
At this point I'd just expect just about anything to cost more. My loudspeakers for instance cost about 1000 euro more than they did a year ago

 

[Guddu]

It's a great amp in version II, I don't mind at all a lower price and better looks. Can't believe people would complain.
At this point I'd just expect just about anything to cost more. My loudspeakers for instance cost about 1000 euro more than they did a year ago

Absolutely.
Buyers didn't blink while buying PA5 or PA5 II with comparatively higher price than Mini300.
For a near field desktop setup or something, this might be great entry point.
Amazon's extended return period at this time gives about 3 months to test risk free, there couldn't be better time to buy on Amazon.

 

[Bleib]

For a near field desktop setup or something, this might be great entry point.

Near field doesn't require anything close to 2x125w
As I said before, this is powerful enough for main systems, and should come with a remote like TP RA3

 

[Guddu]

Near field doesn't require anything close to 2x125w
As I said before, this is powerful enough for main systems, and should come with a remote like TP RA3

Agreed, could get into main system as well.

On a side note - I recently got a pair of JBL HDI-1600 and swapped Sierra-lx, and now I bottom out 3e A7 (+48v 10a PSU). I did not think I would see A7 getting bottom out in my small listening room.
P.S. There is no volume bypass switch on Mini300, I know keeping it max will be alike but still.

 

[Guddu]

Now with Topping's have changed clothes re-packaging of PA5 II to make Mini300 with such aggressive pricing, I am wondering when do they bring PA7's new avatar with comparatively lower price.

 

[Bleib]

Manual

https://dl.topping.audio/um/Mini_300.pdf

 

[Power Pop 23]

It's a great amp in version II, I don't mind at all a lower price and better looks. Can't believe people would complain.
At this point I'd just expect just about anything to cost more. My loudspeakers for instance cost about 1000 euro more than they did a year ago

Agreed. I am not aware of any spate of problems with the PA5 II

As a PA5 owner, I now only consider a Topping Audio amplifier when at least 12 months have elapsed since it became available to purchase.

 

[Zenheiser]

I am new here and do have a question: why are small amps like the Mini 300 etc. despite their nominal performance mostly considered onyl for desktop/near field use?

I understand that the actual available power of the amplifier might not be enough to run big/low impedance speakers reliable and durable - Check.

But what about a standard living room setup, e.g. 25 sqm with normal bookshelf speakers like an Elac BS 244 at normal volumes?

I ask, because in the threads regarding the PA5 etc. many users seem to consider these small amps only as viable as secondary or desktop amp, and looking at the specs, measurements and the reviews I cannot really follow this assessment - what am I missing?

 

[Guddu]

I am new here and do have a question: why are small amps like the Mini 300 etc. despite their nominal performance mostly considered onyl for desktop/near field use?

I understand that the actual available power of the amplifier might not be enough to run big/low impedance speakers reliable and durable - Check.

But what about a standard living room setup, e.g. 25 sqm with normal bookshelf speakers like an Elac BS 244 at normal volumes?

I ask, because in the threads regarding the PA5 etc. many users seem to consider these small amps only as viable as secondary or desktop amp, and looking at the specs, measurements and the reviews I cannot really follow this assessment - what am I missing?

Welcome to ASR.
Small amplifiers, like this one, with a volume control can be good option for desktop setup but aren't limited to desktop setups only.
If the power requirements are in check then surely could be used in any kind of setup.

 

[Roland68]

Looks like PA5/PA5-II has got re-birth as new MINI300

Are you sure it's a replacement for the PA5 II?
The PA5 II's measurements are marginally better, especially at higher power levels.
If the image is accurate, they've definitely used significantly cheaper and smaller coils.
I would assume it's a cost-reduced/cost-optimized version of the PA5 II, where they tried to avoid significantly worsening the measurements.
The basic internal design looks very similar, as far as the picture shows.

 

[Guddu]

Are you sure it's a replacement for the PA5 II?
The PA5 II's measurements are marginally better, especially at higher power levels.
If the image is accurate, they've definitely used significantly cheaper and smaller coils.
I would assume it's a cost-reduced/cost-optimized version of the PA5 II, where they tried to avoid significantly worsening the measurements.
The basic internal design looks very similar, as far as the picture shows.

I don’t know if they are going to now stop new PA5 II production but it looks to me the next iteration of PA5 II.
Price is right for the performance it has, I personally have no complaints looking at the data available do far. I can’t criticize them to use cost reduced components at this price.
They may not even see point in sending one to ASR (or anyone else) for measurements, it’s been kind of a trend now with new lower priced products.

 

[Roland68]

I am new here and do have a question: why are small amps like the Mini 300 etc. despite their nominal performance mostly considered onyl for desktop/near field use?

I understand that the actual available power of the amplifier might not be enough to run big/low impedance speakers reliable and durable - Check.

But what about a standard living room setup, e.g. 25 sqm with normal bookshelf speakers like an Elac BS 244 at normal volumes?

I ask, because in the threads regarding the PA5 etc. many users seem to consider these small amps only as viable as secondary or desktop amp, and looking at the specs, measurements and the reviews I cannot really follow this assessment - what am I missing?

In desktop setups, they are often used due to their relatively low price, good performance (especially low noise), and small size. Especially in near-field listening, a background noise or hum from the speakers can be very annoying. That's one reason why I no longer have active speakers. Since getting the PA5 II and Elac's DBR62/Carina 243, the background is completely silent.

But in the relevant threads about the PA5, you'll see that they are also often used with large speakers and/or in larger rooms. Their power output is also higher than that of many typical full-size hi-fi amplifiers, which often only deliver 40-80 watts.
The only, and for many a major, drawback is the lack of remote control for volume and source selection, apart from just two inputs.

Connect them to a pair of large Heco Aurora 700 or 1000 speakers, and you're guaranteed to have trouble with your neighbors.

 

[masterhw]

The only, and for many a major, drawback is the lack of remote control for volume and source selection, apart from just two inputs.

do people look for this from a power amp? I would think those the jobs of a pre-amp.

 

[Bjoran]

The specification of the Mini 300 is very very close to the specification of the PA5 II Plus version, compared at:

TOPPING

www.toppingaudio.com

A very well done test of the PA5 II Plus can be seen here:

Part I: Topping PA5 Mk II Plus (PA5II+) Class D amplifier review. (And RME ADI-2 Remote, "cultural pressure" for subjectivist audiophile reviews to include measurements?)

A blog for audiophiles about more objective topics. Measurements of audio gear. Reasonable, realistic, no snakeoil assessment of sound, and equipment.

archimago.blogspot.com

And continued here:

Part II: Topping PA5 Mk II Plus (PA5II+) Class D amplifier review. Power, Distortion, the Subjective and on Hi-Res amplification.

A blog for audiophiles about more objective topics. Measurements of audio gear. Reasonable, realistic, no snakeoil assessment of sound, and equipment.

archimago.blogspot.com

 

[antcollinet]

The PA5 II's measurements are marginally better, especially at higher power levels.

Where are you seeing comparative measurements taken with the same test setup? Toppings specs seem almost identical - the only difference being 0.0003 vs 0.0004% THD+N.

If the image is accurate, they've definitely used significantly cheaper and smaller coils.

I'm not convinced it is possible to determine the performance/quality/cost of the coils from looking at a photograph. Yes they are smaller - that is all we know. This might simply be an optimisation - if for example the PA5 coils are over dimensioned.

 

[antcollinet]

The PA5 II's measurements are marginally better, especially at higher power levels.

Where are you seeing measurements?

If the image is accurate, they've definitely used significantly cheaper and smaller coils.

I'm not convinced it is possible to determine the performance/quality/cost of the coils from looking at a photograph. Yes they are smaller - that is all we know. This might simply be an optimisation - if for example the PA5 coils are over dimensioned.

 

[Bleib]

I ask, because in the threads regarding the PA5 etc. many users seem to consider these small amps only as viable as secondary or desktop amp

They're wrong. I've for instance used a Topping LA90 with less power successfully in a bigger room.
Obviously there are some speakers that require tons of horsepower, but PA5II and this are stronger than many full size class B amps

2x125w i very, very overkill for desktop only