Topping B100 Amplifier Review

[taleoffice]

At the moment I have Fosi Audio ZA3, just thinking to replace this for better one. The review of the b100 is great, but can this drive these speakers without clipping/shutdown etc.

 

[Roland68]

The bad thing about the B100 amp is that it comes with a cheap AC cable made in China. And the connection part is not very durable, so there is some anxiety. After replacing the cable, it works fine, so it is usable. I think the sound quality is also okay.

Objectively verified? Let me guess... No?

I've got the topping PA5 II and that sounded better with the stock mains cable replaced with standard 13 amp mains cable, and the power supply capacitors with my favourite panasonic fm
The B100 have fosi V3 both have good reviews, obvious big price difference between the two, what differences did you detect between the two

That could actually be true about the power cable. I've often handled cheap power cables that were significantly smaller than the specified cross-section. When you produce tens or hundreds of thousands of cheap cables, copper offers great potential for savings.
If one end of the connector gets warm during use, you should replace the cable, because then you're also dealing with poor contact resistance at the cable/connector connection, and/or the cheapest connector material (potential for savings).
But such cables are always bought in and what can you expect for less than 50 cents.

The FM Caps are actually very good, better than so-called "audio-grade" capacitors. Unfortunately, they're only available up to 50 volts and in small capacities.

 

[Julf]

That could actually be true about the power cable.

Could. Perhaps. Maybe.

Just because it is possible doesn't mean it is true.

If one end of the connector gets warm during use, you should replace the cable

Sure, but how often does that happen?

The FM Caps are actually very good, better than so-called "audio-grade" capacitors. Unfortunately, they're only available up to 50 volts and in small capacities.

"Very good" in what specific sense?

 

[Roland68]

Could. Perhaps. Maybe.

Just because it is possible doesn't mean it is true.

Sure, but how often does that happen?

"Very good" in what specific sense?

Poor-quality power cables happen more often than not. Usually, it goes unnoticed, especially because the performance is often very low. During my IT time, I once had several hundred power cables replaced. After a quick tug on the cable, the plug was disconnected, leaving two uninsulated strands in my hand. Welding or crimping was either forgotten or poorly done.

A few months ago, I took a 2.5m power cable from our junk box (definitely rated for up to 16A) to connect an industrial vacuum cleaner. After half an hour, the plug was scorched and couldn't be disconnected. Just a couple of many examples.

I've had very good experiences with Panasonic FMs, both in industrial and high-energy applications, as well as with audio equipment. I find the price-performance ratio extremely good, especially considering the technical specifications. Some so-called "audio-grade" capacitors, in comparison, are ridiculously expensive. But that's my personal experience and opinion, and we don't need to start a discussion about it.

 

[Julf]

Poor-quality power cables happen more often than not.

Mechanically, yes, I agree. But in a way that affects audible sound quality?

I've had very good experiences with Panasonic FMs, both in industrial and high-energy applications, as well as with audio equipment. I find the price-performance ratio extremely good, especially considering the technical specifications. Some so-called "audio-grade" capacitors, in comparison, are ridiculously expensive. But that's my personal experience and opinion, and we don't need to start a discussion about it.

I'd still be interested in hearing if someone has actually found objectively verified audio differences.

 

[Sokel]

Mechanically, yes, I agree. But in a way that affects audible sound quality?

I'd still be interested in hearing if someone has actually found objectively verified audio differences.

Nothing audible in both cases if they stop working

(perhaps a loud bang and a spectacular flash if you're lucky)

 

[Julf]

Nothing audible in both cases if they stop working

Exactly. My experience too - almost always it is either "works" or "doesn't work", not subtle differences in audio quality.

 

[Sokel]

Exactly. My experience too - almost always it is either "works" or "doesn't work", not subtle differences in audio quality.

Quality is a function of time, as cost.
So...

Better a few more euros for a certified cable (and that stands for all cables), even overkill, than a burned house.
(insurance will pay if you keep certified stuff, only)

 

[Julf]

Quality is a function of time, as cost.
So...

Better a few more euros for a certified cable (and that stands for all cables), even overkill, than a burned house.
(insurance will pay if you keep certified stuff, only)

Sure, just sceptical of some of the claims about audible differences.

 

[Roland68]

Mechanically, yes, I agree. But in a way that affects audible sound quality?

I'd still be interested in hearing if someone has actually found objectively verified audio differences.

Nothing audible in both cases if they stop working

(perhaps a loud bang and a spectacular flash if you're lucky)

I can get the spectacular flash and loud bang without a faulty cable .

Then I'll ask two provocative questions.

Do you think it wouldn't have an audible impact if you ran an amplifier like this with a low-quality cable, too thin, e.g., less than 0.5 mm², and with a too high transition/contact resistance of 10-20 ohms?

Do you think it wouldn't have an audible impact if you replaced all the capacitors in a purely analog preamplifier or power amplifier with something cheap, just with the same voltage and capacitance, and without considering the lifespan?

 

[Julf]

Do you think it wouldn't have an audible impact if you ran an amplifier like this with a low-quality cable, too thin, e.g., less than 0.5 mm², and with a too high transition/contact resistance of 10-20 ohms?

"It depends"

As long as you don't need a lot of sustained power, there would probably not be any audible effect. There would be limiting of sustained peak power.

Do you think it wouldn't have an audible impact if you replaced all the capacitors in a purely analog preamplifier or power amplifier with something cheap, just with the same voltage and capacitance, and without considering the lifespan?

Maybe, maybe not - and the lifespan issue introduces a "maybe in 10 to 20 years" aspect.

 

[Sokel]

I can get the spectacular flash and loud bang without a faulty cable .

Then I'll ask two provocative questions.

Do you think it wouldn't have an audible impact if you ran an amplifier like this with a low-quality cable, too thin, e.g., less than 0.5 mm², and with a too high transition/contact resistance of 10-20 ohms?

Do you think it wouldn't have an audible impact if you replaced all the capacitors in a purely analog preamplifier or power amplifier with something cheap, just with the same voltage and capacitance, and without considering the lifespan?

If you ask me, i prefer overfkill instead of wondering, peace of mind is part of my mentality about gear.

And since I'm a fun of power (you can never have enough) I have a dedicated phase for my gear and mains sockets for the amps are 16A (230V) gray pro ones with the right fuses on the board.
Cables naturally follows my norms, certified and fairly thick followed by 16A IEC on the amps

 

[Julf]

If you ask me, i prefer overfkill instead of wondering, peace of mind is part of my mentality about gear.

Sure, but this is Audio *Science* Review after all. OK, psychology is supposedly a science too...

 

[Sokel]

Sure, but this is Audio *Science* Review after all. OK, psychology is supposedly a science too...

Whatever works for each one I guess.
For me is peace of mind and looks as long as anything else is in order.
So...

 

[Julf]

Whatever works for each one I guess.

Indeed.

 

[HakanC]

What do you think of the B100 versus its rival the fosi audio v3

If you compare the tests published here

Topping B100 Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping B100 "monoblock" amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $299. I was surprised by the desktop/low profile of the amplifier. I expected something a lot taller/chunkier especially since this is a class B amplifier and not...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Fosi Audio V3 Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Fosi Audio V3 stereo amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $89.99 with stock 32 volt supply. Price goes up to $109.99 with the 48 volt supply. There is a $10 discount coupon right now. Despite its budget price, the V3...

www.audiosciencereview.com

The Topping B100 is hands down better, but I would sat it depends on atleast four different things

1. The higher cost for two B100
2. The measurable differences is audible
3. The lower power from Topping B100 is adequate
4. The speakers you use dont't make the B100 shut down because of its protection

Since the beginning of March this year I have two Topping B100 powering my ~6 ohm speakers with a fantastic sound any completely without any kind of problem or trouble.
Which means that of course everything that I write is pro-Topping biased

The other power amp I was considering was the 3e Audio A5 Stereo Amp

3e Audio A5 Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the 3e Audio A5 Stereo class D amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $229.99. Despite its simplicity, the A5 has very well thought out features. Clipping indicators are provided for each channel. And selection of inputs is made...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[john11]

That could actually be true about the power cable. I've often handled cheap power cables that were significantly smaller than the specified cross-section. When you produce tens or hundreds of thousands of cheap cables, copper offers great potential for savings.
If one end of the connector gets warm during use, you should replace the cable, because then you're also dealing with poor contact resistance at the cable/connector connection, and/or the cheapest connector material (potential for savings).
But such cables are always bought in and what can you expect for less than 50 cents.

The FM Caps are actually very good, better than so-called "audio-grade" capacitors. Unfortunately, they're only available up to 50 volts and in small capacities.

I use Panasonic FM for anything under 50 volts and nichicon kg for anything over 50 volts. The FM are cheap effective, high ripple current capacity, low esr, a modders favourite.
With my topping PA5 II I removed the input power connector and soldered the 13 amp power cable into the amp. If you do this solder the negative cable from the power supply to the chassis as well

 

[john11]

If you compare the tests published here

Topping B100 Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping B100 "monoblock" amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $299. I was surprised by the desktop/low profile of the amplifier. I expected something a lot taller/chunkier especially since this is a class B amplifier and not...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Fosi Audio V3 Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Fosi Audio V3 stereo amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $89.99 with stock 32 volt supply. Price goes up to $109.99 with the 48 volt supply. There is a $10 discount coupon right now. Despite its budget price, the V3...

www.audiosciencereview.com

The Topping B100 is hands down better, but I would sat it depends on atleast four different things

1. The higher cost for two B100
2. The measurable differences is audible
3. The lower power from Topping B100 is adequate
4. The speakers you use dont't make the B100 shut down because of its protection

Since the beginning of March this year I have two Topping B100 powering my ~6 ohm speakers with a fantastic sound any completely without any kind of problem or trouble.
Which means that of course everything that I write is pro-Topping biased

The other power amp I was considering was the 3e Audio A5 Stereo Amp

3e Audio A5 Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the 3e Audio A5 Stereo class D amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $229.99. Despite its simplicity, the A5 has very well thought out features. Clipping indicators are provided for each channel. And selection of inputs is made...

www.audiosciencereview.com

The B100 certainly did better in the review, but the fosi is getting fantastic feedback on other websites, a giant killer from all accounts, which made me wonder
Also it's a little unfair as the B100 is more than three times the price of the fosi, perhaps that is why people are preferring the fosi as the price performance ratio is incredible
As you rightly stated specs are fine but how much of that is audible, that's why i am hoping there is someone who has had a chance to listen to both amps

 

[Julf]

As you rightly stated specs are fine but how much of that is audible, that's why i am hoping there is someone who has had a chance to listen to both amps

I would hope for something more than just listening - unless it is a proper, controlled double blind test, it is pretty much just random opinion.

 

[Julf]

a modders favourite.

My problem with most modders is that they don't bother to do any objective verification of the effect of their mods - and we know that pretty much any "improvement" you do sounds subjectively better.