Topping B200 Monoblock Amplifier Review

[Bleib]

Would these be overkill for a desktop setup? At the moment, my listening space is confined to my study which is quite small. As such I'd be using bookshelf speakers (don't which ones yet), but would there be any downsides to using the B200s other than not utilising their full power? I know I should probably get something like a Pa7, but I just really prefer the look of these. Also I am irrationally drawn to using mono-blocks because they look cooler and cognitvely I prefer the idea of over-complicating my setup. Interested to hear people's advice.

Desktop? Even B100 should be more than enough, don't need a lot of power on the desktop. I'd actually rather recommend the very small MX3s unit instead. Save the money.

 

[terryforsythe]

Would these be overkill for a desktop setup?

Yes, but that won't hurt anything except your wallet, assuming you don't get carried away and blow your speakers.

 

[jmdesignz2]

Would these be overkill for a desktop setup? At the moment, my listening space is confined to my study which is quite small. As such I'd be using bookshelf speakers (don't which ones yet), but would there be any downsides to using the B200s other than not utilising their full power? I know I should probably get something like a Pa7, but I just really prefer the look of these. Also I am irrationally drawn to using mono-blocks because they look cooler and cognitvely I prefer the idea of over-complicating my setup. Interested to hear people's advice.

Very likely overkill for desktop use. I’d highly recommend Fosi v3 monoblocks each with 48/5 power supply. Add a $11 stick on heat sink to each. Less than $300 for two channels. Inaudible difference in performance unless you’re running insanely inefficient speakers

 

[RoA]

Cheaper - for sure.
Better ???? How.

Noise and distortion likely not that much better than the NAD 3020 I owned some 50 years ago.

Having been impressed the B200, I bought B100 to try with zero gain(low) setting.
My Quad ESL 989's dont go below 4 Ohm. Well only at 10 Hz but there is no music down there (church organ pipe fans excepted)

Using zero gain is interesting.

SoundStage! Access | SoundStageAccess.com (GoodSound.com) - NAD C 316BEE V2 Integrated Amplifier

In addition you get a decent phono amplifier, remote and reliability (!)

 

[misterdog]

SoundStage! Access | SoundStageAccess.com (GoodSound.com) - NAD C 316BEE V2 Integrated Amplifier

In addition you get a decent phono amplifier, remote and reliability (!)

Though the measured performance is only 'good' not 'excellent'.

This forum is about measured performance not subjective - 'best amplifier I've heard today' reviews.

 

[mike70]

NAD isn't a reliability warranty in the last years, and surely we're talking about new amps. Apples to apples.

 

[abrcdbra]

Maybe we ask Topping to accept our findings, go back to the drawing board and get out a v2 with water-cooled vertical heat-sink fins and a more beefy internal PSU.

Why do you need more efficient radiators if these amplifiers operate practically in class B, judging by the heat dissipation.
It would be better for Topping to reconsider his concept of properly closing the audio currents inside the amplifiers, because in this implementation of the amplifier they are far from perfect. This is why the B200 has current problems with measurements or a discrepancy with the laws of earthly physics.

And use proper (minimum six-digit oxygen-free) audio wires to carry audio signals, not computer cables.))

 

[antcollinet]

properly closing the audio currents inside the amplifiers

What on earth does this mean?

And use proper (minimum six-digit oxygen-free) audio wires to carry audio signals, not computer cables.))

Oxygen free copper is of absolutely zero value for audio. If the computer cables are of sufficient cross sectional area for the application they will have absolutely no detriment (or impact of any kind) to the sound.

 

[abrcdbra]

Oxygen free copper is of absolutely zero value for audio. If the computer cables are of sufficient cross sectional area for the application they will have absolutely no detriment (or impact of any kind) to the sound.

Neuroscientists have a term that applies to your case: brain variability.

In other words, you're very sensitive to the nuances of Scotch whiskey. But only that.

I am sensitive to the nuances of taste of French Calvados, but not vice versa. )

Answer to the first questioт: http://www.nichicon.co.jp/english/products/pdf/e-fw.pdf
More well-known manufacturers with experience in sound use at least five times more. Because it's not Class D.

 

[Sokel]

Though the measured performance is only 'good' not 'excellent'.

This forum is about measured performance not subjective - 'best amplifier I've heard today' reviews.

"Performance" is a very broad word and if taken seriously means more than what we measure at the usual review, with some important aspects like premium feeling, user experience, solid performance over time, etc, etc.

The correct thing to say would be electrical performance over the so and so tests, always mentioning the test conditions in full detail.
Cause sometimes it only needs to change one test parameter to change the results.

If we want to follow science we can't leave those undetermined.

 

[jmdesignz2]

Neuroscientists have a term that applies to your case: brain variability.

In other words, you're very sensitive to the nuances of Scotch whiskey. But only that.

I am sensitive to the nuances of taste of French Calvados, but not vice versa. )

Answer to the first questioт: http://www.nichicon.co.jp/english/products/pdf/e-fw.pdf
More well-known manufacturers with experience in sound use at least five times more. Because it's not Class D.

Sir- never mix sarcasm, irony with truth. Some are not used to such a strange brew.

 

[jmdesignz2]

Why do you need more efficient radiators if these amplifiers operate practically in class B, judging by the heat dissipation.
It would be better for Topping to reconsider his concept of properly closing the audio currents inside the amplifiers, because in this implementation of the amplifier they are far from perfect. This is why the B200 has current problems with measurements or a discrepancy with the laws of earthly physics.

And use proper (minimum six-digit oxygen-free) audio wires to carry audio signals, not computer cables.))

Most of this reads as a joke

but the B200 needs improvement so it does not sag into 2 ohms for sure

Perhaps a B300?

 

[terryforsythe]

properly closing the audio currents inside the amplifiers

What on earth does this mean?

I too am curious as to what it means.

I did a quick Google search and the AI overview states that it "most likely refers to the concept of a closed-loop feedback system." That is the first time I have heard closed-loop feedback referred to as "closing the audio currents". Nonetheless, based on the measurement data, it appears to me that the B200 certainly is using closed-loop feedback.

 

[antcollinet]

Neuroscientists have a term that applies to your case: brain variability.

In other words, you're very sensitive to the nuances of Scotch whiskey. But only that.

I am sensitive to the nuances of taste of French Calvados, but not vice versa. )

Answer to the first questioт: http://www.nichicon.co.jp/english/products/pdf/e-fw.pdf
More well-known manufacturers with experience in sound use at least five times more. Because it's not Class D.

No, I'm pretty certain that out of the two of us it's not me feeling the detriment of spirits.

 

[Jcrow]

This thread is descending into madness.

 

[abrcdbra]

Most of this reads as a joke

but the B200 needs improvement so it does not sag into 2 ohms for sure

Perhaps a B300?

More precisely: multi-loop feedback. But also other things, if you have professional knowledge. I mentioned the quality and quantity of capacitors. ))

However, it is clear that the power supply capacity needs to be doubled. However, this is expensive for Topping.
They're in business, not charity. Otherwise, people simply won't buy them if their devices are supposed to handle the full range.

 

[misterdog]

However, it is clear that the power supply capacity needs to be doubled. However, this is expensive for Topping.
They're in business, not charity. Otherwise, people simply won't buy them if their devices are supposed to handle the full range.

Though the B200 drive my Quad 989 ESL's to perfection, even the B100 which I also have perform admirably, I also have Benchmark AHB2, Hypex NC400,and Neurochrome Modulus 86P (with Linear Power supply).

So maybe the clarity on the B200 power supply is not as clear cut as you imply.

If your loudspeakers require power down below 4 Ohm, then these amps are not for you, however that doesn't mean that they are somehow lacking for all use cases.

 

[Jcrow]

The issue of below 4ohm speakers keeps getting mentioned here. Out of curiosity, just how common are speakers that go below 4ohm? I’m thinking of getting this amp, and most of the speakers I’m looking to pair it with are nominally 4ohm. So assume I’d be good with this amp?

 

[terryforsythe]

The issue of below 4ohm speakers keeps getting mentioned here. Out of curiosity, just how common are speakers that go below 4ohm? I’m thinking of getting this amp, and most of the speakers I’m looking to pair it with are nominally 4ohm. So assume I’d be good with this amp?

4 ohms is a nominal impedance, and most 4 ohm speakers I have seen do drop a little below that, maybe down to around 3.6 ohms or so. That should not be an issue for the B200.

Some speakers that are specified by the manufacturer as being 4 ohms drop well below 4 ohms. Those may present an issue. Look at the impedance charts for the speakers in which you are interested. If you end up choosing a pair of speakers with impedance that falls below 3 ohms, an amplifier designed to push a 2 ohm load may be a better choce.

 

[Jcrow]

Look at the impedance charts for the speakers in which you are interested. If you end up choosing a pair of speakers with impedance that falls below 3 ohms, an amplifier designed to push a 2 ohm load may be a better choce.

Thanks for the advice. That’s very helpful.