I wouldn't recommend PA5 to anyone at this point, not even purchasing used although mine worked perfectly fine. But I wouldn't be too concerned with LA90D either as the previous version appears to work fine.
Topping should have handled PA5 better, I think many are quite, well, VERY disappointed with their purchases, and I do hope they do not repeat the mistake with PA7.
Hi !
And many are certainly also very happy with their PA5 which has not encountered any problems since purchase!
Finally, it is always the same, we hear a lot from those who have a problem and much less from those who are happy...
Mine works with an E50 and all is fine since December 2021 (turned on and off every day and used for TV, music and XBox...).
No hate in my words, just the need to counterbalance some remarks and some cognitive biases about the general reliability of Chinese and Topping products...we do not know everything about who, how, when, where and use-cases that led to some problems...and we can not draw any hasty lesson or generalities about entire Topping products line because of some issues about one product.
My E70 and LA90D are coming soon and I have no reason to believe that they won't be as reliable as other Asian products (I've tried Loxje, Topping, SMSL and no problems with these hardware). Even if I have a problem, there is a warranty managed by my local seller in France. After this period (if there is any problem), as it doesn't cost 3000 euros, I could always consider a new purchase...
IMHO, i would recommend PA5 or PA7 or LA90D to anyone who need quality at the right price and for same use as me (living room of 30/40m², 2.5/3m from the speakers, listening level between 75 and 85Db).
@Amir : thank you very much for your work and these measurements !