Amir, I wonder if you could do bench testing for reliability as well and follow up on your reviews. Measurements don’t mean much if they don’t keep working.
I am afraid this will not happen as it is time consuming TBD properly
@amirm Could you please correct the above graphic which says in red text "into 4 Ohm" if this is indeed the 8 Ohm bridged test for max power and peak power at 1% THD+N?We want to know the power increase though so here it is (with 8 ohm which is the minimum impedance):
Now we get good bit of power at 95 watts with almost no penalty relative to non-bridged mode. Notice the massive gap as far as noise floor relative to Purifi amplifier.
Allowing for 1% distortion we get:
(with 8 ohm which is the minimum impedance)
For a small amplifier it is impressive, spec-wise. Certainly there is nothing like it, so far as we know.???? Obvious enough It will handle 4 Ohm bridged with the same performance as stereo
... Ehhhhh .... you know again, time and money. Yes we may say money spent for this might bring more money in the future ...... One needs to realize.Oh wait, they must have done already before releasing the product, or maybe not?
... Ehhhhh .... you know again, time and money. Yes we may say money spent for this might bring more money in the future ...... One needs to realize.
Sure Michael. Someone did point out to me my error and I corrected it, and I’m glad you responded because I owe you an amends too. I just primarily felt compelled to support Amir’s efforts, and as a Topping fan I think they’re striving for something and I applaud them for the effort. They didn’t quite get there with this one though. No hard feelings I hope. Peace. —SteveI see you've edited your post, at $499 retail it might be a different conversation.
In each of my systems I have at least 4 amplifiers so I greatly prefer not to have 4 additional power bricks, I greatly prefer IEC power cables as I can get them in the exact length I need. I admit for a desktop passive stereo system this is less of an issue.
I think me and a lot of other people are looking for something that can compete with something like a Hypex NC252MP which provides a lot of clean power at under $500. This just doesn't do it and feels optimized for a very narrow use case which I think explains the lukewarm response.
Michael
I applaud them for their efforts. The 'half way across the globe' thing is going to be hard nut to crack for them. I've said it before, if I was back in Shenzhen I'd be owning this, and their other products.Topping is trying hard to get into the premium segment based on the performance alone while cutting some corners in the process. IMO lacking regional service centers they will struggle to be successful in this. Shipping an amp for service to China isn’t exactly cheap and it takes long time.
Well, any of the purifi or Hypex based amps. If you aren't in Europe then audiophonics probably isn't going to be your "go to".Sounds like the
Audiophonics HPA-S400ET Review (Stereo Amplifier)
might be the go to for those needing more power?
Just since we’re chasing SINAD, it seems like the best comparison and newest version?Well, any of the purifi or Hypex based amps. If you aren't in Europe then audiophonics probably isn't going to be your "go to".
The AHB2 is a great ampFor a small amplifier it is impressive, spec-wise. Certainly there is nothing like it, so far as we know.
From a practical point, I see no reason to run it in bridged mode. The reason someone would bridge their amplifier is that they are looking for higher power. If one is looking for higher power, if that is the main goal, then there are better choices for less money. The full of Schiit guys will sell you two Vidars for less money, and you'll get four times the power.
I see this as a curiosity. Obviously others will disagree. Here is how I judge: two Toppings will set you back $1600.00. For that you will get 100 watts/ch (95, actually). We don't know how many watts it will get you into four ohms, or even less, because they won't tell you, and they don't want you to find out, apparently. You will get a 180 day warranty (possibly one year, depending on where you buy it). But you have to send it back to China if you want the factory one-year warranty.
With an AHB2 you pay a $1400.00 premium. You get your same 100 stereo watts. You get a bit more distortion. However, you will have 240 watts into 3 ohms (I'm reading their published specs). You will be given a five year warranty. If it goes south, you don't have to send it back to China for a part.
So with any purchase, you have to weigh value. It comes down to a personal decision.
For my part, when Topping can make something comparable in power to an AHB2, for half the price of the latter, then it will be something write home about. Or, if they can offer a comparable amplifier for the same price, but with better specs, and offer equivalent support/warranty, then I'll be the first to recommend the brand.