Topping Mini 300 Amplifier Review

[staticV3]

As I wrote above, it's rather 2.24 V if we go by Amir's definition of undistorted power output (51 W into 8 Ω), not Topping's specs.

2.6 V of input voltage will result in 1% distortion, already. And all this is related to the balanced inputs! 4 V or even more would probably frie it. Practical experience with this particular model is not needed to see that, I promise.

You can safely feed the Topping 4V+ if you just turn the volume knob down a bit from max.

At least, that's how all of Topping's headphone Amps have worked so far which even in High gain can safely take 10V and more, as @nagster's measurements have shown.

 

[harkpabst]

You can safely feed the Topping 4V+ if you just turn the volume knob down a bit from max.

At least, that's how all of Topping's headphone Amps have worked so far which even in High gain can safely take 10V and more, as @nagster's measurements have shown.

Sure, but fwwwk was complaining about too low SPL from his speakers. So he asked about how much more power could be had at still acceptable distortion by further increasing the input voltage. The answer - given by a number of members - is: Pretty much nothing, distortion will skyrocket immediately. That's what the distortion graph actually tells. Turning down the volume wouldn't help here.

I didn't want to specifically imply that the input stage would burn out immediately. I don't know and I won't try it. I don't even own the amp.

 

[antcollinet]

4 V or even more would probably frie it.

Unlikely to fry the amp. It will shutdown on over current first.

But it would go into very heavy clipping - which may or may not be dangerous for the speakers. (The massive distortion could result in up to 2x the power into the speakers)

 

[harkpabst]

Don't focus too much on if the amp or the speakers could be fried or not.

The point is: If the SPL really is too low with the input voltage of the amp maxed out, the only solutions are more efficient speakers or a more powerful amp (or both).

@fwwwk, I still wonder what your room size and listening distance might be. 86 dB sensitivity (even if rated at 2.83 V) is rather the norm than below average, with current 2-way speakers at least. 51 W might not be good enough for earth-shaking party levels, but quite OK in many scenarios.

Except for very low bass, as per Amir's test.

 

[fwwwk]

what is more they are crossed LR4 on 88hz. Do i assume correclty the amp should have more power in higher frequency registers if its not producing low end at all?

 

[Bleib]

what is more they are crossed LR4 on 88hz. Do i assume correclty the amp should have more power in higher frequency registers if its not producing low end at all?

Deeper bass uses more energy yes

 

[Wesseling Audio Lab]

My stepson just got his mini 300. I had a listen yesterday on 2 way speaker that I designed with with 6.5 inch woofer at about 84db sens.
It goes louder then I would ever listen with a lot of volume rotation. Very nice amp. I will test it subjectively with a home built linear PSU

 

[gwing]

My stepson just got his mini 300. I had a listen yesterday on 2 way speaker that I designed with with 6.5 inch woofer at about 84db sens.
It goes louder then I would ever listen with a lot of volume rotation. Very nice amp. I will test it subjectively with a home built linear PSU

As long as your linear PSU has the right voltage and sufficient current capability it will likely manage to perform as well as the standard supply.

 

[Wesseling Audio Lab]

As long as your linear PSU has the right voltage and sufficient current capability it will likely manage to perform as well as the standard supply.

likely wider dynamics

 

[harkpabst]

likely wider dynamics

What do you refer to by that term? A higher dynamic range?

 

[antcollinet]

likely wider dynamics

How do you think it is going to achieve that? In engineering terms? How will you measure it?

 

[Wesseling Audio Lab]

I'd probably change my word above from "likely" to "possibly" as It's totally subjective and I have not measured it.
I would recommend anyone to give it a try on their class D amp with power brick

I have built around 20 power amps, including a few class D along with repairing others.
I've recycled a few switching supplies as trying to fix them is not worth the time and effort. Linear regulated and unregulated are easy worth the effort..

 

[RandomEar]

I'd probably change my word above from "likely" to "possibly" as It's totally subjective and I have not measured it.
I would recommend anyone to give it a try on their class D amp with power brick

I have built around 20 power amps, including a few class D along with repairing others.
I've recycled a few switching supplies as trying to fix them is not worth the time and effort. Linear regulated and unregulated are easy worth the effort..

The amp measures better than human hearing and the power (120 W) does not seem to be limited by the supply (152 W). So what could you possibly hope to improve with another PSU?

 

[renaudrenaud]

The amp measures better than human hearing and the power (120 W) does not seem to be limited by the supply (152 W). So what could you possibly hope to improve with another PSU?

He said maintenance is easier.

 

[gwing]

He said maintenance is easier.

But at the moment there is no claim that the existing supply needs maintenance, the motivation for the proposed change was I believe that the linear power supply would perform better.

 

[BeeKay]

Audiofoolery, again

 

[renaudrenaud]

Well audio foolery and Mini300 sound like antagonism.

 

[Jcrow]

I just ordered this amp.
To be honest, I am thinking of making a linear power supply for it. Purely for the fun, and secondly because it will be another nice silver box on my desk!!

 

[BeeKay]

Well audio foolery and Mini300 sound like antagonism.

That needs clarification. The LPS post was meant.

 

[pieterv1]

Ordered! This seemed the perfect option to have my first go with class D amplification.

Curious to hear how it'll stack up against my trusty Rotel RB-06.