Topping Mini 300 Amplifier Review

[Tell]

I have two Mini 300s. Both make the same noise. In my opinion, this is not a defect, but a characteristic of this amplifier. The Topping Mini 300 is not a noise-free amplifier.

There are other things that can make noise in a system, and my guess is that it is your DAC that makes the noise. My MiniDSP 2x4HD made some very slight noise in my speakers through my Mini 300 while my new PCM5102 based DAC is dead quiet unless my ear hugs the tweeter.

 

[fpitas]

Maybe he's hear

There are other things that can make noise in a system, and my guess is that it is your DAC that makes the noise. My MiniDSP 2x4HD made some very slight noise in my speakers through my Mini 300 while my new PCM5102 based DAC is dead quiet unless my ear hugs the tweeter.

Yes, I have a 14dB pad before the Mini 300. That reduces the noise from my DSP to inaudibility.

 

[Janox]

There are other things that can make noise in a system, and my guess is that it is your DAC that makes the noise. My MiniDSP 2x4HD made some very slight noise in my speakers through my Mini 300 while my new PCM5102 based DAC is dead quiet unless my ear hugs the tweeter.

My DAC is a Topping DX1 II, which, according to local ASR measurements, is practically noiseless. The Mini 300 makes noise even without a DAC connected. Moreover, when the volume is set to full, it emits an unpleasant high-frequency sound into the speakers. Maybe it is some residue of an insufficiently attenuated switching frequency transformed into an audible band. Both of my Mini 300s do it.

 

[fpitas]

My DAC is a Topping DX1 II, which, according to local ASR measurements, is practically noiseless. The Mini 300 makes noise even without a DAC connected. Moreover, when the volume is set to full, it emits an unpleasant high-frequency sound into the speakers. Maybe it is some residue of an insufficiently attenuated switching frequency transformed into an audible band. Both of my Mini 300s do it.

Definitely defective. Topping will almost certainly give you working examples.

 

[Tell]

My DAC is a Topping DX1 II, which, according to local ASR measurements, is practically noiseless. The Mini 300 makes noise even without a DAC connected. Moreover, when the volume is set to full, it emits an unpleasant high-frequency sound into the speakers. Maybe it is some residue of an insufficiently attenuated switching frequency transformed into an audible band. Both of my Mini 300s do it.

Yeah so we've ruled out DACs then, so definitely something is not working as intended with both your amps Better contact Topping then.

 

[magreen]

My DAC is a Topping DX1 II, which, according to local ASR measurements, is practically noiseless. The Mini 300 makes noise even without a DAC connected. Moreover, when the volume is set to full, it emits an unpleasant high-frequency sound into the speakers. Maybe it is some residue of an insufficiently attenuated switching frequency transformed into an audible band. Both of my Mini 300s do it.

Sounds like they are both defective, which is a very strange coincidence. One more question just in case -- are you using the stock power supplies?

 

[Janox]

Sounds like they are both defective, which is a very strange coincidence. One more question just in case -- are you using the stock power supplies?

I don't think my two Mini 300 amplifiers are defective and have the same defect. In my opinion, it may be interference related to insufficient filtering of the switching frequency of the amplifier together with the interaction of the output LC filters of the amplifier with my speakers. The "errors" or characteristics have apparently added up and become audible.
I use original power supplies and I have the entire audio system connected through a filter and an isolation transformer. So it is probably not interference from the power supply. Or is there insufficient filtering of the power supply? The Mini 300 is said to be supplied with several different power supplies. Mine are marked JYH11Z.

G

 

[fpitas]

Moreover, when the volume is set to full, it emits an unpleasant high-frequency sound into the speakers.

That's an important clue. The volume pot is first in the circuit, so something is coming into the input.

 

[Janox]

That's an important clue. The volume pot is first in the circuit, so something is coming into the input.

Yes, thank you, that's an important clue. The noise is consistent regardless of the volume knob setting. A high, unpleasant tone is heard from the speakers at maximum volume and slightly below it (even without a signal source connected). So the sound comes from the amplifier, not the DAC. According to the good measured parameters mentioned, I assumed that the amplifier would be free of noise and other interference. But my two Mini 300s in combination with my speakers are not free of noise and interference. I don't know what could be causing this, whether it's the characteristics of the amplifier or the power supply. When the volume is set to half, the high-frequency tone is not disturbing. However, setting the volume to half is a compromise that limits louder listening...

 

[rmlowz]

Good luck finding a replacement for that oddball 38V power brick with the GX12 connector when it goes poof.

It is cheap enough that if it breaks out of warranty throw it away, you act like this is a 2k amp LOL

 

[SampleSizeOne]

It is cheap enough that if it breaks out of warranty throw it away, you act like this is a 2k amp LOL

Beyond that, I believe the connector can be screwed open. So with a little bit of work, one could put the connector on another PSU with the same voltage if necessary.

 

[fpitas]

Beyond that, I believe the connector can be screwed open. So with a little bit of work, one could put the connector on another PSU with the same voltage of necessary.

It's a common connector, so you can probably get another at Amazon.

 

[harkpabst]

It is cheap enough that if it breaks out of warranty throw it away, you act like this is a 2k amp LOL

Great first post LOL
Totally off the point.

 

[DavidMcRoy]

It is cheap enough that if it breaks out of warranty throw it away, you act like this is a 2k amp LOL

Literally, try to find one. I didn’t say it was expensive. Even Topping won’t sell you one.

 

[Dave TR3A]

Literally, try to find one. I didn’t say it was expensive. Even Topping won’t sell you one.

Perhaps I’m misunderstanding what folks are wrestling with.

The Topping Mini300 uses a 2-pin GX12 aviation connector to connect to its power brick. Those connectors are widely available. I found several choices on Amazon by searching for "GX12 connector, 2 pin". Here’s a set of 3 on Amazon.ca for CAD$8.50.

 

[DavidMcRoy]

Perhaps I’m misunderstanding what folks are wrestling with.

The Topping Mini300 uses a 2-pin GX12 aviation connector to connect to its power brick. Those connectors are widely available. I found several choices on Amazon by searching for "GX12 connector, 2 pin". Here’s a set of 3 on Amazon.ca for CAD$8.50.

It's nice to be able to make up one's own connector, but I can't find a 38VDC brick with that connector already installed here in North America. And as I said, Topping doesn't offer one as a replacement part. Hell, they won't even respond to my emails about my two dead Mini 300 amps.

 

[harkpabst]

And as I said, Topping doesn't offer one as a replacement part.

They obviously do in Europe through their dealers/representatives:

TOPPING Switching Power Adapter 38V 4A GX12

This Topping power adapter allows 38V 4A DC output via a GX12 connector from 100-240V AC mains. It has been specially designed for Topping PA5, PA5 II and PA5 II PLUS amplifiers.

www.audiophonics.fr

Any local repair shop should be able to help, too.

 

[Herbert]

*Important note 1: Infrared thermometer is Aliexpress quality, accurate to a few degrees.
*Important note 2: I've posted photo with temps at idle below. When under load, I see maybe 2-3°C fluctuations (both up and down), not far from idle temps so did not bother to retake everything.
*Important note 3: Not at 100% volume. The pot is removed, so can only guess it's around 50%.
*Important note 4: I obviously cannot take the temps inside the chassis, so feel free to guesstimate the internal temps. I previously measured the top chassis temp at 44°C (at 27°C room temp) before turning it off and dismantling.


1. So 30°C room temp, mini 300 in the open, turned on for hours so temp stable, idle (no audio playing for more than an hour) center of heatsink is 50°C.
View attachment 544707


2. Various areas of the amp at idle. When under load, I see maybe 2-3°C fluctuations (both up and down), not far from idle temps so did not bother to retake everything:
View attachment 544713


3. Then I point a handheld fan at the board for a minute
View attachment 544708


4. I turned off the fan and measured just the center of the heatsink and the opamps
View attachment 544714


Please make your own decisions. Personally I like the product very much and hope to find simple ways to make it last. Hope the data helps others.

Same thing, with a room temperature of about 20° degres Celsius, the enclosure is very warm, I estimate about 45°.
I am using the Mini 300 at my work station, used for editing, the Mini 300 is connected to JBL Control 1Gs, so 4ohms impedance. And I am listining at very low levels, the line of the volume knob barely points over the "M" of "Min". It's predecessor, an SMSL SA-36 which I used for ages just became slightly warm...

 

[Janox]

If anyone is interested in the development of the sound of cheap class D amplifiers, here is a sound comparison of the current Topping Mini 300 and a twenty-year-old Panasonic AV receiver. According to reviews here, the Topping has excellent measured parameters, while the similar Panasonic turned out to be much worse. It's a blind test. I'll include the results in the video description later.

Topping Mini 300 Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping Mini300 balanced stereo class D amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and is on sale for US $128 (normal $139). While in the typical desktop configuration, there is a level of polish to the look and feel of the mini 300. Controls...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Panasonic SA-XR57 Multi-channel Receiver Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the vintage Panasonic SA-XR57 multichannel Audio/Video Receiver (AVR). It is on kind loan from a member. It originally cost US $400. I don't know when it came out but I remember the Panasonic advertisement about it with their tall speakers. The...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[HDavidson]

Why do Chinese manufacturers like Topping, SMSL, Fosi Audio, etc., steadfastly refuse to release stereo power amplifiers (without volume controls)—offering only mono models instead?