Topping MX3s DOA?

[Perky83]

I think my Topping XM3s arrived DOA - I've never hooked up a desktop DAC/AMP like this before though, it'll be used via USB audio to power 2 bookshelf speakers primarily.


with that said, I hooked it up per usual and how I would image/expect. Each speaker positive/negative wired correctly as expected, validated to be sure. then USB-C to my PS5 as that is how I'm setting it up. plugged in the supplied power, turn it on. and as soon as I do I hear a continuous rhythmic clicking or popping from my speakers. imagine like a metronome, pop-pop-pop-pop-pop-pop-pop-pop - nothing else, no sound from it, I tried moving it to my PC to see if it was the PS5 and the PC sees it , I select it as a sound source and same thing.


I've tried other inputs beyond the USB-C port. I also did optical with a separate DAC I have with Optical to the DAC, and USB to the PS5 and PC - same thing. every input is the same. just a rhythmic pop sound.


Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? anything I can maybe think to do/try? am I spot on? did I just buy a bad amp?

 

[restorer-john]

Another Popping Topping!

If you've tried all the inputs and the result is the same, get onto the seller and return it, get a refund and move on. Buy something with a better reliability reputation would be my advice.

 

[Perky83]

in your opinion - $200 to spend, only want to power 2.0 or 2.1 bookshelves and possibly in the future a subwoofer - any brand you looking for? any advice on the RSL iA255.1? if I don't need a headphone DAC/AMP but require USB or 3.5mm/line in/RCA to 3.5mm to transfer the audio as it's mainly for PC/PS5.

I should add - i'm pretty new to this universe - I just want to power 2.0 minimum 2.1 possibly - I am used to full on home theater receivers but dabbling in this world now.

 

[restorer-john]

If you just want a stop-gap little amplifier by all means buy a $200 little box- but don't expect it to last more than a few years.

If you want something that lasts and you use as a foundation for a system/interest the following applies:

1) Do not buy an amplifier that runs on a plug pack/brick/external supply. You can rule any and all of them out as mere disposable junk.

2) Buy an amplifier with (FTC) compliant specifications in relation to power output.

3) Buy an amplifier that has a properly engineered passive cooling system adequate for dissipating internal heat at the rated power of the amplifier on a continuous basis. Anything else is a toy.

4) Buy an amplifier that has more power than you think you might need and less of the features that you don't need.

5) Remember quality costs money- consider the secondary market or run-out deals on discontinued gear.

6) Before you buy anything, find at least one proper HiFi store and go listen to and experience real high fidelity equipment.

7) Don't take online reviews as anything other than a guide.

Cheers.

 

[Perky83]

problem is I don't have fluid cash this moment for much more then that. I'm fine with a few years and $200 down the drain, maybe then I will have the ability to go a bit more harder and buy something that is quality. truthfully I was looking at ****** PC speakers before I realized I could utlize some extra speakers i have laying around and use that money I would have spent on shit speakers to buy an amp, and here we are. I realize $200 isn't going to buy me the sun moon and stars, but I am just wanting something that will get me by for now.

If I get this, and I enjoy the idea of where this universe leads and I want to go all in, I may down the road by in and get myself a full fledged big boy amp. for now. this is where i'm at.

$200, want the best bang for the buck.

with that said, i'll ask it this way. I saw the Emotiva basx A2M - it's not 2.1 but maybe it's closer to somethign more reliable?

 

[Old_School_Brad]

Which speakers do you have? Is the space where you need your amplifier positioned limited?

If you have room for a full width (430 mm.) device you can pick and choose from many quality products on the used market.

 

[Jimbob54]

Be careful . I believe the ps5 only supports class 1 usb devices . Or it only used to . Things may have moved on but if I'm still right , you'll need a dac that is class 1 compliant. Some have a toggle in settings , some are only class 2 compliant.

 

[kyuu]

I might suggest looking at the SMSL A300 or the Aiyima A200.

 

[restorer-john]

Be careful . I believe the ps5 only supports class 1 usb devices . Or it only used to .

USB ports guide for PS5 consoles

The PS5 console has four USB ports which support different connection speeds and are compatible with different devices. Find out how to use PS5 USB connection ports to charge and connect USB devices.

www.playstation.com

So the PS5 cannot output USB audio by the looks? It's not a "host" USB? That would explain why he is getting just clicks and pops.

Maybe connect the HDMI from the PS5 to the TV and loop out the Toslink to the Topping D/A-Amp.

 

[Jimbob54]

USB ports guide for PS5 consoles

The PS5 console has four USB ports which support different connection speeds and are compatible with different devices. Find out how to use PS5 USB connection ports to charge and connect USB devices.

www.playstation.com

So the PS5 cannot output USB audio by the looks? It's not a "host" USB? That would explain why he is getting just clicks and pops.

Maybe connect the HDMI from the PS5 to the TV and loop out the Toslink to the Topping D/A-Amp.

Correct . That's one of the suggestions online . As is getting a cheap usb class 1 converter with spdif out to a "proper" dac . Both of which seem faffy.

And no optical out either . Basically , Sony dont want it used as an audio source . Not many streaming services have an app for it either .

 

[kyuu]

Didn't OP say he tried USB from his PC with the same issue?

 

[antcollinet]

I think my Topping XM3s arrived DOA - I've never hooked up a desktop DAC/AMP like this before though, it'll be used via USB audio to power 2 bookshelf speakers primarily.


with that said, I hooked it up per usual and how I would image/expect. Each speaker positive/negative wired correctly as expected, validated to be sure. then USB-C to my PS5 as that is how I'm setting it up. plugged in the supplied power, turn it on. and as soon as I do I hear a continuous rhythmic clicking or popping from my speakers. imagine like a metronome, pop-pop-pop-pop-pop-pop-pop-pop - nothing else, no sound from it, I tried moving it to my PC to see if it was the PS5 and the PC sees it , I select it as a sound source and same thing.


I've tried other inputs beyond the USB-C port. I also did optical with a separate DAC I have with Optical to the DAC, and USB to the PS5 and PC - same thing. every input is the same. just a rhythmic pop sound.


Has anyone ever experienced anything like this? anything I can maybe think to do/try? am I spot on? did I just buy a bad amp?

Are you 100% sure there aren't any little strands of speaker wire shorting between speaker terminals (either at the amp end, or at the speaker end)

That is the only thing I can think of. Other than that - DOA can happen with any manufacturer, not only with Topping.

 

[Jimbob54]

Didn't OP say he tried USB from his PC with the same issue?

Yes. The PS5 compatibility issue might not be the reason for the lack of function here . But worth checking with any existing kit or future that it is or can be made uac1 compliant.