Topping PA5 II, don't buy

[davirix]

Hi all,

Just to let you know that I bought a Topping PA5 II, based on Amir's review, and thinking that the well known issues affecting the first model had been sorted out. However, after less thank a year, one channel died completely.

Aoshida, where I bought it, did not reply to my emails, very disappointing.

I contacted Topping and they were kind enough to send a replacement unit for just USD 20.

They told me this model has been discontinued, but it's still selling on Aoshida for USD 200, 50 less of what I paid one year ago.

I deduct the product has still reliability issues and I would recommend not to buy it.

@Amir, considering the many reports of failure, of both mk I and II, I think you should put a stronger disclaimer in your review, and ideally remove it from the histogram chart. I'm afraid many may be tempted to buy such cheap and performing amp, just to get a short lived lemon.

Thanks,

Best

 

[JSmith]

Topping PA5

Yes there were many failures.

Topping PA5 II

There have not been mass reports of failures, just a few here and there which isn't unusual. I'm glad to hear you got a replacement.


JSmith

 

[respice finem]

In the interest of audio science, it would be interesting (IMHO) to analyze the failures together with the manufacturer, if possible.

 

[AcousticTheory]

This is an aspect of low cost gear that may not be factored into everyone's purchase decision; low-cost gear is not necessarily unreliable, but warranty periods and guarantee periods are not long, and the manufacturer is not exactly a phone call away. Everyone has to take a calculated risk. Penalizing the manufacturer by removing the product from the ranking chart is an overreaction, imo.

Then there's someone like me who's assembling his own amps, and when something does go wrong, the warranty department is me.

 

[DVDdoug]

This is an aspect of low cost gear that may not be factored into everyone's purchase decision;

I usually buy "economical" stuff (but I don't buy from eBay, AliExpress, or unknown 3rd-party Amazon suppliers).

It's almost never worth repairing cheap stuff, but it's super depressing if you pay a high price for something and it fails and is not worth repairing, or if you can buy a similar less-expensive replacement for less than repairing the expensive item.

If something inexpensive fails after a couple of years it's usually not so bad financially or emotionally.

Of course, it you are an audio pro you don't want down time or a failure during a performance or broadcast, etc., so it's worth sticking to reliable brands.

In the interest of audio science, it would be interesting (IMHO) to analyze the failures together with the manufacturer, if possible.

As far as I know, manufacturer's never reveal that information. And if it's out of warranty they may not know if there was a failure because owners trash it or have it repaired by an unassociated party.

And since most electronic products are updated every year or so, it's no longer available by the time the statistics are collected.

A few things like the famous Shure SM57 & SM58 microphones have been around for decades and they have a reputation of "lasting forever" even when occasionally abused!

And if an item is popular you are more likely to read about problems. More people have the item so there ARE more more problems and more people who post their bad experience on the Internet. It's sort-of like stolen cars. Hondas and Toyotas are the most commonly stolen cars because everybody has one! (At least that was the case before the easy-to-steal Kia fiasco...)

 

[Ahmonge]

They told me this model has been discontinued

Still listed on Topping's page:

PA5 II /PA5 II Plus - - Topping audio

TOPPING, born in 2008, has evolved into a beloved global HIFI brand favored by users worldwide. We firmly believe that higher-quality music playback devices are essential for truly showcasing the allure of music. By investing extensively in professional technology and exceptional industrial...

www.toppingaudio.com

 

[Marc v E]

If you're looking for a good price/performance amp a hypex class d based one might be an idea. IOM ncore, audiophonics. Yamaha is also highly praised here.

I it were me though, I would ditch the idea of chasing highest sinad and start experimenting with rew, subwoofers and avr's.

 

[Solveit]

I have two PA5 II just running fine.
Not to compare with PA5 who had mass failure.

 

[Falconer]

I have two PA5 II just running fine.
Not to compare with PA5 who had mass failure.

I have two of them running every day, and they work flawlessly. I’d be very disappointed if one of them failed.

 

[perceptionist]

PA5 III will be launched as Mini 300 soon.

 

[Fletcher Munson]

I have had two PA5 II since they came out and have abused them running large tower speakers bigger and heavier than I am. No problems, I think they sorted out the reliability in the version II. Bring it to the levels expected from fairly reasonably priced gear. When i thrash them they get a bit warm, but considering the speakers they are driving, good job i reckon

 

[audiotron]

My 2 PA5 II are 2 years old and have been running for 12 hours a day just fine. I just wish they had more power.

 

[Jarrett]

Ooo discontinued. So a replacement is coming? They haven't made it clear if that's the Mini 300

 

[Ahmonge]

Ooo discontinued. So a replacement is coming? They haven't made it clear if that's the Mini 300

PA5 II is still present on Topping's website.

 

[egellings]

This is an aspect of low cost gear that may not be factored into everyone's purchase decision; low-cost gear is not necessarily unreliable, but warranty periods and guarantee periods are not long, and the manufacturer is not exactly a phone call away. Everyone has to take a calculated risk. Penalizing the manufacturer by removing the product from the ranking chart is an overreaction, imo.

Then there's someone like me who's assembling his own amps, and when something does go wrong, the warranty department is me.

Same for me. If one of my home-brewed tube amps takes a hot & steamy one on me, I just dump it upside down, fix it, flip it right side up, & listen again.

 

[elmoe420]

My anecdote is that our PA5 II has worked flawlessly for two years now. It's used to power a pair of Philharmonic Ceramic Minis many hours each day (computer speakers).

The only logical deduction from the OP is that Topping has solid customer service ($20 to ship a branch new replacement unit no questions asked) and the vendor used Aoshida has poor customer service and should be avoided in the future.

 

[jdjung]

I've had my PA 5 II for two years with zero problems. I've had it on for likely a year without turning it off used all the time. So yeah, you may have got a dud. Company did you right by sending you a replacement for you to make a general comment to not purchase base on your single sample size. Just wow.

 

[redjr]

I'm using a PA5 II for a year now. It's been running 24/7 without any issues. Topping gear is usually very reliable, with above average build quality. I also have other Topping gear and everything runs perfectly - no failures.

 

[fwwwk]

24/7 a year here, created hiss once to speakers, disappeared after turning off and on again

 

[redjr]

A little off topic, but I have a new Vibelink - using it at my DIY design system area. I noticed a low-volume crackle and hiss and I thought WTF. Turned out to be my little mini computer a couple feet away. Moved the computer and hiss and crackle was gone. Only had this with when using the RCA input.