Topping PA5 II, don't buy

[Maxon]

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

This is a wonderful amplifier in sound quality, and if you are unlucky, this does not mean that you need to conduct propaganda for everyone.

 

[redjr]

The PA5-II is indeed a very capable and great sounding amplifier. I use mine at my near-field listening desk with a very capable DAC and a pair of Polk ES-15 speakers. The combo puts a big smile on my face.

 

[Laserjock]

Wondering if OP got an original PA5 that failed and or that’s the “new” (discontinued) one they sent him
Do you still have to failed one?

 

[ziggurcat]

This is a wonderful amplifier in sound quality, and if you are unlucky, this does not mean that you need to conduct propaganda for everyone.

Yeah, manufacturing defects happen all of the time, and no company is immune from that regardless of how boutique the brand happens to be. The only Topping gear I have had to send back was the MX5, and the two I had were defective for two different reasons -- one had a broken volume knob, the other just started hissing in the left channel one morning for no reason (it literally happened between a brief listening session when I woke up that day, and the time it took for me to take a shower). All of the Topping amplifiers I have all work flawlessly -- the PA5 II, specifically.

 

[Head_Unit]

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

Do you reply to your own warranty claim emails?

 

[pedros_2005]

I have not one but two Topping PA5 II plus. Both works just flawless!