Topping PA5 II Stereo Amplifier Review

[Grael]

Nice amplifier !

Now, I wonder how much extra it would cost to have a remote control on this amplifier ? . This performance is so good that its usable outside the desktop, maybe placed in a livingroom.

You can check the TP RA3, basicaly the same as PA5-II (plus) in a rackmount box, with remote control (and sota resistor based attenuation)

TP RA3 Rackmount Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the TP (Topping) RA3 stereo balanced rackmount amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $229. Yes, this is a new sub-brand from Topping. I quite like it. The large and highly visible volume level is as gorgeous to look at as it is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

And they ship to Sweden, I'm jealous !

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/1005005787838746.html

 

[Music1969]

@amirm channel imbalance ?

 

[amirm]

Will you also review the "Plus" ?

I only have this version.

 

[amirm]

@amirm channel imbalance ?

I don't measure that for power amps as it tends to not be much of an issue compared to headphones.

 

[Paco De Lucia]

I have been running mine for a few weeks, no problem so far. I love my bi amp setup with these little amps. Thanks for such an amazing website Amirm

 

[BeerBear]

An electronic/digital volume control would have been nice, for the perfect channel balance and no scratching. Other than that, very good.

 

[antcollinet]

Nice amplifier !

Now, I wonder how much extra it would cost to have a remote control on this amplifier ? . This performance is so good that its usable outside the desktop, maybe placed in a livingroom.

pair it with a DAC with remote?

 

[Music1969]

I don't measure that for power amps as it tends to not be much of an issue compared to headphones.

It has a volume pot and we have measurements here by an owner for Topping PA3S showing channel balance issue

so would be great if you can measure it ?

Topping PA3s Review (Desktop Amplifier)

Does anyone have a channel misbalance under 1/4 volume. It seems that right channel is very slow to come up to the match volume of the left channel. I worked around it by lowering the volume of the DAC but i was wondering if there is a way to fix this permanently? Another thing i noticed with...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[JeremyFife]

Surprisingly hard to give an objective vote for this after the many, many comments and issues with the first version (disclosure, mine failed, was repaired and good now).
It does look good though (measures well), and it's in expensive company. Nice one, and I'm hopeful on the reliability too

 

[howard416]

Does anyone know which chip they are using?

Thanks @amirm for pointing this out. The only audio device I've owned that broke was an amplifier but that was like 30 years back. To me it looks like that the ones from many bigger companies (e.g. Japanese ones) are more reliable these days - or is this just my personal experience?

I believe this uses the TPA3251.

 

[Talisman]

I cast no votes. Clearly it has exceptional measured performance at a great price, but I'll wait a few months to see if it will prove to be a truly reliable product or another flash in the pan. I lambasted Topping both for the failings of the first PA5, but even more for washing its hands of the issue despite admitting the design flaw. I definitely won't be another of the paying beta testers.

 

[Yoku-San]

If this proves to be a reliable amp, it could be a part of an interesting entry level combination with the RCA-connected Wiim Pro Plus (for Streaming and integration of optical CD input signal by its DAC), an XLR-connected Phonobox S3B (for balanced turntable connection) and a pair of ELAC DBR62 for about 1000 USD. You can even get this 100 USD cheaper with the IFI Zen Phone which also has a balanced output.

 

[ripmixburn]

What are some recommended ways to integrate a subwoofer that only accepts single-ended inputs (RCA) with the PA5? Would love to know budget options, including others that offer bass management/crossover/PEQ and/or room correction. Only MiniDSP Flex comes to mind.

 

[jbattman1016]

We expect superb performance from Topping even whey they use chip based class D amplifier and we get it here:

@amirm Typo in there, should be "when" not "whey"

 

[whyfi]

So timely. I was just about to buy a much more expensive amp to run a pair of M16s. After reading this I ordered a plus and it will match nicely with the E50 DAC which I, coincidentally, bought last weekend. Thanks again Amir. This forum has helped me build an amazing 2 channel system for a tiny fraction of what I expected to pay when I started my research.

 

[MCH]

There isn't much discussion about the low gain in balanced (19db) and sensitivity of 2.4 volts. Will it go loud enough if used beyond a desktop system? What do owners say?

 

[Gorgonzola]

Anther mouse amplifier: {{~yawn~}} Nice that it performs well.

 

[tubesguy]

I'm kind of surprised that no one has mentioned reliability concerns.

 

[Bleib]

I'm kind of surprised that no one has mentioned reliability concerns.

It has been, even in the review

 

[Yoku-San]

I'm kind of surprised that no one has mentioned reliability concerns.

The PA5 II exists exactly because the original PA5 had reliability issues. I would be very surprised if these issues pop up again at a high rate.