Thank you for your report! And have much fun with your dream combination!I just bought the Topping PA5 II amplifier. I had been following the discussion and reading other info about this amp. Knowing the more recently (last couple of years) in quality and spec improvements from this chi-fi company, I knew I couldn't go wrong. I performed a rather significant upgrade to my computer workstation - where I spend a lot of time - and after that was all in place I decided, why not go for a total overhaul of the audio as well! I want to improve the audio as this space was also going to morph into a little NFL listening area as well. Being close up to the speakers, allows you to hear better the nuances of the sound. I had been listening to a TV soundbar (Bose), mainly while using flight simulator, so I knew this upgrade would encompass more separate components I would have to make room for.
It all started with purchasing a pair of speakers, I had heard about, that got excellent reviews. The Polk, Model ES15 variety. This was not a likely pair, but having 2 different sets of ELAC speakers in my main listening room (the Uni-Fi UB5 [original ones], and the Navis powered spkrs), I wanted to try the Polks and they were the right size. Actually, a tad larger than I expected, but they do fit comfortably in my space - along side my new 43" 4K monitor. Next up was the amp. Which to choose? There are more chi-fi amps out there that it's almost next to impossible to decide which one is right for you! Amir gave the PA5 II a glowing review and even a recommendation. So, a week ago a bought one from Amazon with a 10% discount. Part of my reasoning with going the passive route was so I could do a little mixing and matching with various other amps and DACs I have (both consumer and DIY) to experiment with different sound signature and not be locked into powered speakers.
So with the speakers in place (on stands to raise them above a bit) I temporarily wired it all up, and turned it on. BTW, the DAC/streamer I was using, was a variation of my 'spider' DAC. This one is very similar to mine. This is one combination of IanCanada's PurePi powering platform (using the RPi w/ultracaps and LiFePO4 batteries), a Receiver Pi DDC, Reclocking board, a Dual ES9098Q2M DAC board, and a transformer output stage. This is very low noise (and jitter), and produces some of the quietest noise floor and is capable of transforming your digital library (roon) with clarity, articulation, dynamics and a richness. So, I fired it all up.
Playing a couple of my goto test tracks, the immediate think I noticed was the amount of bass these speakers can produce. It almost belies belief it was that good. It was a solid umph bass and not boomy at all. They're not backed up against a wall, so that likely helps the bass as well. Most bookshelf speakers are a bit thin in low registers, but the ES 15s performed with aplomb. All three pieces in the chain provided a very well-balanced musical presentation with - good clean mids and highs that were not shrill in the upper registers and vocals. I will say, the most important of all factors of a musical track is whether or not it was recorded well. I test my systems with high-dynamic range music, acoustic music and well-done vocals. A system such as mine will reveal the subtleties and nuance of the music - whether good or bad.
I couldn't be happier with my current implementation of gear at my NLF setup. The speakers are an absolute joy to listen to - especially when driven by a very clean and quiet source, and not adding any noise with the PA5 II little amp. DSD tracks sound so rich and detailed - oh so good.
Note;
Here's an image without the final resting place for everything, plus some extra pieces I'm not using using. Still waiting on some accessories and better speakers stands and riser shelfs to fit everything neatly. The final hook-up will likely include the Wiim Ultra pictured under the left speaker as my streamer.
View attachment 416946
Not very dissimilar to mine - warning, this pic in 'room hijacked for Christmas' mode.I just bought the Topping PA5 II amplifier. I had been following the discussion and reading other info about this amp. Knowing the more recently (last couple of years) in quality and spec improvements from this chi-fi company, I knew I couldn't go wrong. I performed a rather significant upgrade to my computer workstation - where I spend a lot of time - and after that was all in place I decided, why not go for a total overhaul of the audio as well! I want to improve the audio as this space was also going to morph into a little NFL listening area as well. Being close up to the speakers, allows you to hear better the nuances of the sound. I had been listening to a TV soundbar (Bose), mainly while using flight simulator, so I knew this upgrade would encompass more separate components I would have to make room for.
It all started with purchasing a pair of speakers, I had heard about, that got excellent reviews. The Polk, Model ES15 variety. This was not a likely pair, but having 2 different sets of ELAC speakers in my main listening room (the Uni-Fi UB5 [original ones], and the Navis powered spkrs), I wanted to try the Polks and they were the right size. Actually, a tad larger than I expected, but they do fit comfortably in my space - along side my new 43" 4K monitor. Next up was the amp. Which to choose? There are more chi-fi amps out there that it's almost next to impossible to decide which one is right for you! Amir gave the PA5 II a glowing review and even a recommendation. So, a week ago a bought one from Amazon with a 10% discount. Part of my reasoning with going the passive route was so I could do a little mixing and matching with various other amps and DACs I have (both consumer and DIY) to experiment with different sound signature and not be locked into powered speakers.
So with the speakers in place (on stands to raise them above a bit) I temporarily wired it all up, and turned it on. BTW, the DAC/streamer I was using, was a variation of my 'spider' DAC. This one is very similar to mine. This is one combination of IanCanada's PurePi powering platform (using the RPi w/ultracaps and LiFePO4 batteries), a Receiver Pi DDC, Reclocking board, a Dual ES9098Q2M DAC board, and a transformer output stage. This is very low noise (and jitter), and produces some of the quietest noise floor and is capable of transforming your digital library (roon) with clarity, articulation, dynamics and a richness. So, I fired it all up.
Playing a couple of my goto test tracks, the immediate think I noticed was the amount of bass these speakers can produce. It almost belies belief it was that good. It was a solid umph bass and not boomy at all. They're not backed up against a wall, so that likely helps the bass as well. Most bookshelf speakers are a bit thin in low registers, but the ES 15s performed with aplomb. All three pieces in the chain provided a very well-balanced musical presentation with - good clean mids and highs that were not shrill in the upper registers and vocals. I will say, the most important of all factors of a musical track is whether or not it was recorded well. I test my systems with high-dynamic range music, acoustic music and well-done vocals. A system such as mine will reveal the subtleties and nuance of the music - whether good or bad.
I couldn't be happier with my current implementation of gear at my NLF setup. The speakers are an absolute joy to listen to - especially when driven by a very clean and quiet source, and not adding any noise with the PA5 II little amp. DSD tracks sound so rich and detailed - oh so good.
Note;
Here's an image without the final resting place for everything, plus some extra pieces I'm not using using. Still waiting on some accessories and better speakers stands and riser shelfs to fit everything neatly. The final hook-up will likely include the Wiim Ultra pictured under the left speaker as my streamer.
View attachment 416946
Yes, you got it. Near Field Listening. Typo corrected.
Great gear selections and placement minds think alike.
Now I'm playing with the proper selection and size of a couple different glass risers to house the gear. I have a longer one in my 'other' office similar to yours that has come in handy over the years and works very well to keep things organized, yet available. Sure helps to extend table-top space. I just received two different sizes and colors to see what fits best in the space along my right side/wall. See image. I like the black best, but it's a 2 inches shorter in length(14"), but roughly the same height as the clear set (16") - both about the same depth. You can find anything on Amazon. I'm still in the 'shifting around' stage as everything still isn't here yet. I'll post another pic when I have it's all finalized. Is this hobby ever all finalized? BTW, to other readers.... These tempered glass riser/shelves are not that expensive and are a welcome addition to desktop space or other counter tops to help keep your smaller gear organized and neat. The ones I purchased came two in a box for about $30 for the black ones and $25 for the clear.
So, how is the PA5II keeping up? Are there many reports of failure?
I have two, powered on 24/7 since 10 months. About 35-37C on top surface. No problems
