Topping PA5 II Stereo Amplifier Review

[Falconer]

I recently bought one of these amplifiers and measured the DC output voltage, which was surprisingly 50mV on both sides. Is this normal or too much?

 

[NTK]

I recently bought one of these amplifiers and measured the DC output voltage, which was surprisingly 50mV on both sides. Is this normal or too much?

50 mV is on the high side, but still within spec, at least per the chip datasheet.

 

[Falconer]

50 mV is on the high side, but still within spec, at least per the chip datasheet.
View attachment 449744

Thank you very much for the reply!

 

[Sokel]

Thank you very much for the reply!

Make sure that the amp is ON for some time (15-30 min) before you measure (even better both cold and hot) .
Sometimes DC settles lower as temps come to normal operation.

 

[Falconer]

Make sure that the amp is ON for some time (15-30 min) before you measure (even better both cold and hot) .
Sometimes DC settles lower as temps come to normal operation.

I've already tried, the value is consistently this, and on one side it's -47mV, while on the other it's +50mV. I measured both with and without load, and it's always the same.

 

[Sokel]

I've already tried, the value is consistently this, and on one side it's -47mV, while on the other it's +50mV. I measured both with and without load, and it's always the same.

Let's see if others who see this measure and report.

50mV is a bit much. Not dangerous but it's nice to see zero there, or single digit value.

 

[Ahmonge]

After the death of the old amplifier for the Dali Spektor 2 speakers on my PC desk, I decided to go for the PA5 II. For the amp and the DAC I need a stand as tight as possible (ideal measurements for a model with two trays would be 20cm x 20cm x 7cm), but what I find on Amazon and Aliexpress is either too big or only 4.8cm high. I have seen the SR2 stand from Topping, but it is very expensive.

I would appreciate any ideas on this.

 

[john11]

The amp will get hot with something on top of it blocking the heat from escaping. Needs ventilation. From personal experience small enclosures to house this amp within are a bad idea

 

[Ahmonge]

The amp will get hot with something on top of it blocking the heat from escaping. Needs ventilation. From personal experience small enclosures to house this amp within are a bad idea

Fortunately, I listen at low volume and about three feet from each speaker, so the amp doesn't get too hot. Still, I look for a stand with at least 7 cm height to facilitate the ventilation of the amplifier.

 

[pedros_2005]

I recently replaced a Cambridge cxa60 amplifier in my main system with a Topping PA5 ii plus (Wiim pro source and Topping E50 dac). At first I was skeptical but, to my surprise, the little Topping gives the Cambridge cxa60 amplifier a class. The voices came forward, extraordinary separation of the instruments, balanced and detailed sound, more "tight" bass, everything has improved. I recommend this cable for optimal results:

TOPPING TCT1 Balanced Jack 6.35mm TRS Interconnect Cables OCC Copper 25cm (Pair) - Audiophonics

The TCT1 cables from Topping are high quality 6.35mm jack cables. They integrate 6N copper and 6N silver plated copper conductors ensuring a perfect signal transmission. Each conductor has a section of 0.533mm² (19AWG).

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[john11]

Fortunately, I listen at low volume and about three feet from each speaker, so the amp doesn't get too hot. Still, I look for a stand with at least 7 cm height to facilitate the ventilation of the amplifier.

Good call. I watched a movie for about 2 hours and after that the amp was hot to the touch

 

[Ahmonge]

It's nor what I was looking for (too wide and high), but at least brings good ventilation to the PA5 II. Thanks to all of you who have replied.

 

[Ihmemies]

View attachment 451091

It's nor what I was looking for (too wide and high), but at least brings good ventilation to the PA5 II. Thanks to all of you who have replied.

One solution could be to shorten the feet with hacksaw. Must be done very carefully though to look nice, and you'd need to drill new holes to the inner tube.

 

[Ahmonge]

One solution could be to shorten the feet with hacksaw. Must be done very carefully though to look nice, and you'd need to drill new holes to the inner tube.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Falconer]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone know if the 12V trigger input on the Topping PA5 II uses a mono (2-conductor) 3.5mm plug?

I’ve seen some internal photos and it looks like the trigger jack on the PCB only has two solder points, which would suggest it's mono. But I’d like to confirm before wiring up a custom trigger cable for multiple units.

Apologies if this has already been discussed — I haven’t gone through all 57 pages of the thread.

Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[Ahmonge]

Does anyone know if the 12V trigger input on the Topping PA5 II uses a mono (2-conductor) 3.5mm plug?

Not specifically devoted to PA5 12V trigger, but I think is useful:

Mono or stereo 3,5mm cable for 12v trigger?

Is there a difference between using a mono or stereo tip 3,5 mm cable for 12v trigger between pre and power amp? I see both mono and stereo cables beeing sold as "for audio or 12v trigger".

audiosciencereview.com

 

[Maxon]

What do you mean it is not possible? Just connect the hot lead of the unbalanced output to the + (non-inverting) input, and source ground to the - (inverting) input.

You shouldn't do that...

 

[Julf]

You shouldn't do that...

Why not?

 

[Maxon]

You need to add a jumper between the middle point and the cold (-)

 

[Julf]

You need to add a jumper between the middle point and the cold (-)

Again - why? Please explain your logic.