Topping PA5 Replacement Help

[anotherhobby]

I had a Topping PA5 from the day they were released up until a week ago when my house took a direct hit from lighting. The PA5 is just a small item in the over $20k in fried electronics, but it's the one I'm trying to sort out at the moment. I just ordered the new PA5 II (it looked like the plus was not in stock), which I hooked up yesterday. This was going fine until this morning when it started making squeeling noises thru the speakers, then some pops, and then just pushed the driver 100% sticking out. I killed the amp power quick, and then tested again, and it's toast. This seems to be a defective new state where it will do this even disconnected from everything. Just power and speakers, no inputs, and it looks to send straight voltage into the speakers.

So, while I could just get another one, I'm not impressed. With this attempt.

The amp is being fed from a miniDSP Flex Balanced and powering Revel M105's near field at my desk. What would be a good replacement for the PA5 that's currently available in the US? Ideally it would also be small and desktop, but I could make do. Insurance will cover replacement value (so I guess a PA5 II Plus at $230). I don't have to stick to that price, but also not looking to go nuts. I suppose an NC252MP would be nice, but that's quite a lot more.

 

[anotherhobby]

Hmmm... Maybe a pair of Fosi V3 Monos?

 

[Selkirks]

I had problems with my Topping PA5 II, LA90 and PA3s amplifiers, never any issues with their DACs. I have been using a Fosi ZA3 every day since March 2024, no problems to report (fingers crossed). Maybe the V3 monos will work out for you.

 

[JeremyFife]

The 3e amps - A5 perhaps - look good

 

[Roland68]

I had a Topping PA5 from the day they were released up until a week ago when my house took a direct hit from lighting. The PA5 is just a small item in the over $20k in fried electronics, but it's the one I'm trying to sort out at the moment. I just ordered the new PA5 II (it looked like the plus was not in stock), which I hooked up yesterday. This was going fine until this morning when it started making squeeling noises thru the speakers, then some pops, and then just pushed the driver 100% sticking out. I killed the amp power quick, and then tested again, and it's toast. This seems to be a defective new state where it will do this even disconnected from everything. Just power and speakers, no inputs, and it looks to send straight voltage into the speakers.

So, while I could just get another one, I'm not impressed. With this attempt.

The amp is being fed from a miniDSP Flex Balanced and powering Revel M105's near field at my desk. What would be a good replacement for the PA5 that's currently available in the US? Ideally it would also be small and desktop, but I could make do. Insurance will cover replacement value (so I guess a PA5 II Plus at $230). I don't have to stick to that price, but also not looking to go nuts. I suppose an NC252MP would be nice, but that's quite a lot more.

It's always possible for a new device to be DOA. The manufacturer can't inspect the individual components used, and of course, something might be defective.
Don't let that deter you.

Is it certain that the power supply voltage is OK again? Don't let it damage other devices. A call to the energy supplier should be able to clarify this.

You could use the PA5 II power supply to test whether your old PA5 is defective, or just the power supply.

 

[pieterv1]

Late to the party, but you should either check 3E Audio's current offerings (A5 or A7) or wait for their upcoming consumer model which will have a built-in PSU, supposed to come in Q4 this year.

 

[Jarrett]

Late to the party, but you should either check 3E Audio's current offerings (A5 or A7) or wait for their upcoming consumer model which will have a built-in PSU, supposed to come in Q4 this year.

Now I have to inquire what model that is because I hate these power bricks

 

[pieterv1]

Now I have to inquire what model that is because I hate these power bricks

An announcement should be imminent!

 

[anotherhobby]

I ended up going with a pair of V3 mono's and I'm still very happy with them.