Topping PA5 Review (Amplifier)

[mocenigo]

That is possibly the main advantage of a big box with a huge toroid in it.

Do not forget the magical heavy stones to place atop the electronics!

 

[Paco De Lucia]

If your unit is being dragged around the desktop by interconnects, you're probably spending too much money on interconnects

 

[steve-z]

Little boxes can still produce great sound, the Amptastic Mini 1 Tripath amp I had a few years ago would be dwarfed by the Topping PA5, didn't stop it from sounding brilliant.

 

[Chr1]

I guess that these little Class D amps are perfect for desktops where space is at a premium and you are listening near-field whilst doing stuff on your computer. Can't say I would want one for anything else though. Had a Topping TP60 when they first appeared. Sounded ok at low SPLs but quickly started to distort badly and then shut down, even with very sensitive speakers. Not for me unfortunately.

 

[Paco De Lucia]

I guess that these little Class D amps are perfect for desktops where space is at a premium and you are listening near-field whilst doing stuff on your computer. Can't say I would want one for anything else though. Had a Topping TP60 when they first appeared. Sounded ok at low SPLs but quickly started to distort badly and then shut down, even with very sensitive speakers. Not for me unfortunately.

The PA5 works fine for me as my main system amp. SPL adequate, and no distortion. Size has no bearing. Why build something unnecessarily large for psychological reasons ? (says the man with massive speakers lol sorry)

 

[Triliza]

Why build something unnecessarily large for psychological reasons ?

Can't make my mind if I like or not those speakers in your signature

 

[Paco De Lucia]

Can't make my mind if I like or not those speakers in your signature

They sound great though

 

[Papaya_X]

Some people that already received their PA5 could open it in order to check if the build quality is better that what we already observed please ?

 

[MrBurnside]

Some people that already received their PA5 could open it in order to check if the build quality is better that what we already observed please ?

Try here https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/topping-pa5-tpa325x-is-a-modification-worth-it.380233/

 

[Firespeed]

Hi everyone !

Some people that already received their PA5 could open it in order to check if the build quality is better that what we already observed please ?

If all goes well, I will receive mine tomorrow, with the E50 DAC and proper TRS cables. I'll report here my experience (subjectively and modestly, because I'm not as expert as you are all !!! )

The PA5 works fine for me as my main system amp. SPL adequate, and no distortion.

Same for me, will be my main system and will replace the Loxjie A30 witch is a transition step...

Why build something unnecessarily large for psychological reasons ? (says the man with massive speakers lol sorry)

You' re damn right !!! But nobody walks at the same speed and there are many paths...you can get lost and there is nothing wrong with that.

Some people still want big and heavy elements in relation to the budget spent, even if technology and progress show us that this is no longer the case. Perceived quality is not (or no longer) an assurance of effective quality. Being pragmatic and factual is more difficult when talking about money and perceived quality.Some manufacturers have understood this and I myself have been fooled (by my own stupidity or ignorance and the ingenuity of the salesmen). It flatters the ego and no one should be blamed for that. You learn much more from your mistakes than from your successes! Fortunately, this forum and this site exist; Amir and the community provide eye-openers if one is willing to do so.

 

[caught gesture]

Try here https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/topping-pa5-tpa325x-is-a-modification-worth-it.380233/

I tried. Just too much keyboard posturing going on!

 

[Klint]

Isnt this, lets say, mediocre?

 

[Chr1]

Indeed, I guess I would say so...
But if you don't need a ton of power it is pretty damn good for the price, I reckon...
Though I buy second hand and have got some amazing deals on very good classA and A/B power amps over the years.
Plus I play my music loud.

My AVR, a Pioneer SC-LX86 is class D, so I am not anti-classD by any means...

 

[Klint]

Indeed, I guess I would say so.
But if you don't need a ton of power it is pretty damn good for the price, I reckon...

I have more or less decided to buy since i have a sensitive speaker, but this one keeps coming back, then again maybe there are no alternatives.

 

[Matias]

View attachment 174738

Isnt this, lets say, mediocre?

Harmonics above 6.67 kHz are inaudible. Even 5 kHz -100 or so dB no one would hear. So that is pretty good for listening, mediocre only academically.

 

[pma]

Harmonics above 6.67 kHz are inaudible. Even 5 kHz -100 or so dB no one would gear. So that is pretty good for listening, mediocre only academically.

Nonlienearity at frequencies up to 20 kHz create difference intermodulation tones in audio band that are situated at subtraction of two frequencies or more complex in case of more frequencies. You cannot oversimplify the way you did. This amp’s high frequency linearity is poor. It is not true that distortion measurements have to be made only with 20 kHz BW. Lot of poor understanding may be seen in these non professional discussions.

 

[Klint]

Harmonics above 6.67 kHz are inaudible. Even 5 kHz -100 or so dB no one would gear. So that is pretty good for listening, mediocre only academically.

Thanks, for input, should not be a problem.

 

[Klint]

Nonlienearity at frequencies up to 20 kHz create difference intermodulation tones in audio band that are situated at subtraction of two frequencies or more complex in case of more frequencies. You cannot oversimplify the way you did. This amp’s high frequency linearity is poor. It is not true that distortion measurements have to be made only with 20 kHz BW. Lot of poor understanding may be seen in these non professional discussions.

Count me in for the lack of understanding. Do as best i can.

 

[Matias]

Nonlienearity at frequencies up to 20 kHz create difference intermodulation tones in audio band that are situated at subtraction of two frequencies or more complex in case of more frequencies. You cannot oversimplify the way you did. This amp’s high frequency linearity is poor. It is not true that distortion measurements have to be made only with 20 kHz BW. Lot of poor understanding may be seen in these non professional discussions.

Sure, let's see a 18+19 kHz IMD and we will know. Especially at about -40 dB where actual music content is. Until then it is speculation.

 

[bartgign]

Hello

Wich Blutooth DAC with control volume and remote will be a good Option with this PA5 ?

Thanks !