Topping PA5 Review (Amplifier)

[antcollinet]

When I started getting reports of PA5 failures, I immediately assumed it was an overheating problem with the input module.
I think Topping was aware of the cause as well. However, it may not have been easy to improve the problem by modularizing.
I think the input module of the new PA5 ll Plus is probably the same configuration as the rack mount type TP RA3.
I believe that Topping has made great strides in the evolution of their PA5 failure.

If they are still enclosing circuits in potting compound, I wouldn't go within a country mile of it.

 

[Lräk]

If they are still enclosing circuits in potting compound, I wouldn't go within a country mile of it.

John admits potting is a problem:

Ask me questions.

Anything related. I answer them as much as I can.

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Roland68]

John admits potting is a problem:

Ask me questions.

Anything related. I answer them as much as I can.

www.audiosciencereview.com

But the whole story is totally ridiculous.
It is absolute nonsense to cast audio electronics with potting compound.

1. There are much better ways to hide your circuits/developments.
2. A user disclosed exactly this circuit after removing the casting compound. A reverse engineering company charges $500-1000 for something like that.
3. There are tens of years of experience (over 50) in industry, aerospace, submarine, etc. with potting of electronics. These casting compounds are available in all variants for all areas, also UL and ROHS compliant. And these manufacturers can advise you very well which product is the right one, how it has to be used and what needs to be considered.
4. Many circuit board manufacturers and assemblers also offer this service, with a guarantee of success!

 

[john11]

The PA5 scored 106 in amir's review, making it on par with the hypex purifi amps in SQ. Since measurements and sinad figures don't tell the whole story just how good is the PA5's SQ, what kind of amps in real life terms do you feel the PA5 compares well with

 

[MAB]

The PA5 scored 106 in amir's review, making it on par with the hypex purifi amps in SQ. Since measurements and sinad figures don't tell the whole story just how good is the PA5's SQ, what kind of amps in real life terms do you feel the PA5 compares well with

The PA5 has a very serious systematic reliability problem. More than than high SINAD, it breaks. That's the story. Nothing really else matters. Eager to see Topping turn the corner on reliability.

 

[john11]

The PA5 has a very serious systematic reliability problem. More than than high SINAD, it breaks. That's the story. Nothing really else matters. Eager to see Topping turn the corner on reliability.

Thanks! Not really the question i asked, would really like to hear about the PA5's SQ.
There's a good thread on how to fix the reliability issue, which is that the input module is covered with a potting compound that stops heat from escaping and also damages the circuit board. Fitting a small fan helps, also dropping the supply voltage a little , drillng holes in the chassis. Everyone who has replaced the input module says their amp has started working again. Would really like to hear about the PA5's SQ performance

 

[MAB]

Thanks! Not really the question i asked, would really like to hear about the PA5's SQ.
There's a good thread on how to fix the reliability issue, which is that the input module is covered with a potting compound that stops heat from escaping and also damages the circuit board. Fitting a small fan helps, also dropping the supply voltage a little , drillng holes in the chassis. Everyone who has replaced the input module says their amp has started working again. Would really like to hear about the PA5's SQ performance

Yes. The amp that gamerpaddy developed on was actually mine, I sent it to him. So funny getting this explained to me.
Cooling the amp doesn't help, mine failed in days. Drilling holes? Get ahold of yourself!!!
To answer your question, the amp's SQ most closely resembles the sound of a broken amp, until gamerpaddy's repair is applied! Then it sounds like a low to moderately powered amp with good SINAD.

 

[Roland68]

Everyone who has replaced the input module says their amp has started working again. Would really like to hear about the PA5's SQ performance

How many people do you know who have swapped the module? Do you have any links other than the one on ASR/Diyaudio?

I've had the PA5 for a few months and it sounds really good for its price range.
In terms of sound, it couldn't quite keep up with a Cyrus 2 and an HK1200, but that's an unfair comparison since both devices are completely revised. Especially at high volumes, the difference became clearer, which surprised me a little, since the Cyrus and the HK don't have a lot of power.

 

[Killingbeans]

Especially at high volumes, the difference became clearer, which surprised me a little, since the Cyrus and the HK don't have a lot of power.

They probably have a higher peak power than the PA5. Just a guess.

 

[Killingbeans]

Not really the question i asked, would really like to hear about the PA5's SQ.

The reason for the sound of crickets is probably that the consensus on well made amps here on the site, is that they don't have a sound of their own until you push them beyond their comfort zone.

 

[delta76]

Thanks! Not really the question i asked, would really like to hear about the PA5's SQ.
There's a good thread on how to fix the reliability issue, which is that the input module is covered with a potting compound that stops heat from escaping and also damages the circuit board. Fitting a small fan helps, also dropping the supply voltage a little , drillng holes in the chassis. Everyone who has replaced the input module says their amp has started working again. Would really like to hear about the PA5's SQ performance

a good amp sounds like nothing, it does not add distortions or noises to the signal, only amplifies it.
so PA5's SQ is simply what your speaker sounds like (given that PA5 is not clipping). it would sound like a properly implemented purifi or hypex amp. if you need a name, then NAD N23 has pretty similar SINAD

 

[Toku]

The PA5 scored 106 in amir's review, making it on par with the hypex purifi amps in SQ. Since measurements and sinad figures don't tell the whole story just how good is the PA5's SQ, what kind of amps in real life terms do you feel the PA5 compares well with

PA5 had good results in measurement data, but it was a completely defective product as a product. Among the people who bought PA5, there are many people who can't use it due to overheating problems.
However, the new PA5 ll Pro will be released from Topping soon, taking advantage of that failure experience.

 

[Lräk]

PA5 had good results in measurement data, but it was a completely defective product as a product. Among the people who bought PA5, there are many people who can't use it due to overheating problems.
However, the new PA5 ll Pro will be released from Topping soon, taking advantage of that failure experience.

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[Roland68]

They probably have a higher peak power than the PA5. Just a guess.

You can completely rule that out.
The harman/kardon HK 1200 has a maximum of 2 x 49 W rms and an old EI-core transformer that can handle 130 watts for a short time. There is no need to talk about the ability of these transformers to supply electricity.

 

[Roland68]

a good amp sounds like nothing, it does not add distortions or noises to the signal, only amplifies it.
so PA5's SQ is simply what your speaker sounds like (given that PA5 is not clipping). it would sound like a properly implemented purifi or hypex amp. if you need a name, then NAD N23 has pretty similar SINAD

Never heard a Musical Fidelity A1?
In terms of sound, it can be distinguished from any Class D amplifier discussed here.
But you are right, it was sounded with a few tricks in the circuit. Nevertheless, a frequently sold amplifier that is still loved by many today.

 

[ampguy]

Thanks! Not really the question i asked, would really like to hear about the PA5's SQ.
There's a good thread on how to fix the reliability issue, which is that the input module is covered with a potting compound that stops heat from escaping and also damages the circuit board. Fitting a small fan helps, also dropping the supply voltage a little , drillng holes in the chassis. Everyone who has replaced the input module says their amp has started working again. Would really like to hear about the PA5's SQ performance

I’ve found it powerful and neutral sounding. I’ve only used trs balanced inputs, w balanced output from sources, and use the volume between about 9 and noon. I think the amp was a game changer for small class D amps. Mine is going strong, and despite just buying a second a300 and Fosi v3, I will likely get the II as well to replace yet another less efficient class ab amp.

 

[delta76]

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more measurements from pa5 ii and pa5 ii plus
must say I'm intrigued, but I will NOT buy these until at least 1 year.

 

[dsnyder0cnn]

Since measurements and sinad figures don't tell the whole story just how good is the PA5's SQ, what kind of amps in real life terms do you feel the PA5 compares well with

I've had my PA5 for about a year and a half. Purchased it along with the E50/L50. The three stack together beautifully.

I use the PA5 at least eight hours/day during the week as part of my office rig and have had zero issues with overheating. That said, I've never had a need to push it hard. It's mostly used for Zoom calls and occasional background music when I'm not listening via headphones.

I did run the PA5 for a month or so in my main system to compare it with much more expensive Orchard Audio GaN monoblocks (similar SINAD). Blindfolded, I doubt I could find a difference between them at normal (~83 dB) listening levels. Build quality on the Orchard Audio amps is better. Especially the input and output connections (see how the input jacks are angled away from each other a bit in the photo above?). But, I have no complaints about the PA5 for the price I paid.

If my PA5 were to die tomorrow, I'd buy a PA5 II with no hesitation. Well, I guess my only objection might be that the new models don't come in red.

 

[Power Pop 23]

I've had my PA5 for about a year and a half. Purchased it along with the E50/L50. The three stack together beautifully.

View attachment 299935

I use the PA5 at least eight hours/day during the week as part of my office rig and have had zero issues with overheating. That said, I've never had a need to push it hard. It's mostly used for Zoom calls and occasional background music when I'm not listening via headphones.

I did run the PA5 for a month or so in my main system to compare it with much more expensive Orchard Audio GaN monoblocks (similar SINAD). Blindfolded, I doubt I could find a difference between them at normal (~83 dB) listening levels. Build quality on the Orchard Audio amps is better. Especially the input and output connections (see how the input jacks are angled away from each other a bit in the photo above?). But, I have no complaints about the PA5 for the price I paid.

If my PA5 were to die tomorrow, I'd buy a PA5 II with no hesitation. Well, I guess my only objection might be that the new models don't come in red.

I've had the same gear running for 17 months with no complaints. But if my PA5 died after 17 months I would hesitate before purchasing a PA5 II to replace it.

 

[Talisman]

Interesting how shamefully some try to sell off the last stock of a defective product