Topping PA5 Review (Amplifier)

[anli]

It’s a shame that buyers have to use this unit in fear….
Buyer pays for it and then feels lucky that it still works…
What a pity….

Agree. Am thinking about getting PA5 II, but don't know if it free from issues.

 

[gamerpaddy]

they moved the heat producing components out of the potted modules, the only way they now get heat cycled is by the temperature rise in the interior of the amp. which isnt as strong and you got a little more convection. the potting compound may not contract/expand as much as the "active" module so they should last much longer this way... but if they ever fail its for the same reason. no compound would be the ideal solution. they could just have welded those cans shut and leave air inside to protect their IP without causing these issues

 

[HoberM]

mine start to shhhh and plooc after 3/4 months

 

[solderdude]

return it under warranty.

 

[john11]

they moved the heat producing components out of the potted modules, the only way they now get heat cycled is by the temperature rise in the interior of the amp. which isnt as strong and you got a little more convection. the potting compound may not contract/expand as much as the "active" module so they should last much longer this way... but if they ever fail its for the same reason. no compound would be the ideal solution. they could just have welded those cans shut and leave air inside to protect their IP without causing these issues

If potted modules are such a bad thing then why have them in the PA5 II

 

[daniboun]

If potted modules are such a bad thing then why have them in the PA5 II

If done in the state of the art no problem...in the PA5 II the op amps are now "out of the box"

 

[YSC]

If done in the state of the art no problem...in the PA5 II the op amps are now "out of the box"

TBF their implementation is quite in the SOTA ball park in terms of transparency, but then at least I would say it fails in designing with the heat dissipation in mind

 

[daniboun]

Found this interesting but I have no idea what materials are used in the PA5 II / PA5

 

[Killingbeans]

If potted modules are such a bad thing then why have them in the PA5 II

It's an attempt at giving the product some allure. "We've designed something very special, that the competition will surely try to copy, so we had to protect it!"

Standard marketing BS, nothing more. Really dumb...

The only good reason for potting is to weatherproof outdoor electronics.

 

[CaptainCoolwater]

Check out the SABAJ A30a.
I heard it from a friend against the SMSL VMV A1 and my PA5, Sabaj A8, A20A and A20A 2022. An older Hypex was also there.
The PA5 is great, the A30a is a little better but at least $/€200 more expensive. I don't see any reason why you should take the VMV A1 compared to the two.

How was the PA5 vs A20a?
I'm considering getting the PA5 II Plus or A20a (2022).

 

[gorman]

Hmmm... I think the main text of reviews should be updated when widespread problems emerge.

Luckily I decided to check latest posts and found out about the failings.

I would be interested in a similar class of product. Any good suggestions for something reliable?

 

[ShadowNeko]

My PA5 that i bought in Aug 2022 started having crackle in the left channel today.

 

[gvl]

My PA5 that i bought in Aug 2022 started having crackle in the left channel today.

As they say elsewhere, it has finally burned in.

 

[YSC]

My PA5 that i bought in Aug 2022 started having crackle in the left channel today.

it feels like I saw in the Thrustmaster joystick sensor issue: it's not whether it will fail soon, it's a matter of how long before it will fail

 

[gamerpaddy]

pm me @ShadowNeko if you want a replacement module to fix your pa5. still got a few.

 

[Laserjock]

If I have one of these original units that has never been out of the box/hooked up, is there anything to do that would keep it from developing an issue once I put it to use or is it a luck of the draw kind of issue?

 

[solderdude]

The only good reason for potting is to weatherproof outdoor electronics.

Or to improve mechanical rigidity to protect aginst severe vibrations.

 

[dualazmak]

Having read the recent sad stories, I feel and realize the "hopeless difference" between the companies and their QC and liability policies/practices.

Spoiler

Please refer to my post here.

 

[gamerpaddy]

If I have one of these original units that has never been out of the box/hooked up, is there anything to do that would keep it from developing an issue once I put it to use or is it a luck of the draw kind of issue?

you could try removing the potting compound of the module. its not easy, but without it, theres no reason it could fail anymore.
havent tried soaking it in liquids like isoproplyalcohol or acetone, maybe if its sitting in there for a week or two it might dissolve that nasty stuff
otherwise, the old heat and pry with a needle method that takes hours and may damage something is the only way.

 

[JeremyFife]

If I have one of these original units that has never been out of the box/hooked up, is there anything to do that would keep it from developing an issue once I put it to use or is it a luck of the draw kind of issue?

I have a repaired model (repair by Topping), works great but I'm resigned to the fact that it will probably fail sooner rather than later. I'm not confident with a soldering iron so a DIY fix, or removing the potting compound is out for me, plus it really does sound great at the moment.

Presumably you are out of warranty: put some money aside each month for the fatal day and start fantasy shopping ... worst case, it never fails and you have some cash to spend!

Edit: missed the part where you say it's never been used. Plug it in, play music - it's a lovely little amp.
If you feel up to it: @gamerpaddy has a fix.
If it's surplus and still in warranty, Topping might just replace it - worth a shot.
I'd use it.