restorer-john
Grand Contributor
In the distortion vs frequency plot, not the multitone one.
It's more than -60dB THD. The measurement only has a 45kHz bandwidth so you are only seeing H2 and H3 of a 15kHz fundamental.
In the distortion vs frequency plot, not the multitone one.
I think Topping has used the best output inductors available (same as what I use on my commercial TPA3255 amp). These four inductors alone cost $24 (in quantity) and clearly, there are about 8 premium opamps at about $4ea so another $32 there. So I see at least $56 in upgraded parts and if we add the 4 gang pot, two high quality relays, four TRS jacks, two MOSFETs for remote power switch, I see another $30 in components. So we are at $80. Typical markup for retail is at least 3x so $240. Add that to usual $100 cost for a cased TPA3255 amp and we are at $340. The cost is fair and reasonable. You can’t sell it for less without skimping on features. Sorry $350 is a fair and excellent price for the level of performance you are getting here.
I really cannot understand why people are bellyaching about the $350 price when performance is equivalent to $1000-$2000 Purifi-based amps and approaches the $3500 Benchmark AHB2.
I guess because of the small size people are calling it a “toy amp” and cannot wrap their heads around its SOTA performance. What is this place, Stereophile?
They will likely sell many, this doesn't change the fact it's expensive for what it is.
See the two quotes in my post #1,183 above.They will likely sell many, this doesn't change the fact it's expensive for what it is.
Try looking at it as a smaller, lower power AHB2 -- for a tiny fraction of the AHB2's price!
There is a big difference in mechanical and casework design, not speaking about basic differences between the class AB and D. This small thing is not designed as an adult amplifier and has a lot of quality standards controversy.Try looking at it as a smaller, lower power AHB2 -- for a tiny fraction of the AHB2's price!
Billy Budapest said:
I really cannot understand why people are bellyaching about the $350 price when performance is equivalent to $1000-$2000 Purifi-based amps and approaches the $3500 Benchmark AHB2.
I guess because of the small size people are calling it a “toy amp” and cannot wrap their heads around its SOTA performance. What is this place, Stereophile?
I think it's quite petty to quibble over the (very cheap) price.
I think it's quite petty to quibble over the (very cheap) price. They should try building one as good, for the price, themselves.
There is a big difference in mechanical and casework design, not speaking about basic differences between the class AB and D. This small thing is not designed as an adult amplifier and has a lot of quality standards controversy.
My assessment is based on price of components, whether or not they are bought from China or USA, plus 3x markup from cost to build. I have products that are assembled in China so familiar with production costs there.I didn't read the whole thread, so thanks for pointing to that. However XRK is based in DC, so his assessment can be a bit skewed considering Topping is a fully Chinese operation.
What is it then?The AHB2 is not a Class AB product.
My assessment is based on price of components, whether or not they are bought from China or USA, plus 3x markup from cost to build. I have products that are assembled in China so familiar with production costs there.
Basically, the PA5 has about $80 in components above a normal $100 Chinese made TPA3255. 3x $80 is $240 plus $100 is $340. Maybe they can take a 2x markup, in which case it is $160 plus $100 or $260.
It's no small AHB2, it's a good Class-D chip amp from China (for the cost of manufacture POV and warranty service logistics) that should cost $50-100 less.
Thanks a lot.The Topping PA5 will be fine. According to Amir's LS50 Meta review (see link below), its distortion level at 96 dB SPL is already quite high. That's 31 W (at the 4 ohm nominal impedance) input. Therefore the PA5 has sufficient power to drive the LS50 Meta to its maximum usable SPL.
KEF LS50 Meta Review (Speaker)
This is a review and detailed measurements of the KEF LS50 Meta bookshelf coaxial speaker. It was kindly purchased new by a member and drop shipped to me and costs US $1,500 for a pair. The LS50 Meta comes in different colors and I must say, it looks stunning in white: You could sell it as...www.audiosciencereview.com
In my book an adult amplifier is a naked PCBadult amplifier
What is it then?
It uses some sort of multi-class amp technology -- there no way in he|| it could be as small and cool-running as it is if it were a strictly Class AB design.