Topping PA5 Class D Amplifier Review

Topping PA5 is a small class D amp going for 349 USD. Read my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com/
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Buy on Amazon: amzn.to/3qDAvaY
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SKW Cables: bit.ly/3wzgWV4
00:00 Features
03:41 Power and Volume
08:17 Sound and Pairing
16:52 vs NAD D3020 V2
19:13 vs SMSL DA-9
22:05 vs Hegel H90
25:20 vs Acoustic Invader
27:41 Conclusion
Follow me on Instagram for behind the scene stuff: / iiwireviews
Test system:
Raspberry Pi with Pi2AES streamer
Denafrips Ares II DAC
Acoustic Invader AMP and PREAMP: acousticinvader.com/
KEF LS50 speakers: amzn.to/2ztRg0s
#hifi #audiophile #amplifier #stereo

[@alexanderfleming9104]

Considering English is not your first language, your ability to choose adjectives that describe the sonic qualities of the equipment is very impressive.

[@seanb3303]

Totally he reminds me of the French driver in Talladega Nights

[@mikegoddard7354]

It's the audiophile in him man, it brings out the best XD

[@g-mail4743]

Well you got to consider in Europe not only are teachers good in schools, but they constantly are showing our old tv shows, sit-coms, we use to watch here 20+ years ago.

[@RJohnODonnell]

I've been waiting for this one! Thank you so much for the review!

[@BadMonkeyFinger_Audio]

I have found most Topping equipment I've owned to have this type of sound quality. Another terrific video - thanks for posting.

[@jonjonjon8941]

Man...i really love your reviews...very refreshing when compared to other youtubers

[@tallpaull9367]

I have had this Topping PA5 for a while now too and your review is spot on, excellent job describing it.

[@mccririck01]

Can I ask what cables you are using to connect it? And what DAC you are using it with?

[@tallpaull9367]

@@mccririck01 PecanPi, Digiflex Neutrik XLR to TRS, streaming Tidal Connect.

[@arthurcrosby5755]

Again you have provided a great review with excellent description of the sound from this diminutive amplifier. It sounds like great value if the simplicity of the external features are sufficient for one’s application. Topping are known for their excellence in design and construction of amplifiers and DAC’s. From your review one would need to spend much more to achieve small improvements in sonic enjoyment. Thank you for your wonderful review. 👍🏼

[@surreptitiousscreamer]

I have to repeat myself, best audio reviewer on You Tube. Thank you.

[@archiemacdonald553]

love your chanel my friend look forward to your videos when they come out another great video greetings from scotland 🙂🙂🙂

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Just saw this video, great review clear and concise and honest, this is an amp I’d consider utilizing with electronic x over and incorporating a small quality subwoofer much appreciated 👍🏾👍🏾

[@HiFiGOAudio]

When it comes to describing the sound, you're the best 😃! Topping has really outdone themself with the PA5.

[@jungtarcph]

I mean ASR is also all over it and now again with the Topping LA90

[@davidepollak3]

Well...I own a pair of TDL Studio 1 (1986!!) which are 2 ways transmission line bi-wiring loudspeakers. I have a Topping E50 DAC too and an old integrated ampli (Arcam Delta 60, 1992) and I've recently bought a PA5. Now I'm using it for driving the TDL's tweeters, while the Arcam Delta drives the 6,5 inches mid-woofer. I use to drive the PA5 through the E50 balanced outputs and the Arcam through the E50 RCAs outputs. in this way I can also adjust the balance between highs and mids\lows as I pleased, although once obtained the right timbre I haven't been touching it anymore. I can confirm that the PA5 sounds AWESOME in this setup. I also tried to drive the entire 85db 1w-1mt TDL (I mean both the two ways) with just the PA5 and also in this case it sounds great, far better than other traditional "integrated amplifier" I tested, and NEVER I felt the need of more power. 350 well spent €...

[@ErickReyes-oc2or]

I have the PA5, and I agree with your description, I did not expect such good sound quality from a class D, for me, the best thing is the control and texture in the bass, I could not go back to my other amplifiers.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

true it is a step above blox, which is stated, think they do still produce highend iems so hope still on for bud/ iem lovers

[@timchapman924]

Really useful review! You were on form 😂

[@Flizze]

Excellent description and a great review! PS. There is actually a small LED light in the bottom left corner when the amp is turned on :)

[@iiWiReviews]

I don't think it's lighting up on my unit... But who knows, maybe I'm just old and not seeing that well anymore. 😅

[@divadgnol67]

Just ordered it from Amazon. I will give a overall impression once I listen to it.

[@miroslav1845]

any update? can you compare to some av receiver?

[@robertgruber982]

Excellent review as always. This one is even more outstanding because of the depth you go into and the detailed comparisons. I would imagine one of these companies like Topping or SMSL or Aiyima will use this same Texas Instruments chip to come up with something with more connections and a remote at some point in the not too distant future. They could probably run two of these chips in dual mono and have more of a powerhouse and still come in around 5 or 600 dollars and challenge the Ice Power and newer Purifi designs. Exciting time to love music and look for good value.

[@Hirnlego999]

This is gonna be my next desktop amp. I only wish it had a remote and digital volume control. I wish channel imbalances were a thing for the history books.

[@mangs9940]

Good review. Love the comparisons. I have the amp. I like it alot. Getting better results then my other d amps . I bought it for playing classical music . It does all my preferred genres well. My project d amps sound more punchy with less soundstage or air.i would say in my opinion it sounds better than the Temple Bantam d amp. Using with Dali zensor speakers. Denephips Ares 2 DAC.

[@johnretzelrejuso4798]

Is this better than the smsl da9?

[@mangs9940]

@@johnretzelrejuso4798 Dont own the Da9, but the PA5 needs balanced input. On my test rca adapters dont work great. volume low. So for RCA I would look at DA9.

[@vidzaratm]

Bravo na istrajnosti Srboljube, živeli!

[@lwdp74]

I have a PA5 and later bought an LA90. I don’t know if it’s ears, noise or humidity but on occasions my system can sound magical but it might be something else then amps in the system that’s responsible. The LA90 does resolve some midrange issues that sound like distortion on the PA5 and handles music more like a whole cloth. Wish I knew how to make it magic all the time.

[@aviatoFPV]

It gets my LS50 Meta's going real nice

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗 SRBOLJUB…YOU KEEP TOPPING YOURSELF 😳😉 WITH GREAT REVIEWS…FOR OUR BENEFIT 😎 KEEP ⬆️ UP THE GOOD WORK 😍😍😍

[@islam_abu_saad]

Great test! Hello for chechen repablic !

[@cheekymonkey6791]

Another brilliantly descriptive review. I'm pretty sure you don't need to connect it to a balanced DAC though, just use rca to phono adaptors. Amirm recommends your unbalanced DAC be capable of outputting 2.5 V.

[@Hirnlego999]

Do you remember any DACs that output 2.5?

[@mangs9940]

I tried with RCA adapters. Volume was really low on my very quick test. I would recommend balanced output from source. Using with Denafrips Ares 2 DAC.

[@tallpaull9367]

if planning to use RCA's, much better to get a DA9, AO200, SABAJ...

[@JustInCASE326]

Thank you!!

[@Sorin_F]

Hi! Tx for this long waited review :) In the mean time I could not waiting more and already purchased pa5 and also returned it in favor of the old da9. I am 100% in sync with your review. It is as good as I am already accustomed from you, congratulation again for this, I consider your reviews until now the best and most realistic ones from youtube if you pay much attention to the fine nuances of plenty of information that you provide. Let alone the entire hype around this amp you picked the entirely correct characteristics of it that I also perceived exactly the same. One thing that you not mentioning about pa5 it is his very low noise floor that it is indeed very good on top of the rankings...important if you use very sensitive speakers/horns etc. In the end I returned pa5 and remain to my old da9. This because mainly of the thinner low mid range and upper bass and slightly emphasized higs, I just prefered more full bodied mids and calmer higs of the da9, on top extended functionality and look/build. P.S It had a little white led in front :)

[@iiWiReviews]

Yeah, I get what you mean. Interesting about the LED, it seems like mine is not turning on.

[@johnretzelrejuso4798]

What are you using?how's the comparison with da9? I'm planning to buy pa5 with my e50 dac..im using the smsl da9 now

[@djdorinandreescu]

Hello. Love your work. The PA5 II? review? I have one, and I don`t know if it`s ok when you shutdown to pop sound. :)) Thank you!

This PA5 or two Sabaj A8 ICEpower 125asx2 mono block (250 watt)?

[@johnretzelrejuso4798]

I'm planning to buy this for my wharfedale Evo 4.2 and I have the topping e50dac..im currently using smsl da9,is this good upgrade for the da9?

[@aintez2232]

Hi, planning a setup with SMSL D300, Allo USBridge Signature and Topping PA5. The Topping would be the last purchase now. My speakers are vintage Grundig Super HiFi 2500a rated at 4 Ohm. I am just wondering if this would be a good match? Does PA5 need a 8 Ohm Speaker to sound quiet and clean? And if so what would be an alternative using balanced connection? Thanks guys

[@trulyblessed5236]

Hi, which is better for you, PA5 or SMSL A300? thanks in advance for your reply

[@andrearossi5491]

Hi, i have 2 Magnat Transpuls 1000, very Happy with these speakers after Sonus Faber, kef, acoustic Energy in last years. After 20 years i would Change my good atoll in80 with new generation Ampflifer. Do you think that something likes this (or alternative) could be an upgrade (you Say that is like a Hegel 90)?

[@fuckugimmeausername]

Hi! I am guessing it is not suitable for driving speaker with 4 ohms impedance?

[@ahambhramasmii]

I need your help choosing amplifiers for my aiwa sx fns905 speakers Please suggest some

[@nc3419]

I've tried many integrated/amps/receivers along the way with many speakers. At some point, who hasn't. Over time, you may decide on a sound signature you prefer and reject those that deviate from it. I started with a Yamaha RX-500U which I used for approx. 10 years and then bought a used Marantz SR-73 which I used for another 10 yrs. The Marantz was a marked upgrade from the Yamaha. At the time I had both Klipsch KG4s and Paradigm 7se. Both were great. The Klipsch gave a more live sound and the Paradigm a more studio one with lower bass and airy highs. The Marantz was really, really nice. Later sold the Klipsch and paired the 7se with a Polk Monitor from the early 90s for a really nice tonal presentation. What the Paradigms lacked in the upper mids and highs, the Polk provided. By themselves, the Polk were too upper mid, hi freq oriented. After the Marantz, I picked up a used HK3490 which I kept for 6 years, more power, a bit warmer or at least not as extended highs as the Marantz, but both were very close. I tried Onkyo, NAD and a few others and each sounded more similar than different but still preferred the 3490. Also replaced the 7se and Polk with smaller Paradigm Monitor and Polk 5jr, later paired Paradigm SE1s with Monitor Audio RX1s for a similar balanced sound which was quite nice too. After years of chasing upgrades, different epuipment, etc I decided to speand some money on what was deemed better equipment. I purchased a Hegel h160 and Focal 807Ws. This got me off of the two pair of speaker thing and the Hegel is markedly better than the HK3490. With previous amps, I usually had a flatter stage and it could sound more boring earlier in the day, for some reason sound sounds sweeter at late day, night listening. The Hegel never disappointed and had depth, separation and detail while sounding both smooth and robust. Would everyone come to that conclusion at first listen, probably not. But being familiar with sound, your music and your environment makes it easier to discern differences. Other amps I tried: Aiyima A07 - fantastic for an under $100 amp and one I recommend but not anywhere near as good as the Hegel. Musical Fidelity m2si - incomparison, flabby but alot of bass, gritty mids and highs, didn't like it but could see how some could prefer for say Rock, Electronica. Luxman R114 (early 90s) - sweet, delicate highs, natural mids. Unfortunately I didn't compare to the Marantz at the time and sold it. Buyer wanted a demo and I wasn't going to say no you can't have it, so off it went. Luxman R117 - finally got one of these historic amps and thinking it would be like the the R114, I found I didn't like it. Less finesse, delicacy, etc. It was just brute force and sold it shortly after. Tried other inexpensive class D which i determined the A07 was the way to go. Perhaps some of the class D over $200 may be as good or a slight improvement. Emotiva A400z zone amp - it had nicely extended, airy highs but bass wasn't as tight and didn't have texture, mids ok but the soundstage was flat, no real depth and separation wasn't on par either. Essentially wondered if the rest of the BassX line presented similarly, which would be OK for the price point. Listened to lower end Hegels and they seem to have a cooler sound signature while the H160 (perhaps H190) add a fuller bottom end and sound warmer in the lower region supporting the slightly cooler mids and highs. Highs are not absolutely extended in comparison to some amps but better than inexpensive amps and adds a smoothness that's an easy listen if that is preferred. I preferred Hegel to a Parasound Integrated Hint, better separation, a bit more color to instruments, a bit more life to singers. The H160 has been my reference although one can spend more money for perhaps better, or different. Slight differences in overall SQ can make a difference to some. But, as time goes on, I don't want big, heavy behemoths anymore. Getting older, and crankier in connecting sources to them, which I liked to do. Tried a few dacs as well and ended up with a Topping D70S which for the price, I thought I achieved best performance I was looking for. The Topping D70s is similar to the one in the Hegel, it gives a warmer bottom with nice mids and highs, some depth, good width, etc. Not saying it is the best, but for a mid tier dac it performs. The one in the Hegel is cooler, a bit more separation, essentially they are on the same level. So I searched for smaller footprint in amps that would give me a SQ and soundstage I wanted, as in the Hegel at the volume of sound I listen at...no longer concert loud. After searching for a number of amps I found one I really like. Let me just tell you about the one that got away, it was an Audiolab 8300a which Amazon had for as low as $570 to about $630 for a time in 2020. I kept trying to find fault with it, read reviews trying to determine what was wrong that dealers were trying to dump it at much lower prices to the point I missed the deal. It was a really good value for a 75 watt integrated with XLR connections. So that's the one that got away. New dealer distribution today sell it for a grand more but I won't touch a power rating for that price, other manufactures included. If I need more power I'll get a Schiit amplifier, 100 watts for $700. Anyhow, I found a small, light, class AB amp that some say have class A SQ. that's a Keces E40 and it is comparable with my listening habits and speakers with my h160. It has been tested to output 34/62 watts at 8/4 ohms up to .7% max distortion so it is limited in what speakers it can drive (perhaps). It is smooth, essentially, I think a better option than Rega introductory integrated and was a fair price at the time. It has since gone up in price to where there could be other options, but is still an OK price for what you get. I like the form factor and want smaller. The Keces E40 and Topping D70s are a great combo. I think it competes with more expensive amps/combos, etc and whether you want an all in one box solution or separates, the SQ is very, very good. Better than the A07 mentioned above. Essentially a smaller Hegel within its' limits. If Class D amps are getting good enough to compete in SQ with more expensive amps, that may create a void between mid tier /priced higher end products. If under a grand provides performance of those priced 3/4/5 or more times the price with QC and reliability, why spend more for little if any improvement? I'm all for less expensive if it's a good product. Time will tell where this goes and how it shakes out. The other question is how well can these class D amps power speakers? Many standmount speakers in order to provide a more full sound, more audiophile qualities often require power to get them to perform. Very low sensitivity and complex/exotic designs/material may or may not suit the inexpensive amp. My Keces, though lower wattage is stated to be relatively high current capable up to 15 amps...for a small 10 lb integrated, that isn't bad. How well the small class D amps perform as for as current capability and ability to drive these kinds of speakers well enough is a question. There are some easier to drive than Kef LS50s and some more difficult. I still seem to prefer class AB sound to class D, at least under a grand, from my experience and the Topping PA5 has some funky connections, meaning not typical. The power connection is too radical a change too. Topping could make a 100/up to 200 watt 8/4 ohm watt integrated amp/s with a higher current design that caters to various sound signatures, say warmer/neutral/one with liveliness/PRAT for those that like it that way. In either case, I would like to see one having at very least actual XLR and RCA inputs, a subout with variable cutoff between 50 to 120 Hz., perhaps a dedicated connection for a streamer/dac combo as well, and a dedicated a preout (meaning its' pre section is also of sufficient quality), and a standard power cord (so the internal power supply would have to be really, really good). Some prefer a brick because you can upgrade but that adds to the bulk on the floor. And no internal BT/dac...I get that from my external dac and you can swap dacs over time. I think they could do this and still keep the unit relatively small especially with class D technology, concentrating on a high quality integrated solely for SQ and connections for added equipment, that would be great. So until then I am happy with my Keces E40 but open minded that there will be a really good, affordable class D with the flexibility I want. I think SMSL has something like this but it is a class AB I believe and the class D aren't much more powerful either. Too many products also confuse the issue, both amps and dacs, many of which are made to go together ergonomically as a stack. I would pay more $ for a highly capable, smaller sized and lighter amp with good reliability and safety that can be used with more expensive dacs/streamers and speakers. I think others as well. As for the really high end, expensive and large/heavy stuff, there are those that will chase that as well.

[@nc3419]

PS. I do like and look forward to iiWi reviews as well.

[@nc3419]

And if they are going to build a really, really good product at a higher price...give us a metal or at least hi density plastic remote.

[@johncallaghan3097]

Excellent review! I now also have the Acoustic Invader preamp, and have had it for a couple of weeks. I'll talk with you about it on Patreon quite soon, but am now looking for something for my study system. I might use my Audiolab 6000A (formerly used in preamp mode with my XTZ Edge ICE power amp). Or, I might go for something like the PA5 or maybe the DA9 because it has the remote. I know you can't compare either with the 6000A (which has an inbuilt DAC and is full-sized with all the usual inputs), but I'd imagine the PA5, at least, might be better. It's amazing these days how little money gets how much amp! :-)

[@iiWiReviews]

True that. Also, congrats on getting the Ai preamp and I hope you like it.

[@robertgruber982]

Are you using the Acoutic Invader with the XTZ Edge power amp? Curious to know how this sounds. I have the XTZ Edge A-300 and currently using a FX Audio Tube-01 as a pre but thinking of getting a more full featured pre like the Acoustic invader.

[@johncallaghan3097]

@@robertgruber982 Yes, and I've posted a review on the web, but I can't get KZbin to allow the URL. Look for a popular audiovisual (AV) forum site and search for "I got bitten by an Acoustic Invader". Let me know what you think if you read it -- it's under a different handle of mine.

[@robertgruber982]

@@johncallaghan3097 Very good review. Well written and informative. Thanks so much.

[@johncallaghan3097]

@@robertgruber982 You're very welcome.

[@greenbeginner3353]

Can it drive difficult loads at the same volume as the Hegel? Magnepan for example?

[@momonone]

hmm how does it compare with AO200?

[@moritzbueltemeier8534]

my mother tounge is german, so maybe i did miss something but i did listen to 8:17 - 16:52 (the Sound and Pairing part of the video) and i assume you paired the pa5 with the ls50 in the back ?

[@marcinwasilewski5414]

PA5 should sound increadibly good with some efficient (like 95-98db) DIY speakers in big volume enclosures with 15 inch bass drivers (efficient with neodynium magnet) big 8-10 inch midrange driver (B&C 8PE21 or some eminence, FaitalPRO) and efficient tweeter without resistor (scan speak D3404/552000 for example) and simplistic crossover. That would bring the potential of topping PA5 to the maximum, however not so cheap as price of PA5 suggests (only the cost of drivers is considerable).

[@luisancheta7524]

One more question, do you consider SMSL M400 a fuller sounding DAC? Is it going to be a good match for TOPPING PA5? Thanks.

[@firebladeclements]

I have an m400 and would imagine it to be a perfect match. Would fill in the mids beautifully, smooth and sweet.

[@MrGyulaBudai]

I just going to buy a second hand PA5 for 178 USD. Source is SMSL Sanskrit. What speaker do you suggest around 600USD? Mostly for classical music. Size of my room is about 30sqm.

[@luisancheta7524]

Will this be a good pairing to Loxjie D30? I’m not sure how D30 sounds like. I don’t know if it is fuller sounding DAC or not. So do you consider this an upgrade from SMSL DA-9? As always, thanks for the review.

[@firebladeclements]

Smsl m400 would fit the bill, warm smooth detailed mids.

[@luisancheta7524]

@@firebladeclements thanks for the info

[@HaraHetta]

Is it beter than nad c316bee v2?

[@iiWiReviews]

I haven't heard C316BEE V2 but if it is any similar to C320BEE that I had then NAD is considerably warmer sounding but less detailed too. Personally I prefer how PA5 sounds. It has dryer sound but better layering and detail retrieval.

[@vaderdown26]

@iiWi Reviews would you say these would be a good pairing for something like the Monitor Audio Bronze 100's for mainly Movies, TV Shows and playing Video Games? That is my main use case for these since i already have a setup that i like for playing my music, been doing a lot of research before i buy and I'm fairly sure that the speakers i want are the Bronze 100's, for their clarity of Vocals. You kept mentioning vocals so im wondering if this would be the amp for me, in wich case i would also pair it with the E50 Dac. I do also want something that will look nice on my PC desk and isnt massive and ugly 😅. Been looking at a few others from SMSL and Sabaj in terms of stacks.

[@iiWiReviews]

Monitor Audio can sound bright, so does Topping... I would rather go with SMSL A300, and with it you get EQ too so you can adjust it to your liking.

[@vaderdown26]

@@iiWiReviews thanks a lot. This is exactly the kind of advice i wanted 🙏🙏. You are the best 👍🏻

[@KitaristChannel]

Does anyone have SMSL AO200 and also Topping PA5 and compared them also ? I would get topping PA5 but heard people have lots of problems with it and also it has non standard inputs. Is there anything else worth checking out in this price range?

[@iiWiReviews]

SMSL A300... my review coming tomorrow.

[@robertwilson214]

So what topping amp would connect through rca to my topping e30ii dac?

[@iiWiReviews]

I will test Topping MX3s soon - in a week or two - so we'll se how good is that one. Until then I can recommend SMSL A300.

[@dreddguy6454]

You're the goto guy.

[@psychoanima]

Zahvaljujuci tvojoj recenziji kupio sam Topping E50 i nisam se pokajao. A sudeci po ovoj izgleda da cu i PA5 :D Da li ga ima na nasim prostorima ili mora preko kineskih sajtova?

[@iiWiReviews]

Odlično za E50. Nisam primetio da neko prodaje PA5 kod nas nažalost.

[@psychoanima]

@@iiWiReviews hvala na odgovoru. Da li je po tvom misljenju PA5 bolji od SMSL DA-9?

[@iiWiReviews]

Ima poređenje u videu. Jeste malo bolji ali je suvljeg zvuka, nema daljinac, skuplji je... Tako da ono, svaki ima svoje za i protiv.

[@sloboat55]

Dig your vids.

[@jugobetrugo4168]

Izuzetan review kao i obično, među najboljim kanalima na tubeu, postoji li šansa da testirate dynaudio emit 20? Hvala, pozdrav!

[@iiWiReviews]

Hvala! Nije u planu da ga kupujem ali ako mi dopadne šaka preko nekog poznanika, voleo bih da ih isprobam.

[@jugobetrugo4168]

@@iiWiReviews Zahvaljujem! Samo nastavite s izvrsnim testovima!

[@luisancheta7524]

Which one do you think is a good pairing with this amp, SMSL M400 or the Denafrips Ares II? Thanks.

[@iiWiReviews]

Both are really but M400 will bring even more juice and warmth if that's what you want.

[@luisancheta7524]

@@iiWiReviews Thank you!

[@luisancheta7524]

@@iiWiReviews Finally made the splash. I bought the Topping PA5 and SMSL M400. Hopefully, I’ll find what I’m looking for or at least better than my previous one which is the SMSL DA-9 with Loxjie D30 as a DAC. However, I can’t make up my mind if I’m going with XLR with TRS adapter or combination of XLR to TRS? Is there any difference as far as sound quality? Will I lose power? At any rate, I want to thank you for the recommendation and thank you for the reviews. Keep it coming.👌🤛

[@iiWiReviews]

XLR to TRS cable is the best option, using adapters would be my second choice. You get maximum signal both ways... There is no conversion of the sihnal... it is just different connector shape.

[@seanb3303]

I have noticed forward sounding mids seems to be common with Class D

[@bbfoto7248]

@Sean B That's the problem with using these "descriptive" adjectives in audio reviews...Everyone interprets them differently. I don't think that the reviewer here meant "forward" mids in the traditional sense. Perhaps moreso that the mids aren't overly "recessed" as in a "V" shaped frequency response. Not unpleasantly "forward", "bright", or "gritty", but "forward" in terms of the excellent detail and resolution...not a bad thing IMO. The Frequency Response of the PA5 is RULER FLAT. If your mids are "forward" or "bright" it is due to the loudspeaker's voicing, your room acoustics, or something else in your signal chain, and not the PA5. It is true that early Class D designs suffered in terms of their upper midrange and treble response due to using lower switching frequencies and poorer filtering at the top end of the audible spectrum. This was a non-issue for subwoofer duties and accurately reproducing those low frequencies, and that's where Class D's higher efficiency and power output really shined and became popular early on. But Class A or A/B still had an advantage back then for Full-Range duties. Not so in 2022. Modern Class D amplifier designs use much higher switching frequencies in addition to better filtering, so these issues are a thing of the past and are a complete non-issue. In fact, many of these newer Class D designs have surpassed the performance of 99% of Class A/B. IMO&E, these newer Class D designs might "seem" more "forward" to someone who traditionally uses Class A/B designs because the noise floor and distortion is so much lower on these new amps, and in turn, the output in the midrange and treble region is more resolving of details and not as "veiled" as some Class A/B amps. if that's what we are describing as being "forward", IMO it's a good thing! Simply use proper EQ to achieve the Spectral Balance and Tonality that you prefer..."warm", "laid back", or "analytical", etc. Every professional mixing and mastering engineer and FOH Pro Sound/concert venue engineer uses EQ EXTENSIVELY to produce the music we listen to. And yet so many "audiophiles" are adverse to using EQ in their playback rig to improve their systems and achieve their desired goals. :-/ To another point in this review, IMO, the reason for the reviewers impression that the PA5 didn't have quite as much "grunt" in the lower midbass & bass regions, even though it was still highly resolving there, is simply due to the available power in the PA5. Playing frequencies of around 100Hz and lower in loudspeakers requires exponentially more & more power to accurately reproduce dynamic peaks & transients with authority. This is obviously why the amplifiers for subwoofers are typically 2x-3x or more powerful than your typical mains amplifier. I would love to see Topping produce a "PA5+" amplifier with 2x to 3x the power of the PA5, while retaining the same great specs. For now, I'm sticking with my Purifi 1ET400A based amplifiers that have comparable specs, but with 3.5x the power output. Unfortunately, any of these Purifi-based amplifiers start around the $1,500+ price range. So you've still got to pay to play. :-P

[@sam1667]

thoughts on the smsl da9 or ao200 compared to the pa5 if i was going to use it with elac dbr62 in nearfield? plugging it into my topping d30pro.

[@itsmedrav8579]

I would like to know this too

[@antoinesp1483]

I went for the AO/DO200 SMSL stack with my DBR62 and it sounds gorgeous

[@Hirnlego999]

Likely PA5 outperforms them

[@iiWiReviews]

There's a section in the video comparing PA5 and DA9... Find the time stamp in the description.

[@sam1667]

@@iiWiReviews thanks yeah i watched it all very informative, was just curious if anyone had specifically used either with that speaker.

[@rogerschofield3324]

Having received mine it is heading for ebay as I feel that the PA5 Cat D overall sound is rather raw when A B tested with Cat A/B . Excellent value for money but if you have analytical speakers it simply does not deliver . I have retained Mr E50 and L50.

[@bbfoto7248]

@ROGER SCHOFIELD It would help if you mentioned what loudspeakers you are using? What is the sensitivity of your loudspeakers? And in what way(s) does the PA5 "not deliver" if you have "analytical speakers"?

[@TheRoarax]

did you try to pa5 with unbalanced line...some people are saying the results are not as positive...

[@iiWiReviews]

No I didn't because it doesn't have single-ended inputs. Using adapters is possible but not a great idea. To begin with you loose half the power that way. It's just not meant for such use.

[@nikavasadze3546]

This video hasn't subtitles :(

[@johngordon1175]

Have you used this with a pre90?

[@iiWiReviews]

I don't have a pre90 so I didn't. In general, I don't believe it's good to add a preamp to what is basically an integrated amp and has volume control circuit already that I can't bypass.

[@d_dude_is_here]

Can this be used to drive the so called hard to drive planar like Susvara?

[@iiWiReviews]

I have never tried using a speakers amp to power headphones. I've heard people are doing it, but beware that it's much easier to blow out your headphones if you crank up the volume too much. I actually know someone who did that.

[@d_dude_is_here]

@@iiWiReviews but generally Susvara benefits from speaker amp, just with little care, sq benefits a lot for Susvara.

What is better this topping or SMSL DA-9?

[@iiWiReviews]

At this moment in time I would go for SMSL AO200 MKII instead of these two. It's newer and better sounding (fuller, less analytical).

I cant finded this product on my Country… D9 have and Topping PA5 II, PA5 plus, and SMSL DA-9, A200,A300

[@user-bj7bn5bh5p]

А что скажете об это усилители Audiophonics HPA-S400ET Усилитель Класса D Стерео Purifi 2x400 Вт 4 Ом об этих модулях внутри я думаю они будут звучать лучше чем topping pa 5 или того же модуля 1200АС2

[@mccririck01]

Only thing putting me off this amp is the balanced connectors. My DAC doesn't have balanced.

[@tallpaull9367]

if planning to use RCA's, much better to get a DA9, AO200, SABAJ...

[@AC-ll5wg]

You can use RCA to Jack (mono) adapters for non-balanced connection with your RCA cables.

[@silkhead44]

Pair it with a Schiit Loki

[@editorjuno]

I owned a power amp with two inputs and not one, but two gain knobs -- and that was circa 1970. Your definition is dubious and too narrow IMO.

[@munlive5130]

Could you compare this amp to SMSL DA-9?

[@iiWiReviews]

Look at the tags, you can find that comparison in the review.

[@08jamu]

I just can't accept the power brick of PA5. Its absolutely deal breaking for me. Only power cable is far more convenient.

[@phobus71]

wish it had a sub out

[@brammetjefree]

The aiyma 07 is the better sounding amp, together with the topping E50 !!!

[@IHearEverythingDude]

Biggest disappointment is lack of the remote control.

[@palmito22]

Aiwa 1000 watts… PMPO

[@peterpixo]

Amazin link goes to some Moukey Compact Stereo Power Amplifier... so not this really.

[@iiWiReviews]

It still opens PA5 when I try it. Basically, Amazon serves the same product but on the closest Amazon store (for example UK, Germany, Japan...) depending on where are you from. Sometimes that goes wrong and they serve a different product from a local store. It's a bug on Amazon side that I've noticed happens from time to time, but I have no control over it.

[@DougMen1]

You don't have to use a balanced source. You can use RCA to TRS cables to pair it with a single ended source with RCA outputs

[@mccririck01]

Could you use it with a Chord Mojo? Would need a cable with a 3.5mm plug on one end.

[@tallpaull9367]

if planning to use RCA's, much better to get a DA9, AO200, SABAJ...

[@aviatoFPV]

It's advised on the audiosciencereview forums to run it balanced or you will lose more than 50 percent of it's power.

[@mccririck01]

@@aviatoFPV Unless you use a Chord Mojo where you can set the output to 4V?

[@smallm7943]

Seriously Hegal is at another level, please go hear it for yourself.

[@nnuckell]

did you check the Hegel measurements at ASR? I really like the H95 but seems that Hegel is getting quite outplayed here considering pricing

[@simonong5839]

Meh

[@steven2809]

Sorry your videos are getting way too long.... over 30 minutes for this?

[@iiWiReviews]

Yeah, you may be right. I don't intend it, there is no script for these videos. I just sit down, say what I think and do all the comparisons.... I do get carried away. Should probably work on skill of saying more with less words. 😅

[@Mestre_tainha]

Beg to differ. If you find it too long, skip to the parts that interest you the most. With a shorter video, there is no way around it for those of us who enjoy a more comprehensive review.

[@mariodrv]

Do we really need more coockie-cutter copy pasted chifi crap?

[@fdude555]

Yes.

[@991carreras3]

Yea really seems like Topping & SMSL release new junk every week especially the dacs & amps each must offer 20 or more. Why? They only need to offer 1 or 2 good dacs.

[@fdude555]

@991 carrera s it does get saturated but a well informed enthusiast should know how to sift through the noise to find whats best for him/her and not be swayed by highly emotional comments by audiophiles. These chifi brands arent for everybody and nobody is forcing anybody here.. Dont get too affected. Stick with whatever brand lineup looks easy to understand for you

[@mariodrv]

@@fdude555 No.

[@-MarkWinston-]

Whats wrong with chifi? Feel challenged? Lmfao!