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Post by nick8801 on Jul 25, 2021 16:40:10 GMT -6
Long story short, I've owned the Topping for several months to power a secondary set of monitors. A few weeks ago the LED in my ATC amp went out which meant I had to pack the beast up, and ship it back to Sweetwater/Trans Audio for repair. All good there, stuff happens. The thing is, I've been using this little Topping PA3 to power the SCM12's and I don't hate it at all. As a matter of fact, I think it sounds really good! I mean, not as muscular or as firm as the ATC amp, but very balanced, and still plenty of punch. When I get the P1 back, I'm thinking of selling it. Am I crazy?? The P1 sells new new for 3500 dollars. I got mine for around 2800. The Topping is 150 bux. Even if I buy 2 more to have one as a backup, that's still a massive savings. Again, am I crazy??? I'm just thinking of what I could do with that extra cash...a new instrument, a new mic (even though I don't really need one!) Anyway, I'll say it again....AM I CRAZY? Has tech come this far that a little Chinese class D amp can hang somewhat with the 3500 dollar ATC? The ATC is definitely a little more pleasant and 3d to listen to, and the Topping is a little more blah, but honestly, for studio work, the blah is kind of good. I went back and listened to a bunch of mixes I did and several reference tracks that I always compare to, and the Topping really showcased the difference. The killer reference mixes were still just as alive and rocking, but some of my stuff was a little more meh. Makes me wanna work harder. The P1 can sound a little too fun when you get it cranking, which isn't really what I want. One more time for the back row...Am I crazy. Ok...end rant. You tell me.
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Post by kcatthedog on Jul 25, 2021 17:00:06 GMT -6
All that matters is how it sounds to you and the quality of your work , no drop, cash in the other amp!
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Post by nick8801 on Jul 25, 2021 19:02:17 GMT -6
Yeah well, we’ll see if I can even sell it. Kind of a specialty item. Might try some hi-fi forums.
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jul 26, 2021 7:11:12 GMT -6
If you like it, can mix on it keep it and get rid of the ATC! Considering some of the worlds highest regarded actives use cheap class D plate amps, the topping is probably an improvement.
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Post by mcirish on Jul 26, 2021 8:08:36 GMT -6
What model Topping are you using? - Right in the title... doh!
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Post by svart on Jul 26, 2021 8:17:05 GMT -6
Long story short, I've owned the Topping for several months to power a secondary set of monitors. A few weeks ago the LED in my ATC amp went out which meant I had to pack the beast up, and ship it back to Sweetwater/Trans Audio for repair. All good there, stuff happens. The thing is, I've been using this little Topping PA3 to power the SCM12's and I don't hate it at all. As a matter of fact, I think it sounds really good! I mean, not as muscular or as firm as the ATC amp, but very balanced, and still plenty of punch. When I get the P1 back, I'm thinking of selling it. Am I crazy?? The P1 sells new new for 3500 dollars. I got mine for around 2800. The Topping is 150 bux. Even if I buy 2 more to have one as a backup, that's still a massive savings. Again, am I crazy??? I'm just thinking of what I could do with that extra cash...a new instrument, a new mic (even though I don't really need one!) Anyway, I'll say it again....AM I CRAZY? Has tech come this far that a little Chinese class D amp can hang somewhat with the 3500 dollar ATC? The ATC is definitely a little more pleasant and 3d to listen to, and the Topping is a little more blah, but honestly, for studio work, the blah is kind of good. I went back and listened to a bunch of mixes I did and several reference tracks that I always compare to, and the Topping really showcased the difference. The killer reference mixes were still just as alive and rocking, but some of my stuff was a little more meh. Makes me wanna work harder. The P1 can sound a little too fun when you get it cranking, which isn't really what I want. One more time for the back row...Am I crazy. Ok...end rant. You tell me. Huh? Class D has powered some of the most revered amps for a decade now. I know some poo-poo it, but Class D has proven itself time and time again.
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Post by stratboy on Jul 26, 2021 8:59:18 GMT -6
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Post by plinker on Jul 26, 2021 10:47:42 GMT -6
I owned the top-o-the-line Topping amp several years ago (it was very similar in price/funtionality as the P3). It sounded really good with my Dyn BM6. Beat the pants off of the Hafler Transnova I was using.
Then I bought an Emotiva 100Tx amp and it was even better. I believe Emotiva have stopped making that one.
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Post by Tbone81 on Jul 26, 2021 10:53:08 GMT -6
I use an Adcom 545 and think it’s great. So yeah, I’d sell that atc amp in a heart beat and save some cash
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Post by nick8801 on Jul 26, 2021 13:40:12 GMT -6
Long story short, I've owned the Topping for several months to power a secondary set of monitors. A few weeks ago the LED in my ATC amp went out which meant I had to pack the beast up, and ship it back to Sweetwater/Trans Audio for repair. All good there, stuff happens. The thing is, I've been using this little Topping PA3 to power the SCM12's and I don't hate it at all. As a matter of fact, I think it sounds really good! I mean, not as muscular or as firm as the ATC amp, but very balanced, and still plenty of punch. When I get the P1 back, I'm thinking of selling it. Am I crazy?? The P1 sells new new for 3500 dollars. I got mine for around 2800. The Topping is 150 bux. Even if I buy 2 more to have one as a backup, that's still a massive savings. Again, am I crazy??? I'm just thinking of what I could do with that extra cash...a new instrument, a new mic (even though I don't really need one!) Anyway, I'll say it again....AM I CRAZY? Has tech come this far that a little Chinese class D amp can hang somewhat with the 3500 dollar ATC? The ATC is definitely a little more pleasant and 3d to listen to, and the Topping is a little more blah, but honestly, for studio work, the blah is kind of good. I went back and listened to a bunch of mixes I did and several reference tracks that I always compare to, and the Topping really showcased the difference. The killer reference mixes were still just as alive and rocking, but some of my stuff was a little more meh. Makes me wanna work harder. The P1 can sound a little too fun when you get it cranking, which isn't really what I want. One more time for the back row...Am I crazy. Ok...end rant. You tell me. Huh? Class D has powered some of the most revered amps for a decade now. I know some poo-poo it, but Class D has proven itself time and time again. Oh I know class D can be great. But 150 dollar class D is a surprise. I mean the Amphion stuff is rather expensive class D, and I’ve even heard mixed opinions on that.
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Post by nick8801 on Jul 26, 2021 13:43:26 GMT -6
Interesting. So looking at specs it kind of isn’t anywhere near the ATC, but sonically speaking, in my room, would it matter for a mix? Not too sure after using it for a few days. I’m definitely gonna plug the ATC back in when I get it back to make sure I’m not crazy. I know you said you don’t have a position on it, but thank you for sharing anyway.
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ericn
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Post by ericn on Jul 26, 2021 14:27:14 GMT -6
Interesting. So looking at specs it kind of isn’t anywhere near the ATC, but sonically speaking, in my room, would it matter for a mix? Not too sure after using it for a few days. I’m definitely gonna plug the ATC back in when I get it back to make sure I’m not crazy. I know you said you don’t have a position on it, but thank you for sharing anyway. Nick it just means you like a little distortion, now this is going to sound like audio blasphemy but, go look at the distortion numbers for your ATC’s. Yes ATC is the low distortion loudspeaker brand but they are still dynamic speakers and they will make the topping numbers look good.
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Post by nick8801 on Jul 26, 2021 20:14:52 GMT -6
Interesting. So looking at specs it kind of isn’t anywhere near the ATC, but sonically speaking, in my room, would it matter for a mix? Not too sure after using it for a few days. I’m definitely gonna plug the ATC back in when I get it back to make sure I’m not crazy. I know you said you don’t have a position on it, but thank you for sharing anyway. Nick it just means you like a little distortion, now this is going to sound like audio blasphemy but, go look at the distortion numbers for your ATC’s. Yes ATC is the low distortion loudspeaker brand but they are still dynamic speakers and they will make the topping numbers look good. You know, most systems people listen on probably have a similar amp structure built in. Makes sense that I would dig it to a degree. Ordered 2 more Topping amps today. Found a refurbished for 99 bux, and close out for 129. One will power my grot box, and the other will be a backup in case any of the other 2 go.
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Post by mrholmes on Jul 26, 2021 20:42:53 GMT -6
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Post by nick8801 on Jul 28, 2021 18:45:20 GMT -6
Funny story....so one of the amps I ordered came in today. Plugged it in and was fiddling with some cables behind the desk, and the original Topping made a fizzy sound and started smoking. Long story short, I have no problem using these for little grot boxes, but I think I’m keeping my ATC amp when it comes back. Ironically this all happened right after I got an email from Sweetwater that said I could return the ATC for credit if I wanted. Luckily I was able to cancel the return.
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Post by kcatthedog on Jul 28, 2021 19:43:42 GMT -6
I don’t think your atc will ever make a fizzy sound !
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Post by nick8801 on Jul 28, 2021 19:59:05 GMT -6
I don’t think your atc will ever make a fizzy sound ! It better not! No chips to cook in that thing!
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Post by sirthought on Jul 29, 2021 3:02:48 GMT -6
How new was the Topping?
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Post by nick8801 on Jul 29, 2021 6:35:24 GMT -6
The one that fried I bought back in maybe November. Not sure what caused it to go...I must have knocked into the power supply connection and cause a spark or something. I dunno. Anyway. A timely lesson learned!
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Post by drumsound on Jul 29, 2021 11:12:25 GMT -6
Just a thought, but the ATC amp got weird and then the Topping did. Are you sure you're not having a poser issue?
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Post by nick8801 on Jul 29, 2021 12:12:06 GMT -6
I mean, the ATC just had an led go out. Nothing major. I have tons of other gear...computer, converter, preamps, mics, guitar amps, bass amps, etc and I’ve never had any issue. I did have to return some APS speakers back in the winter because the power supplies hummed like crazy, but the Eve’s I had before that had no issue whatsoever for several years. How would I even tell?I’ve tested all the outlets in my studio and they are all grounded. I also have one of those Monster Power things that shows you voltage, and I’ve never seen any weird spikes. Maybe some dips in the summer when everyone is running air conditioners. I do have a friend who is an electrician. Maybe I’ll ask him to check things out. Is there anything I should look for though??
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Post by woofhead on Jul 29, 2021 15:01:02 GMT -6
I mean, the ATC just had an led go out. Nothing major. I have tons of other gear...computer, converter, preamps, mics, guitar amps, bass amps, etc and I’ve never had any issue. I did have to return some APS speakers back in the winter because the power supplies hummed like crazy, but the Eve’s I had before that had no issue whatsoever for several years. How would I even tell?I’ve tested all the outlets in my studio and they are all grounded. I also have one of those Monster Power things that shows you voltage, and I’ve never seen any weird spikes. Maybe some dips in the summer when everyone is running air conditioners. I do have a friend who is an electrician. Maybe I’ll ask him to check things out. Is there anything I should look for though?? ground resistance.I recently put in a proper ground rod and it made a difference to the measurement. Perhaps measuring it with different levels of amp usage would be insightful but just speculating. Is there a fridge or ac on the same leg of power in the main box? Would be easy to see and the electrician could move the breakers around in the box in a couple of minutes
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Post by woofhead on Jul 29, 2021 15:04:17 GMT -6
ps when is say amp usage I mean the total amperage being pulled in the studio or house from the main box,
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Post by nick8801 on Jul 29, 2021 15:49:42 GMT -6
ps when is say amp usage I mean the total amperage being pulled in the studio or house from the main box, Got it. I’ll investigate further!
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Post by nick8801 on Jul 29, 2021 19:45:23 GMT -6
Not sure who's following here, but I just had a great lesson in power from my electrician friend, as well as my father in law who is an engineer. Here's some takeaways, and what I think happened....
1. Most "bedroom/home" studios are on 15 amp breakers. Not really a big deal, but if you're blasting a guitar amp and your power amp for your speakers as well as some tube gear or something, you do run the risk of dropping amps which could cause a current spike and potentially damage gear. I don't think I have that issue as I also have a few lights plugged in and they would dim if I was pulling that much juice. So no worries there.
2. My house is old and grounding can be suspect to say the least. Still no major risks as everything reads grounded, but could explain why certain designs of amps hum a bit in my studio.
3. We think the ATC led was probably just a fluke/bad luck. The Topping burning out was probably because the power supply is connected to the unit by essentially one of those 9v adapter style plugs. When I was connecting stuff in the back of my desk I probably knocked that connection enough to cause a a spark between the power supply and unit since it draws a lot of current which blew a capacitor.
Basically, I'm ok as long as I'm not running an SSL console in here. If I wanted to be extra ocd I could get a few 20 amp breakers installed just to run to the studio and ground that out to some copper pipe or something, but for someone who is mostly mixing records and recording some horns....I'm probably good to go. Just gotta be careful with my cheap power amps.
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