I've owned the emotiva A1 mono blocks for about a year I purchased the Topping B200s a few months ago. They blow the Emotiva A1s away. It is an instantly vast improvement from the 1st note. Way to go Topping🎉
I like to support US brands, like Emotiva, although most (all?) of their stuff is made in China. But the looks of the Topping products walk all over the Emotiva stuff.
@@johnstump2433 With the quality control issues they had I really hope so... Latest example LA90D. If you refer to products they launch I also really hope so 😉. So far I see a 0.5mm cable(shielding issues guaranteed..) feeding this amp and that's not going to work for me... High volt and low amp through a twigg might work to get the peak watt they claim, but compared to a properly built PSU with plenty of amps 50 water they come short.
Thank you as always for your perspectives on this equipment. Definitely something to add to a wishlist. Your time, efforts, and sharing this with us all are greatly appreciated.
As a broke union construction retiree, I went with, what at the time were very inexpensive Adcom 555 power amps. Got them both for @ $700 and they've been my workhorses for years, though I also have one of NAD's big boys from back in the day, the 208 thx that I like to swap in at times. The NAD has most of the power of both Adcoms @ 4ohms, which is overkill when my speakers, aDs 910s are 93db/28htz-25khtz. Best-sounding system I've ever owned.
Forgot about the amazing bass and treble, or how powerful they are. Im still coming to grips with these amplifiers. Late last night I just leaned back and played my favourite music. Wow! A veil between the performers is dropped and they just seemed so “there”. They may be similar to the LA90 but the increased illusion of real performers was stunning. This is what I love about listening to a stereo system.
Thank you for the FunFi! Glad to hear the B200's do not suffer from the Topping fatiguing sound some of the Class D amps / DACs have had in the past. The setup with the SMSL and the DWX's looks very nice! Thanks for the vinyl overview and stories.
They still lack in sound depth and the simple reason is the poor Power supply and handling. At the price point or a little above there are other products that you should check. Maybe you prefer this, but do some research.
Thanks for that great run down on those mono blocks! The standard mono blocks I've seen over the years are so large and heavy, they are set up on the floor. Since I've never had the square footage to spare in my abodes for such a layout, I've never considered going down the mono block rabbit hole. These next gen, small footprint mono blocks change that old narrative and could work in many furniture setups folks have. And yay - more cables to manage!
Yes it would. I own some older Schiit things. ... but I don't have a relationship with it hem yet. If I can hang on to the B200's and get some Schiit blocks in , I will definitely do a vid! Thanks for the suggested!
I have a price limit on Chi-fi simply because of warranty and repair. Shipping one of these back to China is just unacceptable to me. It's also the reason I am willing to pay more for Schiit components and their 3 or 5 year warranty. I did buy as pair of Fosi V3 mono just for fun.My primary monoblocks at the moment are Outlaw 2220, a better buy imho.
How much better are the 2220 over the V3 for sound in mids and hi's as I have dual REL subs for the low end? Also, how hot do the 2220 get as my V3 get pretty darn hot trying to run my maggies? I wonder how the 2220 would compare to the B200?
Not a bad price for mono blocks. Good luck finding vintage mono blocks for cheaper. Then the time or restoration costs if your into that like I am. This may be a pretty sweet option to consider.
Monoblocks have more advantages. If one needs to be serviced you have mono left (or right 😂). Can be placed closer to the individual speaker. Did you mention cool? Yes they are, but if you have hot running cool ones the heat sources can be easier spread across the room.. there must be more to justify my next purchase... Right? 😂
so you feel that the amps are fatiguing but I maintain that it was your choice of loudspeakers. try a pair of Vandersteen 1s or another direct radiator or even a pair of Magneplanar LRS. the power is there to use.
Yeah... heard! I LOVE album art too! Good more! I will shoot clear b-roll of any covers going forward! I'm a one man show, literally, sometimes I just run out of available time. Thanks!
What about the Low /High Gain Settings as far as Treble Control? Then effects on the Lows Mids? Cool video, do want to hear about the Wax Wing (ring!) By the way I just picked up 11 Alan Parsons Extended version CDs , Hey they still play through my Pioneer SX1280 And JBL L100 Classic 75s! and my TEAC VRDS 701 Player! See ya More!!
Can you hook these up to your technics 700 as a preamp and compare the technics sug700 vs these? I have a feeling the technics is less punchier than these topping ones.
My best sounding car audio system which consisted of top of the line Alpine head unit, Kef Separates in the doors, JBL top of the line 12" woofer and all monoblock design. Dual class A fifties from Monolithic and a 750 watt Monolithic Bass amp. Monolithic crossover and five band Monolithic parametric EQ. I got nothing but compliments for that dream system. I wish Monolithic was still around. 🥺😭
In China, it’s US240/pr cheaper, it’s pretty cheap for monoblocks class AB with 200 watts. And the specs are incredible. This might be my next purchase if I need more power than my 50W class A tube set amp.
Look at the power supply amps and what distortion the so-called watts are given. Car stereo watts have entered traditional hifi... My mother's old Cambridge Audio azur640 sounds 3 times as powerful as the Fosi V3 mono maps.
@@robertwang7825 Your 50 true watts is going to outperform the B200 spl without distortion and sound wise to 😉. I'm happy they make budget friendly gear that sounds good, but the reviewers need to stop overhyping what these low end things deliver. If they did maybe they would stick to factual measurements and everyone would know what they get
@@robertwang7825 I saw what you used as a reference and figured I'd give you a heads up . There is other stuff around the price point or Abit above that made me replace my old 50W class A that comes with a proper power supply. Anyways enjoy your music 👍
I did not have a good experience with Topping build quality. A dead DAC/Preamp in less than a week. For what it's worth you could buy a pair of Outlaw Audio monoblocs for $399 each or a discount at $699 for two and get a 5-year domestic warranty and have both RCA and balanced options. They have very similar specs but of course, I haven't A/B listened to them. I can't drop $1200 on a Fun-fi label. I own Douk, Fosi, Aiyima, etc products and generally like them. But that's because they're not expensive and if they take a dump 6 months later then I "wasted" a good sit-down dinner's worth of dollars. Given my experience with Topping and the fact my pre-amp doesn't have balanced outputs, this product is a non-starter for me. Fortunately, I have very nice monoblocs already so I don't have to buy either. I highly recommend going monoblock if you can afford them or are willing to go Chi-fi.
Well, again this 64V PSU and 200W in AB! It is physically not possible at least in AB, the most power what can achieved is about 80W/4ohms. Of course if we are talking about RMS, not the mythical PMPO which is calculated by looking at ceiling and adding some 100W for insurance🤨 So usual sales talk
Yeah, these topping ‘AB’ jobs don’t really flesh out from a power perspective as evidenced on the ASR reviews. I’m just glad you’re on here doing math. ❤
Too much. I just need to expand my avrs power channels by two so I can go back to 7.2.4 But fosi keeps going up in smoke and other ones are too expensive why is it so hard?!
Some folks would argue the superiority of an external power supply in reducing noise, and the fact the Psu is external is the reason the main units don't weigh a ton.
Have had these for about 1 month now and the B200 has many good qualities in terms of sound but lacks some energy. Never get the feeling that I have the artists present when I turn up the volume. These are more analytical. A shame as there are a lot of good things about them. I strongly doubt that these hold 200w in 8 ohms, it doesn't sound like that.
$1,200 is very affordable for a pair of mono blocks. If someone feels that is too much money maybe they should have paid better attention in high school instead of being the class clown. You would now have a job where $1,200 for a pair of mono blocks is affordable.
$600 for one or $1200 for a pair is FAR from affordable. This is definitely NOT cheap or "fun-fi" as you called it. Unless your loaded with money to burn! I'm disappointed Bob.🤦🏼
@s.daniel9224 Excatly, how old do you think I am? I was born in '73 so do the math. I'm on a "fixed" income that in no way includes $600 to $1200 to spend on so-called fun-fi. I personally think fun-fi consists of being in the $100 to $200 range. Like Douk or Fosi Audio.
In audio that’s pretty cheap. That’s easily affordable for most people. 200 a month put aside in 6 months you would have the money for that or less then a year. Easily affordable.
@@chrisnunya7171 hello, I wasn’t trying to throw shade. Just sharing my observations. I was born in 70. I think affordability is subjective. No way I could buy $20,000 for any one piece of gear. I’m retired military and civil service, like most of my friends, I have a few hobbies but i’m reasonable. Im divorced and my son is out of the house so I have few financial responsibilities. I’m a boat guy, so most of my fun money goes to my boat. Hi-fi is fun because I enjoy getting great sound at affordable prices. Part of the hobby is buying new gear. Usually, I’ll sell what I don’t like or pass it on to somebody trying to get in the hobby. I’d like to start building my own speakers, but not sure I’ve got the patience. Try Schiit audio. They’ve got great gear at reasonable prices and mostly made in the US.
One man's unreachable expense is another man's bargain. At different times in our lives the same may be true for us as individuals. It's a fact of life. Fruitless to complain about it, and unreasonable to try to make others feel guilty because their perspective is not your perspective. The important fact is that it has never been a better time for affordable audio, regardless of what affordable is. Win the lottery and your perspective will change pretty damn quick. $100,000 for a DAC? I'll take two, my man. I presume you take cash?
I've owned the emotiva A1 mono blocks for about a year
I purchased the Topping B200s a few months ago. They blow the Emotiva A1s away. It is an instantly vast improvement from the 1st note. Way to go Topping🎉
I like to support US brands, like Emotiva, although most (all?) of their stuff is made in China. But the looks of the Topping products walk all over the Emotiva stuff.
Topping is really stepping up their game!
@@johnstump2433 With the quality control issues they had I really hope so... Latest example LA90D. If you refer to products they launch I also really hope so 😉. So far I see a 0.5mm cable(shielding issues guaranteed..) feeding this amp and that's not going to work for me... High volt and low amp through a twigg might work to get the peak watt they claim, but compared to a properly built PSU with plenty of amps 50 water they come short.
Thank you as always for your perspectives on this equipment. Definitely something to add to a wishlist. Your time, efforts, and sharing this with us all are greatly appreciated.
Great review. They are stepping up.
As a broke union construction retiree, I went with, what at the time were very inexpensive Adcom 555 power amps. Got them both for @ $700 and they've been my workhorses for years, though I also have one of NAD's big boys from back in the day, the 208 thx that I like to swap in at times. The NAD has most of the power of both Adcoms @ 4ohms, which is overkill when my speakers, aDs 910s are 93db/28htz-25khtz. Best-sounding system I've ever owned.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the Waxwing. I’ve had mine since December, and I love it!
Spoiler alert... I'm keeping it!!!
👏👏👏
Forgot about the amazing bass and treble, or how powerful they are. Im still coming to grips with these amplifiers. Late last night I just leaned back and played my favourite music. Wow! A veil between the performers is dropped and they just seemed so “there”. They may be similar to the LA90 but the increased illusion of real performers was stunning. This is what I love about listening to a stereo system.
@ Topping Pre90
@ PS I also use Topping’s XLR interconnects, tried others but come back to the Toppings.
Forget about coming to grips with these amplifiers, focus on the amazing bass and treble, along with how powerful they are.
Thank you for the FunFi! Glad to hear the B200's do not suffer from the Topping fatiguing sound some of the Class D amps / DACs have had in the past. The setup with the SMSL and the DWX's looks very nice! Thanks for the vinyl overview and stories.
They still lack in sound depth and the simple reason is the poor Power supply and handling. At the price point or a little above there are other products that you should check. Maybe you prefer this, but do some research.
Thanks for that great run down on those mono blocks! The standard mono blocks I've seen over the years are so large and heavy, they are set up on the floor. Since I've never had the square footage to spare in my abodes for such a layout, I've never considered going down the mono block rabbit hole. These next gen, small footprint mono blocks change that old narrative and could work in many furniture setups folks have. And yay - more cables to manage!
Still using my Crimson Electrik mono blocks from the 1980s along with my Linn Sondek LP12
....aaand TAKE 2... action. LOL
Was mid comment on the first when it vanished. Glad you brought it back. Thanks Bob.
Remembering stacking Albums on my old player. Didn’t have to get up some much.
Topping needs a high end phono amp with volume control for these monoblocks
When i see mono blocks i just see more boxes, more power outlets, more cables, more clutter, more complication
Yes, didn't like them on the floor 😮
Your jawline is cut like those mono blocks 😊
Cool. Doesn't Schitt have something similar? That would be a good comparison.
Yes it would. I own some older Schiit things. ... but I don't have a relationship with it hem yet. If I can hang on to the B200's and get some Schiit blocks in , I will definitely do a vid! Thanks for the suggested!
I like it and I'm probably going to buy it soon. I don't like that external power adapter situation though.
I have a price limit on Chi-fi simply because of warranty and repair. Shipping one of these back to China is just unacceptable to me. It's also the reason I am willing to pay more for Schiit components and their 3 or 5 year warranty. I did buy as pair of Fosi V3 mono just for fun.My primary monoblocks at the moment are Outlaw 2220, a better buy imho.
"Chi-fi" huh? I like it 😋
You can't just accept that they're cheap and good ...
How much better are the 2220 over the V3 for sound in mids and hi's as I have dual REL subs for the low end? Also, how hot do the 2220 get as my V3 get pretty darn hot trying to run my maggies? I wonder how the 2220 would compare to the B200?
Not a bad price for mono blocks. Good luck finding vintage mono blocks for cheaper. Then the time or restoration costs if your into that like I am. This may be a pretty sweet option to consider.
Monoblocks have more advantages. If one needs to be serviced you have mono left (or right 😂). Can be placed closer to the individual speaker. Did you mention cool? Yes they are, but if you have hot running cool ones the heat sources can be easier spread across the room.. there must be more to justify my next purchase... Right? 😂
The Schiit Gjallarhorns make a nice mono kit.
I think i'm trying them next mth with my Auralic Vega .
I know there's a 100watt class-d version, I would love a 200wpc+ class-d version in a smaller form factor than the A/B.
Or 400wpc 😊
@@StrangeBrewReviews yes, exactly 400wpc would be ideal!! Thinking in cheap mono amps for the Maggies for example...
I suspect the problem with detail is not the detail itself but the source. You need a very good source, arguably the most important part of a system
They look cool like little toasters. 😳😁🤪
I love the compact design and they are $100 off as of 11/28/24.
so you feel that the amps are fatiguing but I maintain that it was your choice of loudspeakers. try a pair of Vandersteen 1s or another direct radiator or even a pair of Magneplanar LRS. the power is there to use.
Dude...!!! Slow down a bit when you present albums, so we can appreciate the album art a little more... please. Great review...!!!
Yeah... heard! I LOVE album art too! Good more! I will shoot clear b-roll of any covers going forward! I'm a one man show, literally, sometimes I just run out of available time. Thanks!
What about the Low /High Gain Settings as far as Treble Control? Then effects on the Lows Mids?
Cool video, do want to hear about the Wax Wing (ring!)
By the way I just picked up 11 Alan Parsons Extended version CDs , Hey they still play through my Pioneer SX1280 And JBL L100 Classic 75s! and my TEAC VRDS 701 Player!
See ya More!!
Hurray!
Topping trying to compete with the big boys. Certainly got my attention when I heard class AB.
Can you hook these up to your technics 700 as a preamp and compare the technics sug700 vs these? I have a feeling the technics is less punchier than these topping ones.
What an INTERESTING pairing 💎
That's a great idea but sadly Apos needed them back to send to another review! Definitely a missed opportunity!
Some people said that they kill their speakers because when you switch off they make a big plopp…is this right or in older versions a problem?
I’ve had mine for a couple months with zero problems. They sound amazing.
My best sounding car audio system which consisted of top of the line Alpine head unit, Kef Separates in the doors, JBL top of the line 12" woofer and all monoblock design. Dual class A fifties from Monolithic and a 750 watt Monolithic Bass amp. Monolithic crossover and five band Monolithic parametric EQ. I got nothing but compliments for that dream system. I wish Monolithic was still around. 🥺😭
Great review. Thank you so much.♥
I was watching the video this morning and it suddenly disappeared, and then went private?
He was trying to lure you into private... 😂
@@mladenbasic1 Yeah... I made a bonehead error and had to regroup and make a quick edit! Really appreciate that you returned!
He called it class D as I recall
@@middleearthltd Yeah... that was a "Freudian Fun-Fi slip! Sometimes my brain and my mouth don't work together.... hey, look over there!
@@UnitedStatesofAnalog where? 😎
In China, it’s US240/pr cheaper, it’s pretty cheap for monoblocks class AB with 200 watts. And the specs are incredible. This might be my next purchase if I need more power than my 50W class A tube set amp.
Look at the power supply amps and what distortion the so-called watts are given. Car stereo watts have entered traditional hifi... My mother's old Cambridge Audio azur640 sounds 3 times as powerful as the Fosi V3 mono maps.
@@wegardfjeld3789 Nah I’m never impressed with those power specs, my 50W class A tube SET amp sounds way better than class AB or D amps
@@robertwang7825 Your 50 true watts is going to outperform the B200 spl without distortion and sound wise to 😉. I'm happy they make budget friendly gear that sounds good, but the reviewers need to stop overhyping what these low end things deliver. If they did maybe they would stick to factual measurements and everyone would know what they get
@@wegardfjeld3789 Hmmm then no point buying these budget gear , it won’t make me happy lol
@@robertwang7825 I saw what you used as a reference and figured I'd give you a heads up . There is other stuff around the price point or Abit above that made me replace my old 50W class A that comes with a proper power supply. Anyways enjoy your music 👍
Fosi V3 mono would be the better recommendation than the za3
The ZA3 would be better because if one fails you still have the other one to play in stereo mode. Think about it. Doh
@@Gadgetdad007 If it fails you get another one for a little over $100. Doh
Kind of wish they had an internal power supply.
could sing with magnepan lrs+
I don't know... I thought those needed a lot of "current."
I did not have a good experience with Topping build quality. A dead DAC/Preamp in less than a week. For what it's worth you could buy a pair of Outlaw Audio monoblocs for $399 each or a discount at $699 for two and get a 5-year domestic warranty and have both RCA and balanced options. They have very similar specs but of course, I haven't A/B listened to them. I can't drop $1200 on a Fun-fi label. I own Douk, Fosi, Aiyima, etc products and generally like them. But that's because they're not expensive and if they take a dump 6 months later then I "wasted" a good sit-down dinner's worth of dollars. Given my experience with Topping and the fact my pre-amp doesn't have balanced outputs, this product is a non-starter for me. Fortunately, I have very nice monoblocs already so I don't have to buy either. I highly recommend going monoblock if you can afford them or are willing to go Chi-fi.
Hi, Can these B200 monoblocks drive a pair of Revival Audio Atalante 5 or Sonus Faber Sonetto V speakers? Thanks.
Easily
Jump into the fire absolutely thumps. I should break out my Nielson Schmielson record. It's been too long.
Well, again this 64V PSU and 200W in AB!
It is physically not possible at least in AB, the most power what can achieved is about 80W/4ohms.
Of course if we are talking about RMS, not the mythical PMPO which is calculated by looking at ceiling and adding some 100W for insurance🤨
So usual sales talk
Yeah, these topping ‘AB’ jobs don’t really flesh out from a power perspective as evidenced on the ASR reviews. I’m just glad you’re on here doing math. ❤
Too much. I just need to expand my avrs power channels by two so I can go back to 7.2.4
But fosi keeps going up in smoke and other ones are too expensive why is it so hard?!
600$ for an amp with no built-in power supply and only 6 pounds?
No thanks.
@@matsnaslund5762 Thankfully, it's a free country! I'm just presenting it! Thanks for watching!
Some folks would argue the superiority of an external power supply in reducing noise, and the fact the Psu is external is the reason the main units don't weigh a ton.
@@UnitedStatesofAnalog At your side of the pond, yes! 😀
No criticism to you, keep'em coming!
@@jimfarrell4635 On a turntable, yes, never seen on an "major" amp, enlighten me?
A nice, sturdy "chassis" will give you more than 6lbs.
Have had these for about 1 month now and the B200 has many good qualities in terms of sound but lacks some energy. Never get the feeling that I have the artists present when I turn up the volume. These are more analytical. A shame as there are a lot of good things about them. I strongly doubt that these hold 200w in 8 ohms, it doesn't sound like that.
That's what is keeping me from trying them so far as not sure they would have enough current to drive my maggies.
I bought two of this monoblock amps and they sound like crap. Don't waste your money on this garbage.
$1,200 is very affordable for a pair of mono blocks. If someone feels that is too much money maybe they should have paid better attention in high school instead of being the class clown. You would now have a job where $1,200 for a pair of mono blocks is affordable.
$600 for one or $1200 for a pair is FAR from affordable. This is definitely NOT cheap or "fun-fi" as you called it. Unless your loaded with money to burn! I'm disappointed Bob.🤦🏼
I think most of us in audio are middle aged and have discretionary income. $1200 is extremely affordable for the demographics that are in the hobby.
@s.daniel9224 Excatly, how old do you think I am? I was born in '73 so do the math. I'm on a "fixed" income that in no way includes $600 to $1200 to spend on so-called fun-fi. I personally think fun-fi consists of being in the $100 to $200 range. Like Douk or Fosi Audio.
In audio that’s pretty cheap. That’s easily affordable for most people. 200 a month put aside in 6 months you would have the money for that or less then a year. Easily affordable.
@@chrisnunya7171 hello, I wasn’t trying to throw shade. Just sharing my observations. I was born in 70. I think affordability is subjective. No way I could buy $20,000 for any one piece of gear. I’m retired military and civil service, like most of my friends, I have a few hobbies but i’m reasonable. Im divorced and my son is out of the house so I have few financial responsibilities. I’m a boat guy, so most of my fun money goes to my boat. Hi-fi is fun because I enjoy getting great sound at affordable prices. Part of the hobby is buying new gear. Usually, I’ll sell what I don’t like or pass it on to somebody trying to get in the hobby. I’d like to start building my own speakers, but not sure I’ve got the patience. Try Schiit audio. They’ve got great gear at reasonable prices and mostly made in the US.
One man's unreachable expense is another man's bargain. At different times in our lives the same may be true for us as individuals. It's a fact of life. Fruitless to complain about it, and unreasonable to try to make others feel guilty because their perspective is not your perspective.
The important fact is that it has never been a better time for affordable audio, regardless of what affordable is.
Win the lottery and your perspective will change pretty damn quick.
$100,000 for a DAC? I'll take two, my man. I presume you take cash?
Hey how do you like your Zu speakers. Do you think you could see them used in a home theater set up ❓
You suggested cheaper amps ❓ My question to you is didn't these B200 amps sound better to you than those suggestions ❓🤔
As Bob said, he didn't have them in house to do a comparison.
@@jimfarrell4635 I assumed he remembered how the other amps performed. 😏