3e audio TPA3255 260-2-29A Amplifier Review

[amirm]

I fixed the review a bit. As to why test it, I have in the past tested reference designs from Purifi/Hypex that they put in boxes for me for ease of testing. Such was the case here.

 

[jayapple]

Nice performance, though not exactly unsurprising. What I find surprising is why these PFFB designs have such a high price premium. It's only a handful of cheap additional components to add, yet these amp boards are usually at least 50% more expensive. I guess performance has its price... at least until all the others start copying the design.

The patent has expired, but the price they sell seems to include the patent fee, so I'm waiting for FOSI to come up with a cost-effective product.

 

[NoMoFoNo]

I'm glad this unit was tested. It lends (additional) weight to the fact that there exists great potential, not to mention affordability, of amps based on TPA325X modules. Such amps, offered mostly by Chinese manufacturers to date, have the potential to obliterate the overpriced and over-fetishized amplifier market and I love it. Great performance, small size, very low cost, this is the way. IMO, the makers and marketers of Hypex and Purifi should be very worried about their future.

 

[Doodski]

I'm glad this unit was tested. It lends (additional) weight to the fact that there exists great potential, not to mention affordability, of amps based on TPA325X modules. Such amps, offered mostly by Chinese manufacturers to date, have the potential to obliterate the overpriced and over-fetishized amplifier market and I love it. Great performance, small size, very low cost, this is the way. IMO, the makers and marketers of Hypex and Purifi should be very worried about their future.

You overestimate the product and it's place as a price point.

 

[NoMoFoNo]

You overestimate the product and it's place as a price point.

I dunno. Show me the average buyer who isn't really into HiFi as a hobby who won't gobble up small, Class D amps that perform like this for what will become a couple hundred dollars or less (from the likes of Fosi and Aiyima most likely) instead of paying (comparatively) through the nose for Hypex and Purifi modules-in-a-box. IMO, If something like the Fosi V3 offered this level of filtering for, say, an extra $50 they'd eat competing Hypex and Purifi modules for dinner.

 

[Colletti]

LSA Discovery Warp One Power Amplifier | REVIEW

Hi-Fi news, gear reviews, and interviews

parttimeaudiophile.com

Is the amplifier technology in Amir's reviewed model identical to the one discussed in this $1,500 model?

 

[3eaudio]

Nice performance, though not exactly unsurprising. What I find surprising is why these PFFB designs have such a high price premium. It's only a handful of cheap additional components to add, yet these amp boards are usually at least 50% more expensive. I guess performance has its price... at least until all the others start copying the design.

it is not only PFFB, also the component and design upgrade.
you really think Aiyima or Fosi add few components for PFFB and claim you extra 5-10USD?

 

[voodooless]

it is not only PFFB, also the component and design upgrade.
you really think Aiyima or Fosi add few components for PFFB and claim you extra 5-10USD?

I’m not denying that your amps use pretty nice components, but yes, add PFFB, and you can easily ask $ 10 more if the implementation is done right.

 

[Hiten]

If price is approaching around 300 US dollars which is almost same as Yamaha R-N303BL receiver. Yamaha has Wifi, Bluetooth, Tuner, Phono, Tone controls with bypass switch. And Yamaha may be wide band, load independant, good power output, and low high frequency distortion at maximum power level in comparison.
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-N30...60159&sprefix=yamaha+rs+receiv,aps,730&sr=8-7
Regards.

 

[daniboun]

Not the same ones as the one reviewed here,I had a look as well. @pablolie is right about it.
Maybe a note has to be added to the title of the review.

I asked Amir to update the Title of the review. )

 

[daniboun]

If price is approaching around 300 US dollars which is almost same as Yamaha R-N303BL receiver. Yamaha has Wifi, Bluetooth, Tuner, Phono, Tone controls with bypass switch. And Yamaha may be wide band, load independant, good power output, and low high frequency distortion at maximum power level in comparison.
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-N303BL-Stereo-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B074F246M9/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2W4TG0PWZUZ7&keywords=yamaha+rs+receiver&qid=1701960159&sprefix=yamaha+rs+receiv,aps,730&sr=8-7
Regards.

Measurements please ? The audience here cares about this...

 

[daniboun]

As tested, I don’t think it is orderable as a unit. It was sent by the manufacturer for testing…. If it is intended as a “kit” (which is a product), at a minimum, a parts list and detailed assembly instructions should be provided. I’m not sure I can trust myself to pick the right cable sizes, the correct power switch, etc. Am I going to see the same performance if I route some cable “wrong”? Am I at risk to only see smoke & flames?

This is a DIY module, just like the Hypex Nilai modules, or other Pascal, IcePower etc... In essence, DIY takes on its full meaning when you are able to juggle the elements around the amp . The amp that was sent by 3E Audio to Amir is really simple to build for an average DIYer
If you are not comfortable with this concept, then you should actually avoid going DIY.... The benefit of DIY also lies in saving money

For $350 you can build a great amp that will rank in the top list of the best Class D amps )
As a DIYer, here is what I say:

- Robust and easy to integrate module
- Good quality components
- Quality heat sink
- Excellent performance @$100
- Well protected (Overheat / Anti Pop / Over Voltage)


I recall what I shared, if we consider its performance/quality/price ratio, here is its position compared to the competition :

 

[Tangband]

Yes it is, there is only one unique Store from Aliexpress for the 3E Audio module.
You will be able to save around 25% by going through Aliexpress but at the sacrifice of the guarantee and with the fear (for the EU) of having a tax of 20% during importation relating to the new European regulations

Personally I order everything from Audiophonics to get the "solid" warranty and the possibility of returning the goods within a month if ever dissatisfied)
Concerning the PSU, for having participated in several DIY projects around the TPA 325X. I can recommend these 3 models:

SMPS300RS Module d'Alimentation à Découpage 300W / 48V - Audiophonics

smps300r module d'alimentation à découpage 300w / 48v

www.audiophonics.fr

MP-H250S48 Module d'Alimentation à Découpage SMPS 250W 48V 5A PFC - Audiophonics

Ce module d'alimentation à découpage SMPS MP-H250S48 est en mesure de délivrer une tension de 48V et un courant de 5A pour une puissance de 250W. Il se dote par ailleurs d'un PFC (Power Factor Correction).

www.audiophonics.fr

MORNSUN LOF550-20B48 Module d'Alimentation à Découpage SMPS 550W 48V 11A PFC - Audiophonics

Ce module d'alimentation à découpage SMPS LOF550-20B48 délivre une tension de 48V et 11A pour une puissance de 550W. Il intègre un PFC (Power Factor Correction) lui permettant d'atteindre un taux de rendement à 94%.

www.audiophonics.fr

Nice !
For those who wants an external supply :

FOSI AUDIO GaN AC/DC Switching Power Adapter 100-240VAC to 48V DC 5A - Audiophonics

This Fosi Audio GaN power adapter takes in input a voltage of 100-240VAC and allows to have in output a voltage of 48V DC for a maximum current of 5A. Its output connector is a DC 5.5/2.5mm jack.

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[daniboun]

Was the exact amp as reviewed ever orderable? Just curious.

YES it is !
I ordered 2 MONO modules and the Stereo One, I received everything and without long delay )

Everything in stock@Audiophonics )
Here my Stereo 3E Audio Amp :

 

[Tangband]

YES it is !
I ordered 2 MONO modules and the Stereo One, I received everything and without long delay )

Here my Stereo 3E Audio Amp :

View attachment 332484View attachment 332485

Is the soundquality and measurements better using your amplifier or using a Fosi V3 ? I guess you have compared ?
I can see you use the 44 euro Audiophonics 48 v power supply for your amplifier - is it good ?

 

[daniboun]

Is the soundquality and measurements better using your amplifier or using a Fosi V3 ? I guess you have compared ?
I can see you use the 44 euro Audiophonics 48 v power supply for your amplifier - is it good ?

I don't know if you had the opportunity to follow my DIY projects? I have built around 20 TPA325X amps in two years. I have tested almost everything (including DrMordor, Sylph Audio, XRK etc.)
This 3E Audio module is probably my favorite and actually the one that measures up best. Regarding the choice of PSU I'll let you read my thread)) I even shared Meanwell VS Connex measurements and other information.

 

[MCH]

I don't know if you had the opportunity to follow my DIY projects? I have built around 20 TPA325X amps in two years. I have tested almost everything (including DrMordor, Sylph Audio, XRK etc.)
This 3E Audio module is probably my favorite and actually the one that measures up best. Regarding the choice of PSU I'll let you read my thread)) I even shared Meanwell VS Connex measurements and other information.

Have you had the chance to measure what max power you get with the 48v/5A (?) PSU in your build?

 

[ocinn]

I have been citing this module for months now as one of the greatest values in amplifiers… ever made.

So happy to see it live upto the companies measured specs on the data sheet.

This is frankly unbelievable for the money. High value dacs, preamps, amplifiers and IEMs are now all “solved problems”

Next up, high value ultra low distortion speakers

 

[Tangband]

I don't know if you had the opportunity to follow my DIY projects? I have built around 20 TPA325X amps in two years. I have tested almost everything (including DrMordor, Sylph Audio, XRK etc.)
This 3E Audio module is probably my favorite and actually the one that measures up best. Regarding the choice of PSU I'll let you read my thread)) I even shared Meanwell VS Connex measurements and other information.

Can you give me a link so I can read ?

 

[daniboun]

Can you give me a link so I can read ?

Checkout from the beginning, you will find plenty of info, additional measurements, pictures etc.

3E Audio 260-2-29A : TPA3255 / HA3588 CoilCraft / PFFB Fully differential.

Hi amigos, I imagine some of you have had the opportunity to test the latest 3E Audio TPA3255 module with PFFB + HA3588 Coilcraft inductors I refer to version 260-2-29A dated July 2022 ) Designed with Fully differential signal chain from input to output. This module seems to be close behind...

www.audiosciencereview.com