Hello I am new to hifi audio and have recently purchased the Aiyima A07 amp. I like it but wish it had more features like a remote. A friend of mine told me that Aiyima was going to release a new amp in the near future and possibly a new TPA3255 or TPA3116. Has anyone heard anything regarding this? Any idea if the features? Which would be the preferred version for best sound? Thanks for any info!!
I have heard both 3255 and 3116 amps, and without a doubt the 3255 is better.
Aiyima D03 is ok, that's a full featured 3116 unit. I have one on my office desk. USB/coax/optical/bluetooth/rca in, subwoofer out, remote and tone controls. It is fine for low volume office listening, but not nearly the quality level of sound you get from the 3255 amps out there. This might work for you. My wife liked it, I obviously still use it.
I have no knowledge, but the DO3 is getting pretty old. Aiyima might do one with a 3255 soon. I assume Fosi will be adding features to 3255 amps in the near term.
You can add a preamp with remote and volume controls to an amp, that might be the best way to go. I see some options for $70-100. Or you could get a DAC with volume control, the Topping E30 ii has a remote and can be used in preamp mode ($150 usually). I have a Fosi v3 and Topping E30 ii combination I am using at home now. Both measure very well, and I like the sound. Consider that type of combination.
Let me put it this way, $140 for the DO3, or $240 for the fosi v3 and topping E30ii? For the extra $100, you will have a far superior system in terms of sound, and give up some input options. I think spending the extra money, if you can, will give you a much better taste of "hifi sound". If money is very tight, and you have not listened to 3255 chip amps for any length of time, the DO3 will probably satisfy you.