3e Audio A5 Stereo Amplifier Review

[SMen]

The primary system amp is also class D - a Nord Acoustics Hypex NC252 - which I think is always going to be a step up from this 3E A5 amp, great as it is at the price. The Nord cost around 3x more.

Have you tried it?

 

[Petrushka]

To distinguish it from the actual integrated amp -- with the same DC-coupled output circuit -- in the Kenwood lineup, the KA-7002.View attachment 419378

Going back a few decades, I assumed what made an amp integrated was the preamp. In those days, preamps had phono preamps.

 

[anphex]

If you increase the gain even further, you’re in the range of a decent Denon AVR (97 dB SINAD at 5 Watt) —but with lower maximum output, fewer channels, and fewer features.

What’s the purpose of this device, aside from its compact size?

 

[natna]

Great amp

If someone has a Topping PA-5ii (1x TPA 3251) might not be tempted by A5. The power is the same and the PSU is the same top voltage for this chip . Only the crosstalk is really an upgrade. The interchangable OP-AMPS are a nice feature and it's already equipped with 1656, which i think is one of the best...

If someone searches now for a class-D amp, the A5 is great in measurements and it would be a wise choice! Even in Europe with the VAT at 280-90 Euros.
If he wants more power he should consider looking at the A7 2xTPA3255, which has more power potential. (As long as the ASR review give great results). At 379-390 Euros wouldn't call it a bargain, though.

Anxious about the A7 review...

 

[holbob]

If you increase the gain even further, you’re in the range of a decent Denon AVR (97 dB SINAD at 5 Watt) —but with lower maximum output, fewer channels, and fewer features.

What’s the purpose of this device, aside from its compact size?

Erm, it's a low price, high performance, high wattage power amp. Looks good to me. A decent Denon AVR is what, 8 times the cost? I dunno. It's surprising to compare it to an AVR.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

Personally I keep my TOPPING PA5 II rather than this new amplifier: the TOPPING is much cheaper and has better SINAD results because it at least has been tested from its inputs and not only from the amplifier part as is the case here with the A5.

These measurements from the entrances would be interesting if they were carried out.

Amir has a sore finger so someone else will do it... Too bad

 

[Guddu]

the TOPPING is much cheaper and has better SINAD results because it at least has been tested from its inputs and not only from the amplifier part as is the case here with the A5.

I must have missed it if you already explained it, but what does it mean?
Both the amplifiers have RCA and XLR inputs, and reviews have measurements for both inputs for both the amplifiers. Please help - What is missing here?

P.E. are you referring to volume bypass?

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

Exactly: i'm referring to the volume bypass.

Since this is how the measurements were made, it cannot be exactly compared with other devices such as the TOPPING PA5 II for example.

 

[Guddu]

Exactly: i'm referring to the volume bypass

As far as I can tell, amplifier (PA5) should have been reviewed with full volume. That's how you get the max power output for test, isn't it?
let me go back and check some pics.

 

[Guddu]

@ICIETDIYEUR
here you go:

I believe Amir takes picture with the setting/position he uses for test.
Potentiometer max out, so no potentiometer.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

It's quite incredible how you always find 'suitable' answers when it can fix things...

Let's be a little serious and above all agree that components on each respective circuit can/will come into 'play' for the measurements, but I must still be wrong right ?

 

[Guddu]

It's quite incredible how you always find 'suitable' answers when it can fix things...

Let's be a little serious and above all agree that components on each respective circuit can/will come into 'play' for the measurements, but I must still be wrong right ?

I am just trying to find common ground, but I don't disagree that I would have liked the review with potentiometer in play probably maxed out like other amplifiers.
But I can only go by what is presented in front.

By the way, nothing related but I have had PA5 II in the past and I do have PA7 which I have used as my reference. So nothing against those products, they are not short on anything.

 

[Matt_Holland]

@3eaudio thanksnfor your contributions to this thread. Nice product!

Could you explain what you based your star ratings on for Audio Performance?

 

[sq225917]

Potentiometer at max volume and one bypassed with a relay ain't the same thing. I'd prefer like for like.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

Exact: same to same because as we know we don't compare pears with apples

 

[Piotr]

Ask Topping to implement the bypass than....

For most people on this forum, myself included, having and using the bypass is a preference.
I'd rather not see measurements based on some abstract scenarios just because Topping lacks capability.

 

[kyuu]

Seems like you should be asking for Topping to implement a volume bypass feature, rather than complaining that Amir uses it when the equipment implements it.

Edit: Piotr is a dang ninja...

 

[anphex]

Erm, it's a low price, high performance, high wattage power amp. Looks good to me. A decent Denon AVR is what, 8 times the cost? I dunno. It's surprising to compare it to an AVR.

The Denon AVR-X1800H is about 380 €. Has more watt, more or less same SINAD, more channels, not to mention all the AVR smart functions and room calibration.

Cons: Size, no XLR output. But I think that's pretty much it.

This reviewed amp here basically cheats with "low gain". If you scale that up to the 29-31 dB gain of a regular AVR, the SINAD will land at about 95 dB, which is like good average, but nothing to call home about. Not in this day and age, not for a pure power amp at this price range, and especialy not with this max power. I mean, it's not even meeting it's own specs it seems?

 

[Maciekw]

The Denon AVR-X1800H is about 380 €. Has more watt, more or less same SINAD, more channels, not to mention all the AVR smart functions and room calibration.

Cons: Size, no XLR output. But I think that's pretty much it.

This reviewed amp here basically cheats with "low gain". If you scale that up to the 29-31 dB gain of a regular AVR, the SINAD will land at about 95 dB, which is like good average, but nothing to call home about. Not in this day and age.

I wonder why you need more gain at 30db. If you are using modern sound sources, the standard is an output voltage of 2V on RCA and 4V on XLR. Well, unless you like oldies, where you had 0.5V on RCA output.

 

[anphex]

I wonder why you need more gain at 30db. If you are using modern sound sources, the standard is an output voltage of 2V on RCA and 4V on XLR. Well, unless you like oldies, where you had 0.5V on RCA output.

It will become very interesting when you try to EQ or use adaptive loudness (bass boost).
With a decent, necessary bass boost after room calibration I triggered the safety shutdown of my old Topping PA5 back then. A different amp, but conceptually pretty close. I think and average AVR doesn't like to run at very how output voltages too. 2V is like the peak range already. DACs are usually pretty generous on their output voltage/SINAD performance.