3e Audio A5 Stereo Amplifier Review

[Piotr]

I think it’s a pretty valid question: is it better to go with an AVR setup or something like a Wiim Ultra and A5 combo? I’ve asked this a few times already.

The prices are similar (on black Friday), but with an AVR, you get everything in one box—no external power supply, a built-in HDMI switch, more codecs, and a lot more convenience.

With the stereo combo, which is the route I went, it’s more of a hobbyist’s approach. You get to experiment with different sound profiles, swap out DACs and amps, and chase better measurements. It’s fun, but let’s be real—if you’re a regular user, sticking with a standard AVR just makes more sense.

 

[TNT]

Ask Topping to implement the bypass than....

Yes, all power amps - with pot - should have a bypass switch. Why... because pot are sheeit....

//

 

[olieb]

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.

Where did you get this number?
All I found was this:

S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)

98 dB

Denon AVR-X1800H Review - Features, Specs, and Performance

Read our comprehensive review of the Denon AVR-X1800H. Discover its features, specs, performance, and why it's a top choice for audio enthusiasts.

www.zkelectronics.com

At denon.com I could not find any performance specifications besides power.
Do you have a better source?

If it is correct, that is not SINAD but noise only and it is in relation to FS I suppose and not 5W and A-rated of course.
For 5W and without A filter this would be already quite different and then there is THD.

But the Denon is still an impressive peace of gear for the price. Just not what I am interested in.

SNR of the A5 is ≈120dB and that is without A-rating.

 

[Piotr]

The subject here is the A5 and its equivalent PA5 II, - not monoblocks, not Class B, or anything else.

While the B100 is an excellent and expensive monoblock, a more appropriate comparison might be with the more affordable A7-mono.

Let's keep it apples-to-apples and oranges-to-oranges.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

It's what you say but not what you do (technically speaking).

But don't worry, I won't answer you anymore because you are very obviously too 'broad' in mind for me.

Have a good time

 

[Piotr]

Sure thing, PA5 III++ will have the bypass

All we need is just a little patience...

 

[SMen]

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.

+ 1

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...

+ 1

The design goal surely of the A* models is slightly different - the PA5 was / is for a very targeted desktop purpose (and actually measuring at full volume does not test the volume control itself).

For the 3e models the volume control is almost more of an extra option rather than primary purpose. The 3e models have come from more purist amplifier boards - no volume control.

So they should be measured that way surely - volume bypassed.

 

[id.ray]

This review is for A5, not A7. I do have an A7 and it has come with a monster power supply. I will test that very soon.

is it the a7 mono?

 

[Jokerbre]

Sweeping frequencies vs power?

 

[AdamG]

Let’s please stick with a conversation about the Product reviewed and the test results.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

 

[amirm]

is it the a7 mono?

I have not looked! I will soon but I *think* it is stereo.

 

[amirm]

Sweeping frequencies vs power?

I am waiting for my cut finger to get a bit better and then I will run it....

 

[harkpabst]

Good point and thank you for the response! Yes the F208s are 8 ohm nominal and 88.5dB sensitivity so the 7se should be fine. Would you concur that the fact that the 7se uses BTL vs PBTL is OK since the Parallel BTL is simply to support lower impedance speaker loads such as 2 and 4 ohm?

According to Stereophile they clearly dip below 4 ohm, also in the bass region:

Revel Performa3 F208 loudspeaker Measurements

Sidebar 3: Measurements I used DRA Labs' MLSSA system and a calibrated DPA 4006 microphone to measure the Revel Performa3 F208's frequency response in the farfield, and an Earthworks QTC-40 for the nearfield responses. The F208 is a large, bulky speaker, so it wasn't possible for me to raise it...

www.stereophile.com

Probably still OK with the 3e Audio A7se, but we haven't seen independent measurements yet.

Are there different generations of these? Or is the nominal impedance rating just the typical crap so they can provide 3 dB higher sensitivity readings (as unfortunately almost everyone does today)?

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 ?

You can look up the difference the pot makes on Archimago's blog already. Look up both parts. There's no influence on crosstalk. SINAD is slightly lower with the volume control enabled, but not by much. 3e Audio implemented the volume bypass switch exactly for use as a pure power amplifier. Why would anyone not want to engage it when using it this way?

 

[amirm]

Are there different generations of these? Or is the nominal impedance rating just the typical crap so they can provide 3 dB higher sensitivity readings (as unfortunately almost everyone does today)?

Manufacturer impedance rating are almost always completely wrong. Vast majority of speakers I test have a minimum impedance between 3.5 and 4.5 ohm. None have ever been 8 ohm.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

Hello Amir.

I wish you a good recovery from your finger injury

Just to point out that you also forgot to release the Power On Off Pop Noise Amp Measurement.

Have a nice day

 

[phoenixsong]

I've asked this in another thread, but since I've received conflicting answers (and still do not understand) I'll try doing so here. On a Windows laptop>Motu M2>A5 set up, should I bypass the amp and adjust the Motu's knob for best transparency or have the Motu's knob at max and adjust the A5's, or tweak stuff on Windows or have a mix of two or all of them?

 

[Guddu]

I've asked this in another thread, but since I've received conflicting answers (and still do not understand) I'll try doing so here. On a Windows laptop>Motu M2>A5 set up, should I bypass the amp and adjust the Motu's knob for best transparency or have the Motu's knob at max and adjust the A5's, or tweak stuff on Windows or have a mix of two or all of them?

I would say use volume bypass on A5 and control volume on your DAC/Interface. Avoiding A5’s volume potentiometer can eliminate a few issues.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

Like an extremely important crosstalk (unacceptable for a device that wants to be of a 'higher level') at the beginning of the potentiometer's travel...
... we better understand the interest of having added a bypass switch for it (LOL)

It could even be possible that the 5 Watts used for Amir's measurements are precisely within this range of use of the volume potentiometer, which forced Amir (and therefore also the users) to use the amplifier with the bypassed volume to measure it, but above all that he passes the 'test': to check...

 

[Jokerbre]

I am waiting for my cut finger to get a bit better and then I will run it....

Wishing you a speedy recovery for your finger! Take care!

 

[JSmith]

What is a shame is that the O-NOORUS D3 PRO will not have a review here

You could drop ship one to Amir if you wanted to see it on the AP?

I must still be wrong right ?

Well, you weren't exactly on the mark when you claimed an amp using a PBTL power stage can't have PFFB implemented.


JSmith