3e Audio A5 Stereo Amplifier Review

[rvsixer]

1) In some (maybe even most) cases, the phase control is enough, especially for low frequencies.
2) You can equalize the sub either in the sub itself (some subs have this feature), or you can equalize it in your computer digitally even before the signal goes out to the DAC.
3) You can also adjust delay / phase / eq fully in the computer before the DAC.

I used the REW software and RePhase software to create a single correction impulse for my 2.1 audio setup to do digital room correction and to correct both the phase and frequency anomalies. For each channel separately.

Sorry, I missed the part of the discussion involving a PC in the playback chain. For me that was a total pita, for others it's fine. Carry on.

 

[rvsixer]

You recommend an amp combined with a $500 Minidsp FLEX or better to someone considering a $200 Ayima A20 amp with perhaps no additional money spent on sub integration. Money spent on competent sub integration is worthwhile, but not every budget allows it. Perhaps a $225 Minidsp 2x4hd is acceptable for a smaller budget. Not me or you, but it's possible someone's budget allows for merely a cheap amp with sub out and high pass filter.

I did stipulate with the necessary bells and whistles. Your suggestions are indeed alternatives if budget does not allow.

 

[knevgen]

Hello, i see all the graphs are for XLR.
There should be no difference whatsoever between RCA and XLR when using this from pre-amp section of an AVR?
I also suppose this little device is good enough to use with front l\r speakers and wont be a downgrade in quality from internal amp of denon x4800h or yamaha rx-a6a?
I apologize if i ask something obvious.. my knowledge and understanding of audio equipment is limited.
Thank you.

 

[Zabizabo]

Hi there,

I will soon receive a pair of Q Acoustics 3030i and I'm looking for an amplifier. I'm interested in the 3E Audio A5 but there is also the 3E Audio A5se. Is anyone owner of this version ? How does it compare to the 3E Audio A5 ?

Thanks for your help

 

[Alannn]

Hi there,

I will soon receive a pair of Q Acoustics 3030i and I'm looking for an amplifier. I'm interested in the 3E Audio A5 but there is also the 3E Audio A5se. Is anyone owner of this version ? How does it compare to the 3E Audio A5 ?

Thanks for your help

I've never seen an A5se test to allow comparison. If the speaker's minimum impedance is minimum 4 ohms, I expect the A5 and A5se would sound the same. Obviously the A5 would measure better, but as we know with other great measuring amps, the differences are generally not audible. With similar construction between the 2, the se version has some reason to run cooler, opening the idea of possibly greater reliability and lifetime (possibly negligible).

To summarize:
The A5 is better for speakers approaching 2 ohms, and better for those willing to pay for better specs.

 

[mikessi]

• Q Acoustics 3030i -- Minimum Impedance: 3.9 Ω The audible difference between those amps will be nil.

 

[Zabizabo]

I've never seen an A5se test to allow comparison. If the speaker's minimum impedance is minimum 4 ohms, I expect the A5 and A5se would sound the same. Obviously the A5 would measure better, but as we know with other great measuring amps, the differences are generally not audible. With similar construction between the 2, the se version has some reason to run cooler, opening the idea of possibly greater reliability and lifetime (possibly negligible).

To summarize:
The A5 is better for speakers approaching 2 ohms, and better for those willing to pay for better specs.

• Q Acoustics 3030i -- Minimum Impedance: 3.9 Ω The audible difference between those amps will be nil.

Thanks both for your quick answers . I think I will order the A5se. In addition, It should heat less.

 

[harkpabst]

The 3E AUDIO A5 also features the technically better opamps than the A5se.

Make of that what you want.

 

[anonyless]

Thanks both for your quick answers . I think I will order the A5se. In addition, It should heat less.

what makes you think it would heat less?

 

[somebodyelse]

what makes you think it would heat less?

One power amp chip rather than two, so less idle power loss.

 

[Zabizabo]

what makes you think it would heat less?

Its thermal performance is better as shown in this table on the 3E audio website : https://www.3e-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Recommendation.jpg

 

[Alannn]

One power amp chip rather than two, so less idle power loss.

25% less in fact.

 

[harkpabst]

More idle power loss for the dual chip variants, but likely better dissipation to the heat spreader at high output power, because each chip needs to transfer half of the energy.

Depends a bit on the definition of thermal performance.

 

[Roland68]

One power amp chip rather than two, so less idle power loss.

Its thermal performance is better as shown in this table on the 3E audio website : https://www.3e-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Recommendation.jpg

25% less in fact.

According to the datasheet, the idle power consumption is less than 1 watt per TPA3251.
However, one should not forget the heat or power dissipation of the necessary 12V power supply in these amplifiers.

 

[Alannn]

From the 3e Audio manual:

 

[anonyless]

great price for the A5 after AE sale coupon (20$ off)

 

[3eaudio]

Anyone interested in multi-channel, give us your vote.

Mulit-channel Amp,Which one you would like to own?

Hi Amigoes We are preparing to build a multi-channel amp. Wanna know which model is more popular for users? If you are interested, please help us get your vote. Leverage A5(TPA3251),A7(TPA3255) PFFB design with built-in GaN Power supply Pure-Amplifier without volume control, configurable...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[miofu]

Anyone interested in multi-channel, give us your vote.

Mulit-channel Amp,Which one you would like to own?

Hi Amigoes We are preparing to build a multi-channel amp. Wanna know which model is more popular for users? If you are interested, please help us get your vote. Leverage A5(TPA3251),A7(TPA3255) PFFB design with built-in GaN Power supply Pure-Amplifier without volume control, configurable...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Yes, I'm very interested in multichannel amp!
I'm looking for solution that can be used for amplification active DIY speakers, this is why I didn't yet bought your recent A5/A7, I would prefer have all amps in one rack size case, and multiple A7 can't be connected in stack, as multiple EAUMT-0XX0-X-FB boards.
@3eaudio How many channels might be be in such device?
Btw, do you plan to release new amplifier kit boards(successors of EAUMT-0XX0-X-FB) ?

 

[GGroch]

My 3E A5 has developed a strange problem.

Intermittently, when powered on from standby, only the left channel plays. The problem remains until I Iightly touch the top of the chassis, then the right channel kicks in. The touch is slight and it kicks in 100% so I think it is some kind of grounding issue rather than a loose connection. It happens perhaps once every 6-8 power cycles. The issue does not return until it is powered off and and on again (intermittently). I am using the RCA inputs from a Wiim Ultra and have swapped to different cables, the issue remains. The problem does not occur using a different amp.

I am working through the issue with 3e support, but wonder what the issue may be. I've owned a lot of amps but do not remember this issue before. Any ideas?

 

[antcollinet]

My 3E A5 has developed a strange problem.

Intermittently, when powered on from standby, only the left channel plays. The problem remains until I Iightly touch the top of the chassis, then the right channel kicks in. The touch is slight and it kicks in 100% so I think it is some kind of grounding issue rather than a loose connection. It happens perhaps once every 6-8 power cycles. The issue does not return until it is powered off and and on again (intermittently). I am using the RCA inputs from a Wiim Ultra and have swapped to different cables, the issue remains. The problem does not occur using a different amp.

I am working through the issue with 3e support, but wonder what the issue may be. I've owned a lot of amps but do not remember this issue before. Any ideas?

Almost impossible to say without hands on diagnosis.

Pure speculation, but one possibity might be high common mode noise marginally preventing one of the chips starting up. Touching the case grounds the noise through you, allowing it to start. If this is the case try disconnecting upstream mains powered components, and use a different source. Or try running a ground wire from an earth point on the case (unused RCA for example to a good ground - perhaps the earth terminal of a mains socket (but only if you know what you are doing)