3e Audio A5 Stereo Amplifier Review

[ICIETDIYEUR]

It's quite curious that Amir didn't test this device like it does for the others: it's not a power amplifier...
... so the SINAD results don't correspond to reality if everything is compared in the same way, right ?

In view of Amir's usual requirements 'in normal times', he could not even have been 'recommended'

On the other hand, when I look at PCBs, I guess 3eAudio must own shares in 'China State Construction Engineering Corp Ltd'

 

[Bruce Morgen]

It's quite curious that Amir didn't test this device like it does for the others: it's not a power amplifier...
... so the SINAD results don't correspond to reality if everything is compared in the same way, right ?

In view of Amir's usual requirements 'in normal times', he could not even have been 'recommended'

So, "it's not a power amplifier" because the input is switchable between XLR and RCA and/or it has a level control?

 

[JSmith]

View attachment 419478

Like Fosi V3 STEREO but not the case with TOPPING PA5 II.

Usage of PFFB and a PBTL power stage are not related, especially in the way you're implying.

The fact 3e Audio do not mention PFFB in point 3 on that chart, doesn't mean the A5/A7 don't use PFFB... we can see that too by the FR measurement in this review in comparison to other amps using the same chips that don't implement PFFB.

Further, the 3e product page clearly says;

A5x A7x Series Next-Gen PFFB Amplifier
TPA3251/TPA3255 Based Mono/Stereo Power Amplifier(s) with Post Filter Feedback Design

JSmith

 

[3eaudio]

I guess those colored comments are yours?
Are you reading this as A5/A7 isn’t using PFFB?
I thought all these amplifiers have PFFB ckt, but No harm in confirming with @3eaudio.
@3eaudio can you confirm?

clearing clarification(as the title) at the early beginning,not sure what things confuse here.

3e Audio TPA3251 TPA3255 Finished Amplifier with PFFB is coming!

Hi Amigos: It has been for around 2 years after we release TPA3251 and TPA3255 series amplifier DIY kits with post filter feedback design that improve the overall performance of the single chip itself. With many buyers(diyer) enjoyed our diy kits and having so many fun from their own diy...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Doodski]

clearing clarification(as the title) at the early beginning,not sure what things confuse here.

3e Audio TPA3251 TPA3255 Finished Amplifier with PFFB is coming!

Hi Amigos: It has been for around 2 years after we release TPA3251 and TPA3255 series amplifier DIY kits with post filter feedback design that improve the overall performance of the single chip itself. With many buyers(diyer) enjoyed our diy kits and having so many fun from their own diy...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Thank you for the near instant response. Wow!

 

[Guddu]

clearing clarification(as the title) at the early beginning,not sure what things confuse here.

3e Audio TPA3251 TPA3255 Finished Amplifier with PFFB is coming!

Hi Amigos: It has been for around 2 years after we release TPA3251 and TPA3255 series amplifier DIY kits with post filter feedback design that improve the overall performance of the single chip itself. With many buyers(diyer) enjoyed our diy kits and having so many fun from their own diy...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Actually, it was already clear……
But this comment was made a few times by the member and response will surely satisfy and appreciated.

 

[Alice of Old Vincennes]

If they ever learn how to build an amp without a power brick I might recommend it.

Why? Separate power supply should be the norm.

 

[renaudrenaud]

The chips are TI, aren't they? Is there a "reference" amp made by TI to showcase them?

Yes.

https://www.ti.com/tool/TPA3255EVM.

Few years ago when nobody cares about TPA325x family there was a 50% rebate.

I was able to got 2 EVM cards for around 150$. Now one card is more than 200$ !

Played a lot with the cards, very interesting profuct, but today there is no interest to buy it because a lot of brand give you a box and a power supply for less amount of money.


Around 2011 I also bought a lot of TPA311x cards for peanuts an it was very funny to experiment with these equipment.

Near 15 years after the beginning of theis story for me, I am very happy to see the development of this technology, it confirms my feeling of the potential I felt when I started to play with the cards. In 2010 this website was not here and all the guys in audio were laughing at the class D. Always the same story : "First, they will ignore you, then they will laugh at you, then they will fight you, then you will win".

​

 

[audiotron]

Measures like a rebadged Topping PA5 for some reason.

 

[milosz]

I like the reactive load tests that you post. Tells more about the amp than just showing power at clipping.

 

[amirm]

Hi Amir can you make sure the power supply provided for the A7 is the "standard" 48V/5A (see screenshot below) that should be shipped to consumers?

From what I recall, it is a 56 volt jobbie....

 

[Kagemusha]

Audiphonics in Europe have them for sale.

 

[daniboun]

From what I recall, it is a 56 volt jobbie....

Hummm as far as I remember max PVDD for TPA3255 is 53.5V....

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.ti.com/lit/gpn/TPA3255&ved=2ahUKEwirzKmMveWKAxVcVqQEHdTUMQcQFnoECBkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw00cmI0Zu9J_Xci_pR3zg9U

 

[daniboun]

Measures like a rebadged Topping PA5 for some reason.

Yes somehow... This why I pointed the Topping PA5 and PA7 (dual TPA3255)

 

[JSmith]

It's not a rebadged PA5 II...

JSmith

 

[capslock]

From what I recall, it is a 56 volt jobbie....

Hello Amir, is there a chance you can still post the missing graph of THD+N vs power for various frequencies? Much appreciated!

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

@ Bruce Morgan:

you wrote;"...So, "it's not a power amplifier" because the input is switchable between XLR and RCA and/or it has a level control? ..."

You are intelligent, do not pretend not to have understood my remark while clumsily trying at the same time to make me look like an idiot

I am simply saying that in the review that was done compared to the other amplifiers tested, the comparison cannot be made because it completely distorts the results.

It's a bit like if I were testing several cars and for one of them I only talked about the quality of its engine for its 'final score' while all the criteria were taken into account for the other models

An example: why not also test only the amplifier part for the review of the AIYIMA A80 to determine its SINAD rating ?

For my part, I find that such 'SINAD results' cannot be reported if the devices are not compared under the same 'conditions' as is usually the case with a test with SE inputs and another with BALANCED inputs.

I am convinced that this is what most ASR members were really waiting for to give themselves a real idea of the difference between this model and others in order to guide (or not) their choice of a device or 'upgrade' their current system

 

[amirm]

Hello Amir, is there a chance you can still post the missing graph of THD+N vs power for various frequencies? Much appreciated!

I was hoping to do that. But just now sliced my finger wide open and can barely type.....

 

[amarsicola]

From what I recall, it is a 56 volt jobbie....

So those measurements might not be of help to the masses... @3eaudio could you send to Amir the correct power brick?

 

[capslock]

I was hoping to do that. But just now sliced my finger wide open and can barely type.....

Thanks, and all the best!