3e audio A7/A7 Mono Amplifier Review

[wwenze]

Last order date: 30 Sep 2022

Discontinued: RFS, ROA, R2O

 

[Old_School_Brad]

Last order date: 30 Sep 2022

Discontinued: RFS, ROA, R2O

Hmm..

Another point to consider: we’re likely approaching the upper limits of what a 5.5x2.5mm barrel connector can handle.
If I remember correctly, even the highest-rated versions of that connector are typically specified for around 10 amps of current. What I don't recall is if that's max or continuous...

 

[capslock]

Agree 100%. It is really overpriced on Audiophonic's. €100 more for NC252MP! Buying Chinese products directly is much cheaper, but you run the risk if it goes pop.

Not really. They are that expensive on Aliexpress, too. I looked at the audiophonics prices in December / January, and they were level, maybe a tad cheaper even than in Aliexpress. Unlike the 3e modules, which were about 30% cheaper on Aliexpress.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

@ Daniboun ->

This is also what original ELNA SILMIC IIs look like ->

I just want to say that it is not right to use commercial arguments when they are not real...

 

[Guddu]

A PBTL configuration here brings about 10% more power for 100€ more.... If you think about it: there is a minimal difference between the A7 and A7SE. So I maintain that the A7SE remains a real bargain

Agreed, This is what even 3e says. I was just indicating that extra BoM will have added cost as well.

 

[Crook]

Not really. They are that expensive on Aliexpress, too. I looked at the audiophonics prices in December / January, and they were level, maybe a tad cheaper even than in Aliexpress. Unlike the 3e modules, which were about 30% cheaper on Aliexpress.

Apologies for not being clear, I was talking about the 3e not the Hypex. To the UK 3e is £344 delivered from Audiophonics and I paid £221 delivered from Ali, so 36% less.
They are £274 now on Ali, so price has gone up there since I bought mine. Plus, I was just lucky not to get charged any tax, but if you were charged tax, there isn't that much difference, making Audiphonics likely the best current source (warranty, return shipping if needed etc).

I think the point stands though, you can pick up Hypex (more proven design, been around a good while) for not much more money vs the 3e at current pricing.
I just got lucky on the early bird 3e pricing.

 

[daniboun]

@ Daniboun ->

View attachment 444399

This is also what original ELNA SILMIC IIs look like ->

View attachment 444400

I just want to say that it is not right to use commercial arguments when they are not real...

Please say this to @3eaudio )))))
I am not responsible for their marketing.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

@Danyboun: I think 3eAudio knows how to read, even here

PS:

Regarding models with two TPA3255 chips: for this 'special arrangement' (dual PBTL) in a stereo amplifier to be worth considering, both chips must be properly powered, either with 52V and at least 12A per chip, or a total of 24A

The actual PCB, especially its 'tracks' dedicated to power supply (3eAudio A7), won't support this important current;
the power connector must be specific, as must the cable cross-section and the PSU, but the device must also be able to properly dissipate the heat generated.

This model offered 'as is' is completely incapable of doing so

I know what I'm talking about, since this is a comprehensive and complex process that I've spent a lot of time discussing with ALEXANDER from O-NOORUS:

we have several 'drafts' of such a device that could be marketed and intended primarily for demanding audiophiles or people who have a pressing need for significant available power

This model should be called O-NOORUS D2 if it were to be marketed

 

[pieterv1]

Trigger input is provided

Pretty sure the 12v trigger input is still missing on the production units.

 

[pieterv1]

Did you read the 3E Audio spec ? I quote :

"3E Audio A7se: Quality components​

Elna Silmic II​

ELNA Silmic II capacitors have proven capacities and are often used in Hi-Fi applications"

Weird, the pictures of the insides clearly show Rubycon capacitors for the large caps. Not that have a problem with that personally. They're great quality as well.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

@ pieterv1:

don't divert the conversation to other capacitors that were not mentioned, we talked about 'ELNA SILMIC II' (RFS series) capacitors which are CLEARLY indicated in the advertisement ->

 

[somebodyelse]

A PBTL configuration here brings about 10% more power for 100€ more.... If you think about it: there is a minimal difference between the A7 and A7SE. So I maintain that the A7SE remains a real bargain

The benefit of PBTL is the ability to drive low impedance loads like nominal 2R, not more power into 'normal' loads that don't dip much below 4R. Unless you have an unusually low impedance speaker there's no point spending more on the PBTL model - save your money and buy the SE instead.

 

[V.b.]

A PBTL configuration here brings about 10% more power for 100€ more.... If you think about it: there is a minimal difference between the A7 and A7SE. So I maintain that the A7SE remains a real bargain

Big difference is in handling sub 4ohm loads. If I would have speakers and setup that require 200w, i would make sure it is not clipping at any load. So 100 extra with the same footprint is a no brainer.

 

[howard416]

@Danyboun: I think 3eAudio knows how to read, even here

PS:

Regarding models

we have several 'drafts' of such a device that could be marketed and intended primarily for demanding audiophiles or people who have a pressing need for significant available power

So, you have a “special interest” in amplifiers… that would explain certain things.

Please define specifically your claim that the amplifier is mis-advertised. Is the measured power output not reasonably meeting specification? Are Amir’s measurements inadequate to prove that the amplifier cannot sustain high power?

 

[daniboun]

Big difference is in handling sub 4ohm loads. If I would have speakers and setup that require 200w, i would make sure it is not clipping at any load. So 100 extra with the same footprint is a no brainer.

100 extra ? 230/4R vs 250/4R

 

[Guddu]

100 extra ? 230/4R vs 250/4R

I guess 100$ extra!

 

[daniboun]

The benefit of PBTL is the ability to drive low impedance loads like nominal 2R, not more power into 'normal' loads that don't dip much below 4R. Unless you have an unusually low impedance speaker there's no point spending more on the PBTL model - save your money and buy the SE instead.

Right. ) Synopsis :

 

[amirm]

don't divert the conversation to other capacitors that were not mentioned, we talked about 'ELNA SILMIC II' (RFS series) capacitors which are CLEARLY indicated in the advertisement ->

Are listings like this for fake caps? https://www.amazon.com/Silmic-Degree-Temperature-Capacitor-high-end/dp/B0BW66WSR6

 

[V.b.]

100 extra ? 230/4R vs 250/4R

100 euro extra. Anyway, do you evaluate amplifiers on how they drive (and protect) your speakers or on how much can you brag about standard ratings?

This is a Tpa3255 PFFB stereo BTL. Aiyima A70.

And this is the 3e A7

Notice anything? Imagine you are driving your speakers full power and the impedance drops. Some bass kick or whatever. I wouldn't bet on the speakers.

Of course, we can trust 8 ohm speakers to never go below 4 ohm. In which case you are right, A7 is pointless.

V

 

[Alannn]

...don't divert the conversation to other capacitors that were not mentioned, we talked about 'ELNA SILMIC II' (RFS series) capacitors which are CLEARLY indicated in the advertisement...

Are listings like this for fake caps? https://www.amazon.com/Silmic-Degree-Temperature-Capacitor-high-end/dp/B0BW66WSR6

Im not interested enough to open my enclosure, but here's my 2 cents:
Looking through the opening in the enclosure shows caps that look like the ELNA caps pictured in that Amazon link.