3e audio A7/A7 Mono Amplifier Review

[Masavanas]

Given the SB Nero-12MWN400D is nominally 8R with a minimum of 5.3R there's no reason not to go for the A7se instead of the A7.

What are the differences between A7 and A7se? Since I have to deliver the material to Miami.. where can I buy the SE ...on AmazonUS I only see A7 and A5

 

[john61ct]

The differences are power level in practice, don't matter for the tweeter

So buy based on cost and convenience.

3e sells direct off their website and through Ali, but importing yourself may risk a tariff.

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum. I'm building a pair of 2-way OB speakers with 1 SB Nero-12MWN400D as the Mid-woofer (85-800Hz) and 1 ESS-AMT tweeter controlled by DSP + a sub with 2x15" already amplified by a Behringer. I listen to all kinds of music in a 30m2 asymmetrical room at medium volume 80-85 but I also don't mind going up. I'm undecided whether to use two A5 or two A7 ..or 1+1. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Bleib]

What are the differences between A7 and A7se? Since I have to deliver the material to Miami.. where can I buy the SE ...on AmazonUS I only see A7 and A5

2 chips = 2 ohm capability. Not something most need

 

[somebodyelse]

What are the differences between A7 and A7se? Since I have to deliver the material to Miami.. where can I buy the SE ...on AmazonUS I only see A7 and A5

The A7se use a single 325x configured in BTL mode for stereo, aiming for a nominal 4R minimum load - meaning that it's fine with a bit less than 4R minimum. The A7 use one 325x per channel, configured in PBTL mode, aiming for a nominal 2R minimum load. If you don't have a load significantly below 4R then the PBTL configuration has no benefit, so buying the A7se will save some money to spend on something more useful. If you can't buy the A7se there's no loss of performance with the A7, and if you get some especially low impedance speakers at some point in the future you'll have an amp that'll cope.

BTL = Bridge Tied Load
PBTL = Parallel Bridge Tied Load - no extra voltage, but can deliver double the current of BTL so can drive lower impedance loads.

You can probably get the A7se via Ali, but might prefer to stick with Amazon for customer service in case something goes wrong. I've no idea about relative costs, how they handle tariffs etc.

 

[Masavanas]

Based on your advice and after carefully reading the work done by Amirm on the A5, mini300, and A7 and all the tons of your valuable comments, as well as the tests carried out by Archimago ..I believe that the A5 option for ESS and the A7 for SB is the solution I prefer ..also with a view to an expansion of the Midbass section.
As soon as I have the opportunity for a discussion I will not fail to report on the forum ..just to support and testify to my albeit small experience, so that it can be useful to the next enthusiast.

 

[harkpabst]

If it is true that the energy stream through the tiny heat conducting surface of the TPA3255 chip is limiting the continuous power output, the doubling that surface area (PBTL, one chip per channel versus BTL, one chip for two channels) makes a certain difference (as long as the heat spreader isn't the limiting factor).

3E AUDIO seem to be cutting some corners (edit: on the SE models, not in general) apart from the chip configuration like e.g. using the cheaper NE5532 opamps. But this is not officially documented, clouded by general changes between production runs and probably not audible.

 

[peng]

3E AUDIO seem to be cutting some corners apart from the chip configuration like e.g. using the cheaper NE5532 opamps. But this is not officially documented, clouded by general changes between production runs and probably not audible.

Since when did they change to the NE5532? Forgot where I read that, but for sure have read that they were using the OPA1656.

 

[peng]

According to Audiophonics, the A7 se uses the 5532, iirc..

 

[harkpabst]

According to Audiophonics, the A7 e uses the 5532, iirc..

Sorry, I was referring to the SE models to illustrate the differences, but obviously forgot to explicitly mention it in the second paragraph.

I will edit my post to make this clear.

Having said that, at least one person here reported about finding an OP1612 instead of the 1656 in their non-SE models. No corners curlt here, of course.

 

[Masavanas]

According to Audiophonics, the A7 e uses the 5532, iirc..

Yesterday I ordered the A5 which is supposed to mount the 1656 ..while the A7 (at next paycheck..) looks like it mounts the 1612
..from the Audiophonics website.
by the way, on amazon.com they are 15% off

 

[peng]

Sorry, I was referring to the SE models to illustrate the differences, but obviously forgot to explicitly mention it in the second paragraph.

I will edit my post to make this clear.

Having said that, at least one person here reported about finding an OP1612 instead of the 1656 in their non-SE models. No corners curlt here, of course.

Right, I understand that they used to use the 1612 and for some reason switched too 1656 to going back to 1612 would not be fine and I guess between the two they might just go with whichever they could get a better volume discount at the time. I am sure there won't be impact on sq, even the 5532 may be fine too, it has higher THD and lower slew rate but still high than enough for transparency, on paper/based on specs anyway.

 

[harkpabst]

Right, I understand that they used to use the 1612 and for some reason switched too 1656 to going back to 1612 would not be fine and I guess between the two they might just go with whichever they could get a better volume discount at the time. I am sure there won't be impact on sq, even the 5532 may be fine too, it has higher THD and lower slew rate but still high than enough for transparency, on paper/based on specs anyway.

Yes, but the OPA1656 was used from the very beginning as documented (hidden somewhere) in the original announcement thread. My pair of 3E AUDIO A5 was from the very first batch and did come with the OPA1656 for sure. I agree that they will probably just use what they can obtain at any given time. Makes perfect sense.

@3eaudio also did provide some measurements how (small) the differences between different opamps really are:

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

No additional features, no sub out, no nothing. No power supply options to save 10$ - just offer the biggest one that really supports the specifications - and these should be honest. Overall, a simple product that focuses on quality and power for an affordable price, and just works Fully agree...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[DrTom]

15% discount pushed me over the edge - after discussion in another thread I've ordered an A7 to try with my ESL57s. Will be interesting to see how it copes with the tricky load vs my SET tube amp.

 

[RandomEar]

15% discount pushed me over the edge - after discussion in another thread I've ordered an A7 to try with my ESL57s. Will be interesting to see how it copes with the tricky load vs my SET tube amp.

Because some people might not be aware: You'll pay less on Amazon, but you'll also likely loose the mandatory 2 year warranty in the EU. The Amazon seller is 3e audio, Amazon itself only acts as a marketplace for the transaction. Since 3e is based in China, they will most likely ignore any legal EU warranty request. They may provide some self-defined manufacturer warranty for a shorter period, but I couldn't find anything about that on their website. Audiophonics will honor the 2 year period and pay for return shipping, as long as the defect wasn't caused by the customer. If you need to return stuff to 3e audio in China, you'll quickly end up paying 1/4-1/3 of an amp just for shipping.

 

[john61ct]

For USA buyers, we're still wary of tariff surprises.

And be aware 3e may take care of issues even if not required to, just to maintain goodwill reputation

 

[DrTom]

Because some people might not be aware: You'll pay less on Amazon, but you'll also likely loose the mandatory 2 year warranty in the EU. The Amazon seller is 3e audio, Amazon itself only acts as a marketplace for the transaction. Since 3e is based in China, they will most likely ignore any legal EU warranty request. They may provide some self-defined manufacturer warranty for a shorter period, but I couldn't find anything about that on their website. Audiophonics will honor the 2 year period and pay for return shipping, as long as the defect wasn't caused by the customer. If you need to return stuff to 3e audio in China, you'll quickly end up paying 1/4-1/3 of an amp just for shipping.

£100 more expensive to buy an A7 from Audiophonics once taking UK VAT into account, plus then handling fees on top. Amazon a no-brainier for UK customers.

 

[Masavanas]

For those like me who live in countries where there is no advanced delivery system like in Europe or US, you necessarily have to rely first on Amazon and then on local couriers who often charge a lot for their service. To give you an example here in Dominican Rep. if you want to buy something outside the borders you have to get the package to Miami and then through local couriers to your address. The cost is about $3-4 per pound depends on the overall weight and if the value exceeds $200 you must also add customs fees. But this way you can be sure that the package arrives in your hands and in a reasonable time. Consider that these couriers do not provide return services and do it with DHL or UPS has a cost often greater than the value of the goods. I once ordered a car part from China directly to my home address, again through Amazon, and it arrived after 4 months in terrible condition. But at least I received the refund because they thought it had been lost.
This is the price for choosing to live under the Carib sun...
Your point is correct for those living in Europe, although in this case 160€ is not a small saving.

 

[Roland68]

Because some people might not be aware: You'll pay less on Amazon, but you'll also likely loose the mandatory 2 year warranty in the EU. The Amazon seller is 3e audio, Amazon itself only acts as a marketplace for the transaction. Since 3e is based in China, they will most likely ignore any legal EU warranty request. They may provide some self-defined manufacturer warranty for a shorter period, but I couldn't find anything about that on their website. Audiophonics will honor the 2 year period and pay for return shipping, as long as the defect wasn't caused by the customer. If you need to return stuff to 3e audio in China, you'll quickly end up paying 1/4-1/3 of an amp just for shipping.

For purchases within the EU on Amazon.de, Amazon typically covers any issues with its 2-year warranty.
You can also confirm this in a chat with customer service before making your purchase.

However, Amazon offers a 3-year extended warranty, which would cost €12.99 for the A7.
If a repair is not possible, a refund will be issued.

 

[RandomEar]

For purchases within the EU on Amazon.de, Amazon typically covers any issues with its 2-year warranty.
You can also confirm this in a chat with customer service before making your purchase.

However, Amazon offers a 3-year extended warranty, which would cost €12.99 for the A7.
If a repair is not possible, a refund will be issued.

My experience: They don't and their "Amazon warranty" also explicitly states that they've only got your back in the first 90 days after purchase for third party sellers. I was unlucky enough to stumble upon that after having trouble with a dishonest one. Amazon isn't what it used to be.

The extended warranty might be an option, but you should be careful and check exactly what is covered and by whom.

 

[cjmustamg69]

15% discount pushed me over the edge - after discussion in another thread I've ordered an A7 to try with my ESL57s. Will be interesting to see how it copes with the tricky load vs my SET tube amp.

I bought a pair of the A7 mono amps last year. Just moved them to system today driving pair of Quad ESL-63 speakers. Initial impression is positive with how the system sounds.