3e Audio A7 [TPA3255 PFFB Stereo] Finished Amplifier - User Impressions | Owner's Thread

[pieterv1]

we may only focus on pure amp this year and combo amp next year if every going well.

With "pure amp" do you mean a poweramp (no volume control) with integrated PSU? And 12v trigger please

If so, it'll probably be my next purchase.

 

[lcheetec]

we may only focus on pure amp this year and combo amp next year if every going well.

Hi, 3eaudio

I just ordered the A7 from AliExpress (with a separate GaN PS), and checked with Rel about connecting their high-level capable subwoofers high-level. They say it's ok, so long as the black wire is connected to a rear chassis screw.

I understand the A7 is dual-mono design? WIll this cause any problems with my Rel (S/812), do you think?

Thanks
daniel/Singapore

 

[3eaudio]

Hi, 3eaudio

I just ordered the A7 from AliExpress (with a separate GaN PS), and checked with Rel about connecting their high-level capable subwoofers high-level. They say it's ok, so long as the black wire is connected to a rear chassis screw.

I understand the A7 is dual-mono design? WIll this cause any problems with my Rel (S/812), do you think?

Thanks
daniel/Singapore

i am not able to find the senstivity of high level input but as it can accept that should work, just not sure whether has the correct gain for your case.

 

[cfwotzka]

Hi, 3eaudio

I just ordered the A7 from AliExpress (with a separate GaN PS), and checked with Rel about connecting their high-level capable subwoofers high-level. They say it's ok, so long as the black wire is connected to a rear chassis screw.

I understand the A7 is dual-mono design? WIll this cause any problems with my Rel (S/812), do you think?

Thanks
daniel/Singapore

I'm using REL SW as well. red and yellow wires connected to positive speaker-out terminals, black not connected in my case since I don't have any type of ground loop

 

[SMen]

The A7 stereo is a dual mono design (except for shared power supply)

This is a good point... I'm remembering all the debate about the Fosi V3 Monos coming with a single power supply option, with many saying really two power supplies were better. And then the A5 seems to have better channel separation than the A7 stereo for some reason. I went for the A5 - sounds just as powerful - probably more dynamic even than the V3 Monos, but without the enormous power supply (or supplies).

 

[antcollinet]

This is a good point... I'm remembering all the debate about the Fosi V3 Monos coming with a single power supply option, with many saying really two power supplies were better. And then the A5 seems to have better channel separation than the A7 stereo for some reason. I went for the A5 - sounds just as powerful - probably more dynamic even than the V3 Monos, but without the enormous power supply (or supplies).

I would expect the two modules (dual mono) being in the same housing will use the clock sync functionality. In which case the problems fosi had with the V3 mono won't apply.

 

[Robinson808]

Just received my A7 & unfortunately the right channel is not working correctly. Return initiated. It arrived fast, hoping the return & replacment is as fast.

 

[Seavovk]

Порекомендуйте хороший кабель trs-xlr с aliexpress

Topping PA5 II Stereo Amplifier Review

is possible connect the topping to a dac with balanced out? Yes

www.audiosciencereview.com

Dual TRS 6.35mm to 3 Pin XLR Female Balanced Cable

 

[vbutani]

@3eaudio I’ve recently upgraded to the Wiim Ultra streamer and am now encountering an issue where my A5 amplifier, from the original batch, automatically turns off at low volume levels. I’ve tried disabling volume bypass and setting the volume to 95%, but that hasn’t resolved the problem. My subwoofer, connected from the Wiim to the SVS, remains active at low volumes, yet the A5 continues to shut off. Could you please help me find a solution for my A5 amplifier from the first batch, where this issue was addressed in subsequent batches?

 

[pieterv1]

@3eaudio I’ve recently upgraded to the Wiim Ultra streamer and am now encountering an issue where my A5 amplifier, from the original batch, automatically turns off at low volume levels. I’ve tried disabling volume bypass and setting the volume to 95%, but that hasn’t resolved the problem. My subwoofer, connected from the Wiim to the SVS, remains active at low volumes, yet the A5 continues to shut off. Could you please help me find a solution for my A5 amplifier from the first batch, where this issue was addressed in subsequent batches?

A little late to reply maybe, but if I remember correctly, a firmware change was made as well. So a DIY solution would not be possible.

 

[Crook]

@3eaudio I’ve recently upgraded to the Wiim Ultra streamer and am now encountering an issue where my A5 amplifier, from the original batch, automatically turns off at low volume levels. I’ve tried disabling volume bypass and setting the volume to 95%, but that hasn’t resolved the problem. My subwoofer, connected from the Wiim to the SVS, remains active at low volumes, yet the A5 continues to shut off. Could you please help me find a solution for my A5 amplifier from the first batch, where this issue was addressed in subsequent batches?

Amplifiers should not shut off at low volume. If it does, I would consider this a fault and 3e should send you an updated version, where the functionality can be turned off, if it does not work correctly. My understanding is that there is a 2 year warranty with this unit if purchased in EU and 1 year directly. Have you contacted them?

 

[harkpabst]

I’ve tried disabling volume bypass and setting the volume to 95%, but that hasn’t resolved the problem.

Why didn't you try a lower setting like 80%?

The auto-sensing sensitivity an be increased on the first batch models, but this involves soldering work.

 

[fredreadrick]

Just received my A7 yesterday, this is the best tpa3255 I have heard so far.

I leave it all night power on thinking the auto standby will kick in after a few minutes of no signal from source. But I woke up this morning and it's still On.

My question is...
How can I set it up to auto off?

The manual says - on standby long press the knob but my unit is always on when psu is plugged. Thanks.

 

[Alannn]

Just received my A7 yesterday, this is the best tpa3255 I have heard so far.

I leave it all night power on thinking the auto standby will kick in after a few minutes of no signal from source. But I woke up this morning and it's still On.

My question is...
How can I set it up to auto off?

The manual says - on standby long press the knob but my unit is always on when psu is plugged. Thanks.

 

[fredreadrick]

View attachment 454420

How to perform that operation when my unit is not in standby mode.
As mentioned on my previous post it's always power On.

 

[Alannn]

Short volume knob push when powered on is supposed to power the amp off, putting you in standby mode. I suppose you've already tried that. Next thing to try is warranty repair or replacement.

 

[fredreadrick]

Short volume knob push is to switch output.

 

[harkpabst]

Short volume knob push is to switch output.

WIth the first batch, a short press was for switching inputs between RCA and XLR. A 2.5 to 3 second push was to force standby. Give that a try.

Since the auto sense switch only works when the unit is in standby, there's nothing that can go wrong. Just try to push the button until you hear the relais click and see the LED go off.

 

[GrahamHill963]

Many here simply avoid to use fancy words for subjective opinion.
It may be different for you than me..... we all have different setup, but since you specifically asked.....


TOTALLY, there isn't going back for me unless it breaks


For me, it's probably better than any other similar amplifier I have. I got a pre-production unit, it has replaced my Topping PA7 and I am not changing it back unless I see any issues not being a production unit.


Amplifier has nothing to do with it, it's speaker and placement w.r.t. sitting spot.
I use it with Ascend Sierra-lx and its as good as it gets.


***same as sound stage.


Clean and clear separation, really really good


Don't know how to calculate Naturalness, but overall its balanced and nothing feels out of the place.


Absolutely, whatever music has in it


Not at all


For me, its smooth and detailed. Very much like PA7.....


Time to time I can't escape the feeling that the mid and lower base is now better than before, low volume listening wasn't this good with other amps for me in the same setup.

Please note that I have used the stock 48v 5a PSU with PA7 while 48v 10a PSU with 3e's A7 amplifier in my setup. Topping PA7 has aviation connector and so I can not use my existing 48v 10a psu with PA7.

It's quite a while after you commented this, but I am in the decision phase between the PA7 plus and the 3e audio. I like the esthetics of the PA7 much more. Was there any difference in sound? And if not, why did the 3e replace your pa7?

 

[Alannn]

WIth the first batch, a short press was for switching inputs between RCA and XLR. A 2.5 to 3 second push was to force standby. Give that a try.

Since the auto sense switch only works when the unit is in standby, there's nothing that can go wrong. Just try to push the button until you hear the relais click and see the LED go off.

Yeah, that's what I meant.