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

[ziggurcat]

Hello everyone!
Just registered to ask respected experts here for advice - on which of below devices should I preferably adjust the volume in my setup, considering minimal signal loss and the best sound quality? (auto-off function on A7 will be disabled as it is the new revision)

Wiim pro --> coax -->
Fosi ZD3 dac --> xlr -->
3E A7 -->
Onkio D302-E speakers (4 ohms, 83 dB/W/m)

In view of above discussions in this tread I am tend to use Wiim for volume control, fixing it both on dac and amplifier. Many thanks for your opinion!

Either the Fosi or the WiiM would be what I'd do, but it also depends on the use case. If a desktop computer system, then I might use the A7 to control the volume since it's within reach. If a streaming system in the living room, then I'd use whichever device that has a remote to be able to control volume/inputs/etc...

 

[theo'doro]

Either the Fosi or the WiiM would be what I'd do, but it also depends on the use case. If a desktop computer system, then I might use the A7 to control the volume since it's within reach. If a streaming system in the living room, then I'd use whichever device that has a remote to be able to control volume/inputs/etc...

I apologize, probably my English isn't perfect, I was referring in my question to the reason of theoretically lowest signal loss /distortions using volume bypass on two of these three devices and the preamp mode on the third. Your answer sounds like it doesn't make any difference. I'm not sure it doesn't really, since obviously each the source, dac and power amp receive and convert the signal differently, and now I care about how to match them in the best way possible without using a dedicated preamplifier. Of course, I'll try all option for comparison, it's just gonna take longer.

 

[SMen]

I apologize, probably my English isn't perfect, I was referring in my question to the reason of theoretically lowest signal loss /distortions using volume bypass on two of these three devices and the preamp mode on the third. Your answer sounds like it doesn't make any difference. I'm not sure it doesn't really, since obviously each the source, dac and power amp receive and convert the signal differently, and now I care about how to match them in the best way possible without using a dedicated preamplifier. Of course, I'll try all option for comparison, it's just gonna take longer.

I would have thought that both the Fosi ZD3 and the Wiim Pro would attenuate with 'digital lossless', but given that you are using the Wiim as a transport I don't think that that is the way to optimize a transport.

I would use the Fosi ZD3 ... but if you keep your A7 on Max you can always dial it in to hear any difference, Amir did not measure a difference between out of circuit, and volume set to max on the volume knob A7 control, so no harm in having it 'handy'.

Post edit: The highest signal loss will be with the physical volume knob keeping volume low ... so at the lowest volumes. With poorer, or earlier digital volume controls it is the same - you can try it if you have some low quality sources going in ... like from an old tv optical or such.

 

[Yersinia Bestmate]

Hello everyone!
Just registered to ask respected experts here for advice - on which of below devices should I preferably adjust the volume in my setup, considering minimal signal loss and the best sound quality? (auto-off function on A7 will be disabled as it is the new revision)

Wiim pro --> coax -->
Fosi ZD3 dac --> xlr -->
3E A7 -->
Onkio D302-E speakers (4 ohms, 83 dB/W/m)

In view of above discussions in this tread I am tend to use Wiim for volume control, fixing it both on dac and amplifier. Many thanks for your opinion!

I'd use Wiim Pro to adjust the volume. Put the Zd3 into dac mode (the switch is on the bottom).

edit: not sure though can it be done if Wiim is used solely as a transport. In that case I'd do as @SMen suggested and use Zd3 to control the vol.

 

[SMen]

It is an interesting question for someone with the digitally 'factual' answer. If I use a TV with optical and attenuate with that into my dac I hear greater clarity if I keep the TV volume on max and use the dac to attenuate ... but that is comparing apples with pears ...

 

[theo'doro]

I'd use Wiim Pro to adjust the volume. Put the Zd3 into dac mode (the switch is on the bottom).

Actually with my previous power amp this was the main scenario, but of course the amp itself had no volume control option, and now I can bypass the volume or adjust it on any device in my setup. For some reason I have a prejudice that the volume on the dac should be bypassed whenever possible.

 

[SMen]

Actually with my previous power amp this was the main scenario, but of course the amp itself had no volume control option, and now I can bypass the volume or adjust it on any device in my setup. For some reason I have a prejudice that the volume on the dac should be bypassed whenever possible.

If you adjust it on the Wiim Pro that is surely a digital volume control?
Which is then going into your DAC ...
It probably depends on what other features you are using. Some digital volume controls are lossy. Many analogue pots are less accurate when set at low volumes. I got round this conundrum myself with a balanced relay volume control.

I have no idea I'm afraid if outputting digitally reduced volume from the Wiim will affect the performance of the Fosi, vs full volume stream in ... and volume controlled by the Fosi. Have a listen - especially at lower volumes.

Post edit ... but it is an interesting conundrum !

 

[gad]

Ordered the A7 stereo from Amazon USA to use with either my 4 ohm Axiom M80V2, or if powerful enough with my 4 ohm Salk Ht3s. Unfortunately it ships with the 48V 5 amp power supply. Amazon has the Aiyma 48V 10amp power supply for $69, and the Fosi 48V 10amp for $105. Anyone have an opinion if the price
difference is worth it?

 

[SMen]

Ordered the A7 stereo from Amazon USA to use with either my 4 ohm Axiom M80V2, or if powerful enough with my 4 ohm Salk Ht3s. Unfortunately it ships with the 48V 5 amp power supply. Amazon has the Aiyma 48V 10amp power supply for $69, and the Fosi 48V 10amp for $105. Anyone have an opinion if the price
difference is worth it?

There is a thread on bricks here https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...48v-power-supplies-for-fosi-aiyima-etc.48373/ but to the best of my knowledge no one compares these two.


@Archimago linked to the Aiyima 48V 10amp GaN in his fine review.

It may not be the case at all that spending more in this case means better - but it would be very interesting if someone who had experience of both chimed in. I only have the Fosi as it came with my V3 monos.

 

[harkpabst]

Ordered the A7 stereo from Amazon USA to use with either my 4 ohm Axiom M80V2, or if powerful enough with my 4 ohm Salk Ht3s. Unfortunately it ships with the 48V 5 amp power supply. Amazon has the Aiyma 48V 10amp power supply for $69, and the Fosi 48V 10amp for $105. Anyone have an opinion if the price
difference is worth it?

Judging by the picture and technical data found on AliExpress in the past, the power supplies sold by Aiyima and 3e Audio seem to be absolutely identical.

 

[gad]

Jitters. The A7 stereo is sitting on my dining room table in its unopened amazon box. I'm considering whether to return it. Bad me. Better to do thorough research before ordering . I ordered based on Amirm review as a replacement of a Fosi v3 stereo powering my Axiom M80 V2, 91db/W/m sensitivity 4 ohm speakers. Since then I've read most of this thread and am spooked by the non defeatable auto shut off. I use a wiim ultra for both music and TV. With the
Fosi V3 I run the ultra at fixed volume output 100 percent for maximum sound quality and adjust the sound level with the V3 volume control. If I have to max out the A7 volume to defeat the auto off I will have to lower the Ultra volume lessening the Ultra sound quality. This has me confused to the point of considering returning the A7 unopened and waiting for the next generation auto shut off fix. I welcome any advice.

 

[ziggurcat]

Since then I've read most of this thread and am spooked by the non defeatable auto shut off.

You can turn off the auto sensing.

 

[harkpabst]

I ordered based on Amirm review as a replacement of a Fosi v3 stereo powering my Axiom M80 V2, 91db/W/m sensitivity 4 ohm speakers. Since then I've read most of this thread and am spooked by the non defeatable auto shut off. I use a wiim ultra for both music and TV.

The WiiM Ultra and the 3e Audio A7 are a match made in heaven. The V3 (stereo) is no competition. The same goes for a pair of V3 Mono.

Fosi V3 I run the ultra at fixed volume output 100 percent for maximum sound quality and adjust the sound level with the V3 volume control.

Volume control on the Ultra and the A7 set to volume bypass will result in better sound quality. Easily.

 

[gad]

OK, I'm sold. Unwrapping and installation party scheduled for this afternoon. I read shut off auto sensing instructions on audiophonicsfr website.

Thanks-

 

[Guddu]

OK, I'm sold. Unwrapping and installation party scheduled for this afternoon. I read shut off auto sensing instructions on audiophonicsfr website.

Thanks-

You’re in for a treat now…. Enjoy

 

[ziggurcat]

OK, I'm sold. Unwrapping and installation party scheduled for this afternoon. I read shut off auto sensing instructions on audiophonicsfr website.

Thanks-

It's also in the manual in case you have to remind yourself -- at least it was with the A7 I got earlier this month.

 

[anonyless]

the below instructions don't appear in the manual i have - it's from the A5 thread. I believe it's the same for the A7

we had made some change base on user feedback and suggestion from ASR member, thanks again for all of your advice and help us keep improve.

• Auto power off time set to 20 mins
• Increase audio detection sensitivity RCA: 200uVrms; XLR: 400uVrms,this significantly meet some user listening in very very low volume.
• Auto audio sensing power on/off can be disable/enable by user.

3e Audio | Enhanced design,Exceed the edge,Enjoy sound with passion.

3e Audio A5 Stereo Amplifier Review

@3eaudio Got bored so here's a few AI-generated examples for a logo ;) For building a stronger brand recognition let's start with the question if it is called 3E Audio (there's actually no reference to that notation :)) 3e Audio (header and footer on the website and in most other places) 3e...

audiosciencereview.com

 

[ziggurcat]

the below instructions don't appear in the manual i have - it's from the A5 thread. I believe it's the same for the A7

3e Audio A5 Stereo Amplifier Review

@3eaudio Got bored so here's a few AI-generated examples for a logo ;) For building a stronger brand recognition let's start with the question if it is called 3E Audio (there's actually no reference to that notation :)) 3e Audio (header and footer on the website and in most other places) 3e...

audiosciencereview.com

It is definitely in the manual I got. When I get home, I will post a photo.

@anonyless

 

[harkpabst]

These instructions don't apply to the first batch of amplifiers, of course.

Auto audio sensing cannot be enabled or disabled with devices made in the first production run (and with pre-production models, like those tested by Amir).

I'm not sure if @3eaudio ever took the time to update the online user manual on their website. We can't check this right now as the web traffic bandwidth limit of their site is exhausted again. We're very close to the end of the month ...

 

[T&T]

Finally, I got it at Amazon USA, at first right out the box no sound change with any opamps, but as is breaking up.

I can ear the difference definitely but Sparkos ss3602 or Muses02 aren't a good choice, surprise LM4562 or Oracle 2 opamps sound better in 24 bit, 16 bit internet radios or Spotify which don't happen with others opamps.

The difference in sound for first time is really small between opamps but I can ear it, the difference is more stable and pleasant on different music platforms with LM4562 with different bit rates for wiim users...now you can kill me or go to the otolaryngologist....lol