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

[Guddu]

Some might look for this after seeing Erin’s discussion on output impedance of amplifier being playing factor:

@3eaudio tagging you here in case if this isn’t correct.

 

[harkpabst]

Some might look for this after seeing Erin’s discussion on output impedance of amplifier being playing factor:

View attachment 466449

@3eaudio tagging you here in case if this isn’t correct.

And just to put this into perspective: This output impedance really is "extremely low, it's close to 0 Ω" by all standards. There's nothing to worry about, the A5 and A7 can deal with any dynamic speaker out there.

Plus, these measurements have been confirmed by independent reviewers like Archimago:

Or converted into a camping factor relative to 4 Ω:

When comparing these numbers with other ampmifiers' specs please keep in mind that the damping factor is usually specified relative to 8 Ω, so for a fair comparison the above numbers need to be doubled.

 

[ziggurcat]

And just to put this into perspective: This output impedance really is "extremely low, it's close to 0 Ω" by all standards. There's nothing to worry about, the A5 and A7 can deal with any dynamic speaker out there.

Plus, these measurements have been confirmed by independent reviewers like Archimago:
View attachment 466479

Or converted into a camping factor relative to 4 Ω:
View attachment 466480

When comparing these numbers with other ampmifiers' specs please keep in mind that the damping factor is usually specified relative to 8 Ω, so for a fair comparison the above numbers need to be doubled.

Those graphs cite the Mono version of the A7 -- what about the Stereo version?

 

[harkpabst]

Those graphs cite the Mono version of the A7 -- what about the Stereo version?

They are absolutely identical.

 

[somebodyelse]

They are absolutely identical.

As in it's the same PCB but with only one channel's parts populated.

 

[Guddu]

3e A5 and A7 variations are available on Amazon US now.

 

[Maniek]

A7 got (logo) and now plays even better…

 

[Punchy_Power_Cat]

You can tell the character of a man by the ways he maintains his gear and enjoys his drink.

 

[Alannn]

You can tell the commitment of an audiophile by his shag rug.

 

[Guddu]

Quick Questions for 3eAudio A5/A7 owners here
*** specifically after the release of updated/revised variants with Auto ON/OFF option enable/disable available ***

How do you find stability of your A5/A7?
Any issues observed at all?

* I have also got revised A7 and I literally have no complaints but want to ask these to keep the discussion going.

 

[stigger]

Works like clockwork, nothing to discuss really

 

[ziggurcat]

Quick Questions for 3eAudio A5/A7 owners here
*** specifically after the release of updated/revised variants with Auto ON/OFF option enable/disable available ***

How do you find stability of your A5/A7?
Any issues observed at all?

* I have also got revised A7 and I literally have no complaints but want to ask these to keep the discussion going.

No issues with stability. I have auto-sensing disabled because I dislike that it takes several seconds before the amplifier turns on after sensing a signal, so I manually turn the amp on/off. For that reason, I truly wish they kept the 12v trigger input.

 

[anonyless]

Quick Questions for 3eAudio A5/A7 owners here
*** specifically after the release of updated/revised variants with Auto ON/OFF option enable/disable available ***

How do you find stability of your A5/A7?
Any issues observed at all?

* I have also got revised A7 and I literally have no complaints but want to ask these to keep the discussion going.

very stable. received the revised version of the A5 28/3/25 . it's currently powering my 2nd system. don't recall when was the last time i touched its volume button, as its audio auto sense works perfectly for me for turning on/off (standby) - though there's a 1-2 seconds delay from audio playing on RCA inputs to music playing, which is none issue for me. no popping sounds when it turns on/off. great work/design @3eaudio

 

[SMen]

Quick Questions for 3eAudio A5/A7 owners here
*** specifically after the release of updated/revised variants with Auto ON/OFF option enable/disable available ***

How do you find stability of your A5/A7?
Any issues observed at all?

* I have also got revised A7 and I literally have no complaints but want to ask these to keep the discussion going.

I have the revised A7 and I find the revisions work very well for auto on and auto off - effectively addressed the issues with the V1 models (I have the V1 A5).
Even though I have very efficient speakers, and the A5 sounds just as powerful through these as the A7 ... the two models do not sound the same to me (which is perhaps for a different discussion if anybody else has both models to compare).

 

[pieterv1]

I truly wish they kept the 12v trigger input

Patience

 

[jmtocali]

I've received mine (2 monos) on Monday. I'm feeding them from a SMSL SU-8S DAC, using the balanced connection, the origin is a WiiM Amp USB out that allows to use the sub woofer and provides a very good room correction. I'm enjoying them a lot, they amplify a pair of KEF R3 Meta, this setup sounds superb.

 

[jEDGEc0m]

In my case the Fosi V3 monos were a total disaster

Hi yavormoskov

Curious - would you provide more info of the disaster you experienced with Fosi V3 mono? I did a search to see other posts you may have made that contain "Fosi", in case you'd already elaborated, but nothing came up...

 

[Deleted member 88295]

I got my A5 today and very unusually the first thing I did was play it at as low a volume as possible. I'm not at my main system, so I have to use my phone through the headphone out into RCA.

At one step above silence on the volume control - so very quiet but audible - the A5 cuts out after 5 mins.
At two steps above silence - so still very quiet, and lower than I would deem 'very low background for guests' - it cuts in and stays on. So thankfully for me this should not be an issue ... though I will try again with my 90 db efficient speakers when I return to base!

I understand though where @Piotr and others are coming from, possibly with desktop near-field background music use - or low ambient sound on film tracks or gaming scenarios again up close.

Mine came with OPA1656's as it seems did everyone buying A5, A7, A7 Mono.

Even with the basic RCA from my phone everything points to excellent sound when I get it back to my main set up. Even with this set up through old Wharfdale Diamonds the sound is excellent - full bodied, great bass control, clean highs ... the amp seems to take control nicely.

Post edit ... phone volume control with A5 volume control switched off.

View attachment 423337

Hi sorry I quoted you for the pic.

Does anyone know why my opa1656 looks so different. Most images I find match the above.

 

[Deleted member 88295]

Deleted

 

[3eaudio]

I am starting to think I got scammed, The HF3FF relay is missing (part of a speaker protection and output muting stage). And for some reason the inductors have goo on them so no way to tell if are up to spec.

if you don't know what it is,please don't put your assumption to others.
Thanks.