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

[Inertiaman]

I didn't argue against a trigger input. Auto-on would be just as good for me, but trigger is fine, too.
PS:
Yes, adding a trigger input and letting go of volume control would be my preferred choice, too, but it's all up to 3eaudio.

The user manual PDF (linked at 3e site) shows a signal sense power-on mode. So while I also prefer a true 12V trigger, I suppose I could live with this, assuming it works reliably.

EDIT: on further reflection, I don't see the audio sensing power function being useful, because of the external power supply. What use is waking up the A5 or A7 if the corresponding power supply brick isn't powered on???

The whole objective (for me anyway, I assume the same for others) is not having to manually power-on the amplifier. I want to tap my phone for a Wiim streamer, and have that automatically power-on the associated amplifier (including the external power brick, if one is required).

Perhaps 3e intends to pair w/ these amps with a power supply that has a 12V trigger? That would be great. But in that case, given that user manual says the A5/A7 automatically powers on if the external power supply turns on, what is the point of having an audio sense function??

 

[Inertiaman]

No, absolutely not in the same territory.

Teh WiiM AMP Pro is an all-in-one device, streamer, pre-amp, DAC, power amp. Totally different market

I don't think @Piotr was suggesting that the Amp Pro and a 3e A5 are the same product type/category. I think his point -- valid imho -- is to question how many prospective customers will choose an A5 standalone amp at $300+ (?? we still don't have confirmed prices) if they can get an Amp Pro at $380 with an equivalent amplifier (PFFB @ same/similar power output, albeit insignificantly "worse" distortion/noise performance) PLUS integrated power supply and vast amount of streaming and preamp functions/features.

For those that won't use an Amp Pro because they want Ultra features (phono, display), the A5 may be an attractive match. But I'd find it hard to argue for a Wiim Pro Plus streamer ($220) with an A5 amp ($300?) for $520 total versus an Amp Pro at $380, especially when the cheaper option is one box and no external power supply. Pairing a Pro Plus or Ultra with the A7, with 2X power output compared to Amp Pro, is a more compelling proposition.

Which leads me to my main point: if 3e can hit a <$250 price point for either the A5se or A7se they will see far more success. A pair of V3 mono's with power supplies is $280 (and further discounts often available). Yes, the 3e will likely measure better, but we are getting pretty deep into diminishing returns.

My holy grail is a stereo, PFFB, 3255-based amp with 100W+/8ohm 200W+/4ohm and an integrated power supply for < $300. That with a Pro Plus or Ultra provides a meaningful delta to an Amp Pro (2X greater power) to justify the modest additional $$.

 

[amarsicola]

Where did you get this price from? If this is the case, it's a no brainer...

Just check few posts earlier what 3e said...

 

[SMen]

For me the A5 will be king, either way.

I'm just curious as to your preference for the A5 over the more powerful A7?

 

[3eaudio]

The user manual PDF (linked at 3e site) shows a signal sense power-on mode. So while I also prefer a true 12V trigger, I suppose I could live with this, assuming it works reliably.

EDIT: on further reflection, I don't see the audio sensing power function being useful, because of the external power supply. What use is waking up the A5 or A7 if the corresponding power supply brick isn't powered on???

The whole objective (for me anyway, I assume the same for others) is not having to manually power-on the amplifier. I want to tap my phone for a Wiim streamer, and have that automatically power-on the associated amplifier (including the external power brick, if one is required).

Perhaps 3e intends to pair w/ these amps with a power supply that has a 12V trigger? That would be great. But in that case, given that user manual says the A5/A7 automatically powers on if the external power supply turns on, what is the point of having an audio sense function??

we decide to remove 12V trigger( first sample to ASR still build in) for some reason:

1. reduce cable connections
2. some people use some common DAC or old devices still not include trigger out
3. then the combined solution will be auto audio sensing,we proof it is reliable(lower sensitivity than V3 mono,@Guddu fell free to test in when you got the sample )
4. audio sense power on/off also good benefit to reduce hot if user don't use the amp and forget to turn off.

for other Q&A:

1. we will keep design PFFB amp(and multi-ch?) with build-in power supply(2025),but first step is to make this one success.
2. price is attractive, A5se <$200, A7se < $250, we set them best performance/value TPA32xx PFFB amp

 

[xschop]

Push volume knob to power on, or rotate knob to power on?

 

[surroundman]

I completely agree with making auto sensing on/off instead of trigger. Keep up the good work!

 

[Piotr]

Yes, auto-sensing solves the trigger issue if it proves to be reliable and activates the power-saving mode. Please do not overlook thermal management, as reliability is crucial—especially for your first market product, which could shape your reputation for future.

 

[somebodyelse]

If you've made auto sensing reliable then congratulations - it's traditionally been a difficult trade-off between sensitivity to low-level audio and rejection of interference when connected to powered off upstream devices.

 

[Sig.Rossi]

Where is the problem to turn on a device with a switch. I actually even prefer that. Just my personal opinion.

 

[Emiyanez]

we decide to remove 12V trigger( first sample to ASR still build in) for some reason...

I wish you great the success with these products (so we can get a unit with internal power supply ). All the best!

 

[Emiyanez]

Where is the problem to turn on a device with a switch. I actually even prefer that. Just my personal opinion.

You press play on Tidal with your phone from your sofa and magically music starts. You stop the player, and the whole system shuts down. I was on your side before but, honestly, switches are things of the past

 

[olieb]

You stop the player, and the whole system shuts down.

Well actually it doesn't. It is still connected and the "magic" still sucks energy 24/7. And flipping a switch in the end is a similar kind of magic, if you look closely.

 

[Emiyanez]

Well actually it doesn't. It is still connected and the "magic" still sucks energy 24/7. And flipping a switch in the end is a similar kind of magic, if you look closely.

Fully agree. Make sure to stay away from devices that suck a lot of energy in stand-by mode and switch everything off when you're not planning to use it in a while.

I would rather do this, than switching on my steamer, my amp and my sub everytime I want to play music. But it's a personal decision.

 

[somebodyelse]

Fully agree. Make sure to stay away from devices that suck a lot of energy in stand-by mode and switch everything off when you're not planning to use it in a while.

If they want to sell in the EU it needs to be <0.5W in standby. Streamers get a higher limit as they're network devices.

 

[Totemis]

A good auto sensing on/off is great, but for me a metal rocker switch on/off in front is not an expensive extra and it always useful if you don't plan to insert a Trigger in/out !.
A good quality volume knob is important.
Do you have really tested the efficiency of your heat dissipation for all 5 models ?
Design always black ?
Different options to choose the brick Alim ?
Which op-amp you plan for your standard version ?

 

[Kagemusha]

Is any product out for sale?

 

[somebodyelse]

Is any product out for sale?

Not until 1st December according to #128

 

[Kagemusha]

Thanks, perfect timing because I am after a TPA3255 or 51 amp, I ordered a fosi V3 some weeks ago and was faulty so I returned it, now I am reluctant to order again from them.
I rather to order one from 3e audio.

 

[harkpabst]

A good quality volume knob is important.

Again, no. A good volume bypass is important.

In it's generalized form my statement is at least as valid as yours.