3e audio TPA3255 260-2-29A Amplifier Review

[daniboun]

This one looks like having double the power comparing Amir's results against Hypex's ones:

Power (4Ω):	2 x 125W (1 x 200W in BTL)
Power (8Ω):	2 x 75W (1 x 250W in BTL)

But yes,Hypex is a long tested choice,so...

As per ASR measurements :

NC122MP > 103W @ 4R @ 95db Sinad
NC122MP > 55W @8R @ 93db Sinad

3E Audio 260-2-29A >144W @4R
3E Audio 260-2-29A >92W @8R

 

[daniboun]

I believe the module name is: 260-2-29A or EAUMT-0260-2-A.

To clarify this point Amir:

- EAUMT-0260-2-A is the old module without PFFB : https://www.3e-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/DS_EAUMT-0260-2-A_Rev1.0.pdf
- 260-2-29A is the new Stéréo Module with PFFB : https://www.audiophonics.fr/fr/index.php?controller=attachment&id_attachment=1870
- 480-1-29A is the new Mono Module with PFFB : https://www.3e-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DS_EAUMT-0xx0-x-FB_Rev1.1.pdf

 

[voodooless]

Nice performance, though not exactly unsurprising. What I find surprising is why these PFFB designs have such a high price premium. It's only a handful of cheap additional components to add, yet these amp boards are usually at least 50% more expensive. I guess performance has its price... at least until all the others start copying the design.

 

[daniboun]

Nice performance, though not exactly unsurprising. What I find surprising is why these PFFB designs have such a high price premium. It's only a handful of cheap additional components to add, yet these amp boards are usually at least 50% more expensive. I guess performance has its price... at least until all the others start copying the design.

There is not much to copy in the end since Topping with its PA5 and PA7 already offers TPA325X amps with PFFB and the same goes for Sylph Audio with its D400 (which will soon be tested here by the way). On the other hand I am still waiting for the return of Allo Audio who had promised us a revolutionary TPA3255 PFFB....I don't believe it anymore lol

 

[VintageFlanker]

Wow. Just wow.

After all the TPA3255 implementations we've seen so far, I couldn't imagine that this chip may achieve this level of performance. The biggest thing, comparing to others, being the cohesive FR regardless of the load (at least, up to 20kHz).

Very good proposal from 3eAudio !

And thanks for the review, @amirm.

 

[AudioSceptic]

Wow. Just wow.

After all the TPA3255 implementations we've seen so far, I couldn't imagine that this chip may achieve this level of performance. The biggest thing, comparing to others, being the cohesive FR regardless of the load (at least, up to 20kHz).

Very good proposal from 3eAudio !

And thanks for the review, @amirm.

Has no one mentioned that the PS is built-in? That's a big plus, not having an extra box adding clutter.

 

[daniboun]

Has no one mentioned that the PS is built-in? That's a big plus, not having an extra box adding clutter.

You mean PSU ? Not included ) see pictures

 

[3eaudio]

Thanks @amirm for your review.
the power supply use LOF550-20B48.
maybe you can share a picture when test Mono board,some people may interesting.

 

[VintageFlanker]

You mean PSU ? Not included ) see pictures

Yep. I do see an IEC male, so I would have assumed that the PSU is inside the case...?

 

[AudioSceptic]

You mean PSU ? Not included ) see pictures

Yes, power supply. The unit Amir tested has a mains AC input, so the PS(U) is inside the box, not external.

 

[3eaudio]

want to share more info here about cost:
1.6 Layer PCB
2.Big power inductor
3.CNC heatsink
4.we are not good at manufacture and not own a agressive supply chain on raw material

but cost effective&performance still our goal.

 

[AudioSceptic]

want to share more info here about cost:
1.6 Layer PCB
2.Big power inductor
3.CNC heatsink
4.we are not good at manufacture and not own a agressive supply chain on raw material

but cost effective&performance still our goal.

Good to see you here. Can I ask where you are based?

 

[daniboun]

Yes, power supply. The unit Amir tested has a mains AC input, so the PS(U) is inside the box, not external.

OK got it lol
So that everyone can know, here is the sample shipped to Amir seen from the inside.
Amir will therefore have the possibility of switching between the Stereo module and the Mono Module for the rest of the tests while retaining the same enclosure )


3E Audio 480-1-29A (Mono)

 

[Rick Sykora]

Nice performance, though not exactly unsurprising. What I find surprising is why these PFFB designs have such a high price premium. It's only a handful of cheap additional components to add, yet these amp boards are usually at least 50% more expensive. I guess performance has its price... at least until all the others start copying the design.

Agree, and while I like alternatives for the hobbyist, any comparisons with Hypex (or others) should be done keeping comparable gain and other features in play. How well an amplifier deals with short circuit, thermal overload and voltage/current protections come to mind.

Even if an amp module’s price compares favorably, if it fails after one incident, it is often then that the hobbyist realizes how important robust protection features are. From experience, wiring and other errors may happen as one builds and if not caught before power is applied, any savings can quickly evaporate.

 

[mcdn]

3e have consistently delivered reliable well made modules. I must have at least 8 of them in various uses. Nice to see a complete amp!

 

[Sokel]

Agree, and while I like alternatives for the hobbyist, any comparisons with Hypex (or others) should be done keeping comparable gain and other features in play. How well an amplifier deals with short circuit, thermal overload and voltage/current protections come to mind.

Even if an amp module’s price compares favorably, if it fails after one incident, it is often then that the hobbyist realizes how important robust protection features are. From experience, wiring and other errors may happen as one builds and if not caught before power is applied, any savings can quickly evaporate.

The chip seems to have all kinds of protections:

The question is if all this are implemented in the particular one.

@3eaudio ?

 

[daniboun]

Agree, and while I like alternatives for the hobbyist, any comparisons with Hypex (or others) should be done keeping comparable gain and other features in play. How well an amplifier deals with short circuit, thermal overload and voltage/current protections come to mind.

Even if an amp module’s price compares favorably, if it fails after one incident, it is often then that the hobbyist realizes how important robust protection features are. From experience, wiring and other errors may happen as one builds and if not caught before power is applied, any savings can quickly evaporate.

3E Audio has a solid reputation in terms of quality. The module is rather well protected by the way :
Overcurrent /short protection
Over voltage protection
Overheat protection

At a comparable gain, the Hypex NC252MP gives this:

 

[Rja4000]

Powersupply is 48V 11.46A.
That explains the power...

The PS alone sales for 160€.

https://www.digikey.be/fr/products/detail/mornsun-america-llc/LOF550-20B48-C/16348497

 

[mcdn]

The chip seems to have all kinds of protections:

View attachment 332245

The question is if all this are implemented in the particular one.

@3eaudio ?

I’ve used their other tpa3255 modules in many amps, and they have always been rock solid in implementation. Good soldering, nice terminals, good quality inductors, all control lines broken out, great heat sinks. Really no complaints.

 

[HarmonicTHD]

Another proof, like so often, it is the engineering that counts not the chip.... therefore that chip fixation being it in amps or DACs is not really useful.

(BTW: I still remember way back when @tomchr brought out his Neurochrome Mod amps based on the LM386 with still very very good measurements).