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

[Rick Sykora]

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:

View attachment 332250

Thanks!

As @Sokel posted, the chip appears to have protections that could extend to the amp module. If so, suggest it is worthwhile for @3eaudio to claim as well.

 

[daniboun]

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

Check Page 1.
160€ is out of price )

MORNSUN LOF550-20B48 Module d'Alimentation à Découpage SMPS 550W 48V 11A PFC - Audiophonics

Ce module d'alimentation à découpage SMPS LOF550-20B48 délivre une tension de 48V et 11A pour une puissance de 550W. Il intègre un PFC (Power Factor Correction) lui permettant d'atteindre un taux de rendement à 94%.

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[Waxx]

This is a very good performance amp, but the price is high for the system used. I understand that 3e is a small builder that can't get parts cheap as Hypex can so he need to charge extra. I don't blame 3e for that, but it shows that relative cheap chipamps with standard amp IC's can be build cheap and good on industrial scale also for probally half the price this one is selling for. That is what we need more...

 

[Killingbeans]

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.

Indeed. Also shows that the people, who complain about the "dirty" class-D chips in Genelec monitors, most likely need to put a sock in it.

 

[daniboun]

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).

I agree )
I remember the Neurochrome Modulus-286 Amp tested by Amir . I always enjoyed these modules!

Review and Measurements of Neurochrome Modulus-286 Amp

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Neurochrome Modulus-286 Power (speaker) amplifier Kit. It is on kind loan from company designer and member, @tomchr. It is to ship by end of this month and costs $1,299. See: https://www.neurochrome.com/product/modulus-286-kit-2/ As you may...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[delta76]

Yes it is, there is only one unique Store from Aliexpress for the 3E Audio module.
You will be able to save around 25% by going through Aliexpress but at the sacrifice of the guarantee and with the fear (for the EU) of having a tax of 20% during importation relating to the new European regulations

Personally I order everything from Audiophonics to get the "solid" warranty and the possibility of returning the goods within a month if ever dissatisfied)
Concerning the PSU, for having participated in several DIY projects around the TPA 325X. I can recommend these 3 models:

SMPS300RS Module d'Alimentation à Découpage 300W / 48V - Audiophonics

smps300r module d'alimentation à découpage 300w / 48v

www.audiophonics.fr

MP-H250S48 Module d'Alimentation à Découpage SMPS 250W 48V 5A PFC - Audiophonics

Ce module d'alimentation à découpage SMPS MP-H250S48 est en mesure de délivrer une tension de 48V et un courant de 5A pour une puissance de 250W. Il se dote par ailleurs d'un PFC (Power Factor Correction).

www.audiophonics.fr

MORNSUN LOF550-20B48 Module d'Alimentation à Découpage SMPS 550W 48V 11A PFC - Audiophonics

Ce module d'alimentation à découpage SMPS LOF550-20B48 délivre une tension de 48V et 11A pour une puissance de 550W. Il intègre un PFC (Power Factor Correction) lui permettant d'atteindre un taux de rendement à 94%.

www.audiophonics.fr

not if you are buying under 150$ (or EUR, can't remember) threshold. the price on aliexpress is VAT included based on your address.
But virtually no warranty, yes

 

[daniboun]

not if you are buying under 150$ (or EUR, can't remember) threshold. the price on aliexpress is VAT included based on your address.
But virtually no warranty, yes

On the facts yes but I have already had the surprise... It depends if the seller has declared the VAT to customs, which unfortunately does not always happen)

 

[delta76]

On the facts yes but I have already had the surprise... It depends if the seller has declared the VAT to customs, which unfortunately does not always happen)

as long as you see Price includes VAT. In worst case you can open a dispute that you already pay taxes for the order.
Aliexpress was very quick to adapt to EU regulations. I'm yet to see a seller nowadays that does not have IOSS. it's critical for them to sell to EU market, they know that and took action very swiftly

 

[daniboun]

View attachment 332253
as long as you see Price includes VAT. In worst case you can open a dispute that you already pay taxes for the order.
Aliexpress was very quick to adapt to EU regulations. I'm yet to see a seller nowadays that does not have IOSS. it's critical for them to sell to EU market, they know that and took action very swiftly

Yes I know ) bought some 3E Audio modules )))))))
In any case, in the event of a dispute, simply share the invoice with VAT to the French post office (in my case) and that's it )

 

[Rick Sykora]

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:

View attachment 332250

Btw, this particular measurement appears to have been skewed by noise issue on the particular amp so would not quote. I find the more comprehensive measurement to be more useful for comparison anyway…

Though not clear on gain match in this case.

 

[daniboun]

Btw, this particular measurement appears to have been skewed by noise issue on the particular amp so would not quote. I find the more comprehensive measurement to be more useful for comparison anyway…

Makes sense OK but I share the full measurements of the Arthur 2408 based on the Hypex NC122MP
Default gain is about 25db. We still notice that it is less powerful
Let's not forget that you are talking about an amp @$735....

boXem ARTHUR 2408/N2 Review (Stereo Amplifier)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the boXem ARTHUR 2408/N2 stereo class D amplifier. It was kindly sent to me by a member and costs €649.00 Tax excluded (US $735). I really like the differentiated look of the unit with custom front panel and white case which you can see better in...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[delta76]

So if I understand correctly, to assemble this amp, I need
- 260-2-29A
- LOF350-20B48-C
- case? any link?
- anything else?

I've never been excited about some DYI project.

 

[Rick Sykora]

Makes sense OK but I share the full measurements of the Arthur 2408 based on the Hypex NC122MP
Default gain is about 25db. We still notice that it is less powerful
Let's not forget that you are talking about an amp @$735....

boXem ARTHUR 2408/N2 Review (Stereo Amplifier)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the boXem ARTHUR 2408/N2 stereo class D amplifier. It was kindly sent to me by a member and costs €649.00 Tax excluded (US $735). I really like the differentiated look of the unit with custom front panel and white case which you can see better in...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Agree, but the Boxem uses more premium parts too….

How much is the review amp?

 

[Sokel]

Btw, this particular measurement appears to have been skewed by noise issue on the particular amp so would not quote. I find the more comprehensive measurement to be more useful for comparison anyway…

View attachment 332256

Though not clear on gain match in this case.

The directly comparable in terms of price NC122MP implementations should look like this if nicely built (hypex data sheet)



So about 98 SINAD at 1Khz/5 watt and 100 clean watts at the knee for 4 ohm load for hypex.

 

[daniboun]

So if I understand correctly, to assemble this amp, I need
- 260-2-29A
- LOF350-20B48-C
- case? any link?
- anything else?

I've never been excited about some DYI project.

Checkout, I shared all you need here :

3E Audio 260-2-29A : TPA3255 / HA3588 CoilCraft / PFFB Fully differential.

If I am not wrong for easy understanding :

audiosciencereview.com

BTW : > I am selling my "Ready to use" 3E Audio amp brand new ) You can send me a private message if interested

 

[daniboun]

Agree, but the Boxem uses more premium parts too….

How much is the review amp?

I DIY my 3E Audio with premium parts for 350€....Without wanting to discredit anyone. I have several Hypex at home, an NC252MP, NC500MP and a 502MP,
they are still good products.)

Competitors

 

[Guddu]

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.

You should think about a finished amplifier based on this board to reach out to wider audience, such a product deserves that.

 

[ComasSky]

Sounds very good, just one flaw for me: no unbalanced input.

 

[daniboun]

Sounds very good, just one flaw for me: no unbalanced input.

the SE mode needs good soldering skills.
This module is in fact designed for balanced use in order to have the best possible performance.
But you can still configure it :

 

[ComasSky]

So impractical for the average person