I think this is a conversation we should have more on this forum. If possible in a very mature way, with at core our common passion and willingness to learn.
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I believe there is absolute merit of ASR work, but the possibility to increase current knowledge or help demystify the hobby shall be a learning path for all.
solderdude
Grand Contributor
That's exactly why independent measurements such as those from Amir are valuable.
Also there is PKane's software that allows you to compare original music to reproduced music and compare recordings of different DACs.
The de-mystification is usually very simple and also easily verified.
The discrepancy between perceived sound and measurements does not occur when rigorous and controlled blind testing is done (using the ears only).
It only occurs with subjective (sighted) testing methods.
These facts should tell people where to look and that what needs 'de-mystifying' has already been clear for decades (the reason for most discrepancies).
First one needs understanding of electronic circuits... and not just basic electrics but deeper knowledge of components and circuits and their behavior.
Then one needs to understand measurements and what it can and cannot show.
Then one needs to learn how to interpret the measurements.
Next thing would be to find out about audibility levels, not only from books/articles.
Then it would be handy to know about acoustics and finally psycho acoustics.
The average listener has no clue about any of these aspects or a little from some of it yet make the most fantastic claims all based on subjective observations.
Why would people versed in one or more of the above disciplines need to have 'an open mind' to those that make claims and expect to be validated or ask for a technical explanation.
Also there is PKane's software that allows you to compare original music to reproduced music and compare recordings of different DACs.
The de-mystification is usually very simple and also easily verified.
The discrepancy between perceived sound and measurements does not occur when rigorous and controlled blind testing is done (using the ears only).
It only occurs with subjective (sighted) testing methods.
These facts should tell people where to look and that what needs 'de-mystifying' has already been clear for decades (the reason for most discrepancies).
First one needs understanding of electronic circuits... and not just basic electrics but deeper knowledge of components and circuits and their behavior.
Then one needs to understand measurements and what it can and cannot show.
Then one needs to learn how to interpret the measurements.
Next thing would be to find out about audibility levels, not only from books/articles.
Then it would be handy to know about acoustics and finally psycho acoustics.
The average listener has no clue about any of these aspects or a little from some of it yet make the most fantastic claims all based on subjective observations.
Why would people versed in one or more of the above disciplines need to have 'an open mind' to those that make claims and expect to be validated or ask for a technical explanation.
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In the very primary definition of HiFi there is no room for "flavors". Fidelity means keeping the output the most similar to the source as you can... Adding "flavors" to the path goes completely against the basis of the concept. Makes no sense talking about such things in this forum. IMHO for sure.
Anyway we can chat about whatever we may think, of course....but from the objective and technical point of view, there is no value in such opinions (like the ass... everyone has one).
Anyway we can chat about whatever we may think, of course....but from the objective and technical point of view, there is no value in such opinions (like the ass... everyone has one).
- 100 dB 3rd harmonic distortion at 5 W is a step up from their earlier PFFB designs, so a solid performer but nowhere close to what Topping, 3eAudio and Wiim (Vibelink) get out of that chip.
caught gesture
Addicted to Fun and Learning
What are the other three achieving with that chip? Can you explain the maths of how you get to that number as I can’t see it from the charts. Are you describing something that would even be audible?
solderdude
Grand Contributor
There is about a 100dB difference between the 1kHz stimulus (5W in 4 ohm) between the rd harmonic.
There is even a 117dB difference between 2nd harm and stimulus.
5W (4.5V in 4 ohm) is +13dB in the shown plots so 0dB in the chart is most likely 0dBV = 1V
And indeed that is far from audible but we are speaking of signal fidelity here (far below audible thresholds)
There is even a 117dB difference between 2nd harm and stimulus.
5W (4.5V in 4 ohm) is +13dB in the shown plots so 0dB in the chart is most likely 0dBV = 1V
And indeed that is far from audible but we are speaking of signal fidelity here (far below audible thresholds)
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Easy: +12 dB to - 88 dB
The Topping PA5 achieves - 119 dB (0 to -119, it's just a question where the 0 dB mark was set)
This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping PA5 stereo desktop amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $349.
PA5 enclosure looks like their standard DACs and such:
Hard to imagine that an amplifier can fit in the same size but here we are. There are large slots for cooling on the bottom and sides which worked well to keep the unit cool during testing.
Back panel shows dual inputs which is nice:
The beefy power supply reminds me what used to come with large gaming laptops. It is rated at 38 volts and 4 amps. In use, its...
PA5 enclosure looks like their standard DACs and such:
Hard to imagine that an amplifier can fit in the same size but here we are. There are large slots for cooling on the bottom and sides which worked well to keep the unit cool during testing.
Back panel shows dual inputs which is nice:
The beefy power supply reminds me what used to come with large gaming laptops. It is rated at 38 volts and 4 amps. In use, its...
Ok, the PA5 uses a TPA3251. Then let's look at the PA7 which has a 3255, it achieves -114 dB
This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping PA7 Plus stereo class D amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $549.
The PA7 Plus is stylish with firm switches that have nice action. You can select power on/off or trigger input. In addition, you have a choice of balanced or RCA inputs:
Yes, there is a monster external power supply. It provides a whopping 52 volts at 6.5 amps! I really like the staggered speaker terminals as it allows even the largest speaker connectors to fit in there without interference. Other derktop amplifiers...
The PA7 Plus is stylish with firm switches that have nice action. You can select power on/off or trigger input. In addition, you have a choice of balanced or RCA inputs:
Yes, there is a monster external power supply. It provides a whopping 52 volts at 6.5 amps! I really like the staggered speaker terminals as it allows even the largest speaker connectors to fit in there without interference. Other derktop amplifiers...
The 3eAudio A7 even gets to -117 dB
This is a review and detailed measurements of the A7 / "A7 Mono" stereo power amplifier with balanced inputs. It was sent to me by the company. I have no idea what it costs in US. Audiophonics lists it for 379,00 €tax incl.
While the A7 may look like its competitors, it has a heft to it that I don't recall others not having. It really feels like it is filled with lead or something! A nice volume control in the middle adjusts the gain but it can also be bypassed using a switch in the back. Pushing the volume control quickly switches between XLR balanced and RCA. Two...
While the A7 may look like its competitors, it has a heft to it that I don't recall others not having. It really feels like it is filled with lead or something! A nice volume control in the middle adjusts the gain but it can also be bypassed using a switch in the back. Pushing the volume control quickly switches between XLR balanced and RCA. Two...
In the end, this is all beyond audibility. It is more interesting to look how the low distortion holds up at higher frequencies. The Topping and 3e offerings are also a lot better at 15 kHz THD or 19/20 kHz IMD than run of the mill PFFB, but Aiyima's marketing measurements don't tell us
Yes, they don't tell us the load impedance. If it is 8 Ohms, 4 Ohms will be worse.
caught gesture
Addicted to Fun and Learning
Thanks. Indeed, it is easy now I know where to look!
SnakeLord
Member
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2025
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Is there a specific reason we still dont have measurments on ASR?
Aiyima has supplied all of the Youtube "reviewers" (snake oil sellers) with their units, bunch of them with the A20 + T20 combo, even the ones with like 500 subs and yet we still have no tests on ASR?
Aiyima has supplied all of the Youtube "reviewers" (snake oil sellers) with their units, bunch of them with the A20 + T20 combo, even the ones with like 500 subs and yet we still have no tests on ASR?
solderdude
Grand Contributor
solderdude
Grand Contributor
Most likely backlog from Amir.
you meant Amir has something to do but testing Aiyima products??.... god damn!
just got one, i was looking for an amp with hpf, when this was released.
Trying it with 48v/10a supply and i really like it:
Zero noise, no tweeter hiss at all, no pop on or/off, HPF works perfectly without without any perceived extra noise or anything wrong. Volume knobs feels nice, volume bypass works. 12v trigger works, barelly gets warm to the touch.
Volume controlled it with fosi ZH3 dac/pre with XLR.
Very happy with my purchase, ticks all the boxes and it sounds amazing to my ears with 87 db sensitivity Ushers be-718.
Trying it with 48v/10a supply and i really like it:
Zero noise, no tweeter hiss at all, no pop on or/off, HPF works perfectly without without any perceived extra noise or anything wrong. Volume knobs feels nice, volume bypass works. 12v trigger works, barelly gets warm to the touch.
Volume controlled it with fosi ZH3 dac/pre with XLR.
Very happy with my purchase, ticks all the boxes and it sounds amazing to my ears with 87 db sensitivity Ushers be-718.
pickyAudiophile
Active Member
When rotating the HPF to minimum position... is there a physical resistance and does it actually switch off (relay can be heard clicking)? As it is the case e/g with the Douk Audio A5 & A5 Pro?
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