Aiyima A07 Max - Aiyima's new TPA3255 amplifier with mono/stereo output

[Guddu]

This is my first post and is perhaps a little tangential to the new unit but please bear with me!

I use two sources, from an MM phono preamp and from a Topping E30 DAC (used both for CD and streaming). I feed these to the preamp section of a NAD amplifier. From there they go to a miniDSP HD. The outputs from the miniDSP go to a pair of Aiyima A07 amps, one for each channel. The left/right sides of each amp are split into bass and mid/treble sections. Each amp feeds one of my my DIY hybrid open baffle bass distributed mode panel speakers. I have the volume maxed out on each of the A07s and use the NAD to control volume.

I've configured it this way to effectively bypass the volume pots on the A07s. However, it also means that the miniDSP has less signal to work with due to attenuation from the NAD.

Therefore, would it make more sense to replace the NAD (on long term loan from my son anyway) with e decent source switching box (I'll make it myself) and simply use the volume control on the A07s? Alternatively, would it be better to still max out the volume control on the A07s and put a passive preamp between the miniDSP and the A07s? I've already nailed together a passive preamp with twin stereo pots, but the DACT type pots are a bit unsubtle with small volume changes as they have too few steps.

In summary, what I'm essentially asking is whether a good passive preamp volume control pot and an effectively bypassed A07 volume pot is going to be better than simply using the A07 volume control? I'm thinking ALPS Blue Beauty log pots as a bare minimum and possibly a TKD four channel job to keep things neater.

Hi @simonhickie

Are you getting issues in your current setup as it is? or just looking to see it could be improved?
I am asking this because you probably have already done the best given the devices you have. Ideally minidsp should not have any issues working with input.

I am guessing you have minidsp 2x4HD? If Yes then you can input Phono pre-amp analog and digital inputs to minidsp directly, escaping E30, because eventually minidsp is acting as ADC and DAC in your chain before amplifier.
Is there any reason any you chose to use E30 here, asking to understand what benefit you might get like that.

 

[simonhickie]

Hi @simonhickie

Are you getting issues in your current setup as it is? or just looking to see it could be improved?
I am asking this because you probably have already done the best given the devices you have. Ideally minidsp should not have any issues working with input.

I am guessing you have minidsp 2x4HD? If Yes then you can input Phono pre-amp analog and digital inputs to minidsp directly, escaping E30, because eventually minidsp is acting as ADC and DAC in your chain before amplifier.
Is there any reason any you chose to use E30 here, asking to understand what benefit you might get like that.

That's an interesting suggestion. I'd not really considered using the USB input on the miniDSP since I'd assumed that the E30 was better sounding. TOSLINK would be fine for the CD player and the RCAs for the turntable. It would certainly take one link out of the digital playback chain, assuming that the miniDSP DAC is OK.

It still begs the question as to whether the NAD as preamp is going to be better than using the volume pots on the A07s. If it isn't, then that can go too.

 

[Guddu]

That's an interesting suggestion. I'd not really considered using the USB input on the miniDSP since I'd assumed that the E30 was better sounding. TOSLINK would be fine for the CD player and the RCAs for the turntable. It would certainly take one link out of the digital playback chain, assuming that the miniDSP DAC is OK.

One way or another, all your inputs are ending into minidsp currently and are subject to Analog-to Digital and then again Digital-to-Analog processing.
If you aren't using volume pre-amp on E30 then I would think all direct connections to minidsp should be a better overall choice.

It still begs the question as to whether the NAD as preamp is going to be better than using the volume pots on the A07s. If it isn't, then that can go too.

Problem is that we don't know the performance and measurements of your NAD's pre-amp section. I would absolutely avoid anything between DAC and amplifier.
So in your case, if sources go in minidsp then minidsp directly to amplifier. Otherwise, a simpler transparent active/passive preamp with volume control would do the job fine, something like a passive volume control like nobsound or Schiit Sys. Active preamp with volume control would be expensive compared but more features.

 

[ninetylol]

One way or another, all your inputs are ending into minidsp currently and are subject to Analog-to Digital and then again Digital-to-Analog processing.
If you aren't using volume pre-amp on E30 then I would think all direct connections to minidsp should be a better overall choice.


Problem is that we don't know the performance and measurements of your NAD's pre-amp section. I would absolutely avoid anything between DAC and amplifier.
So in your case, if sources go in minidsp then minidsp directly to amplifier. Otherwise, a simpler transparent active/passive preamp with volume control would do the job fine, something like a passive volume control like nobsound or Schiit Sys. Active preamp with volume control would be expensive compared but more features.

Maybe you can use the Sabaj A10h, Amir tested it and it got perfect relais preamp function. It's only 80 Euro atm.

 

[MCH]

This is my first post and is perhaps a little tangential to the new unit but please bear with me!

I use two sources, from an MM phono preamp and from a Topping E30 DAC (used both for CD and streaming). I feed these to the preamp section of a NAD amplifier. From there they go to a miniDSP HD. The outputs from the miniDSP go to a pair of Aiyima A07 amps, one for each channel. The left/right sides of each amp are split into bass and mid/treble sections. Each amp feeds one of my my DIY hybrid open baffle bass distributed mode panel speakers. I have the volume maxed out on each of the A07s and use the NAD to control volume.

I've configured it this way to effectively bypass the volume pots on the A07s. However, it also means that the miniDSP has less signal to work with due to attenuation from the NAD.

Therefore, would it make more sense to replace the NAD (on long term loan from my son anyway) with e decent source switching box (I'll make it myself) and simply use the volume control on the A07s? Alternatively, would it be better to still max out the volume control on the A07s and put a passive preamp between the miniDSP and the A07s? I've already nailed together a passive preamp with twin stereo pots, but the DACT type pots are a bit unsubtle with small volume changes as they have too few steps.

In summary, what I'm essentially asking is whether a good passive preamp volume control pot and an effectively bypassed A07 volume pot is going to be better than simply using the A07 volume control? I'm thinking ALPS Blue Beauty log pots as a bare minimum and possibly a TKD four channel job to keep things neater.

I don't think it is feasible to use the volume control of the aiyimas if you are using 2 units simultaneously.
Why don't you use the volume control of the minidsp directly? (The remote costs 7$)

 

[simonhickie]

I don't think it is feasible to use the volume control of the aiyimas if you are using 2 units simultaneously.
Why don't you use the volume control of the minidsp directly? (The remote costs 7$)

Since it's one A7 per side, then it's not really an issue as one volume control effectively acts as a 'balance' control. However, getting the minidsp remote sounds sensible if only to switch between sources.

 

[Guddu]

I don't think it is feasible to use the volume control of the aiyimas if you are using 2 units simultaneously.
Why don't you use the volume control of the minidsp directly? (The remote costs 7$)

does that remote controls volume? I didn't know that.

 

[simonhickie]

Maybe you can use the Sabaj A10h, Amir tested it and it got perfect relais preamp function. It's only 80 Euro atm.

Looks like a good unit!

 

[ninetylol]

Looks like a good unit!

I use it myself for controlling subwoofer volume with the remote. Works great.

 

[khuntim]

will this amp will see 24/192 PCM or DSD from my DAC? I have seen some inexpensive amps that only support 48k from the line-in. just curious...

as far as small Class D amps anything else worth looking at? say up to 500usd?

 

[TonyJZX]

thats a fundamental misunderstanding

this is an analog amp

you feed it whatever from a dac/preamp and it amplifies it... that's it... its not going to know if its redbook or 24/192 or 128k mp3

although its a cheap amp it is of good enough quality that it will do justice to well recorded music

if you have $500 to spend walk your way to audiofonics... they have a neat NC252 class xlr rca unit for that much

 

[khuntim]

I see... I was confused because when I plugged my DAC into a friend's class D amp it always said 48k on the display. like you are saying, nothing to worry in this range, amp should do well for what it is.

Edit, just got an email from Fosi audio referring to V3 amp and they said it only supports up to 48Khz.

 

[simonhickie]

I see... I was confused because when I plugged my DAC into a friend's class D amp it always said 48k on the display. like you are saying, nothing to worry in this range, amp should do well for what it is.

Edit, just got an email from Fosi audio referring to V3 amp and they said it only supports up to 48Khz.

I'm not sure that makes sense since the inputs are analog (e.g. I could feed the outputs from my phono preamp directly to it). Are you thinking 48v not 48khz? The v3 has no 'digital' inputs. It's just like a regular amp but with class D amplification rather than class A/B or whatever.

 

[khuntim]

Doesn't make sense to me either. 48khz limit. Of course V3 is not this amp. Very similar.

 

[MCH]

Received my 11.11 Aiyima max from aiyima AliExpress store. I can confirm 63V caps inside, mono operation working as expected and absolutely no pop whatsoever when turning on/off or plugging/unplugging the mains while on (all this on my sub, might change with sensitive speakers).

Liking the form factor, might skip the new fosi and keep this one. Now I regret not to had gone for the 48V supply. grrrrr

 

[Jeromeof]

Hopefully it can get measured soon. I have 2 and I offered to send one to @amirm so hopefully he can get one soon

 

[Guddu]

Received my 11.11 Aiyima max from aiyima AliExpress store. I can confirm 63V caps inside

What is 11.11?
Did you specifically choose 63v caps model or something like that?

 

[MCH]

What is 11.11?
Did you specifically choose 63v caps model or something like that?

no, i meant the 11.11 sales in aliexpress. Just to give an idea of the date it was ordered.
I did not see a way to select 63V caps, i guess they are just the new boards. Previously in this thread someone posted an email from Aiyima in which they claim they will be making new boards with 63V caps. Well, looks like they are already selling them. Maybe @AIYIMA can confirm.

edit: there you go, post 117:

Aiyima A07 Max - Aiyima's new TPA3255 amplifier with mono/stereo output

Aiyima A07 Max YouTube Link:

audiosciencereview.com

 

[Fleuch]

From Aliexpress:

AIYIMA A07 MAX TPA3255 Audio Power Amplifier 2.0 Stereo Amplify 300Wx2 PBTL Mono Sound Amplifier 600W​

Looks like the promised upgrade to the 50V caps has reached the market, if we interpret the 2.0 as the upgrade!

 

[Guddu]

I see... I was confused because when I plugged my DAC into a friend's class D amp it always said 48k on the display. like you are saying, nothing to worry in this range, amp should do well for what it is.

48K showing on DAC is for input, I guess you were playing a video? Movies audio is normally @48k.

48k for power amplifier is incorrect term, Fosi must have meant 48v psu support.