Aiyima A07 Max Amplifier Review

[antcollinet]

Whether audible depends on many factors. Chesky has some tracks on one or two discs that attempt to demonstrate any audible effects of inverted polarity.

BUT, the first graph of nearly every amplifier review here seems to show the output in absolute time (that bottom axis is time). Any inverting amplifier should show an inversion of this output signal, unless an inversion is being performed on the input signal and we're not being told (seems unlikely).

Not if (as I assume) it works like an oscilloscope - in which case it is triggering on the rising edge and this will hide any inversion. Time on the x axis is from the trigger point.

 

[cgallery]

Not if (as I assume) it works like an oscilloscope - in which case it is triggering on the rising edge and this will hide any inversion. Time on the x axis is from the trigger point.

It would seem odd then that the y-axis would be labelled "instantaneous level."

 

[NTK]

All of Amir's 1 kHz measurement "dashboard" have sine waves rising at 0 V at t = 0 (at least for the triggered channel). This means the waveform view is just like a standard triggered oscilloscope view. If the dashboard waveform view is truly "instantaneous" *, the starting point of the waveform will be random, which will depend on the timing of the data acquisition.

* It cannot be truly "instantaneous" in the literal meaning of the word anyway as it takes time for data acquisition, data transfer from the AP to the computer, processing, and display.

 

[cgallery]

All of Amir's 1 kHz measurement "dashboard" have sine waves rising at 0 V at t = 0 (at least for the triggered channel). This means the waveform view is just like a standard triggered oscilloscope view. If the dashboard waveform view is truly "instantaneous" *, the starting point of the waveform will be random, which will depend on the timing of the data acquisition.

* It cannot be truly "instantaneous" in the literal meaning of the word anyway as it takes time for data acquisition, data transfer from the AP to the computer, processing, and display.

Then what do you imagine "instantaneous" means in this context?

I'd be very surprised to learn that a graph showing "instantaneous output" would fail to show an inversion.

 

[antcollinet]

It would seem odd then that the y-axis would be labelled "instantaneous level."

Why?

 

[antcollinet]

Then what do you imagine "instantaneous" means in this context?

Actual level at that time (instant) in the waveform - as distinct from (say) RMS.

 

[AIYIMA]

After a thorough inspection by our engineers, we confirm that the speaker terminals of the A07 Max are functioning normally, and the product itself has shown no issues. We suspect that the abnormal behavior may be due to the speaker polarity being reversed on the customer’s end. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected].

 

[Cjmurphy111]

Just picked one of these up for my office system, £35 including the 48v power supply; seems like a bargain!

 

[xrqp]

you don't call Focal speakers Baguette-Fi

can you call them French-Fi?

 

[xrqp]

are people really using 3.5mm on a phone out to this?

Yes, people are. Simple, cheap, good sound. No nasties from bluetooth.

 

[antcollinet]

can you call them French-Fi?

Let's Avoid the Term Chi-Fi

I often see the use of the term "Chi Fi" to describe audio products from China. I see the intention and don't think anyone is trying to be racist and what have you. Still, I like us to show the highest respect to products from around the world. As avid readers of this forum know...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[GabrielPhoto]

So if I read the numbers correctly, if I wanted to use a single channel in stereo mode for a transducer (4ohms) that should not be fed more than 150W, then even with the 48v 5A power, I can run this Aiyima at 100% and be within that transducer limit, right?
Probably I will end up running 4 of them and setting the Aiyima in bridge mode.

 

[Nay16]

So, Amir got a defective unit that caused channel unbalance, it's not a real issue? Does anyone have the power versus distortion data for 8Ohms in bridge mono mode with stock power supply (36v6a)?

 

[Joe Smith]

I recently got a second Aiyima A07 MAX to try using as monoblocks. Initially, I set up with direct patching from a cd deck into the amps, and found that the volume pots on both were pretty unusable for playing at low volumes. There is no control at all below the 9 o'clock pot position. Fortunately, I have a well-made passive preamp, and with that inserted and the amp volume knobs set to 3 o'clock or max, I get good volume control via the preamp pot.

For anyone else using the A07 MAX, do be aware that the pot on the amp is very poor at low volumes, similar to the recent issue with the Fosi P4 preamp. These inexpensive pots are one drawback of these less-expensive products, and I hope there is the ability for the overseas makers to spec better quality pots (ALPS, etc.) in the future.

With a quality powered or passive preamp in the chain to control volume, the A07 MAX works very well as monoblocks.

@AIYIMA You might take note of this issue and give us your thoughts re ability to get better main volume pots in future products, similar to what you have done with other internal components? Particularly when the A07 MAX is used in stereo mode with direct patching to a source, lower volume control is very compromised.

 

[StephenMarkLay]

Long term listening.

I bought two of these to drive 4 M&K satellites with an M&K powered sub for my garage gym. I am always amazed at how good this all sounds in a terrible environment. I have the pots maxed so that has not been a problem. I have not had one hiccup and have been very happy with them. I have one set of 8ohm and another 4ohm but I don't seem to notice any differences (one amp is a little less than full tilt)

 

[svisner]

I purchased a pair to use as monoblocs driving Revel 206 speakers and driven by a Schiit Saga 2 preamp and SMSL D6S DAC. (Pretty clear that I tend to follow Amir's recommendations.) Knowing this is likely a placebo, I've started opamp rolling with Sparkos and Burson units. Plenty of power - excellent depth and imaging with excellent detail. I am not worried about the control pots as I am using the units as monoblocs with gain at max. I will try some vinyl, possibly this weekend. I am impressed that this level of performance is available at this price point and I am enjoying the monobloc experience.

 

[ELEKTRONICS]

Hi,
playing since some weeks with this Aiyima A07 MAX amp and reading a lot of tweeks.
This makes me interested in doing some of these mods.

First, some specific ideas that I've come up with for myself.
- use PSU 48V 10A gives more dynamik and space in reproduction
- try different AC - power cables, will give you different impressions
- same do with different signal cables for a pleasing sound balance
- OP - amp rolling with cheap op amps gives me two results : OPA 1656 and LME 49720, don't want to invest more money here
- never forget burning in time one or two days (over night!)

Some electronic components have been ordered from Mouser and are on their way.
Soon I will report more.

Happy DIY

 

[antcollinet]

Hi,
playing since some weeks with this Aiyima A07 MAX amp and reading a lot of tweeks.
This makes me interested in doing some of these mods.

First, some specific ideas that I've come up with for myself.
- use PSU 48V 10A gives more dynamik and space in reproduction
- try different AC - power cables, will give you different impressions
- same do with different signal cables for a pleasing sound balance
- OP - amp rolling with cheap op amps gives me two results : OPA 1656 and LME 49720, don't want to invest more money here
- never forget burning in time one or two days (over night!)

Some electronic components have been ordered from Mouser and are on their way.
Soon I will report more.

Happy DIY

Hi

Welcome to the forum.

Presumably you've come here with the aim of learning more about the science and engineering of audio equipment - since that is what this site is about.

If so, then you'll learn that here, those who subscribe to the philosophy of the site only place value on listening comparisons that are blind and controlled, due to the fact that our hearing systems are very susceptible to misleading us about what we are hearing.

None of the things you have suggested in your post, will bring any benefits to the sound if you carry out properly controlled, and blind comparisons.

 

[xrqp]

I think you’ll be disappointed with the result of those modifications. If you took that same money to get a better amp, I think you would be able to notice an improvement.

 

[Talisman]

I think you’ll be disappointed with the result of those modifications. If you took that same money to get a better amp, I think you would be able to notice an improvement.

Actually, this is probably not true either.