Aiyima A80: DAC(ESS9038Q2M) + Amplifier(TPA3255 PFFB) - User Impressions | Owner's Thread

[DjBuzz]

Has anyone else tried the 1612 OPAs on the A80 and swapped them for the NE5532, and are they recommended as an upgrade? Thanks for any answers. Carsten

View attachment 462998

Hi Cas. Reportedly, rolling op amps doesn't make a difference. I don't understand why, but there is no measurable difference. See video.

Doug

 

[Casimir101]

Hi Cas. Reportedly, rolling op amps doesn't make a difference. I don't understand why, but there is no measurable difference. See video.

Doug

Thanks for the info. I've already noticed this, but I'm of the opinion that even if you can't technically measure it, there is still an audible difference, since the OPA itself is technically constructed differently... I've now ordered the OPA's 627 including shipping from Aliexpress for €9.30 and I'm going to test it myself because according to several testers, the sound is (audibly) better on the Aiyima A80 than with the standard NE5532. I'd also say that even if it's not measurable, I'll compare it like a pair of speakers...

like Joe N Tell says in the video... the power curve of two speakers can be completely identical and yet they sound completely different. But why do many people say that the OPA 848 also sounds really bad... Is that just a coincidence or is the sound different (thinner, soundstage, etc.) I think that every OPA sounds different which makes sense, the thing is a piece of the heart of an amplifier and every heart beats differently, right?

I'll report back here in the next few days on how the sound compares between the original and the OPA627. I'm really excited

I definitely hear a change in sound here!!!

 

[Casimir101]

Instructions for switching off standby!
I'll take the liberty of explaining how to bypass the 5-minute standby time on the Yiyima A80 and all other devices. Following a step-by-step guide! And I can tell you, it works!

1. You download this program: Hot Alarm Clock 5.1.1.0. This program is a 30-day trial, but you can reinstall it at any time, and the 30 days will be back! The profile can be saved, so set it up once (create a backup). It can be imported at any time after the trial period has expired.

Download-Link: https://hot-alarm-clock.findmysoft.com/download/

2. Install and launch Hot Alarm Clock 5.1.1.0. Delete all sample timers with the (X) symbol.

3. Download my self-created SOUND file and save it, for example, on your desktop. It's an MP3 file with a 10 Hz sound that's inaudible. But when played with the program, the A80 receives the "signal" and no longer goes into standby mode.

The MP3 is 1 second long and is attached 10Hz.zip and must be unpacked. Ore you can download a 10Hz file from the internet and edit it yourself!
Please set the timer exactly as shown in my pictures, and it will work! The normal sound will NOT be interrupted when this MP3 is played, so it's absolutely perfect You won't even notice it.

3. Create the timer! The sound is played every 4:30 minutes and the A80 stays on!

That's it! It works perfectly for me and my colleagues, and I don't even notice that a small 10Hz sound is playing in the background. Under the settings you can click on start with Windows!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!

PS: I specifically chose version 5.1.1.0 because only here, after uninstalling and reinstalling, the trial period is reset to 30 days. If you want, you can also buy it, but it's not necessary; it works just like that. :=)

Regards, Carsten

 

[ZeroInfinity]

Thanks for the info. I've already noticed this, but I'm of the opinion that even if you can't technically measure it, there is still an audible difference, since the OPA itself is technically constructed differently... I've now ordered the OPA's 627 including shipping from Aliexpress for €9.30 and I'm going to test it myself because according to several testers, the sound is (audibly) better on the Aiyima A80 than with the standard NE5532. I'd also say that even if it's not measurable, I'll compare it like a pair of speakers...

like Joe N Tell says in the video... the power curve of two speakers can be completely identical and yet they sound completely different. But why do many people say that the OPA 848 also sounds really bad... Is that just a coincidence or is the sound different (thinner, soundstage, etc.) I think that every OPA sounds different which makes sense, the thing is a piece of the heart of an amplifier and every heart beats differently, right?

I'll report back here in the next few days on how the sound compares between the original and the OPA627. I'm really excited

I definitely hear a change in sound here!!!

I've tried the OPA1612, MUSES02, and finally settled on the OP828. Objectively, it's better than the previous two in everything but voltage noise.

Subjectively, I felt it sounded better than the previous two op amps. It could be placebo/confirmation bias, but hey, if it improves the sound experience for me, that's all that matters.

 

[Casimir101]

I've tried the OPA1612, MUSES02, and finally settled on the OP828. Objectively, it's better than the previous two in everything but voltage noise.

Subjectively, I felt it sounded better than the previous two op amps. It could be placebo/confirmation bias, but hey, if it improves the sound experience for me, that's all that matters.

Do you also have the Aiyima A80? ... I've decided to upgrade to the Muses01. According to reviews and tests, it's supposed to definitely improve the sound, although the built-in NE5532 is still very good. I think the 5532 is from 1979 or something. How do you find it? Opa627

 

[ZeroInfinity]

Do you also have the Aiyima A80? ... I've decided to upgrade to the Muses01. According to reviews and tests, it's supposed to definitely improve the sound, although the built-in NE5532 is still very good. I think the 5532 is from 1979 or something. How do you find it? Opa627

Yup, I have the A80.

I liked the sound of the OPA828 the most. The OPA627 is the predecessor of the OPA828. Like I said, it could just be placebo, but it sounds better to me hahaha.

And I'm glad you like the Muses01. I still have the Muses02 just in case.

 

[Casimir101]

I found a nice comparison here:

The 828 sounds really good!
hmmm where bought?
Good Price?

 

[Casimir101]

Yup, I have the A80.

I liked the sound of the OPA828 the most. The OPA627 is the predecessor of the OPA828. Like I said, it could just be placebo, but it sounds better to me hahaha.

And I'm glad you like the Muses01. I still have the Muses02 just in case.

I've heard that the OPA828 doesn't sound as good in the A80 as the standard NE5532! The sound of the 828 is said to be very muffled and not very good.
It's been said that the A08 with the NE 5532 is optimized to produce a better sound than the standard. It's all down to the implementation.

I have attached an updated mp3 file because the 10Khz sound always had a crackling sound.

 

[Svend P]

Opamps do not change the sound. It only changes your expectations. If you can't measure a difference, it can't be heard either. Everything you can hear can be measured, but not everything you can measure can be heard. Please read this:

'Master Thread: Are Measurements Everything or Nothing?'

Nov 18, 2020

Seems like so many review threads get challenged with:

1. Measurements are not everything.

2. You all never listen.

3. I trust my ears, not graphs.

4. I don't listen to graphs. I listen to music.

5. You all must not listen to music at all.

6. Why don't you all buy the best SINAD gear?

7. I have heard your best SINAD gear and they sound terrible. I don't like any of this Chinese stuff.

8. You don't trust your ears. I/we do.

9. All these reviewers/youtubers/audophiles say these amps, DACs, etc. sound different and you say they don't. They can't all be wrong.

10. Surely designers...

• amirm
• Replies: 16,650
• Forum: General Audio Discussions

• 

 

[Casimir101]

Opamps do not change the sound. It only changes your expectations. If you can't measure a difference, it can't be heard either. Everything you can hear can be measured, but not everything you can measure can be heard. Please read this:

'Master Thread: Are Measurements Everything or Nothing?'

Nov 18, 2020

Seems like so many review threads get challenged with:

1. Measurements are not everything.

2. You all never listen.

3. I trust my ears, not graphs.

4. I don't listen to graphs. I listen to music.

5. You all must not listen to music at all.

6. Why don't you all buy the best SINAD gear?

7. I have heard your best SINAD gear and they sound terrible. I don't like any of this Chinese stuff.

8. You don't trust your ears. I/we do.

9. All these reviewers/youtubers/audophiles say these amps, DACs, etc. sound different and you say they don't. They can't all be wrong.

10. Surely designers...

• amirm
• Replies: 16,650
• Forum: General Audio Discussions

• 

Thanks for the reply. I think the sound is perfect with the NE5532 anyway, and I'm absolutely happy with the A80.

 

[gnat_leader]

Does anyone use it with high sensitivity speakers? I have 96db with a 15" driver and a horn loaded tweeter and wondering if this would be a bad match or not. Fearing the harsh/bright treble thing, and ear-fatigue thing.
I'm currently using a very inexpensive and lower powered TPA3244 based amp and it doesn't sound harsh, so...?

 

[Guddu]

Does anyone use it with high sensitivity speakers? I have 96db with a 15" driver and a horn loaded tweeter and wondering if this would be a bad match or not. Fearing the harsh/bright treble thing, and ear-fatigue thing.
I'm currently using a very inexpensive and lower powered TPA3244 based amp and it doesn't sound harsh, so...?

I don’t think this should be an issue and you have basic eq built-in to get treble down a bit if you need.

 

[gnat_leader]

I don’t think this should be an issue and you have basic eq built-in to get treble down a bit if you need.

thanks for the reply.
yeah I also have an L-pad on the horn tweeter to make treble ajustments.

btw, I noticed in a teardown video the A80 has two other NE5532s on the analog inputs and two OPA1656 on the digital inputs.
I know nobody will be swapping those soldered SMDs, just sayin'. The OPA1656 can also be used in the socketed opamps right?

 

[Casimir101]

The OPA1656 is only for the preamp, right? Therefore, the NE5532P is primarily responsible for the overall sound.
Therefore, the NE5532P will influence the overall sound (input), regardless of whether it's via USB-C or RCA. Isn't that correct?

 

[gnat_leader]

Thanks for the info. I've already noticed this, but I'm of the opinion that even if you can't technically measure it, there is still an audible difference, since the OPA itself is technically constructed differently... I've now ordered the OPA's 627 including shipping from Aliexpress for €9.30 and I'm going to test it myself because according to several testers, the sound is (audibly) better on the Aiyima A80 than with the standard NE5532. I'd also say that even if it's not measurable, I'll compare it like a pair of speakers...

like Joe N Tell says in the video... the power curve of two speakers can be completely identical and yet they sound completely different. But why do many people say that the OPA 848 also sounds really bad... Is that just a coincidence or is the sound different (thinner, soundstage, etc.) I think that every OPA sounds different which makes sense, the thing is a piece of the heart of an amplifier and every heart beats differently, right?

I'll report back here in the next few days on how the sound compares between the original and the OPA627. I'm really excited

I definitely hear a change in sound here!!!

I would have thought this video and the audio recording downloads on the page, would have put this argument to rest, but some people will never be convinced no matter how much evidence you present them...
watch the whole thing if you haven't already...

 

[Casimir101]

I would have thought this video and the audio recording downloads on the page, would have put this argument to rest, but some people will never be convinced no matter how much evidence you present them...
watch the whole thing if you haven't already...

The guy isn't saying anything other than that the OPS drastically change the sound. But anyone who's swapped their own OPS knows that. Like me, too. The sound of the 627AU is completely different from the standard NE5532P. Definitely

Does anyone know what the OPA1656 in the Aiyima A80 does and what it does? (in the diagram above) Can anyone tell me?

 

[Guddu]

The OPA1656 can also be used in the socketed opamps right?

Yes, I think it could be used as replacement opamp.

 

[gnat_leader]

Does anyone know what the OPA1656 in the Aiyima A80 does and what it does? (in the diagram above)

if you don't get an answer here try over on DIYAudio. I guess none of the AI's out there can analyze a circuit diagram yet?
well if not, it's just a matter of time. Check back in 6 or 12 months ;-)

Btw, if you're asking because you're thinking about modding one of the input daughter boards I'm totally with you.
There are various NE5532 and OPA1656 on those boards. Sadly I don't have the solder-slinger skills (yet?) to swap SMDs.

 

[gnat_leader]

if you don't get an answer here try over on DIYAudio. I guess none of the AI's out there can analyze a circuit diagram yet?
well if not, it's just a matter of time. Check back in 6 or 12 months ;-)

Btw, if you're asking because you're thinking about modding one of the input daughter boards I'm totally with you.
There are various NE5532 and OPA1656 on those boards. Sadly I don't have the solder-slinger skills (yet?) to swap SMDs.

if you don't get an answer here try over on DIYAudio. I guess none of the AI's out there can analyze a circuit diagram yet?
well if not, it's just a matter of time. Check back in 6 or 12 months ;-)

Btw, if you're asking because you're thinking about modding one of the input daughter boards I'm totally with you.
There are various NE5532 and OPA1656 on those boards. Sadly I don't have the solder-slinger skills (yet?) to swap SMDs.

ok, here's what one AI told me when I described that part of the circuit.
See if experienced humans agree ;-)

The three OPA1656 chips in the Aiyima A80 amp circuit are primarily performing signal amplification and filtering tasks for the audio output from the ESS9038Q2M DAC.

The first two OPA1656 chips connected in parallel after the DAC output are used to amplify the analog audio signal. Their parallel configuration likely aims to provide low noise, low distortion, and higher current driving capability compared to a single op-amp. The OPA1656 is known for ultra-low noise and distortion, making it suitable for high-fidelity audio amplification in this stage.

The third OPA1656 chip marked as "LPF OPA1656" functions as a low-pass filter. It takes the amplified signal from the first two OPA1656 chips and filters out high-frequency noise or unwanted DAC output frequencies before sending the cleaned analog signal to the DSP NJW1194.

The DSP chip NJW1194 in the Aiyima A80 amplifier is a specialized integrated circuit that functions as a 2-channel electronic volume control with an input selector and tone control. It provides low noise and low distortion audio processing using a resistor ladder circuit.
The NJW1194 handles digitally controlled volume adjustments, input selection, and tone (equalization) control after the analog signal is filtered and amplified by the OPA1656 op-amps. This allows precise and low-noise management of the audio signal’s volume and tonal characteristics before final output or amplification stages.

 

[gnat_leader]

It's too bad the Buffer NE5532 above the pair of Difference NE5532 chips connected to the amp chip is not also socketed.
Maybe it wouldn't make any difference?

more from the AI on this part of the circuit...

The three NE5532 op-amps in the Aiyima A80 circuit serve the following functions:

1. The first NE5532 marked as "BUFFER" acts as a buffer amplifier. This stage provides impedance matching by presenting a high input impedance to the preceding NJW1194 output and a low output impedance to drive the next stages. This buffering preserves signal integrity and prevents loading effects that might degrade the audio quality. The NE5532 is popular for this role due to its low noise and distortion characteristics.
2. The second and third (socketed) NE5532 op-amps labeled as "DIFFERENCE" are configured as differential amplifiers. Their job is to convert the single-ended buffered output into balanced differential outputs. These differential outputs are then fed into the TPA3255 amplifier chip, which typically expects a balanced input for better noise rejection and improved signal fidelity. Using two separate difference amplifiers can drive two channels or provide balanced stereo signals.