AIYIMA A80 Stereo Amplifier & DAC Review

[gaussianmist]

Too bad you can't bridge it considering the single VU meter.

 

[sulka]

Too bad you can't bridge it considering the single VU meter.

Not sure what you mean here? A80 has both stereo and mono VU meter views.

 

[robbiekhan]

Mine is now running as power amp only with the K11 R2R feeding it as DAC, a considerably improved sound now especially as I have a low noise PSU on the R2R. So now have the R2R source sound, along with the OpAmps from Sparkos delivering the rich dynamics at the output stage.

 

[gaussianmist]

Not sure what you mean here? A80 has both stereo and mono VU meter views.

Yeh, you're right. (I based this on Amir's photo.) Still, I wish it were bridgeable to serve as a monoblock with almost twice the horsepower.

 

[sulka]

Ok changed the op amps to LM4562 and either the placebo is strong or I can hear increased clarity on the sound. Having opened the amp I have to say the build quality is GREAT. Everything is very well put together and there's a detail that really struck me as Aiyima really shooting for quality here - the speaker plugs were not only aligned so the hole for connecting the cables are perfectly aligned to each other, but also the plugs were tightened very well and glue had been applied on top to prevent the plug from getting loose. That one last detail is only applied if the manufacturer expects the customer to continue using the device for a long time and make his next purchase decision based on the observed quality of the A80. Most manufacturers for cheaper gear would absolutely not go for this level of detail, so big thumbs up for Aiyima here.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

People hi

I find it quite 'curious' that no one has indicated the size of the screen, the technology used, its qualities (or defects) when this is mainly what makes this device quite unique....

 

[Scottopus]

Ordered directly from Aiyima on 3/5 and it got here today. I didn't have to pay any State sales tax or additional Trump tariffs (for now). Got it with the US 48V @ 5A power supply.

It's replacing my Aiyima A07 (32V @ 5A) that I've had since December 2021.

The A80 source is my Rega Planar 2 (2018) through a Schiit Mani 2 Preamp. It's driving a pair of Kef Q100.

This equipment has been my personal journey into HiFi and is my only reference. It has a very noticeable improvement across the board. Sound stage has expanded in all directions. This larger sound stage allows more details to come through.

Did a rough screen measurement- 2 5/8 inches (67mm) wide and 1 1/16 inch (27mm) tall. Edited to add screen measurement.

 

[UA8890]

Ordered directly from Aiyima on 3/5 and it got here today. I didn't have to pay any State sales tax or additional Trump tariffs (for now). Got it with the US 48V @ 5A power supply.

It's replacing my Aiyima A07 (32V @ 5A) that I've had since December 2021.

The A80 source is my Rega Planar 2 (2018) through a Schiit Mani 2 Preamp. It's driving a pair of Kef Q100.

This equipment has been my personal journey into HiFi and is my only reference. It has a very noticeable improvement across the board. Sound stage has expanded in all directions. This larger sound stage allows more details to come through.

Did a rough screen measurement- 2 5/8 inches (67mm) wide and 1 1/16 inch (27mm) tall. Edited to add screen measurement.

Please tell me, how did you objectively measure the expansion of the stage? With a tape measure? A ruler? And by how many meters or feet did the stage expand? Up, down, right, left?

 

[Scottopus]

I totally understand where you're coming from and actually don't know what device can empirically measure or compare sound stages.

I can say that I've been listening to the same records, player, and preamp in the same room for over 5 years now. The only recent change I just made was going from the Aiyima A07 to A80.

This forum helped me make my decision to purchase the A80. I felt that I should at least provide my experience so that it may be helpful to someone.

 

[UA8890]

I totally understand where you're coming from and actually don't know what device can empirically measure or compare sound stages.

I can say that I've been listening to the same records, player, and preamp in the same room for over 5 years now. The only recent change I just made was going from the Aiyima A07 to A80.

This forum helped me make my decision to purchase the A80. I felt that I should at least provide my experience so that it may be helpful to someone.

Your little audio experience has told you wrong. So changing the Aiyima 07 amplifier to the Aiyima A80 will not expand the sound stage either to the sides, or in depth, or in height. My question was sarcastic. Want to change the sound in the direction of its improvement? Take a measurement microphone and perform frequency measurements and room correction with a parametric equalizer or DSP. You will be surprised and amazed at the huge improvement in sound quality. And when you changed amplifiers, you heard what you subconsciously tuned in to, what you really wanted, what you really wanted to hear. This is a placebo.

 

[NorseMyth]

I am looking to upgrade my denon e300 with something inexpensive. I have Focal Chorus 728 towers which are 8ohm and suggest 40-250w.

I was considering a

Nord Value-Line MP NC502 Stereo Power Amplifier​

But I would then need some sort of dac/preamp which would end up costing more than I want to spend.

Would the a80 be a noticeable improvement? I only listen to stereo music. Or any better suggestions?

 

[statequieta]

Hi everyone,

After reading the good review from @amirm, I'm considering getting the Aiyima A80 for my second residence, where I don’t need a high-end system but still want decent sound quality. The price is quite attractive, and I'd rather save money on the amp to invest in a good pair of speakers—I'm thinking of the Monitor Audio Silver 100 (7G).

Most of my listening would be from a NAS over the network, so I'll likely use the A80's built-in DAC.

A couple of questions:

1. Do you think the A80 + Silver 100 (7G) is a good match?
2. Would it be worth upgrading the Aiyima’s power supply for better performance?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[JSmith]

Ok changed the op amps to LM4562

Why?


JSmith

 

[Graham849]

Via Amazon $420 Australian $ is a premium price. I was hoping $350.

 

[JSmith]

Via Amazon $420 Australian $ is a premium price. I was hoping $350.

Ali much cheaper @ AUD$295... but then, one has to deal with Ali for any returns;

https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005008647701868.html

I gather this is the one for $420, which seems to ship from Amazon Germany, which seems a bit odd?

https://www.amazon.com.au/AIYIMA-A80-Bluetooth-Amplifier-Receiver/dp/B0DL9PGZTM

Aiyima's own site seem to be up there too at USD$230 ($AUD$365), but certainly less than Amazon and not any AU sellers on eBay from what I can see.


JSmith

 

[djsolidsnake86]

between this aiyima a80 and smsl pa200 which choose?

 

[Guddu]

between this aiyima a80 and smsl pa200 which choose?

A80 if you are planning to use direct digital input.
and PA200 isn’t measured yet.

 

[djsolidsnake86]

A80 if you are planning to use direct digital input.
and PA200 isn’t measured yet.

i have to connect the amp to my dac (nfb 11.28) and my speakers (wharfedale 12.2)

 

[Guddu]

i have to connect the amp to my dac (nfb 11.28) and my speakers (wharfedale 12.2)

Then I think you can better spend similar or less money for Aiyima A70 or slightly more for 3e for a but better performance seen.

 

[djsolidsnake86]

Then I think you can better spend similar or less money for Aiyima A70 or slightly more for 3e for a but better performance seen.

3e what you mean?