AIYIMA D03 class D amplifier "Subjective review"

[BDWoody]

I've read whole thread but nowhere there is a truly sound comparison with other chips, like tpa3255, ma12070 etc...
I mean the sound is more accurate, more analytical, more dry, warmer...(?)
Soundstage is more forward, more laidback, more dimensional (?)
Bass is more tight, more loose, more controled...(?)

Exactly...

Great isn't it?

So nice not to have to wade through that silliness.

 

[robertospeed]

I've read whole thread but nowhere there is a truly sound comparison with other chips, like tpa3255, ma12070 etc...
I mean the sound is more accurate, more analytical, more dry, warmer...(?)
Soundstage is more forward, more laidback, more dimensional (?)
Bass is more tight, more loose, more controled...(?)

Come on guys, some of you have many amps to compare...
Thanks...

the sound is warm and does not scream like A07, it does not bother, it has a calm, detailed and more precise sound, it also seems to sound louder than A07, the bass is more powerful than A07, in short it sounds better to me than A07, enter RCAs are not that good, it is better with usb connected to the pc, it sounds much better.

 

[AntGom]

the sound is warm and does not scream like A07, it does not bother, it has a calm, detailed and more precise sound, it also seems to sound louder than A07, the bass is more powerful than A07, in short it sounds better to me than A07, enter RCAs are not that good, it is better with usb connected to the pc, it sounds much better.

Thank you, have you tried Bluetooth from D03?

 

[AntGom]

Yes, but this site is based on science, not descriptions such as those, which 9 times out of 10 are useless and subconsciously based on the listener's preconceived ideas. There are lots and lots of other sites that will give you those kinds of descriptions, if that is what you want.

I think is not that bad to have both...(science and descriptions)

 

[Bushellj]

Thank you, have you tried Bluetooth from D03?

Just for reference I already have several Aiyima A04 and an A07 (so far unmodified). I also have one of the 3e Audio integrated amplifiers based on the TPA3250 chip (includes Bluetooth). I really like the D03 - even the RCA inputs are not particularly bad as highlighted by some other reviewers but then I am not using high end audiophile inputs - It’s being driven by an Amazon Echo Dot so the expectations are not that high !! Optical input from the TV and USB from my Mac Mini seem to work very well. The D03 seems to be a nice package. Just wish the display was a bit larger so you could read it from a few meters away. I power the D03 with a Mean Well LRS-200-24 that I use with all my Aiyima amplifiers.

Bluetooth input is certainly better than the 3e-Audio integrated amplifier both in implementation (ease of use) and I believe in sound quality although both are more than adequate for most domestic set ups. I have experienced some distortion (mainly bass breaking up) with some Bluetooth streamed tracks. I can repeat the problem by playing the “faulty” tracks. I do not appear to have the same problem with other Bluetooth receivers that play the same track without any issues. I have some further testing to do !!

Has anyone actually established whether the Bluetooth supports HD as I have no way of telling what connection is being used when I am using Bluetooth and do iPhones even support this ??

 

[Schlippwhip68]

I've read whole thread but nowhere there is a truly sound comparison with other chips, like tpa3255, ma12070 etc...
I mean the sound is more accurate, more analytical, more dry, warmer...(?)
Soundstage is more forward, more laidback, more dimensional (?)
Bass is more tight, more loose, more controled...(?)

Come on guys, some of you have many amps to compare...
Thanks...

I actually prefer the D03 to the SMSL SA300 and the Sabaj A10 both of which use the German Infineon chip you mentioned there. The reason being I didn't find the low end frequencies on those amps particularly accurate. As for the rest of the sound signature there is not a great difference between any of the three. The Infineon may have a little more top end sparkle (detail) but it was not enough to get me to accept the loose control over the bass and low end in general. For the sake of modern convenience and acceptable sound quality on the desk, the D03 wins hands down in my opinion and in fact found I myself listening to this amp more through convenience than my Cambridge Audio AM10 + Topping E30 both of which sounded more analytical and maybe slightly drier, certainly leaner in the vocals which seemed to sound like a mouse squeaking in a crowded room but further to say I think the only other amp I would consider against the D03 would be the Cambridge Audio CXA61 as I don't want another modular dac set up. But at approximately £700 for that amp compared to the £86 plus shipping, £106 that i paid for the D03 and being pleased with what the D03 has to offer in terms of digital conveniences and sound quality, (I bought 2 Aiyima D03s) It's really is a no brainer for a budget buyer like myself who can live with maybe a little less refined sound but decent none the less and save £500+! For the price of the CXA61 I can buy around 6 or 7 D03s which will last at least 15 years and still have a decent system paired with my 28 year old Mission 751s which are in mint condition and sound excellent with the D03..oh, and I have yet to add a sub woofer, which i can do next year....
The D03 has enough power too for my 5m x 5m room and I have not gone past 35 on the volume...it gets loud and have not found any distortion at this level either. I am in a little marvel to be honest at how simple the PCB is on this amp too. The PCB appears almost bare in comparison to some other amps. Overall, it's a good clear and fair sound, good bass control, good vocals, adequate soundstage, enough detail and easy to personalize the sound signature via the tone control.
If you took this back to the late 80s in a time vacuum it would cost you £1000s! Aiyima have done a very good job here of giving us an good quality sound with inputs to please any modern desk at a unbeatable price. Trust me, something like this in the 80s would be in the hands of the financial elite only. But I suppose that's one bonus of being an old man like me you can see and appreciate the development accrued through knowledge in ways that the younger folk cant yet but imagine in 20 years what you might think if you see the improvements that we have Gods grace to witness relatively speaking...if you haven't already.

 

[BladerunnerSC50]

It's my first post here in the forum, but I would also like to write something about the Aiyima D03. Please forgive me if the English is not translated correctly.
I like the TPA3255 chip very much and also own a somewhat modified amp in this design.
Because you hear so much great things about the Merus MA12070 chip, I also had a S.M.S.L DA09, which sounds super detailed, but I find it only suitable for the near field. Further away, about 4 meters I missed stage. Also, he could not convince me in the low frequency. With the tone controls, it was also never balanced enough for me. Let's put it this way, it always sounded "digital" to me and never like a good Class AB or Class A amplifier. No question, it is good. But not my taste.
Currently I own 4 self-built speakers that are tuned very linear. No matter which speaker I connect to the D03, it always sounds balanced and at no time "digital". Not the super detail-loving resolver, but also miles away from undercutting anything. Sound setting on neutral almost always fits but also the tone controls are super implemented.

At the beginning I connected it to a 24V/5A switching power supply. That was already OK, but with the Meanwell LRS-350-36 adjusted via potentiometer to 33V it became even better.
The connectivity is also great. Only Android devices via USB he does not find. My cell phone connects with BT APTX HD.
Conclusion: Very good sound at a very fair price. Measured values do not matter to me. My ears say keep it and will be very happy with it for a long time.

I hope I could help some interested

 

[Walter]

I think is not that bad to have both...(science and descriptions)

Unlike some here, I agree, but only when the descriptions are based upon actual, definable audio terms: More volume in the bass, lower bass extension, more even response, better channel separation, etc. Similar to the subjective comments Amir makes, especially when reviewing speakers. Even " better imaging" or "wider/deeper soundstage" if room dimensions and placement are given. But not using terms like "more laidback" that some reviewers like to use when they don't know how to make measurements.

 

[fakhrulanuar]

Hi all,
I just bought a unit of D03, really enjoy the flexibility and the size. However, my windows 10 pc cannot detect the unit with USB connection. I keep getting "unknown USB device (device descriptor request failed).

Appreciate your help, thank you.

 

[AntGom]

I actually prefer the D03 to the SMSL SA300 and the Sabaj A10 both of which use the German Infineon chip you mentioned there. The reason being I didn't find the low end frequencies on those amps particularly accurate. As for the rest of the sound signature there is not a great difference between any of the three. The Infineon may have a little more top end sparkle but it was not enough to to get me to accept the loose control over the bass and low end in general. For the sake of modern convenience and acceptable sound quality on the desk, the D03 wins hands down in my opinion and in fact found I myself listening to this amp more through convenience than my Cambridge Audio AM10 + Topping E30 both of which sounded more analytical and maybe slightly drier but further to say I think the only other amp I would consider against the D03 is the Cambridge Audio CX61 as I don't want another modular dac set up. But at approximately £700 for that amp compared to the £86 plus shipping, £106 that i paid for the D03 and being pleased with what the D03 has to offer in terms of digital conveniences and sound quality, (I bought 2 Aiyima D03s) It's really is a no brainer for a budget buyer like myself who can live with maybe a little less refined sound but decent none the less and save £500+! For the price of the CX61 I can buy around 6 or 7 D03s which will last at least 15 years and still have a decent system paired with my 28 year old Mission 751s which are in mint condition and sound excellent with the D03..oh, and I have yet to add a sub woofer, which i can do next year....
The D03 has enough power too for my 5m x 5m room and I have not gone past 35 on the volume...it gets loud and have not found any distortion at this level either. I am in a little marvel to be honest at how simple the PCB is on this amp too. The PCB appears almost bare in comparison to some other amps. Overall, it's a good clear and fair sound, good bass control, good vocals, adequate soundstage, enough detail and easy to personalize the sound signature via the tone control.
If you took this back to the late 80s in a time vacuum it would cost you £1000s! Aiyima have done a very good job here of giving us an good quality sound with inputs to please any modern desk at a unbeatable price. Trust me, something like this in the 80s would be in the hands of the financial elite only. But I suppose that's one bonus of being an old man like me you can see and appreciate the development accrued through knowledge in ways that the younger folk cant yet but imagine in 20 years what you might think if you see the improvements that we have Gods grace to witness relatively speaking...if you haven't already.

Very enlightenment to read reviews like this. Thank you.

 

[tw99]

Exactly...

Great isn't it?

So nice not to have to wade through that silliness.

Looks like you spoke too soon

 

[Schlippwhip68]

Hi all,
I just bought a unit of D03, really enjoy the flexibility and the size. However, my windows 10 pc cannot detect the unit with USB connection. I keep getting "unknown USB device (device descriptor request failed).

Appreciate your help, thank you.

I am guessing but it maybe a driver issue, check all drivers and update if needs be. Otherwise maybe clean any contact points with something like WD40 Professional Quick Dry Contact Cleaner, a quick spray into the USB port and cable. Try a different cable....

 

[Schlippwhip68]

It's my first post here in the forum, but I would also like to write something about the Aiyima D03. Please forgive me if the English is not translated correctly.
I like the TPA3255 chip very much and also own a somewhat modified amp in this design.
Because you hear so much great things about the Merus MA12070 chip, I also had a S.M.S.L DA09, which sounds super detailed, but I find it only suitable for the near field. Further away, about 4 meters I missed stage. Also, he could not convince me in the low frequency. With the tone controls, it was also never balanced enough for me. Let's put it this way, it always sounded "digital" to me and never like a good Class AB or Class A amplifier. No question, it is good. But not my taste.
Currently I own 4 self-built speakers that are tuned very linear. No matter which speaker I connect to the D03, it always sounds balanced and at no time "digital". Not the super detail-loving resolver, but also miles away from undercutting anything. Sound setting on neutral almost always fits but also the tone controls are super implemented.

At the beginning I connected it to a 24V/5A switching power supply. That was already OK, but with the Meanwell LRS-350-36 adjusted via potentiometer to 33V it became even better.
The connectivity is also great. Only Android devices via USB he does not find. My cell phone connects with BT APTX HD.
Conclusion: Very good sound at a very fair price. Measured values do not matter to me. My ears say keep it and will be very happy with it for a long time.

I hope I could help some interested

I agree. The D03 does not overly pronounce any particular area of playback, it holds a well balanced sound overall. Aiyima seem to be good at this with all their small Class D amps I have heard so far. Another thing with the D03 is the responsiveness of the user interface. It supersedes the Sabaj A10 and accurately relays the dial movement, something that I found with the Sabaj to be inaccurate and unacceptable for £125.

 

[Schlippwhip68]

I agree. The D03 does not overly pronounce any particular area of playback, it holds a well balanced sound overall.

Thank you, have you tried Bluetooth from D03?

The Bluetooth is very good. I was nicely surprised when using my iphone 8 but I found I need to dial up the treble to around 10 to appreciate the finer details but I am impressed with the result.

 

[Schlippwhip68]

Just for reference I already have several Aiyima A04 and an A07 (so far unmodified). I also have one of the 3e Audio integrated amplifiers based on the TPA3250 chip (includes Bluetooth). I really like the D03 - even the RCA inputs are not particularly bad as highlighted by some other reviewers but then I am not using high end audiophile inputs - It’s being driven by an Amazon Echo Dot so the expectations are not that high !! Optical input from the TV and USB from my Mac Mini seem to work very well. The D03 seems to be a nice package. Just wish the display was a bit larger so you could read it from a few meters away. I power the D03 with a Mean Well LRS-200-24 that I use with all my Aiyima amplifiers.

Bluetooth input is certainly better than the 3e-Audio integrated amplifier both in implementation (ease of use) and I believe in sound quality although both are more than adequate for most domestic set ups. I have experienced some distortion (mainly bass breaking up) with some Bluetooth streamed tracks. I can repeat the problem by playing the “faulty” tracks. I do not appear to have the same problem with other Bluetooth receivers that play the same track without any issues. I have some further testing to do !!

Has anyone actually established whether the Bluetooth supports HD as I have no way of telling what connection is being used when I am using Bluetooth and do iPhones even support this ??

No problems at all with my iphone 8, quite impressed with the sound quality. By far better than most other Bluetooth devices I have owned and own, even my Hama DIT2105SBTX streamer that facilitates RX and TX bluetooth does not sound as clear as the D03.

 

[UAN]

IPhones do not support APTX codecs, but replace it with their own, better ones.
Androids accept this format since version 8.
I have an Android 11 smartphone and no APTX HD reception with D03.
To activate the APTX HD codec in D03, you need a license. It is expensive and small companies cannot afford it.

 

[AntGom]

To activate the APTX HD codec in D03, you need a license. It is expensive and small companies cannot afford it.

What kind of license? From where...?

 

[UAN]

What kind of license? From where...?

APTX HD developer Qualcomm requires a license for HD modules for now.

 

[BladerunnerSC50]

IPhones do not support APTX codecs, but replace it with their own, better ones.
Androids accept this format since version 8.
I have an Android 11 smartphone and no APTX HD reception with D03.
To activate the APTX HD codec in D03, you need a license. It is expensive and small companies cannot afford it.

I doubt that it does not work with the license under Android 11.

My smartphone has Android 11 and it was immediately recognized with APTX HD (Xiaomi Mi11 Lite 5G).
Sound via Tidal HiFi on the D03 is very good. Also, I can leave the bass / treble slider on neutral. Difference to USB marginal.

Some smartphones offer further settings in the BT Menü.

 

[UAN]

I doubt that it does not work with the license under Android 11.

My smartphone has Android 11 and it was immediately recognized with APTX HD (Xiaomi Mi11 Lite 5G).
Sound via Tidal HiFi on the D03 is very good. Also, I can leave the bass / treble slider on neutral. Difference to USB marginal.

Some smartphones offer further settings in the BT Menü.

Interesting...
I have Redmi 9. DAC Topping pro + accepts LDAC format from this smartphone. There is a message on the smartphone that the LDAC codec is connected.
When communicating with D03 on a smartphone, SBC indication.