Alsozone /3e Audio GaN Monoblocks | New Comer

[avdoc]

I compared the GaN Mono to the Fosi V3 mono and 3e audio A7 stereo amp. The GaN is significantly smaller than the Fosi and 3e audio amps (see attached pics, GaN in the middle, Fosi on left and 3e on right). The GaN runs significantly cooler (87 F) than the Fosi (103.5 F) or the 3e audio (102 F) as measured on top of cases after running. Also, the GaN uses significantly lower wattage (2.7 W) compared to the Fosi (10 W) or the 3e audio (12.5 W). I really wanted to like the GaN, but it fell short in direct comparison to the 3e audio (I didn't compare sonically to the Fosi since I preferred the 3e audio to the Fosi previously). Initially I used the RCA input on both amps with my Pioneer SC-LX901 receiver as a stereo preamp. I level matched using a test disc with a SPL meter. With both amps set to low gain, the GaN was about 3 dB louder than the 3e audio, but one of the GaN amps was 1 dB louder than the other GaN amp which was disappointing. The sound through the GaN was noticeably thinner than the 3e audio and the noise floor was noticeably higher through my Magnepan 1.7s vs the 3e audio. When using XLR inputs with my Fosi ZD3 acting as the preamp, the differences were even more stark, again with the GaN sounding much more edgy with occasional high frequency noises. The 3e audio reminded me why I love it so much with deep black background and much more natural, lifelike sound. I really wish the GaN was better due to the cooler running and lower energy use, but ultimately it doesn't compare to the 3e audio. For anyone considering the GaN, I would recommend the 3e audio A7 mono as I assume it would perform identically to the A7 stereo. Hopefully Alsozone can make improvement to the GaN, as I'd love a cool running, efficient amp, especially if they make an 8 channel version for home theater use in accessory channels.

 

[audioje]

I compared the GaN Mono to the Fosi V3 mono and 3e audio A7 stereo amp. The GaN is significantly smaller than the Fosi and 3e audio amps (see attached pics, GaN in the middle, Fosi on left and 3e on right). The GaN runs significantly cooler (87 F) than the Fosi (103.5 F) or the 3e audio (102 F) as measured on top of cases after running. Also, the GaN uses significantly lower wattage (2.7 W) compared to the Fosi (10 W) or the 3e audio (12.5 W). I really wanted to like the GaN, but it fell short in direct comparison to the 3e audio (I didn't compare sonically to the Fosi since I preferred the 3e audio to the Fosi previously). Initially I used the RCA input on both amps with my Pioneer SC-LX901 receiver as a stereo preamp. I level matched using a test disc with a SPL meter. With both amps set to low gain, the GaN was about 3 dB louder than the 3e audio, but one of the GaN amps was 1 dB louder than the other GaN amp which was disappointing. The sound through the GaN was noticeably thinner than the 3e audio and the noise floor was noticeably higher through my Magnepan 1.7s vs the 3e audio. When using XLR inputs with my Fosi ZD3 acting as the preamp, the differences were even more stark, again with the GaN sounding much more edgy with occasional high frequency noises. The 3e audio reminded me why I love it so much with deep black background and much more natural, lifelike sound. I really wish the GaN was better due to the cooler running and lower energy use, but ultimately it doesn't compare to the 3e audio. For anyone considering the GaN, I would recommend the 3e audio A7 mono as I assume it would perform identically to the A7 stereo. Hopefully Alsozone can make improvement to the GaN, as I'd love a cool running, efficient amp, especially if they make an 8 channel version for home theater use in accessory channels.

Wonderful comparison. You are a pioneer! I knew it wouldn't be good but this is only the beginning. I hope to see something magical in a few years. BTW, I didn't know A7 gets quite warm like Fosi.

 

[Michou]

That’s for sure. Even if you can count the FDAs tested by Amir on the fingers of one hand... I don't think I'm wrong in saying that the SMSL VMV A2 is the best-measuring FDA on ASR, and it doesn't impress...

SMSL VMV A2 Review (Stereo Amplifier & DAC)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SMSL VMV A2 stereo "desktop" DAC and amplifier. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $999. VMV is the higher-end brand in SMSL lineup. The look and feel of the A2 is similar to the latest line from SMSL: It looks nicer though in...

www.audiosciencereview.com

The Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 is another example of an FDA that has been independently tested by Amir and measures very well. It’s interesting to see that this type of architecture can deliver objectively excellent performance when properly implemented.

 

[john61ct]

At $7-8000 USD one would hope.

I realise there are crazy SQ bargains, more expensive does not Always mean better, but when it comes to implementing new tech not in the mainstream, a big R&D team / budget is far likelier to do better on their earlier attempts

 

[daniboun]

The Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 is another example of an FDA that has been independently tested by Amir and measures very well. It’s interesting to see that this type of architecture can deliver objectively excellent performance when properly implemented.

What? The amplification stage is terrible... the DAC section is decent. A very poor FDA, especially considering the price. You mixed up the amplification stage and the DAC, my friend...

Review and Measurements of Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 Amp & EQ (Part 1)

This is part one of the review and detailed measurements of Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 Integrated amplifier, streamer, DAC and Room equalizer. It is on kind loan from a member and costs USD $6,499 (£4,995.00). In this review I will be focusing on the overall features of the unit, and performance of...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[daniboun]

I compared the GaN Mono to the Fosi V3 mono and 3e audio A7 stereo amp. The GaN is significantly smaller than the Fosi and 3e audio amps (see attached pics, GaN in the middle, Fosi on left and 3e on right). The GaN runs significantly cooler (87 F) than the Fosi (103.5 F) or the 3e audio (102 F) as measured on top of cases after running. Also, the GaN uses significantly lower wattage (2.7 W) compared to the Fosi (10 W) or the 3e audio (12.5 W). I really wanted to like the GaN, but it fell short in direct comparison to the 3e audio (I didn't compare sonically to the Fosi since I preferred the 3e audio to the Fosi previously). Initially I used the RCA input on both amps with my Pioneer SC-LX901 receiver as a stereo preamp. I level matched using a test disc with a SPL meter. With both amps set to low gain, the GaN was about 3 dB louder than the 3e audio, but one of the GaN amps was 1 dB louder than the other GaN amp which was disappointing. The sound through the GaN was noticeably thinner than the 3e audio and the noise floor was noticeably higher through my Magnepan 1.7s vs the 3e audio. When using XLR inputs with my Fosi ZD3 acting as the preamp, the differences were even more stark, again with the GaN sounding much more edgy with occasional high frequency noises. The 3e audio reminded me why I love it so much with deep black background and much more natural, lifelike sound. I really wish the GaN was better due to the cooler running and lower energy use, but ultimately it doesn't compare to the 3e audio. For anyone considering the GaN, I would recommend the 3e audio A7 mono as I assume it would perform identically to the A7 stereo. Hopefully Alsozone can make improvement to the GaN, as I'd love a cool running, efficient amp, especially if they make an 8 channel version for home theater use in accessory channels.

Thanks for the feedback. In the absence of tangible measurements, all comments are appreciated. You essentially confirm what the other person said earlier. This GaN unit seems noisy, with significant hiss. This reinforces my hypothesis that the analog-to-digital conversion stage doesn't seem to offer any benefit for a natively digital GaN chip....

 

[john61ct]

If that's the main problem buyiing a better ADC say from miniDSP might be worthwhile

 

[Uncola]

yeah it's not a giant killer but the zero heat and incredibly low power use are certainly nice in many situations. also the auto-on, having 2 auto on signal sensing levels, the multilevel dimmable leds etc make them very easy to live with too if you're not after ultimate fidelity
edit: didn't want to come off too negative, they still sound very good if the rest of your chain is good

 

[daniboun]

yeah it's not a giant killer but the zero heat and incredibly low power use are certainly nice in many situations. also the auto-on, having 2 auto on signal sensing levels, the multilevel dimmable leds etc make them very easy to live with too if you're not after ultimate fidelity
edit: didn't want to come off too negative, they still sound very good if the rest of your chain is good

I think we need to put things in context... in this specific case, AlsoZone markets the Mono GaN as an amp "Designed for modern HiFi systems."
We’ll see how the measurements turn out, but I doubt it can be described as an amp with "crystal-clear sound"—especially since two buyers have already pointed out hiss and noise in the high-frequency range.

On the other hand, I think it would be a pretty nice amp for in-car audio systems. )

 

[PowrrrPlay]

I bought a pair alsozone gan mono's for 180.oo directly from alsozone. They are replacing a pair of smsl pa200's in bridge mono mode. One pa200 stopped working after about 11 months of daily use at about 74db. The Chinese seller took back the dead unit for full credit after I did enough gymnastics to make the Olympic team. They would not take them both back. So I put the working one in my bedroom, back into stereo mode and it died 2 months later, so now I have a door stop. They are very weighty, feel like quality, but NOT.

So today I ordered 2 aiyima gan 48v10a ps to drive the alsozone gan mono's from aliexpress for 130.oo. streaming source wiim ultra > usb > topping d70 pro octo dac mode > 4.2vrms 3' xlrs' > alsozone gan mono low gain > 12awg 3' speaker cables > magnepan lrs+. That will be my memory comparison to my pa200's setup listed below with amp swap.

Soundstage width beyond speakers ~12', depth set back slightly, imaging/spot lit instruments and vocals are fantastic and background black black black. When i get the ps' in I will let you know what I think about my new cheapie gan amps.

 

[john61ct]

The whole point of GaN is reduced power consumption

48V/5A supply is already sufficient to reach the amplifier's maximum rated output, nominal 300W

Those rarely add more than $20 when buying a bundle

 

[daniboun]

I just tried to open the little YJCO D816. To take some photos. It doesn’t work. 1.) The mainboard is visibly glued to the case, so it’s secured against slipping 2.) The second, small board at the front can’t be removed because it’s screwed to the front, and the front is glued to the case. Inside you can see glue, but no screws or threads holding the front panel. Someone who professionally repairs phones might be able to get it open without breaking anything. But I don’t repair phones for a living.

Forgot to ask but can you share your sound impression about that YJCO D816 ? Did you compare vs a good Tpa325X amp ?

 

[PowrrrPlay]

The whole point of GaN is reduced power consumption

48V/5A supply is already sufficient to reach the amplifier's maximum rated output, nominal 300W

Those rarely add more than $20 when buying a bundle

Yes but I must add the math behind the Alsozone GaN monoblocks is straightforward: standard 115V wall power gets stepped down to a maximum of 48V. If you run a 48V/5A power supply, you get 240W of delivery—leaving about 60W of the amp's 300W maximum capacity unused. GaN tech doesn't alter the wattage output at the barrel jack, but its real magic lies in efficiency. Because less energy from the wall socket is wasted as heat, the circuitry can be shrunk down significantly, giving us tiny amps and power supplies that stay remarkably cool.

 

[john61ct]

peak vs RMS, capacitors...

 

[somebodyelse]

If you run a 48V/5A power supply, you get 240W of delivery—leaving about 60W of the amp's 300W maximum capacity unused.

This of course depends on the specific PSU. Some are specified for short term power delivery above their nominal or continuous rating, so may be capable of delivering >300W for musical peaks. Definition of 'short term' will vary, so check the specification. Others may go into protection above the rated current. Poor quality PSUs may not even deliver their rated current, or fail spectacularly if it's sustained for too long. Just looking at the 48V/5A rating doesn't tell you as much as you might think.

 

[antcollinet]

Yes but I must add the math behind the Alsozone GaN monoblocks is straightforward: standard 115V wall power gets stepped down to a maximum of 48V. If you run a 48V/5A power supply, you get 240W of delivery—leaving about 60W of the amp's 300W maximum capacity unused. GaN tech doesn't alter the wattage output at the barrel jack, but its real magic lies in efficiency. Because less energy from the wall socket is wasted as heat, the circuitry can be shrunk down significantly, giving us tiny amps and power supplies that stay remarkably cool.

Decent switch mode PSU's can typically provide transient currents significantly higher than continuous/RMS current. Which match well with transient peaks in music.

Nevertheless you need to stop considering the 300W rating of the amp. That is at 10% distortion. Massive and unlistenable. Do not consider any rated power as being valid if it is at greater than 1% distortion. It is just unusable specsmanship.

 

[john61ct]

aka marketing lies.

IIRC 3e has stated 5A is plenty to reach max output

 

[ziggurcat]

Anyone else who owns this amp have any feedback on its performance?

Also, I suspect that the load dependency would be identical to all of the other GaN amp reviewed here... which doesn't really look promising to me.

 

[bytek5]

Anyone else who owns this amp have any feedback on its performance?

Also, I suspect that the load dependency would be identical to all of the other GaN amp reviewed here... which doesn't really look promising to me.

I see it as perfect sub amp. Already ordered one but it will take few weeks before implementing into my audiovector m-sub signature it will be first attempt to replace brooming amp.