Ampapa D1 or Aiyima a80

[GGroch]

@john61ct Thank you for the reply. This would suggest aux out on the A80 does not volume control so if fixed LO, cannot be used with a power amp whereas with the D1 it would allow use with a power amp?

No, the Aux out of the A80 is controlled by the A80 volume, not fixed. it is specifically set up for an external amp, active speakers, or a sub. While on older gear Aux Out often was not pre-amp controlled, on the A80 it is. .

Naming it "Aux Out" is a bit imprecise, but the function is what you want. As to "Why", it was previously pointed out that the A80 and D1 were designed and manufactured by the same company, but the brands "Aiyima and Douk" generally decide on the cosmetics including labeling. That may be the reason.

While there are some Amplifiers with fixed (loop through) volume Aux outs, there are no DAC/Amps built that way. The A80 uses a NJW1194 digital volume control chip for all outputs. 2v is perfect for most all normal consumer amps and active subwoofers. The amp or active sub you are considering also have sensitivity input specs, so you can look at those to be certain.

See this YouTube Short on the A80 Aux Out.

 

[xlinknz]

No, the Aux out of the A80 is controlled by the A80 volume, not fixed. it is specifically set up for an external amp, active speakers, or a sub. While on older gear Aux Out often was not pre-amp controlled, on the A80 it is. .

Naming it "Aux Out" is a bit imprecise, but the function is what you want. As to "Why", it was previously pointed out that the A80 and D1 were designed and manufactured by the same company, but the brands "Aiyima and Douk" generally decide on the cosmetics including labeling. That may be the reason.

While there are some Amplifiers with fixed (loop through) volume Aux outs, there are no DAC/Amps built that way. The A80 uses a NJW1194 digital volume control chip for all outputs. 2v is perfect for most all normal consumer amps and active subwoofers. The amp or active sub you are considering also have sensitivity input specs, so you can look at those to be certain.

See this YouTube Short on the A80 Aux Out.

Thank you @GGroch, well done finding that video too

Why would the Ampapa be 3.5v pre out and the Aiyima 2v on the aux out (unless they have their specs wrong?), what does 3.5v allow for that 2v would not?

 

[GGroch]

It could be a mistake in the spec sheet. A few high end amplifiers have low gain settings requiring higher than 2v outputs (it can improve S/N specs), but they also have higher gain settings. Both the D1 and A80 have digital volume controls (more than 1 knob spin to cover the volume range), so there is no major downside. If you use it with a straight power amp that has no volume control you would need to check its sensitivity to match that of the internal amps...but that is true either way.