D-Sonic M3a-600M Class-D Amplifier Review

[Beershaun]

I wonder why the 31db gain? Is that hamstringing the amps noise and distortion performance? Would they measure much more favorable if it were 26db or something less?

 

[Cbdb2]

You need the gain to reach the max power. A 80w Amp needs 10db less gain than a 800w Amp to reach max power for the same input.
And yes this will amplify the noise from the input more.
All other things equal more powerful amps will be noisier.

 

[Beershaun]

I see. I need to go read up to get a better understanding on how gain and power are related.

 

[WalterW]

That is what the Stooges called raw power.

 

[TheWalkman]

Purifi and Hypex have raised the bar significantly and it certainly appears that the ICEpower folks have not met the challenge.

 

[martin900]

Barely usable for sub duty, dominant 3rd harmonic so likely hard/harsh sound.

 

[amirm]

Max power was reached at just 1.7 volts on balanced input for 4 ohm load. There is just no reason for such high level of gain these days.

 

[jhaider]

Am I reading correctly that it’s almost 3dBW less capable at 20Hz than at 1kHz?

Given the gain, this amp could be a great passive sub amp for a highly EQed system. But not if it’s at half power at 20Hz.

 

[amirm]

The actual power point in that measurement is approximate. Maybe I should run a separate 20 Hz max/peak power measurement in the future. That data is accurate.

 

[enricoclaudio]

Not at the level of performance of even cheaper options using Hypex modules but all I can say that the guy behind this company, Dennis, is a gentleman. I had the chance to meet him back in 2018 at a GTG here in Houston and after talking to him and Brian from Rythmik Audio for about 2 hours, I learned a lot about amps design. BTW, thanks @amirm for another honest review.

 

[TurtlePaul]

These are the types of measurements that gave Class D a bad name. Power and nothing else. Should be a PA amp.

 

[dsnyder0cnn]

I appreciate the internal power supply and quantity of power, but I'm happy with the Topping B200s so far. Nothing has caught fire.

 

[Jimster480]

What is the purpose of such high distortion power? Concerts?

 

[Sokel]

The actual power point in that measurement is approximate. Maybe I should run a separate 20 Hz max/peak power measurement in the future. That data is accurate.

Now with the new FTC rule will we see something similar so to check on manufacturer's (whoever follow the rule) claims ?
That would be super interesting!

 

[RigorDude]

Reserved for @AdamG to kindly add the specs.

Manufacturer Specifications:

View attachment 384272

Detailed Specifications: https://k035d6.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/DETAILED-SPECIFICATIONS.pdf

Something appears to be askew with the gain and/or operating mode. The specs imply that 26 dB gain is possible but the tested gain is 32 dB. Specs posted elsewhere indicate BTL mode is available. Is that a switch on the back? If so, perhaps it is set for BTL.

 

[ROOSKIE]

These are the types of measurements that gave Class D a bad name. Power and nothing else. Should be a PA amp.

What is the purpose of such high distortion power? Concerts?

I voted 'Fine'
Generally the measured issues will be totally inaudible.
They are not that bad.
Especially as these will surely not be used with sensitive speakers.
The measured price to performance is a question mark as obviously some other amps beat these in many measurable ways for similar or less money.
Still, this has no fan and massive power. There is a place for that and the price while not a 'slickdeal' is doable for the use cases and buyers I can imagine. It is not overpriced in the grand scheme of hifi and audio.
This is a fine product.

 

[OsoSolitario]

I have two D-Sonic power amps (7 + 5 ch) and I'm very happy with them. I don't feel any kind of distorsion/hiss or hash sound on my JBL speakers with compression drivers.
In order to know the exact module the power amp has in this review... I think Pascal X-Pro modules have only three versions: X-Pro1, mono with 1500w (@ 8ohms), X-Po 2 (two channels, 1500w+400w) and X-Pro 3 (three channels, 1500w+400w+400w, bridgeable as 1500w+800w). So if these unit has 500 (or 800w as D-Sonic says) maybe are talking about another kind of module (maybe a bridged S-Pro)... the pictures shown before are also from mono power amps but with the real X-Pro 1 module, which has 1500w as I said before (also on the list of D-Sonic, known as M3a-1500).
We have to take into account that these modules (with built in SMPS power supply) usually perform better at 240v against the 120v US voltage.

I don’t want to defend this brand too much, but the Pascal modules are well made electronics "Made in Denmark" and many active speakers from Genelec well known for its ultra performing monitors, are powered by Pascal modules...

 

[VQR]

Max power was reached at just 1.7 volts on balanced input for 4 ohm load. There is just no reason for such high level of gain these days.

The lack of adjustable gain settings at this price range does seem strange. Even with DSP, something like an RME DAC with a potential 7V RMS max out will provide a lot of voltage on its own. I would want gain to be adjustable to accomadate the usual DAC out of 4V and higher.

 

[Cbdb2]

These are the types of measurements that gave Class D a bad name. Power and nothing else. Should be a PA amp.

Is it reliable enough for PA work? At 800watts and 90% efficiency it still has to dispose of 80 watts of heat, with no fan.

 

[beefkabob]

Not trash but not worth the money.