Douk G7 Amplifier Review

[amirm]

Just what is the point of power meters? Something to look at when the music's boring? Peak clipping indicators, OTOH, *are* good to have!

No, it adds to the enjoyment of music. It also tells you the amp is getting signal, in case you are having issues trying to debug. Indeed, I used it for that when I thought it was not getting signal but VU meters were showing that it was.

 

[Audionaut]

That's a shame. I followed the development of the G7 here on ASR and its subsequent release.
It offers some good detailed solutions, but unfortunately it's not particularly mature yet.

 

[pieterv1]

Great functionality, but so much wasted potential

 

[CedarX]

Douk Audio website indicates 3 modes selection buttons on the remote: Channel A, Channel B, and Channel A+B. I assume it changes the dual TPA3255 configuration from 2 to 4 channels.
How does the PFFB behave in that case? Can it explain the strange numbers? For example, if it was tested in 4-channel mode (I don’t know that) but the B-speakers loads were missing.

 

[leebergtally]

Blue meters are perhaps a nod to McIntosh. They could have implemented multi-colored LED.

 

[V.b.]

View attachment 511843

The speaker wire situation looks like a mess. I wonder if some cable management plus twisting would improve the situation.

Also, the power supply is right under. Is there a shielding?

V

 

[TurtlePaul]

Looking at the measurements of the various Douk product that advertise PFFB, you get the sense that they can’t figure out the math so they just put 1-2 dB of PFFB in an otherwise ‘old’ TPA3255 layout while the competitors have figured out how to use 6-10 dB of PFFB. $300 in 2026 for performance like a Fosi v3 stereo or Aiyima A07 just isn’t compelling.

 

[tw99]

Just what is the point of power meters? Something to look at when the music's boring? Peak clipping indicators, OTOH, *are* good to have!

For me, they would just be a really annoying distraction, and a strong reason not to buy the product.

 

[V.b.]

I believe that we do not fully respect the genius of the first gen Topping PA5 amp. TI had a paper describing PFFB at the launch and there were various implementations with this kind of results.

Nobody would have even considered possible Purifi level distortion levels from TPA325x until PA5.

 

[Chr1]

Really love the look of this amp personally.

Just hope there will be an updated Mk2, that has better actual performance.

 

[Roland68]

Douk Audio website indicates 3 modes selection buttons on the remote: Channel A, Channel B, and Channel A+B. I assume it changes the dual TPA3255 configuration from 2 to 4 channels.
How does the PFFB behave in that case? Can it explain the strange numbers? For example, if it was tested in 4-channel mode (I don’t know that) but the B-speakers loads were missing.

No, it's exactly like the A-B buttons and connections that were previously found on many stereo amplifiers.
You have speaker terminals for A and B on the back. Using the selection, you can choose whether speaker A plays, or B, or both together (parallel connection).
A and B each have a TPA3255 in BTL configuration. Nothing is switched on the TPA3255 itself.

One application is, for example, a second pair of speakers in another room.

 

[CedarX]

No, it's exactly like the A-B buttons and connections that were previously found on many stereo amplifiers.
You have speaker terminals for A and B on the back. Using the selection, you can choose whether speaker A plays, or B, or both together (parallel connection).
Nothing is switched on the TPA3255 itself.

One application is, for example, a second pair of speakers in another room.

Ok, since the remote has 3 buttons (A, B, A+B), I was assuming they were switching the TPA3255 config. from BTL (4 channels for a dual TPA3255, A+B) to PBTL (2 channels, dual-mono, A or B).

 

[tccalvin]

Why do some Chinese manufacturers have the bad habit of fitting a three-prong plug without connecting the ground pin?

From a consumer’s perspective, a three-prong plug implies a 'Class I' design, where the ground pin is bonded to the metal chassis.

But this amp clearly has a floating ground.

I strongly dislike this practice.

 

[Audionaut]

$300 in 2026 for performance like a Fosi v3 stereo or Aiyima A07 just isn’t compelling.

Yes, the performance could be better, but you also have a four-channel amplifier with a built-in power supply and VU meters. So it's not really comparable to your examples.

 

[Roland68]

Ok, since the remote has 3 buttons (A, B, A+B), I was assuming they were switching the TPA3255 config. from BTL (4 channels for a dual TPA3255, A+B) to PBTL (2 channels, dual-mono, A or B).

Sorry, I just corrected it. A and B each have a TPA3255 assigned to them in BTL configuration. Nothing is switched on the TPA3255.
I was assuming a single TPA3255 in the measurements.

 

[V.b.]

Doesn't look like that. Assuming each PCB plug corresponding to one chip, it looks like one is for left and one for right. Let's hope it sums the output when using one pair of speakers, although I'm doubtful.

 

[Bob101]

Great concept of a product, poor execution!
If we could get topping level performance with the VUs in light yellow it would sell like crazy methinks....

Thanks for testing Amir!

Yes, and at Topping prices as well.

 

[TurtlePaul]

Yes, the performance could be better, but you also have a four-channel amplifier with a built-in power supply and VU meters. So it's not really comparable to your examples.

It is not a four channel amplifier.

 

[JeremyFife]

Thanks for the review Amirm, always appreciated.

This is a bit of a shame: strange clipping behaviour, high distortion (audible?), poorly implemented pffb and control knobs where you can't tell what the settings are.

Aesthetics are personal (I'm not keen, you are). Built in power supply is nice.

The performance just isn't there, so everything else is moot. Would be OK if it was cheaper.

 

[Bob101]

Hummmm This G7 is rather disappointing
Teardow : see attached files

BTW spec :

Marque : Douk Audio
Modèle : G7
Inputs : RCA/TRS+XLR
Terminals : Banana plugs
Chipset : 2×TPA3255
Channels : Sélectionnable 2 canaux / 4 canaux
Power : 300W*2@4Ω (sortie 2 canaux) ; 150W*4@4Ω+4Ω ( 4 ch)
PSU : DC 48V/10A
Op amps : 3×OPA1612
Frequency resp. : 20Hz-20kHz (±0,5dB)
THD+N : 0,002 %
SNR : ≥112 dB
Sensitivity : RCA : 2V ; TRS+XLR : 4V
Impedance : 4-8Ω
Frquency range aigus/bas: ±10 dB
VU-meter size : 85*45,4 mm / 3,34*1,79 pouces
Remote ok
AC mains : AC 100-240V
Dimensions (L*P*H): 275*190*78mm / 10.83*7.48*3.07in
3,34 kg / 7,36 lb

Black Magic again, getting 600W out of a 480W PSU... I know, 'momentarily' it's possible for a ms, but anything else than contunious possible power outpout is a a lie in my book. Espesially if the measured values are only half on the 'good' side. and 1/3 on the other side. This unit is defect, but even then the specs are blown up like in an 80's catalogue. There's room for improvement is an understatement.