Douk G7 Amplifier Review

[GGroch]

.... Bass and treble controls are provided but alas, I could not figure out how to center them. They are rotary controls so keep turning and there is no indication to tell you where you are on the dial. For this reason, I stuck to the "bypass mode" for review that defeats those controls and that of the volume (turning it into a power amplifier).

From the review I was not sure the mediocre specs were the worst part. Digital Bass/Treble (knobs that spin with no center detent or beginning/end point) with no indicator would be a nightmare in use. Particularly since the Bypass button disables not only the tone controls but the volume control as well (pushing the output to maximum gain).

However, the manual states the G7 uses LED indicator lights to denote minimum, center, and maximum (+- 10dB) Bass and Treble. This is still not great, a numeric display for digital controls is much better.

Another potential usability problem is the big "Bypass" button dead center on the remote control. Pushing it decouples volume/bass/treble; resetting B/T to Center, but the Volume to Maximum. Ouch, that could hurt. Fortunately the manual states you have to long press the button for 3 seconds for it to engage/disengage. So, perhaps less likely to be activated by accident unless you lose the remote under a cushion.

 

[Spitfire93]

They were on the verge of greatness until they choose blue for VU meter back lighting...

 

[Gremlins]

Except the measurement issues I personally am disappointed that these Asian devices are almost always smaller than the classic 43cm/17" Hifi components width which makes them look more toyish to me and matching less existing components.

What you mention os 100% subjective, many don't care form factor
What is important is objective performance, and that's what we get from Amir, Hence very poor on this unit tested

We should stay on objective comments imo

 

[Gremlins]

Exceptions prove the rule, I don't like the look of this Nagra either. On the other side I can find dozens of 17" amps from outside of China - even with VUs - which look nice to me while not really many from that country, how many of your dozens of Chinese tested devices were 17"?

Who cares????

 

[Redman43]

No, the 43cm width seems outdated to me nowadays. It's just unnecessary.

Thank you !
Never understood why people hoard big metal boxes in their living rooms. Then they go out and buy wooden boxes to put all those metal boxes in or on their wooden boxes.....To each his own I guess

 

[Jimster480]

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

While they look cool, they are very bright and the brightness cannot be adjusted. My wife has complained about them to me several times because when all the lights are off to watch a movie; they are definitely distracting.

 

[Jimster480]

I will update when I get a chance....

Do you want me to send you mine now and you can compare the performance?
The performance here is lower than I expected but I did feel as if this amp has slightly less clarity VS my Fosi Mono.

Also if you used "Speaker B" only then technically the wattage there is limited.

 

[MAB]

What you mention os 100% subjective, many don't care form factor
What is important is objective performance, and that's what we get from Amir, Hence very poor on this unit tested

We should stay on objective comments imo

I think the objective performance is pretty clearly underwhelming. That was covered on page 1.
Douk did seem to go through some effort and expense on aesthetics to help sell the product. Some of us notice that which is fine since style and operation is part of the product.

I personally prefer a different style and find this amp unsightly, although not as bad as some gear. Maybe you prefer a different style, which is fine. We talk about design choices including style in most every review thread. It's also fair game to talk about the tone controls even though they aren't objectively reviewed here.

 

[EJ3]

No, the 43cm width seems outdated to me nowadays. It's just unnecessary.

Some of the internals MAY run hot because of not much are space or heat management issues.
It's become better but internal air space makes it easier to deal with. I prefer larger cases and that is only one of the reasons why. There are other reasons, such as external design.
I don't have room to hide the gear, so (for me, anyway), it needs to have a look that doesn't stand out.
With the caveat that there is a good bit that is "subjective" on my requirements list, here is the main part of it:
1st criteria: is it competent at what it does? If so, it goes on the "possible" side of my list.
2nd criteria: does it fit via my budget? If so, then it stays on my possible list.
3rd criteria: does it (or it's company) have a reputation for long term longevity (of course, that includes heat management [and not heating up other gear near it]).
4th criteria: can it fit within the stereo system AND the décor without standing out in a negative way or being "flashy"
5th criteria: Does it require a remote or a cell phone app to operate it (again, it's just me [and my "no cell signal" living location] {purely intentional}). If yes, it's off the list.
6th criteria: size: is it too small, too light (will interconnect cause it to tilt or be pulled away from it's designated location [or is it too small for my sausage fingers to deal with comfortably]).
There are other criteria, but if it doesn't meet these 6, the others probably don't matter.

 

[EJ3]

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

Underwhelming performance, no dimming, ability to turn off the meter or lighting color selection.
All my gear from 1977-now is at least at the very top of the green section and the rest is at the bottom of the blue section of SINAD.
Coupled with the fact that Douk has already made a lot of gear that tests a lot better:
This unit is very disappointing, as far a piece of modern gear is concerned.
Some good ideas, some not fully fleshed out and the implementation leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[EJ3]

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!

There is plenty of other gear out there:
If you don't like the features, someone else might.
Simply don't buy it.
Whining for no real reason (except your own personal preference) is not a good look for a person of your intelligence.

 

[Spitfire93]

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!

This is like asking what's the point of the pierced nipples ...

 

[milosz]

Amir can't recommend this amp; I would like to know what $299 amp he DOES recommend? Anybody know? Seems like there would be one.

 

[spookym]

Amir can't recommend this amp; I would like to know what $299 amp he DOES recommend? Anybody know? Seems like there would be one.

Around that price point some examples are 3eAudio A7, WiiM Amp, 2 x Fosi V3 Monos.
Edit: Another example is the Topping PA5 II Plus.

The review index allows you to search.

 

[MAB]

Amir can't recommend this amp; I would like to know what $299 amp he DOES recommend? Anybody know? Seems like there would be one.

There is an index, search by device and recommendation.

Master Audio Review Index

www.audiosciencereview.com

Like amplifiers greater than $60 that are recommended:

 

[Mark185]

Except the measurement issues I personally am disappointed that these Asian devices are almost always smaller than the classic 43cm/17" Hifi components width which makes them look more toyish to me and matching less existing components.

Another factor to consider is the small size opens up possibilities for using these amps in more locations that would not handle traditional 17" hifi components. That is certainly true for my multiple use cases. Examples include desktop system in home office, small music system in kitchen, small music system in a garage or workshop, etc.

 

[Mark185]

Around that price point some examples are 3eAudio A7, WiiM Amp, 2 x Fosi V3 Monos.

The review index allows you to search.

I have a 3e Audio A7 in my basement home theater driving the primary L and R channel speakers. I have a pair of Fosi V3 Monos in my home office system. Got the V3 Monos on sale before Xmas for about $75 each without power supplies. I power them with a MeanWell 48 volt power supply purchased used on Ebay for $60. Can't beat $210 for dual V3 Mono setup. Don't know if Fosi lowers the price to that level often. I can say that I purchased 3E and Fosi amps largely on the test results Amir published and I am very pleased with how they perform in my systems.

 

[EJ3]

This is like asking what's the point of the pierced nipples ...

The point is for for the nipples to be on point. Something that I appreciate the aesthetics of whenever I see it on members of the opposites sex (with or without nipple rings).
Maybe it's subliminally why I like stereo gear with knobs.

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

Good morning.

1) Each TPA3255 should have been used in PBTL with only one speaker output per TPA3255, providing a significant increase in terms of dynamics.

(NB: as a reminder, TI used a MEANWELL HEP-600-48 power supply to create the datasheets for the TPA 3255: this available power of 600W is for a single TPA3255, I'll let you imagine the power requirement for 2 TPA3255s if you want to get all the power out of them... we must also not lose sight of the fact that 52V is the 'ideal' voltage to best power a TPA3255 if we refer to the data available in the datasheet).

2) The addition of bass and treble tone correctors significantly degrades the measurements: they should be removed.

A single RCA input should have been available with the XLR input using an NJW1195A chip by modifying the input circuit while simplifying it.

The use of the NJW1194 actually requires creating a circuit using too many components and 'only' resymmetrizes the signal whereas it could be purely symmetrical or 'SE' with a simplified circuit thanks to the NJW1195A.

Using the internal 'functions' of these chips for adjusting the treble or bass induces too much distortion knowing that these chips already induce too much distortion when used as a simple 'volume control' (rather an input signal attenuator in fact).

In absolute terms and to minimize the distortion of the input signal, it would be preferable to use a potentiometer with high precision 'resistance scales' as well as relaying (by electronic relays, not mechanical) which allows switching between symmetrical and 'SE' inputs.

This would have the effect of positively and very significantly impacting the SINAD of the device.

3) The PFFB circuit is poorly studied because it even seems to be inoperable... too bad.

By making these modifications we should be able to achieve a SINAD of 90 and even a little better with high available power, better channel separation and much better 'SQ'.

Douk Audio came close to creating a superb amplifier that would have been a strong contender in this segment of the market especially since the asking price is rather very attractive.

I give them a 'fine' opinion to encourage them but also for their good design idea for this 'well-born' device.

I am convinced that they will do even better when an improved version of this amplifier is released

 

[TurtlePaul]

I am convinced that they will do even better when an improved version of this amplifier is released

This follows the Duok A5 Pro and Ampapa D1 from them. They have repeatedly demonstrated that they are not capable of state of the art circuit design.