Pixelwarfare
Member
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2022
- Messages
- 16
- Likes
- 40
Fairly simple packaging box with generous foam protection all around
The DAC/Amplifier got some weight for its size. I was surprised when I picked up the package. It has a rigid all aluminium enclosure with pretty thick walls. This unit is built like a tank, trust me. Maybe a bit overkill but hey I’m not complaining.
The volume knob is made of aluminium, with haptic rotating feels, each notch gives a 1% of volume adjustment. The volume knob is also a button for mute by pressing.
The power and input select button on the unit are both made of aluminium as well. Great positive clicky feedback.
The center of the unit is a small display, showing input, volume bar and %, sampling rate. It can be turned off using remote only.
There are functions that will not be accessible without a remote control, like EQ (useless function read below), Loudness control, tone (treble & bass) control, turn off display. Don't lose your remote, as tone control can only be adjusted using remote.
First time I plugged in the power plug on the back of the amplifier, it made a small spark. As someone who has electrical knowledge, I don’t really mind the spark because I understand there are capacitors being charged and the inrush current makes the spark. Someone who doesn’t have electrical knowledge might ask if something is wrong with the amplifier. Also, the DC power plug leaves a gap of about 3mm when fully seated.
The Bluetooth antenna is way too tall (7”). I doubt most people will be using BT 30+ ft away from the device anyway. Smaller BT antenna would be best for the look and functionality.
Now the most important part, how does it sound? I've tested it with a pair of Klipsch RP-600M bookshelf speakers, using all digital inputs. It is GOOD. I was surprised since the TI- TAS5352A chip is fairly dated (2008) compared to the more modern TI- TPA3255. I was able to use 192kHz 24bit signal on all digital inputs, except BT which is 48kHz 16bit. Aptx codec works fine on Android, not supported on iPhone.
The subwoofer output is well tuned, the sub volume changes with the main volume. I would like the crossover frequency to be indicated in the spec sheet of the device.
The EQ is useless, the preset tunes (rock, rap, jazz etc.) are so bad I would never use it at all, unless you want to torture your ears. It sounds like they boosted the bass with 30db+... The default setting is the best, and if you want to adjust Tone control feel free. I wouldn't use Loudness control either.
Now the more technical parts of the review:
By turning the volume from Zero to Max, no hissing noise came up from speakers. I also tested this using an oscilloscope. Background noise (2.7Vpp @ 4ohm, 3.3Vpp @ 8ohm) was stable across all volume ranges
50% volume, no input, noise floor:
Tested RMS power output 100hz & 1000hz, all tests are done with EQ, Tone, Loudn OFF, MAX volume on digital input:
45W per channel, 2.33A @ 19.12V 80% volume before clipping 8ohm
81W per channel, 4.58A @ 17.73V 80% volume before clipping 4ohm
Clipping occurs above 80% Volume on the unit, with MAX volume from digital source, I suggest to even stay under 75% to be safe. This is with EQ Off and Loudness control Off. Zeroed Tone control. If you activate any EQ or Tone control, you will need to lower the volume to avoid clipping
The power adapter has short circuit protection, overcurrent protection. It is capable of the rated output of 5A @ 32Vdc. Mine was measured @ 32.3Vdc
I was curious to measure the ripple output of the power adapter under load, so I attached an 8-ohm power resistor, squeezing out 125W, 3.92A @ 31.8Vdc. 0.7Vpp ripple, meh... it is to be expected for the price.
0.3Vpp @ no load
Pros:
The DAC/Amplifier got some weight for its size. I was surprised when I picked up the package. It has a rigid all aluminium enclosure with pretty thick walls. This unit is built like a tank, trust me. Maybe a bit overkill but hey I’m not complaining.
The volume knob is made of aluminium, with haptic rotating feels, each notch gives a 1% of volume adjustment. The volume knob is also a button for mute by pressing.
The power and input select button on the unit are both made of aluminium as well. Great positive clicky feedback.
The center of the unit is a small display, showing input, volume bar and %, sampling rate. It can be turned off using remote only.
There are functions that will not be accessible without a remote control, like EQ (useless function read below), Loudness control, tone (treble & bass) control, turn off display. Don't lose your remote, as tone control can only be adjusted using remote.
First time I plugged in the power plug on the back of the amplifier, it made a small spark. As someone who has electrical knowledge, I don’t really mind the spark because I understand there are capacitors being charged and the inrush current makes the spark. Someone who doesn’t have electrical knowledge might ask if something is wrong with the amplifier. Also, the DC power plug leaves a gap of about 3mm when fully seated.
The Bluetooth antenna is way too tall (7”). I doubt most people will be using BT 30+ ft away from the device anyway. Smaller BT antenna would be best for the look and functionality.
Now the most important part, how does it sound? I've tested it with a pair of Klipsch RP-600M bookshelf speakers, using all digital inputs. It is GOOD. I was surprised since the TI- TAS5352A chip is fairly dated (2008) compared to the more modern TI- TPA3255. I was able to use 192kHz 24bit signal on all digital inputs, except BT which is 48kHz 16bit. Aptx codec works fine on Android, not supported on iPhone.
The subwoofer output is well tuned, the sub volume changes with the main volume. I would like the crossover frequency to be indicated in the spec sheet of the device.
The EQ is useless, the preset tunes (rock, rap, jazz etc.) are so bad I would never use it at all, unless you want to torture your ears. It sounds like they boosted the bass with 30db+... The default setting is the best, and if you want to adjust Tone control feel free. I wouldn't use Loudness control either.
Now the more technical parts of the review:
By turning the volume from Zero to Max, no hissing noise came up from speakers. I also tested this using an oscilloscope. Background noise (2.7Vpp @ 4ohm, 3.3Vpp @ 8ohm) was stable across all volume ranges
50% volume, no input, noise floor:
Tested RMS power output 100hz & 1000hz, all tests are done with EQ, Tone, Loudn OFF, MAX volume on digital input:
45W per channel, 2.33A @ 19.12V 80% volume before clipping 8ohm
81W per channel, 4.58A @ 17.73V 80% volume before clipping 4ohm
Clipping occurs above 80% Volume on the unit, with MAX volume from digital source, I suggest to even stay under 75% to be safe. This is with EQ Off and Loudness control Off. Zeroed Tone control. If you activate any EQ or Tone control, you will need to lower the volume to avoid clipping
The power adapter has short circuit protection, overcurrent protection. It is capable of the rated output of 5A @ 32Vdc. Mine was measured @ 32.3Vdc
I was curious to measure the ripple output of the power adapter under load, so I attached an 8-ohm power resistor, squeezing out 125W, 3.92A @ 31.8Vdc. 0.7Vpp ripple, meh... it is to be expected for the price.
0.3Vpp @ no load
Pros:
- Amazing build quality, it's built like a tank.
- Good power output for its size, thanks to the power adapter
- Good sound quality using default settings, NO EQ
- Well-tuned sub x-over, I'd like to know the frequency
- Great digital inputs (192/24)
- Super high efficiency
- Useless EQ and Loudness control, it is abysmal
- Give us a shorter BT antenna please! It will fit better into narrow spaces
- Spark on connecting DC plug
