In the past I've used an SMSL SA98e amp (claimed 160wpc), and I may go that route again but I'm taking the opportunity to consider the other options. The SMSL is plenty loud with the volume never needing to exceed 50%.
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The Topping PA3 had barely adequate power. My reason for selling was that the sound profile wasn't my favorite and in order to make it loud I was up near 90% on the dial.
Definitely puzzling to hear since the PA3 uses a TDA7498E, just like the SMSL SA98. Did you compare the Topping PA3 and SMSL SA98 in identical conditions? In my experience Topping products are at least as well engineered as SMSL products, and usually much more so.
I've got a SMSL SA98 here too. I'll try and compare it head to head with the PA3 at some point, though I don't really have the tools for an objective measurement other than an SPL meter.
FWIW, the PA3 + S2000 MTM speaker combo put out loads of volume and strong bass for me. However, the S2000 MTM is a high efficiency design and puts out some strong bass even with weaker Class D amps, so maybe that was sort of a best case scenario.
Following a phase of fascination with those "new" amps, I'm growing more and more disgusted by them, and the wild claims made about them by some resellers. A gain setting issue? That's unacceptable. The PA3 ain't exactly cheap either. For instance Yamaha amps start at about $150, new. You would never get an issue like this on a mainstream cheap amp.
Cheap class D amps can be a great value as long as you understand what you're getting.
Yes, you trade off some maximum output in favor of compact form factor and blessed simplicity.
Yes, the power ratings are a pure marketing fantasy since they're given at 10% distortion. Rule of thumb is to simply divide them by 2 to get a power rating that is remotely comparable to an FTC-compliant rating on a good old fashioned Class AB amp. This is only a 3dB difference in headroom however so I don't think it's the biggest deal in the world.
For small rooms, modest amps like the SMSL SA50 provide more than enough clean power unless using hard to drive speakers. For medium rooms, I'd say the same of higher-powered cheap Class D amps like the SA98 and PA3.
The PA3 ain't exactly cheap either. For instance Yamaha amps start at about $150, new. You would never get an issue like this on a mainstream cheap amp.
I spent some time with the Yamaha S201 (or was it the 202?) which has an MSRP of around $150 and it's not great. I mean, it's totally adequate, and gives you features like an AM/FM tuner. It's also suspiciously lightweight compared to AB amps of yore, so we can be fairly certain this thing is not exactly a juggernaut when it comes to power delivery.
IMO really nice Class AB amps start well above $150. I'd take my Emotiva A-100 over
any of my cheap class D amps, but that has an MSRP of $229. These Class D amps fill a niche well below that price point.