Multi-channel Amp,Which one you would like to own?

[daniboun]

Now, if we read between the lines, we understand that AlsoZone is more of an integrator that has used the services of 3e Audio."powered by 3E Audio"

I know that 3E audio offers OEM service

"ODM/OEM Service
Our ODM/OEM business is specialized in innovatively design and manufacture of audio product. We are committed to consistently meet and exceed customers’ expectations in terms of cost, quality, and benefit.
In order to meet the market’s demand and provide the suitable solution, we offers board level and system level customized design and integration service for your product development, our ODM/OEM service is covering:

System engineering
PCB hardware design
Mechanical design
PCBA Prototyping
Manufacturing and Assembly"

 

[Guddu]

Now, if we read between the lines, we understand that AlsoZone is more of an integrator that has used the services of 3e Audio."powered by 3E Audio"

I know that 3E audio offers OEM service

"ODM/OEM Service
Our ODM/OEM business is specialized in innovatively design and manufacture of audio product. We are committed to consistently meet and exceed customers’ expectations in terms of cost, quality, and benefit.
In order to meet the market’s demand and provide the suitable solution, we offers board level and system level customized design and integration service for your product development, our ODM/OEM service is covering:

System engineering
PCB hardware design
Mechanical design
PCBA Prototyping
Manufacturing and Assembly"

Yes, I also noticed on Amazon listing the same. However the store front is 3e (at least on Amazon US).

@3eaudio
Looks like minor design change like ‘alsozone’ branding moved to the back or somewhere could be better option given the feedback received here.

 

[Roland68]

Too bad about the radiators... If the convection is natural... the fins are poorly oriented.

They did it exactly right, and the heatsink is oriented correctly.
With an amplifier, it's not about maximizing convection, but about achieving the most consistent convection possible, one that adapts to the power output. The amplifier also needs to maintain a minimum operating temperature to meet its temperature-dependent operating point.

The overall design of the enclosure should also be considered. Cold air rises through the ventilation slots throughout the enclosure and is expelled through the vents on the back, passing directly by the amplifier's heatsinks. The more heat builds up inside the enclosure, the more convection naturally increases, directing the air directly past the amplifier's fins.

It's as if anyone actually put any thought into developing a good cooling concept .

 

[Roland68]

I'm seeing 2,3,4,6,8 channel available now in 150w and 250w

The PAM15X are the TPA3251-based amplifiers with 150 watts per channel, and the PAM25X are the TPA3255-based amplifiers with 250 watts per channel.
The PAM15X/TPA3251 amplifiers have slightly better measured performance and are marginally more transparent (probably inaudible), and they are also somewhat less expensive.

So you can simply choose based on your power requirements.

 

[john61ct]

Inexpensive per-slot chassis options with X Y or Z empty slots, accepting either TPA3251- or TPA3255-based modules

With a high-touch design, maybe both low profile for low slot counts, and rack-mount option for lotsa slot multichannel boxen.

I completely agree the current design branding is a failure at least for western markets, sorry but the name is bad also not just the logo.

Even just "3e 6ch" "3e 12ch" etc for the chassis would be better.

The modules don't need marketing names, go back to EAUMT-0XX0-X-FB would be fine.

Sell them standalone for DIYers

 

[daniboun]

I completely agree the current design branding is a failure at least for western markets, sorry but the name is bad also not just the

Agree
I wonder if they didn't want to overshadow ZeroZone and their Tpa325x amps....

https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/1005005941943639.html

 

[daniboun]

There's something I really don't understand about the modular design of these amps....
Let's say I buy the PAM158 or PAM258, from what I read they are supposed to be upgradable? If I want to upgrade these amps with one or two additional modules, how do I do it since there are no pre-drilled holes for this purpose ??? If there is no pre-drilling, then we can doubt that there are no additional slots for additional modules?


I think they are not upgradable but only more easily repairable.

 

[3eaudio]

Hi @daniboun

• It is pre-drilled. The unused channel pastes the Mela sheet as you marked.
• But the upgrade is only for the channel, not series, like PAM152->PAM153, PAM252->PAM253, cause the power supply voltage is different.

 

[daniboun]

Hi @daniboun

• It is pre-drilled. The unused channel pastes the Mela sheet as you marked.
• But the upgrade is only for the channel, not series, like PAM152->PAM153, PAM252->PAM253, cause the power supply voltage is different.

View attachment 524367

Thanks, but the shared link points to PAM158...The screenshot comes from the link...
So you're confirming that the PAM152 / PAM153 / PAM252 and PAM253 are not modular?

This isn't clear at all. Could you please simply provide a list of the models that are eligible for modules upgrade (what do you mean by "upgrade is only for the channel") That would make it much easier to understand.

 

[Roland68]

Thanks, but the shared link points to PAM158...The screenshot comes from the link...
So you're confirming that the PAM152 / PAM153 / PAM252 and PAM253 are not modular?

This isn't clear at all. Could you please simply provide a list of the models that are eligible for modules upgrade (what do you mean by "upgrade is only for the channel") That would make it much easier to understand.

The PAM15X amplifiers use a TPA3251 chip, deliver 150 watts per channel, and have a 38-volt power supply.

The PAM25X amplifiers use a TPA3255 chip, deliver 250 watts per channel, and have a 48-volt power supply.

Upgrading the PAM15X with PAM25X/TPA3255 modules is pointless (and the voltage might be too low). For the PAM25X, the voltage is too high for the PAM15X/TPA3251 modules.

 

[daniboun]

The PAM15X amplifiers use a TPA3251 chip, deliver 150 watts per channel, and have a 38-volt power supply.

The PAM25X amplifiers use a TPA3255 chip, deliver 250 watts per channel, and have a 48-volt power supply.

Upgrading the PAM15X with PAM25X/TPA3255 modules is pointless (and the voltage might be too low). For the PAM25X, the voltage is too high for the PAM15X/TPA3251 modules.

Thanks I know that I read the spec
My question was : what do they mean by "modular amplifier" if all the PAM serie are not modular )))) See the answer of 3e Audio
Words have meanings, and this is part of principle number 1 of rationality: the principle of non-contradiction.


" modular design giving user possibility repair or upgrade individual amplifier module ....."

 

[Roland68]

Thanks I know that I read the spec
My question was : what do they mean by "modular amplifier" if all the PAM serie are not modular )))) See the answer of 3e Audio
Words have meanings, and this is part of principle number 1 of rationality: the principle of non-contradiction.


" modular design giving user possibility repair or upgrade individual amplifier module ....."

3E Audio already answered this question.

The enclosures are all pre-drilled and covered with a special film that simply needs to be removed. Please take a closer look at the pictures; you can see the edges of the film and also holes that are only partially covered.

 

[john61ct]

The amps are "modular" for repair purposes only at this time, like for like. Not as I described in my recent "suggestion wishlist" post.

Possibly in future 3e might offer upgraded modules.

Possibilities not promises.

Be aware there are language issues

Thanks I know that I read the spec
My question was : what do they mean by "modular amplifier" if all the PAM serie are not modular )))) See the answer of 3e Audio
Words have meanings, and this is part of principle number 1 of rationality: the principle of non-contradiction.

" modular design giving user possibility repair or upgrade individual amplifier module ....."

 

[daniboun]

3E Audio already answered this question.

The enclosures are all pre-drilled and covered with a special film that simply needs to be removed. Please take a closer look at the pictures; you can see the edges of the film and also holes that are only partially covered.

View attachment 524432View attachment 524433

I already got it...
I think we're misunderstanding each other... even if the pre-drilled holes are there, which module do you want to add since you're limited by the PSU? You'll need to upgrade the PSU if you want to, for example, upgrade the 2-channel amp to a 3-channel or 4-channel amp...

 

[LeSud]

In my humble opinion, for these to be truly modular amplifiers, 3e Audio would need to sell the amplification modules to upgrade from a PAM252 to a PAM253 or PAM254. Furthermore, 3e Audio still hasn't provided the specifications of the power supply module (amp, GaN, PFC...?).

 

[daniboun]

The amps are "modular" for repair purposes only at this time, like for like. Not as I described in my recent "suggestion wishlist" post.

Well, that's what I wanted to read, but from 3E audio! ))) But I'm glad to know someone understood where I was going with this...

So, to rephrase for 3E Audio: it's not a modular amplifier, but simply easier to repair. Really, and I insist: words have meaning... Thank you

 

[john61ct]

if you want to, for example, upgrade the 2-channel amp to a 3-channel or 4-channel amp...

Yes you understand correctly, the upgradability is not possible in that sense, only potentially in future at the per-module level

 

[john61ct]

Yes the meaning of possibility is key IMO.

Personally my expectations in level of English language skills are kept very low when dealing with small overseas vendors, especially the owner directly.

The fact that this is AT ALL possible in the first place is amazingly positive. IMHO

 

[john61ct]

LOL I mean, just look again at the title of this thread

 

[daniboun]

Yes you understand correctly, the upgradability is not possible in that sense, only potentially in future at the per-module level

Exactly, go back to the thread and don't you see a problem with 3E Audio's response?
They've planned an upgradable chassis, but without the possibility of adding modules, it makes absolutely no sense...