Small desk amp advice

[Nadzin]

Hi guys ,

I need a recommendation for an amplifier to use in my bedroom. The speakers that will be connected most of the time are a pair of 8-ohm bookshelf speakers, with a recommended maximum power of 70 W. The main use will be with a PC, at low to medium volumes.

I need some help making a decision, as I’d like to spend as little as possible, with a maximum budget of €150.

I’m here because I can’t decide which amp to choose. Nowadays there are so many options in this class of Class D mini amps.

I’m currently looking at the Fosi V3 Stereo, Douk Audio A5, Fosi ZA3, Aiyima A80, Aiyima A07 Premium, Topping Mini 300, SMSL AO10, and SMSL PA40 — there are so many options that I just can’t decide.

For example, the Fosi V3 with the 32 V power supply would cost me €65. I know the Mini 300 has better measurements, but is it really worth paying €55 more compared to the Fosi?

Another question I have is that most of these amps have several power supply options. I’ve read that higher-power power supplies generate more heat, which could lead to faster component wear. Is it really worth buying the more powerful power supply, considering I’ll mostly be listening at low to medium volumes?

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi, the choice is bewildering, isn't it

If it's been reviewed and recommended here then it's a safe bet. I'd add a tiny caveat about being an 'early adopter' so I'd avoid the Topping Mini 300 for now until it's been out for a bit longer (that's my personal opinion, not based on any data). You don't need massive power, so no need to push for the biggest power supply - more conservatively specified units will run cooler and last longer.

Make sure it's recommended here. Make sure it has the features you want. Make sure the seller has a decent return policy (just in case). Be happy with the aesthetics. Draw up a short list ... and stick a pin in it ... you'll get a good amp

 

[Joe Smith]

I can speak to happy results here with 32v and 36v power bricks with: Original Aiyima A07, Aiyima A07 MAX, Fosi V3, the new Fosi BT20a MAX. I also use the SMSL AO100, now discontinued. All have held up well.

No need to get a 48v power brick for low to medium volumes IMO.

The Fosi V3 and their P4 preamp make a nice combination if you have multiple sources. That would be about $160 U.S. But if you don't have multiple sources, you wouldn't need the P4 to get good volume.

If you listen at soft levels, I personally find the volume pot on the V3 to be pretty good at dialing in the exact quiet volume you want. Not sure what manufacturer that is, but it's better than the motorized pots they used for the P4 and the BT20a MAX.

Consider whether a remote is important to you in comparing features.

Happy choosing!

 

[SlowJim]

What format is the music on your PC? Mp3, flac, Spotify?

 

[Nadzin]

What format is the music on your PC? Mp3, flac, Spotify?

It will be used for media and music , for music i use tidal

 

[Joe Smith]

The new Fosi BT20a MAX has just come out. Cost is a bit high for your budget. Some people with very sensitive hearing don't like the active fan to help heat vent from the top. If you are using for nearfield and don't need to play very loudly, probably no reason to use this model.

There is a surfeit of choice right now. No reason to pay for features you don't need or won't use. Make a list of your wants & must-haves, that could help you narrow down.

 

[homeduck]

Hi, I am stuck in a similar situation. Reworking on my WFH setup for near field listening in a small room 12-13 sqm. Source is a WiiM pro and Topping e30 II for Spotify/radio paradise/local storage flac, speakers are Lonpoo lp42mx (a Kind of Micca MB42 for EU markets). Now shortlist is about Topping mini 300 and Aiyima a20, first one is a step up looking at measurement, second one is more flexible with hpf and sub out and powerful (not really needed anyway considering my small room) . They have also different footprint with Topping asking for less space…another point to consider is: very soon I will need to add a turntable. No one of the amp has 2 rca input so in the end a pre will be needed

 

[Bleib]

Not tested here but I'll give a shout out to Topping mx3s, very small, cool running (can leave it on), display off, no channel imbalance, even headphone out which works with all headphones I've tried it with.

The only thing I'm not too hot about is the internal DAC, it sounds a bit weak

 

[Julf]

The only thing I'm not too hot about is the internal DAC, it sounds a bit weak

Weak in what way?

 

[Bleib]

Weak in what way?

Lacks a bit dynamics. Almost as if it's underpowered. Any connected DAC to it has given it more life.

 

[Julf]

Lacks a bit dynamics. Almost as if it's underpowered. Any connected DAC to it has given it more life.

Your personal, subjective perception has been noted. Just curious, what (in your opinion) is the measurement unit for dynamics? (I won't ask about "life" )

 

[Crook]

I used a V3 32a before my 3E A7 and it was fine. I did not note any differences when I changed, maybe right at the top end when playing loud, but it could be all in my mind, evn though it is better on paper. I think the V3 is well made and mine was reliable in the 1.5 years used, it has been around a while and I haven't seen any failures / complaints online.

 

[Bleib]

Your personal, subjective perception has been noted. Just curious, what (in your opinion) is the measurement unit for dynamics? (I won't ask about "life" )

Compare the DAC in wiim mini to the more expensive versions. Not all DAC are of the same quality.
Compare the reviews here on ASR

 

[Julf]

Compare the DAC in wiim mini to the more expensive versions. Not all DAC are of the same quality.
Compare the reviews here on ASR

Sure. I am not saying there aren't differences. It is just that someone's subjective impressions don't really help me in any way. The measurements, on the other hand, do,

 

[Bleib]

Sure. I am not saying there aren't differences. It is just that someone's subjective impressions don't really help me in any way. The measurements, on the other hand, do,

But since they are not available..
So what I'm saying. The amp is great. And it's better with something like SMSL SU1, Topping E30 and many other units

 

[Julf]

And it's better with something like SMSL SU1, Topping E30 and many other units

Again, your personal, subjective perception has been noted.

My point is that there are hundreds of subjective audiophile forums out there if someone wants subjective perceptions. It would be nice if we could respect the "Science" part in the name of this forum.

 

[Bleib]

Again, your personal, subjective perception has been noted.

My point is that there are hundreds of subjective audiophile forums out there if someone wants subjective perceptions. It would be nice if we could respect the "Science" part in the name of this forum.

Nobody on this forum will rely solely on science. Nor will the a large portion of the science even be understood.

 

[Julf]

Nobody on this forum will rely solely on science. Nor will the a large portion of the science even be understood.

If you say so.

 

[antcollinet]

Compare the DAC in wiim mini to the more expensive versions. Not all DAC are of the same quality.
Compare the reviews here on ASR

Even though not having stellar measurements, the dac in the mini is good enough to be indistinguishable from any other dac for almost everyone in real world listening. Perhaps if you're in your early teens, listening with good 'phones in a soundproof room there might be a detectable difference.

For the rest of us, with speakers, in a typical room - nah.

 

[Crook]

Nobody on this forum will rely solely on science. Nor will the a large portion of the science even be understood.

I agree, but not in the way you might think. The science bit shows good engineering, or bad engineering. After you know you have something fine, all that really matters is looks and features, these are also hard facts. Subjective twaddle on sound is just that, twaddle.