JLE TPA3255 Build and Modifications

 

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This power supply is not suitable, you need a single voltage 0-36V power supply.
But you can try your amp by connecting only 0 and +36, it's not ideal because you can only use half the power of the power supply ... and the management of voltage by the power supply can be risky because an output is not operated.
 
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Deleted member 148505

I already found another solution, (I can't detect the constrained sound anymore + Bass is better) it will be available to TICore260BTL V1 to V1B users soon. (depending on the test result)

This did not push through as well since there is a noticeable reduction in sound quality in overall presentation.

Also in the latest module, I used 56pF on feedback cap of opamp buffers. I think it sounds better than no caps.

Release of Sylph-D200 will be delayed by another week. (Need some parts from Mouser)
 
I already received 10uF, 50V Panasonic FR. I soldered it on TPA3255 input side. My initial impression is that it has the same smoothness as Elna Silmic II, treble is good. I haven't figured out its sound signature yet.. I need more sound comparison :)

The Panasonic makes fuzzy unstable soundstage. Silmic II is a bit dark and upper bass is lifted a bit but in the end much better than Panasonic - you are right, same sound signature as ELNA - but ELNA is more stable and more 3D and better defined bass.
 
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Hi amigos,

Here my quick review related to Jlester TPA3255 module (many thanks to Jlester by the way). As first sight, the module seems very well made and exudes quality.
It is clear that Jlester attached particular importance to the design of the board and there is a nice symmetry in the implementation of the components.

For a quick comparison with DrModor TPA3255 module :

https://ibb.co/Px56F3D

Some measurements to compare :

JLESTER TPA3255 :

THD+N 5W , 1Khz : 0.0016%
5W 8Ω: 0.0007% THD
10W 8Ω: 0.0008% THD
5W 4Ω: 0.0012% THD
10W 4Ω: 0.0014% THD
Sinad 5W / 4R : 95

PURIFI :

THD+N 5W , 1Khz 0.0006
THD+N 100W 20-20Khz 0.00017
THD+N 10W 20-20Khz 0.00029
Sinad 5W / 4R : 108
SNR : 131DB (ASR shows 128DB)

BOSC Starkrimson Gan :

THD+N 5W , 1Khz : 0.0004%
THD+N 100W 20-20Khz : 0.0092%
THD+N 10W 20-20Khz 0.0025%
Sinad 5W / 4R : 105
SNR : 121DB

ALLO TPA3255 (to be confirmed) :

THD+N 5W , 1Khz 0.00014
THD+N 100W 20-20Khz 0.0097
THD+N 10W 20-20Khz 0.0091
SNR : about 117DB

DrMordor TPA3255 :

N/C : No measurements for the moment…

XRK TPA3255 :

THD : 25W, 1khz : 0.0017%
THD + N : 25W, 1khz : 0.0037%
THD 10W / 8R : 0.0012% THD


As you know I own lots of TPA325X modules (+ Purifi and Ncore) and and now that the theory is set, let's stick to a "human" listening.
I think I have acquired a lot of experience since I registered on this forum, it goes without saying that this review implies a part of subjectivity in my assessments). Now that the basics are laid, here's what I can tell you about the Jlester module

Setup :

Jlester TPA3255
OPA1656 (will check with Genuine Muse 02 Op amps later).
PFFB : ON
SMPS LLC PSU @44V @350W (600W peak)
AC EMI / RFI special filter
Twisted cooper cables
Full Alu case with

Source : HD Audio Playlist
Streamer : LG V30
DAC : Double AK4497 / Dual Linear PSU
Speakers : Top end DIY Floor Speakers 93DB / 2.5 Way with Ribbon tweeter.


Soundstage :
I find here the exceptional signature of the TPA325X chips, as I have always claimed on my reviews, the TPA325X is splendid concerning the soundstage. Everything is well separated, the instruments are well detached from each other, I clearly find what I felt when listening to the Drmodor module or even my updated Aiyima TPA3251. No doubt, the TPA325X continues to surprise me.

Mediums :
If I refer to listening to the DrMordor module with the OP Amps Mc33272 and the very good caps Elna Silmic II, I find the combo OPA1656 + Muse UES great too. We feared with Jlester a sound a little "cold, even metallic". In the end this combo works rather well) It's clean, the voices are well detached from the instruments, the mids are definitely good.
Jlester also found the voices were constrained on PFFB mode, I did not particularly feel that way. I also gave a try with the Muse 02 and the voice are clearly more present towards the front of the stage.


Trebles :
As strange as it may seem, I find them a little more nuanced than on the DrMordor module. On my Jazz register in particular, I found the reproduction of the cymbals smoother and more neutral than with its competitor. the highest notes are very well transcribed in general.
Acoustic guitars and other stringed instruments are very well reproduced, the micro details are present and we really feel something very alive when listening; particularly on the highest notes.


Bass :
Here is a point that questions me a little .... I found the bass very well maintained on the DrMordor module and rather pronounced when listening. On the Jlester module, they are less prominent but still present. We have the impression of a more natural rendering on the Jlester module. In both cases, the overall bass rendering is very good : nothing to envy my Hypex Ncore modules for example )


Module sensitivity :

As I often stream via my DAC in APTX HD, I highlighted a big problem with the DrMordor module. The latter is extremely sensitive to this wireless protocol. I sometimes have very audible interference that creeps into my speakers. With the Jlester module I have no problem here) I think the PCB of the Jlester module is less prone to interference, unless the cause of the problem is related to the integrated LLC power supply of the DrMordor module ... Jlester Module is at the top at this level and it is more than appreciable!
Another point, although the DrMordor module is rather silent, gluing my ear to the speakers I perceive from time to time, some noises probably generated by PSU of the DrMordor module. Whereas when I glue my ear to my speakers with the Jlester module, it's less noticeable.
Anyway : it's not really disturbing when listening to my playlist.
I would end this note with a small negative point concerning the Jlester module: I have a slight POP sound when I turn it off but nothing to report when I turn it on…


Conclusion :

I think Jlester has designed a very interesting module. It is clearly a high-end module. It's better than my 3E Audio (I have the RTR module and the finished amp as well).
Given that DrMordor does not reveal any measures concerning its module, we can therefore conclude that the Jlester module should be up to the announced measurements. (let's wait for the ASR review).
I was really looking forward to testing this module and it's done) I really recommend its purchase.

Here are a few items that will help you with to make the right choice : Jlester module with an SMPS LLC PSU will cost you around $200, the XRK audio module will cost you $250 without PSU. The DrMordor Module will cost you around $170 with integrated PSU but without tangible measurements…. PS : I will compare it to my Purifi modules as soon as my Custom Buffer is finished.


https://ibb.co/QjTBKvm
https://ibb.co/nzKNNh1
https://ibb.co/z8dwQfm
https://ibb.co/3BF2WwS
https://ibb.co/g3X0XFj
https://ibb.co/Qn5n7HS
https://ibb.co/LgjBtfn
https://ibb.co/cDqdMWT

Could you also review a buffer less Purifi against your TPA3255 amps when you get chance? Thanks