I've been wanting to get a value amp to power my Classix II and Hitmakers for quite a while, and the TPA3255 seem to fit my budget and power requirements perfectly.
Problem is there has been multiple opinions about which boards are best and what mods to make which unfortunately confuses me a lot. I've only dabbled a bit modding the TPA3116s but I'm looking for the least minimum modding effort and the best value.
The two boards that are available now on Aliexpress are the AIYIMA A07 and the Shui Yuan.
1- For the Shui Yuan there are two versions, one with the NE5532P op amp and 3200uf caps and another with LME49720NA op amps and "nichicon" caps. Which one should I get? I haven't heard neither op amps before so I'm not sure if there would be much difference, specially for these midrange speakers.
2- For the AIYIMA A07 there is also two versions, one also with the NE5532 and another with the LM4562NA. No clue about the sound difference either.
3- Overall would you recommend the AIYIMA A07 or the Shui Yuan board? I don't care about the casing, I'm really only looking for pure performance.
I don't mind doing simple mods to the amp, just looking for the best value for my money here.
Thank you!
Problem is there has been multiple opinions about which boards are best and what mods to make which unfortunately confuses me a lot. I've only dabbled a bit modding the TPA3116s but I'm looking for the least minimum modding effort and the best value.
The two boards that are available now on Aliexpress are the AIYIMA A07 and the Shui Yuan.
1- For the Shui Yuan there are two versions, one with the NE5532P op amp and 3200uf caps and another with LME49720NA op amps and "nichicon" caps. Which one should I get? I haven't heard neither op amps before so I'm not sure if there would be much difference, specially for these midrange speakers.
2- For the AIYIMA A07 there is also two versions, one also with the NE5532 and another with the LM4562NA. No clue about the sound difference either.
3- Overall would you recommend the AIYIMA A07 or the Shui Yuan board? I don't care about the casing, I'm really only looking for pure performance.
I don't mind doing simple mods to the amp, just looking for the best value for my money here.
Thank you!
My guess is the AIYIMA A07 is the better sounding amp. As to how much better sounding and fidelity differences between the two is conjecture.
Trust me I did, but couldn’t find an answer to my questions there.
Which op amp though? Would it make much of a difference?
Nope.
If you look at the last response in the thread Mamocel linked to:
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...a3255-modification-thread.368179/post-6960503
You will see that the difference between NE5532 and LME49720NA is negligible, the biggest difference is probably somewhere in the component selection. If I read it right the Basic version has lower distortion even if NE5532 is swapped with LME49720NA.
If you want to use higher voltage than about 40V the manufacturer suggests you should have some low speed fans or something blowing over the heatsink.
Edit:
Seems like the Basic version has some sort of resonance around 16300Hz or so, slightly higher 5th order distortion but other wise better/more neutral than the Deluxe version.
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Yeah seen that but I couldn't believe it! paying more getting less. Would you say upgrading the power caps in the basic version would make a big difference? Also if you have any idea how would it compare to the AIYIMA A07? its almost double the price.
I think the differences between either of these are small enough to ignore. If you like "sweet" more than "neutral" get the "Deluxe" version.
Nah looking for most accurate here, guess what you're saying is either the AIYIMA or Shui Yuan will do a similar job.
Thank you, this helps my choice a lot. Do you think I should upgrade its caps for something better? I've seen people mention different types of Nichicon caps but different "versions" and values, how would I go about deciding on which cap to put? keeping in mind voltage will never exceed 36v anyway.
If you never intend to go higher than 40V I would not bother upgrading any caps, because I strive towards the ideal of being an agnostic realist. Nichicon caps are good, but if you're staying that well below the thermal and voltage values on the caps already there I think it's not worth the work, parts cost, tax and shipping to change them.
IE:
If you decide to change them you are very likely to be subject of "Expectation bias", meaning: since you spent time, effort and money doing it you are more likely to believe something has changed for the better even if that might not be the case.
IE:
If you decide to change them you are very likely to be subject of "Expectation bias", meaning: since you spent time, effort and money doing it you are more likely to believe something has changed for the better even if that might not be the case.
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Honestly, this is THE answer I've been searching for in this whole forum. I did not want to go into diminishing returns and you made that clear.
Thank you.
I have an A07 and played with a few op amps. The LM4562 was extremely clear, but not always in a positive way, particularly on vocals, which sounded harsh.
The OPA2134 was a big improvement if you like a warmer, fuller sound.
I bought without the no-name, no-UL listed power supply and instead am using a Mean Well brick at 36v. You can detect warmth if you put your hand on top of the amp, but it is far from hot.
The sound is much better than I would have expected. I have mine on the porch, with a Pass B1 to add switching and right/left volume control. Very good sound that does not take a lot of energy and puts off almost no heat, which matters in summer.
The OPA2134 was a big improvement if you like a warmer, fuller sound.
I bought without the no-name, no-UL listed power supply and instead am using a Mean Well brick at 36v. You can detect warmth if you put your hand on top of the amp, but it is far from hot.
The sound is much better than I would have expected. I have mine on the porch, with a Pass B1 to add switching and right/left volume control. Very good sound that does not take a lot of energy and puts off almost no heat, which matters in summer.
Hello, why do people recommend a 36v PSU for Shui Yuan board over a more common (well for me at least) 24v unit. Besides it will draw less current are there any other technical reasons?
Headroom. Cleaner when pushed.
24v is just enough that you can play quite loud, but if you do decide to play at full tilt there will be a bit of distortion, noticeably less distortion with higher voltage.
24v is just enough that you can play quite loud, but if you do decide to play at full tilt there will be a bit of distortion, noticeably less distortion with higher voltage.