I am still waiting for my aiyama, and have been following this. If you are using this with a preamp, why not simply short out the pot or put the volume to max and cancel out the effects of the volume potentiometer?
That's how I listen to my Aiyima: pot maxed out and the preamp controlling the volume. Not ideal but it works fine. I only have one input set up on my Aiyima in its new enclosure, so a multi-input preamp is advantageous for that reason too.
SMT adapter board
soldersmoker , since you asked, "Yeah, I'd like to see how you made yours."
They are the ones on the 5th row. If you need any, just let me know, I have a life times supply in one order, since min order is 5 boards at jlcpcb.
Rick
soldersmoker , since you asked, "Yeah, I'd like to see how you made yours."
They are the ones on the 5th row. If you need any, just let me know, I have a life times supply in one order, since min order is 5 boards at jlcpcb.
Rick
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Whereas the Aiyima A04 seemed to benefit greatly from upgrading the Op-Amps the 3e-Audio seems to be very good straight out of the box ! It is really difficult to do a straight A-B test as I have to replug all the components.
For the RCA input signals the sound quality is good but I have not had it long enough to really test it with some good quality sources. The problem with all these amplifiers is feeding them with a good source in the first instance !!
The Bluetooth on the other hand seems to be much better than my previous experiences and I don’t think I can hear any difference between the RCA inputs and a good Bluetooth source.
Everything on this amplifiers goes through the on-board DAC and/or ADC converters so maybe a digital source actually has less processing ! I don’t think there is any need or benefit to play with Op-Amps. All the components are of good quality and selected for their audio performance.
I am beginning to think that the Op-Amps originally provided in the Aiyima products might not be original genuine parts as the difference when upgraded was really quite significant. I haven’t tried replacing with genuine NE5532 chips as I don’t have any, but according to lots of people these should also sound pretty good and there are other areas of the Aiyima products that probably make a bigger difference to the sound such as the Output filter and potentially signal capacitors.
The 3e-Audio All-in-One amplifier is not made for upgrading the physical components and I wouldn’t even try with this model. What it does provide is a fully integrated amplifier with some nice features - especially the Bluetooth implementation and the possibility for those who are a bit more technical to upload different EQ profiles for speaker or room correction.
I would be more interested to compare this to the Breeze Audio product which offers similar features ie, Bluetooth (but not so good spec) and an integrated power supply. The Breeze product is more expensive, has some potential safety issues and no DSP although it does offer tone controls !!
Thanks for sharing this opinion.
Concerning the Brzhifi, it's a TPA3255 and would be more interesting to compare it with the 3E Audio TPA3255 finished amp. Something I can confirm it is that the Brzhifi sounds really good with the OPA upgrade (specially the tone control part). I agree for the BT , 3E Audio is using a QC3008 APTX chip vs 3003 standard for the Brzhifi.
If I had to buy the 3E Audio, I would go for the TPA3255 version (specially for 8 ohms speakers).
I recently purchased my Aiyima A04 (My second Class D /or any class), TPA3251 amp along with recommended 32V5A PS block. Replaced supplied NE5532's with Genuine ones from RS components for both amps..
What I notice, is that that
1. L&R channels reversed (already confirmed in the thread)
2. When compare to my FX502S pro (TPA3250), volume level is low in Aiyima 04 (Being powerful than TPA3250). To achieve same volume, FX502- 9'o Clock, Aiyima A04 needs 10'o Clock. same speakers, same song & source.
3. After replacing OPAmps FX502 burn in 50-60hrs+, A04 1-2 hrs only.
Anybody care to explain, the difference in volume level? thanks
What I notice, is that that
1. L&R channels reversed (already confirmed in the thread)
2. When compare to my FX502S pro (TPA3250), volume level is low in Aiyima 04 (Being powerful than TPA3250). To achieve same volume, FX502- 9'o Clock, Aiyima A04 needs 10'o Clock. same speakers, same song & source.
3. After replacing OPAmps FX502 burn in 50-60hrs+, A04 1-2 hrs only.
Anybody care to explain, the difference in volume level? thanks
Bro, they already changed the main caps from 3000uf ELNA to 2200uf ARC Audio, no more ELNA Red-robe, replaced with Nichicon gold colored caps.
Seems they constantly stripping components to increase profit margin.
God knows what comes in next batch
For those of you waiting for the 3e-Audio TPA3255 based integrated amplifier they are expecting to release it in another two months.
Unless you need loads of power, the TPA3250 version is probably adequate for most domestic situations at about 50 Watts per channel for average speaker impedance.
UPDATE - Day 2
3e-Audio TPS3250 based integrated Amplifier.
I do not have any equipment to do any technical measurements - Only my ears !! I did write an initial report earlier in this thread.
I only have some fairly basic KEF UniQ Q15 Speakers so not at the audiophile end of the spectrum !! I have only had the amp a couple of days and still playing with the set up and preferred sources.
First, I can confirm the the Left and Right Channels are implemented to right way round unlike the Aiyima Amplifiers where they appear to be reversed !!
I mainly use an Apple Mac Mini 2014 as my music source either directly to RCA input, through an Airport Express to RCA input or now using the Bluetooth function of the 3e-Audio amplifier and I can now confirm that it does support the Apple "Lossless ACC" profile as well as aptX and normal pedestrian Bluetooth profiles.
The support of ACC was a nice surprise as it isn't discussed in any of the documentation and I thought I was going to be stuck with aptX as the best Bluetooth option. It would so nice if this amplifier had an optical input !!
I have also connected an Amazon Eco Dot through Bluetooth but I don't think the Eco Dot has any of the higher quality profiles so the sound is not as good as the Mac Mini as a source.
So in answer to your question - To my ears it sounds rather good.
3e-Audio TPS3250 based integrated Amplifier.
I do not have any equipment to do any technical measurements - Only my ears !! I did write an initial report earlier in this thread.
I only have some fairly basic KEF UniQ Q15 Speakers so not at the audiophile end of the spectrum !! I have only had the amp a couple of days and still playing with the set up and preferred sources.
First, I can confirm the the Left and Right Channels are implemented to right way round unlike the Aiyima Amplifiers where they appear to be reversed !!
I mainly use an Apple Mac Mini 2014 as my music source either directly to RCA input, through an Airport Express to RCA input or now using the Bluetooth function of the 3e-Audio amplifier and I can now confirm that it does support the Apple "Lossless ACC" profile as well as aptX and normal pedestrian Bluetooth profiles.
The support of ACC was a nice surprise as it isn't discussed in any of the documentation and I thought I was going to be stuck with aptX as the best Bluetooth option. It would so nice if this amplifier had an optical input !!
I have also connected an Amazon Eco Dot through Bluetooth but I don't think the Eco Dot has any of the higher quality profiles so the sound is not as good as the Mac Mini as a source.
So in answer to your question - To my ears it sounds rather good.
Thanks Bushellj )
Nice to know. Seems to be a great amp as well. Looking forward to see the next TPA3255 now... I wish it could be released soon.
Nice to know. Seems to be a great amp as well. Looking forward to see the next TPA3255 now... I wish it could be released soon.
saran008 said:
Hi,
When I reviewed my TPA3251 based on 360 Customs implementation, I noticed a 30% difference in volume with my Aiyima. With a good clean implementation and PFFB eneabled; the TPA3251 is really excellent. 🙂
With that implementation worthy of the name, it is neck and neck with my Hypex Ncore and my double Mono Pascal (which are worth a lot more)
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Dani,
Thanks for the info. Am not so hardcore audiophile. But always like clean and crisp sound,without spending a lot.
I am mechanical engineer with basic electronics knowledge only. Being a noob, just a few questions.
My usage is to the amp for my desktop system, once ok will do for couple of my friends also. Not planning to use any DAC at the moment. direct from audio out from motherboard.
1. is it worth to buy new-case and SMPS and shift the amp board & SMPS into the case? or Look for the BRZHifi 3255? (I know about grounding issue, ask my fellow electrical engineer to support in additional soldering work).
mini Full aluminum amplifier chassis / Preamp / DAC decoder / TUBE / power box / AMP Enclosure / case / DIY box (220*52*191mm)|Amplifier| - AliExpress
2. If i use 24V 13A PS for this Aiyima A04, though the voltage is 24V, will the extra amperes damage any components inside?
300w DC +-24V +-36V +-42V Dual Voltage Output + DC12V DIY HIFI Class AB power amplifier board power supply Replaces Transformer|AC/DC Adapters| - AliExpress3. My FX502s Pro has POP sound, when i power off directly from wall socket. But Aiyima A04 don't have (seems anti-pop circuit working fine). How about Brzhifi TPA3255? how is the Bluetooth to RA switching in Brzhifi?
4. After burn in, Planning to change/upgrade the main 2200uf caps to 3300uf Panasonic caps and Opamp IN & OUT caps to Elna simlic series 10uf 35V. is it worth the effect?
Thanks in advance
Thanks for the info. Am not so hardcore audiophile. But always like clean and crisp sound,without spending a lot.
I am mechanical engineer with basic electronics knowledge only. Being a noob, just a few questions.
My usage is to the amp for my desktop system, once ok will do for couple of my friends also. Not planning to use any DAC at the moment. direct from audio out from motherboard.
1. is it worth to buy new-case and SMPS and shift the amp board & SMPS into the case? or Look for the BRZHifi 3255? (I know about grounding issue, ask my fellow electrical engineer to support in additional soldering work).
mini Full aluminum amplifier chassis / Preamp / DAC decoder / TUBE / power box / AMP Enclosure / case / DIY box (220*52*191mm)|Amplifier| - AliExpress
2. If i use 24V 13A PS for this Aiyima A04, though the voltage is 24V, will the extra amperes damage any components inside?
300w DC +-24V +-36V +-42V Dual Voltage Output + DC12V DIY HIFI Class AB power amplifier board power supply Replaces Transformer|AC/DC Adapters| - AliExpress3. My FX502s Pro has POP sound, when i power off directly from wall socket. But Aiyima A04 don't have (seems anti-pop circuit working fine). How about Brzhifi TPA3255? how is the Bluetooth to RA switching in Brzhifi?
4. After burn in, Planning to change/upgrade the main 2200uf caps to 3300uf Panasonic caps and Opamp IN & OUT caps to Elna simlic series 10uf 35V. is it worth the effect?
Thanks in advance
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Saran008.
In answer to your questions about upgrading the Aiyima TPA3251 A04 model.
1. I don't think this model is worth putting in a new case. There are some good boards out there from companies such as 3e-Audio that cost much the same as the Aiyima but would be a better starting point if you were looking to build something into a case.
I use Mean Well LRS-200-24 Power Supplies turned up to 28/30 volts to power my Aiyima Amplifiers and these work well. Only too higher voltage will damage the amplifiers - The current rating is just that - How much current the Power Supply can supply when under load. For these little amplifiers a 200W Power Supply is more than enough !
I would not purchase the BRZHifi 3255 mainly because the Bluetooth module is very basic - Does not support the higher quality transfer of data offered by AAC or AptX compatible versions. Also as you highlight there are some safety issues with this model although probably easily fixed.
2. See comments above about Power Supply - Just get the right Voltage - 24 to 30 volts is probably good for 3250 and 3251 based Amplifiers.
3. Not all Amplifiers have the Anti Pop circuit included. The Aiyima A04 does.
The Bluetooth implementation in the BRZHifi unit means that the Bluetooth always takes priority even if there is no signal. To use the RCA inputs the Bluetooth device needs to disconnect - Danny can probably confirm this as I know he owns this model.
4. You are looking at a lot of work on a basic Amplifier when it is the Output Inductors that will probably make the most difference from what I have read from other people in this group.
If you are going to spend all this money for upgrades and putting into a new case so you have an integrated solution I would look at the 3e-Audio Integrated Amplifier which I have just started to evaluate. This is a really nice one box solution - The Bluetooth works well and you don't have to disconnect Bluetooth to use the RCA inputs. It has no background Hiss. It has Anti Pop built in and it sounds good. What's more to want ??
In answer to your questions about upgrading the Aiyima TPA3251 A04 model.
1. I don't think this model is worth putting in a new case. There are some good boards out there from companies such as 3e-Audio that cost much the same as the Aiyima but would be a better starting point if you were looking to build something into a case.
I use Mean Well LRS-200-24 Power Supplies turned up to 28/30 volts to power my Aiyima Amplifiers and these work well. Only too higher voltage will damage the amplifiers - The current rating is just that - How much current the Power Supply can supply when under load. For these little amplifiers a 200W Power Supply is more than enough !
I would not purchase the BRZHifi 3255 mainly because the Bluetooth module is very basic - Does not support the higher quality transfer of data offered by AAC or AptX compatible versions. Also as you highlight there are some safety issues with this model although probably easily fixed.
2. See comments above about Power Supply - Just get the right Voltage - 24 to 30 volts is probably good for 3250 and 3251 based Amplifiers.
3. Not all Amplifiers have the Anti Pop circuit included. The Aiyima A04 does.
The Bluetooth implementation in the BRZHifi unit means that the Bluetooth always takes priority even if there is no signal. To use the RCA inputs the Bluetooth device needs to disconnect - Danny can probably confirm this as I know he owns this model.
4. You are looking at a lot of work on a basic Amplifier when it is the Output Inductors that will probably make the most difference from what I have read from other people in this group.
If you are going to spend all this money for upgrades and putting into a new case so you have an integrated solution I would look at the 3e-Audio Integrated Amplifier which I have just started to evaluate. This is a really nice one box solution - The Bluetooth works well and you don't have to disconnect Bluetooth to use the RCA inputs. It has no background Hiss. It has Anti Pop built in and it sounds good. What's more to want ??
Hi BushellJ,
Thanks for clarification, before ordering my amp itself, i looked into 3e finished amp. A few things listed below put me off.
1. I am not a big user/fan of Bluetooth.(old school me; prefer hardwired 🙂 ) if no Bluetooth also is absolutely fine for me.
2. also am not fan of Bling LED anywhere other than power indicator.
3. after reading several Class D thread, prefer to do op-amp rolling, to my taste. that amp is fixed.
4. My final aim is to build a custom amp with quality board & with input selector between optical/pc-usb/RCA with TPA3255. But not so fast, i prefer to play with this mini monsters.
All these TPA3250 & TPA3251 are for practice and to get taste of Class D sounds. last time i did DIY was around 20 years back with 1230 & LA4440 amps with cassette decks.
So If Brizhifi provides decent performance for the price , i can still prefer that over spending custom building & never use Bluetooth.
Thanks for clarification, before ordering my amp itself, i looked into 3e finished amp. A few things listed below put me off.
1. I am not a big user/fan of Bluetooth.(old school me; prefer hardwired 🙂 ) if no Bluetooth also is absolutely fine for me.
2. also am not fan of Bling LED anywhere other than power indicator.
3. after reading several Class D thread, prefer to do op-amp rolling, to my taste. that amp is fixed.
4. My final aim is to build a custom amp with quality board & with input selector between optical/pc-usb/RCA with TPA3255. But not so fast, i prefer to play with this mini monsters.
All these TPA3250 & TPA3251 are for practice and to get taste of Class D sounds. last time i did DIY was around 20 years back with 1230 & LA4440 amps with cassette decks.
So If Brizhifi provides decent performance for the price , i can still prefer that over spending custom building & never use Bluetooth.
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Hi Saran008
Funny- looks like you and me have similar backgrounds (I am a Physicist) and this is my more serious play with amplifiers since I was a student some 40 odd years ago.
I also bought the Aiyima A07 TPA3255 first. Then purchased the Aiyima A04 TPA3251 to have a play with current generation affordable Digital Amplifiers. I have also been Op-Amp rolling ! As said in earlier threads there is some question as to whether the original Op-Amps in the Aiyima products are genuine as almost any replacement - even genuine NE5532 chips - sound better !! I have now settled on the OPA1656 as my preferred choice. I think you need to have some exceptional good quality source and audiophile speakers to really appreciate the finer tunings of these amplifiers.
My goal would also to have an integrated amplifier with the full suite of digital inputs such as optical and to a less extent USB. I would also like a remote control to select inputs and control the volume.
There are some older products from companies such as SMSL that have all the inputs and remote but not based on the TPA325x series of amplifier chips - Yet.
With regard the 3e-Audio integrated amplifier I didn’t buy it for Bluetooth or the flashing LEDs but because I wanted an integrated amplifier from a designer with a good track record and I am not disappointed.
Actually the Bluetooth on this amplifier is really good and I have now started to use this as my primary connection from the computer whereas previously I was streaming audio across the network to an Apple Airport Express plugged in to the RCA input. Audio stays in the digital domain and there is much less delay from the source.
I would really like to get the guys at 3e-Audio to look at putting together something like the current integrated amp but with RCA, Bluetooth, USB and Optical Inputs and also a remote control. This would just tick so many boxes !!
Only downside is that it removes the DIY element that so many of us enjoy !! Some of my kit needs to be Wife friendly so that’s where these ready made integrated units work really well !!
I also have a stack of PA Kit as I support local events and I have actually used the little Aiyima TPA325x amplifiers for the smaller venues and they work really well driving what are quite efficient PA speakers. I am planning on building the Aiyima A07 TPA3255 amplifier into my mixing desk so I can do small venues without having to carry the other kit around.
Funny- looks like you and me have similar backgrounds (I am a Physicist) and this is my more serious play with amplifiers since I was a student some 40 odd years ago.
I also bought the Aiyima A07 TPA3255 first. Then purchased the Aiyima A04 TPA3251 to have a play with current generation affordable Digital Amplifiers. I have also been Op-Amp rolling ! As said in earlier threads there is some question as to whether the original Op-Amps in the Aiyima products are genuine as almost any replacement - even genuine NE5532 chips - sound better !! I have now settled on the OPA1656 as my preferred choice. I think you need to have some exceptional good quality source and audiophile speakers to really appreciate the finer tunings of these amplifiers.
My goal would also to have an integrated amplifier with the full suite of digital inputs such as optical and to a less extent USB. I would also like a remote control to select inputs and control the volume.
There are some older products from companies such as SMSL that have all the inputs and remote but not based on the TPA325x series of amplifier chips - Yet.
With regard the 3e-Audio integrated amplifier I didn’t buy it for Bluetooth or the flashing LEDs but because I wanted an integrated amplifier from a designer with a good track record and I am not disappointed.
Actually the Bluetooth on this amplifier is really good and I have now started to use this as my primary connection from the computer whereas previously I was streaming audio across the network to an Apple Airport Express plugged in to the RCA input. Audio stays in the digital domain and there is much less delay from the source.
I would really like to get the guys at 3e-Audio to look at putting together something like the current integrated amp but with RCA, Bluetooth, USB and Optical Inputs and also a remote control. This would just tick so many boxes !!
Only downside is that it removes the DIY element that so many of us enjoy !! Some of my kit needs to be Wife friendly so that’s where these ready made integrated units work really well !!
I also have a stack of PA Kit as I support local events and I have actually used the little Aiyima TPA325x amplifiers for the smaller venues and they work really well driving what are quite efficient PA speakers. I am planning on building the Aiyima A07 TPA3255 amplifier into my mixing desk so I can do small venues without having to carry the other kit around.
Thanks Bushellj, great to know about the similarities between us. But u seems a lot senior than me.
I am also last time played with DIY when i was student only.
I agree with with you once the 3E or other manufacturer comes with full finished design, removes DIY,
But for guys like me who have lesser time now to play with DIY, that kind of product with TPA 325X and all in one package will be great boon.
Anyway later part of my upgrade in Aiyima A04 include the inductor coils, when i get free time.
I am also last time played with DIY when i was student only.
I agree with with you once the 3E or other manufacturer comes with full finished design, removes DIY,
But for guys like me who have lesser time now to play with DIY, that kind of product with TPA 325X and all in one package will be great boon.
Anyway later part of my upgrade in Aiyima A04 include the inductor coils, when i get free time.
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