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Smooth May photo
South Africa, Pretoria
1 Level
754 Review
44 Karma

Review on ๐Ÿ”Š AIYIMA 2 Channel TPA3251 Digital Audio Amplifier, 175W + 175W HiFi Mini Power Amp, Home Professional Amp NE5532 High Power Full Frequency Class D Amp (Silver with Power Adapter) by Smooth May

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Great Sounding Great Value Class D Amplifier

I ordered this amp and waited a few weeks before hooking up with the virus. Now that I've connected it to the Aiyima Dac-A5, also included in Revain, with the Triangle Plaisir ZETA bookshelf speakers, also included in Revain. I'm very happy with the SQ I'm listening to. It doesn't have the bass management, air, dimensionality, etc. of the qualities of my more expensive main integrated system, which sells for 70x the price of this Aiyima A04 amp, but I'm surprised at what it's capable of. Its performance is much closer than I expected from this small amp. I tried and returned the FOSI HD-A1 which, while capable, casts too much obscurity on the music. For the price, this Aiyima performs well, actually better than good. Slightly more hissing than audiophile grade amps, but this amp packs a lot of detail. It brings out the best of the Aiyima DAC I use with it. By the way, the Aiyima dac A5 DAC is very similar to the Marantz CD 6006, which uses the same CS chip, but the dac-A5 has a larger stage and stays focused. The only concern is what has already been mentioned regarding these types of amps. The power requirements are not listed on the amp itself, but Revain's website states: DC18-35V (DC32V 5A recommended). I use the ZCPlus Universal Power 24V 6A AC/DC power supply, also offered by Revain. I bought 2 packs for $24 which was cheaper than asking the manufacturer for 32V 5A. It says it's capable of delivering 175W at 10%, so expect a 32V power supply to give you 50-60W with much less and inaudible distortion. At 24V I expect 35-40W which is fine for my application. In any case, this amp does not handle ultra-high load levels like my expensive amp. The maximum output current of this amp is 3 amps, while many class AB amps below the piano typically have a maximum output current of 8 to 12 amps. So it will be history if you're overzealous. Using 24V at lower volume should extend the life of the amp while still providing enough power output for at least efficient speakers, say 88dB at 1W or higher. 2) Durability. While I don't expect it to last more than 15 years, I'd be content with 5 years, give or take. These amps are not repairable. So we hope. 3) Why the manufacturer/distributor does not either include or provide 32v 5a PS on Revain is not clear to me. I didn't want to order it outside of Revain. So minus half the stats for that. 4) There is a good bass, more than expected but it is not perfect compared to the integrated 70 times more expensive. However, I prefer it over the Fosi I mentioned and the musical Fidelity M2si I tried. The bass in the mids was too limp and the mids were grainy. So, this amp is really 5 stars for its price and even more. Add a 32 volt power supply, it's a steal up to a hundred. The speaker inputs seem short, but the connections fit perfectly. Connections are good, volume seems good. I get usable performance up to the 12 o'clock position, at the 1 o'clock position distortions become audible. I usually listen around 10-11am and the sound is just great. These devices are small, light and handy. The performance is amazing. It should work fine with the best DACs up to a point. I will eventually use it with my computer in near field applications with the aforementioned DAC and speakers. As far as controlling floorstanding speakers goes, I can't say, but if anyone is happy with the LS-50's controls. it says a lot about it. There aren't many reviews outside of the site, but I found one that was positive and credible. So far, so good. A one-star rating may not be fair, but the device must be labeled with its operating voltage and amperage. The lack of performance is also unacceptable. In view of this, the 4-5 star rating is justified. So I invested a total of $370 in an amplifier, DAC, and speakers that can serve both the main system and the desktop very well. How can you complain? I have coaxial, optical, USB and analog inputs, that's enough for me. If you have a lot of sources, get a Bellari PP532 passive preamp or other preamp, add a TT, etc. and you're done. The amp is also quiet, with no noise. Finally, there is no remote control. Although not required, it would be nice. Surprised by the Class D. I think Andrew Robinson was right that the Class D sounds great and the Class A/B does more for $2,000+. So great sound for little money. Ayima, impressed so far. A solid grade of 4.5! Five if they mark horsepower requirements and provide horsepower 32v.

Pros
  • Home Theater
Cons
  • Zero