Review on 🔊 Fosi Audio TDA7498E: Hi-Fi Class D Amplifier for Passive Speakers - 160W x 2 + 24V Power Supply by Linda Peoples

Great little Class D amp that can drive an Elac Uni-Fi UB5 set much louder than I can in my apartment can hear. I didn't want to find room on my desk for a large receiver or built-in amplifier, so I took a chance. The STMicro TDA7498E (not TI as stated in the description) amplifier chip met my power and THD requirements. After checking the data sheet against the popular TI TPA3116 component, it seemed to me to be the best component. The aluminum profile case looks elegant and durable. It pairs beautifully with a 27-inch monitor, and I appreciate the minimalism of the power button and volume controls. I didn't notice any spark from the spark plug. This problem seems to have been solved with an inrush current limiting circuit; On the side of the board is a silkscreen designation TPCA8051, which corresponds to a FET that probably serves this purpose. Photos of disassembly are attached. The circuit board appears to be fairly well made and is clearly assembled on an automated line rather than by hand. Nice to find in this price range. However, here is my only comment as an EE who is no stranger to questioning specs. It is disingenuous to say that this amp can deliver 160W + 160W RMS power. This is indeed the nominal specification for the TDA7498E , but is only achievable under the following conditions: Vcc = 36V, RL = 4 ohms and THD = 10%. The power supply supplied with this device is only 24V and the internal electrolytic capacitors are only rated for 35V. Assuming we want to stick to <1% THD with our 24V power supply and storage capacitors, Figure 4 in the datasheet tells us that we can deliver 60W + 60W RMS into a 4 ohm load. At 0.1% THD, this value is slightly lower. 60 watts per channel is loud enough for my application, but it might make a difference to you! All in all I can recommend this device.