I spoke with the manufacturer and more units will be in stock tomorrow. There was a delay with the power supplies which they source from a third part. Thank you.
Went to their website. Used the e-mail address that was listed. I asked about the weight. Why? I’m overseas and shipping can run up to $100. They replied and asked me WHAT I wanted it FOR. Huh? I told them what my present amp was. They replied with that’s a good amp. Why do I want the A7? Huh? Sounds like they don’t want to sell me one or be bothered with me. Wow! They replied. They just want to make sure I would be satisfied with their amp with my Maggie’s
Always Great Videos 👍 Your reviews are always well done and very informative! The fact that you also review the music that you test/review with is awesome! Very much appreciated!
FINALLY! An Al D fan. My buddies turned me on to Romantic Warrior in 1975 and I was so amazed with Al. In '77 Al was doing his solo stuff. One if his opening bands was some punk rock crap. They got booed off. How dumb to have that as an opening act. That was in Buffalo, NY
Hey Ed! I'm new to your channel and just wanted to thank you for this review. I'm looking to upgrade from my vintage Yamaha receiver (or should I really? Hmmm...). I'm pretty set on a pair of class D monoblocs and a tube preamp. Good to see from the comments that this amp is available in a monobloc configuration. Cheers!
Thanks Ed, I really like how you give music recommendations and you like a wide variety of music 🎶. I just got my fosi zd3 and the Alli express op amps that you recommended but I am going to listen to the original ones first. I have been designed and built myself a few pairs of really nice speakers and they are the strongest part of my chain .
I think it was actually my tip for the SX52B since I've used their amps for years. Originally called Audience, they have a whole lineup of amps and opamps.
I was waiting for this review, thank you, you are the first. I'm also curious how their A7 monoblocs and their A5 stereo amp will sound. A5 will be less powerfull using TPA3251 chip. 3e audio said that this chip is superior but is less powerful, as i don't need as much power it could be a better choice. I will have to find a way to use the new Virtual Hifi Hypersonic that are really revolutionary, they litteraly obliterate the others opamps i tried, Sparkos SS3602, Burson V7, Akliam LC5 (the one i prefered before).. i hope you will review them also
Great review. Thank you for all the music references. I currently have a ZA3, which is good but sometimes a bit sharp at the top end. I need more amps anyway, so this might be my nest experiment. Edit: Just had a look at their website. There's even a mono version. I'm nearly sold.
There's no need to upgrade them all 6! That's really wasting money! Burson will be thrilled but you only need 2. I have a pair of Fosi ZA3's and I put 2 8802 discrete opamps in. That's $90 for a pair of OEMs (for a very highly regarded brand). The one in the back just converts unbalanced RCA to balanced. The 2 for sub-out are just fine. The 2 in the front are for stereo mode. For mono mode you only need to use the R-opamp socket, you can leave the left empty.
SINAD (Signal-to-Noise and Distortion Ratio) - это показатель, который характеризует качество аудиосистемы. Он измеряет соотношение между полезным сигналом и суммой шумов и искажений, возникающих в процессе передачи или воспроизведения звука. Чем выше SINAD, тем меньше шумов и искажений в сигнале, а значит, качество звука считается лучше.▎
Better than a pair of Fosi V3monos? Maybe the Fosi DAC and balanced connections? ha! - typed that immediately before you mentioned the Fosi DAC, having not done so in the DACs mentioned before.
I see a note about a 3-5db channel imbalance when knob is in the 7-9 oclock position. Any comment on that? Amp looks really good, but that stood out a bit. Probably not an issue for most people.
Ed, have you tried a hypex Ncore amp? Two US companies I know making amps is VTV and buckeye? I think they run about $550 but are 250wattsx2@4ohms. Wondering if they are worth the extra cheddar? Haven’t heard a bad thing about them
Slightly related question to using this as a secondary Amp/preamp. With a paired phono input and DAC, did you once suggest a simple way to run Vynal Albums into a digital file? I forgot what you suggested, but I would put this in my home office and set this up?
I don't recall discussing digitizing vinyl. Is that what you are asking about? I need a bit more clarification. Sorry. Thank you so much for your generosity.
Just some quick math to keep these thoughts in pricing context, if someone purchases this unit with the 10amp power supply at the stated price of $299 and then adds either the Sparkos SS3602 OR the Burson V7 Classic or Vivid op amps, that puts the cost into the range of $350 - $390 (+ tax). Now given some people may already have the Op Amps but that is still was a previous cost / expense.
Good point but, I wouldn't waste the money on Sparkos or Burson op-amps for this. I would save those for a DAC. I like the inexpensive solid state op-amps like the SX52A I used. Maybe if this was going to be in your main system. On desktop, no. Keep it simple.
I have two v3 monos single ended input with opa1656 currently. I run them from a meanwell drp 480-48v set at 42v. I'm thinking that when they become available I may buy a single a7 unit, these Chinese sx52b op amps run with balanced input. Do you think I would see an appreciable improvement? I liked the idea of mono amps not having crosstalk but in balanced would the a7 be on par?
I have some V3 mono's and they are quite good. I am not sure I could render an opinion without hearing your set up. If you like what you have then you may not need to change. Thank you for your questions and your view.
I am turly surprised how much of your test cuts and musicians Arkenstone I had not heard anyone mention him in a long time, Chick Corea with Al Demeola think Flight of the New Born, Alvin Lee, Herbie Mann, YoYo Ma...At any rate were it not for the Bricks I'd be all over it. The Monitors are they $380 a pair or each? I like pretty much everything about it l, but that one issue. I assume enclosing the PS would alter not only price, but internal layout and thst could affect overall sound, sadly.
$380 for the pair in Blue. philharmonicaudio.com/products/true-mini Enclosing the power supply also causes a shit-ton of issues in the EU. Kind of like UL here. That's way some many things have external PS. Thx.
I probably won't. I have too many other units in for review. I would only ever use an amp like the A7 on a desktop. I am looking/listening to an $8k hybrid tube amp right now. That kind of trumps everything else for the time being. Thanks for the suggestion. Have a great weekend.
Thanks so much for your very informative videos. Can you help me out? I have a FOSI ZA3 and a Topping DX3 Pro DAC.....Using in a desktop environment passive bookshelf Polks/ headphones , I have purchased (2) Sparko's 6302 op amps. Which unit you recommend I use the Sparko's in, the DAC or the ZA3?
I haven't looked inside a WiiM amp but my guess is, this uses much better components then any of the other mass market "Fun Fi" amps I have seen. It also sounds significantly better. It cost more though. I think it is worth it. Thx.
@@OldGuyHifi thanks, I will consider it...but the Cambridge integrated for $599 might even be better overall...you have great reviews and recommendations !
So with new and "better" opamps we're close to $500. That's the price of entry level Cambridge Audio and Yamaha amps, just to name a few. Do you really think this little amp can compete with those big brands in craftmanship, sound quality, liability and overall functions!? Honestly I don't but that's just me. In my view these amps are made for desktop service at your office, and nothing more than that.. -with all due respect.
I only ever used on the desktop. With the op-amps I used the total cost v is about $332.00. I do believe it offers value to someone looking for good power in a small package.
Maybe not. I didn't really here much of a change related to that third op-amp. The biggest change was on the front two. Thx for tuning in & Happy Holidays.
@@OldGuyHifi nice, thanks for the reply, now it's even more affordable ( only need two better opamps ). besides the price disparity, do you find any other caveat firing your pmc with it? okay, wont bother your holidays much longer, happt holidays.....
@@donnywidodo8874 The PMC are expensive and while the amp drove them very well, I feel that they are not price appropriate. I did run the amp on my Elac DBR62s and that was a good combo. Thank you and Happy Holidays.
It is better than the Fosis, the Aiyims and the Douk stuff I have reviewed. None of those are in the same p[rice category so what's to compare. At $300 I have not reviewed anything better., Thx.
I just communicated with them today and it is still current. Actually, they asked to release the video today. I had been sitting on it for a while pending their release date. Shipments out of Hong Kong are delayed because there has been a huge rush to get things on the water before any proposed tariffs take effect. I can't control inventories but, the product is brand new and still current. Sorry.
You keep churning out reviews in record pace. Pff. Also, I didn't know you spoke German? On my Rosetube from my streamer I get to listen to some AI translation. And I can't switch :-( I see you read my recommendation for the SX52B opamps. You're welcome. Good aren't they? Now try a pair of 8802 with the E+ etching (oem for the 3602 only much cheaper, still $45 or so). For me, I'm really put of by the coupling elcos. No matter how good they are, they are not nearly as good as some proper foil caps like MKP or even PiO. They should NEVER be used in the signal path. Also, can we please get rid of the terms fun-fi or chi-fi? These amplifiers are so much better than what passed as Hi-Fi in the 70-ies. I even have a $10 100W amp (with the proper PS) that is not funny at all. It's dead serious value for money. It even has BT5 that sounds remarkably well. Take it easy and keep those reviews coming, others only post 1 per week you know ;-) PS: look into some better lighting with a lower color temperature. It's rather cold now.
3e Audio may be a new name to you but they have been building Class "D" amp boards for lots of other companies. This is their first foray into the retail market. I am very impressed by its build quality and sound. My goodness, does it sound great. If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
@@OldGuyHifiNo. it’s because you’re my age. My father used to get mad at me because he said I talked like I had marble’s in my mouth. One dinner i spit out some marbles. What I wise ass I was. I wound up doing ESL in Japan for Berlitz. That’s where I learned correct English and annunciation.
I spoke with the manufacturer and more units will be in stock tomorrow. There was a delay with the power supplies which they source from a third part. Thank you.
@@OldGuyHifi Nice one!
Went to their website. Used the e-mail address that was listed.
I asked about the weight. Why? I’m overseas and shipping can run up to $100.
They replied and asked me WHAT I wanted it FOR. Huh?
I told them what my present amp was. They replied with that’s a good amp. Why do I want the A7?
Huh? Sounds like they don’t want to sell me one or be bothered with me.
Wow!
They replied. They just want to make sure I would be satisfied with their amp with my Maggie’s
thank you so much review our amplifier that we put many engineering effort to optimized its performance!🤛
You are welcome. Thank you for the opportunity to review the A7.
You are the first reviewer I’ve seen with this. This is a very cool amplifier, thanks for showing it to us!
Thanks my question below
Always Great Videos 👍
Your reviews are always well done and very informative! The fact that you also review the music that you test/review with is awesome! Very much appreciated!
Thanks! 👍
FINALLY! An Al D fan. My buddies turned me on to Romantic Warrior in 1975 and I was so amazed with Al.
In '77 Al was doing his solo stuff. One if his opening bands was some punk rock crap. They got booed off. How dumb to have that as an opening act. That was in Buffalo, NY
Your Playlist artist back ground is the best. Have a great holiday season.
Thank you! You too!
Good times! Fun device. Have a great weekend, Ed.
Nice take here Ed. Thank you.
Thanks Chris.
Another great review!
Hey Ed!
I'm new to your channel and just wanted to thank you for this review. I'm looking to upgrade from my vintage Yamaha receiver (or should I really? Hmmm...).
I'm pretty set on a pair of class D monoblocs and a tube preamp. Good to see from the comments that this amp is available in a monobloc configuration.
Cheers!
J.S.Bach is the greatest thing that ever happened to music. Simply cosmic...
Thanks Ed, I really like how you give music recommendations and you like a wide variety of music 🎶. I just got my fosi zd3 and the Alli express op amps that you recommended but I am going to listen to the original ones first. I have been designed and built myself a few pairs of really nice speakers and they are the strongest part of my chain .
I think it was actually my tip for the SX52B since I've used their amps for years. Originally called Audience, they have a whole lineup of amps and opamps.
Do listen to the stock op-amps for a month or more. That way you get used to the sound and it will be easier to hear the difference. Thx.
@@OldGuyHifi Thanks Ed I was getting impatient but I will wait
I was waiting for this review, thank you, you are the first. I'm also curious how their A7 monoblocs and their A5 stereo amp will sound. A5 will be less powerfull using TPA3251 chip. 3e audio said that this chip is superior but is less powerful, as i don't need as much power it could be a better choice. I will have to find a way to use the new Virtual Hifi Hypersonic that are really revolutionary, they litteraly obliterate the others opamps i tried, Sparkos SS3602, Burson V7, Akliam LC5 (the one i prefered before).. i hope you will review them also
I only found your channel today and delighted to meet another David Arkenstone fan! If you like him you may also like some of Guenter Haas’ stuff.
I will give him a listen tonight. Thx
Enjoying what iFi are doing to my Netgear GE108 switch tonight. LPS on the router and the iFi Power X on the switch, yep it works!
Great review. Thank you for all the music references. I currently have a ZA3, which is good but sometimes a bit sharp at the top end. I need more amps anyway, so this might be my nest experiment.
Edit: Just had a look at their website. There's even a mono version. I'm nearly sold.
I have asked them for a pair just to review. I don't have the space around my desk for mono amps.
I must say, you have the sexiest introduction vocal for an Old Hi Fi Guy! 😅
Her name is Suno. She is an AI vocalist.
Great review, very interesting product!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks on the OPamps recommendation I'm thinking about upgrading the all 6 in both of the ZA3 running in mono to ZD3 with Burson V7 Vivid
Keep me posted if you do that. Thx.
There's no need to upgrade them all 6! That's really wasting money! Burson will be thrilled but you only need 2.
I have a pair of Fosi ZA3's and I put 2 8802 discrete opamps in. That's $90 for a pair of OEMs (for a very highly regarded brand).
The one in the back just converts unbalanced RCA to balanced. The 2 for sub-out are just fine. The 2 in the front are for stereo mode. For mono mode you only need to use the R-opamp socket, you can leave the left empty.
I recommend you the new Virtual Hifi Hypersonic opamps from Poland, they bury deep all the others, Sparkos, Burson etc ..
@@tofffsymagic1099 not for this device but I'll look into them
Excellent and helpful! Thanks! (new subscriber!)
Thanks for the sub!
SINAD (Signal-to-Noise and Distortion Ratio) - это показатель, который характеризует качество аудиосистемы. Он измеряет соотношение между полезным сигналом и суммой шумов и искажений, возникающих в процессе передачи или воспроизведения звука. Чем выше SINAD, тем меньше шумов и искажений в сигнале, а значит, качество звука считается лучше.▎
Thank you.
Very impressive Ed. Thanks for the review. Happy Holidays.
Ralph my friend, thank you so much for your participation in the channel. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
Better than a pair of Fosi V3monos? Maybe the Fosi DAC and balanced connections? ha! - typed that immediately before you mentioned the Fosi DAC, having not done so in the DACs mentioned before.
I see a note about a 3-5db channel imbalance when knob is in the 7-9 oclock position. Any comment on that? Amp looks really good, but that stood out a bit. Probably not an issue for most people.
I noticed no issues with the volume at any setting. Could just be a isolated incident. Thx for the heads up.
Ed, have you tried a hypex Ncore amp? Two US companies I know making amps is VTV and buckeye? I think they run about $550 but are 250wattsx2@4ohms. Wondering if they are worth the extra cheddar? Haven’t heard a bad thing about them
My Cambridge EVO150 is NCore.
How are these when compared to say the Yamaha RS202, AS301, or Sony's STR-DH190? These all offer more inputs and sometimes a phono pre-amp.
Sonically? I think it is better. Feature wise of course, those units are better. It would be hard to put one of those Receivers on your desktop.
Slightly related question to using this as a secondary Amp/preamp. With a paired phono input and DAC, did you once suggest a simple way to run Vynal Albums into a digital file? I forgot what you suggested, but I would put this in my home office and set this up?
I don't recall discussing digitizing vinyl. Is that what you are asking about? I need a bit more clarification. Sorry. Thank you so much for your generosity.
No worries, I'm an old guy too - lapse in my memory.....
@@AEFisch I can empathize.
Just some quick math to keep these thoughts in pricing context, if someone purchases this unit with the 10amp power supply at the stated price of $299 and then adds either the Sparkos SS3602 OR the Burson V7 Classic or Vivid op amps, that puts the cost into the range of $350 - $390 (+ tax). Now given some people may already have the Op Amps but that is still was a previous cost / expense.
Good point but, I wouldn't waste the money on Sparkos or Burson op-amps for this. I would save those for a DAC. I like the inexpensive solid state op-amps like the SX52A I used. Maybe if this was going to be in your main system. On desktop, no. Keep it simple.
I have two v3 monos single ended input with opa1656 currently. I run them from a meanwell drp 480-48v set at 42v. I'm thinking that when they become available I may buy a single a7 unit, these Chinese sx52b op amps run with balanced input. Do you think I would see an appreciable improvement? I liked the idea of mono amps not having crosstalk but in balanced would the a7 be on par?
I have some V3 mono's and they are quite good. I am not sure I could render an opinion without hearing your set up. If you like what you have then you may not need to change. Thank you for your questions and your view.
I am turly surprised how much of your test cuts and musicians Arkenstone I had not heard anyone mention him in a long time, Chick Corea with Al Demeola think Flight of the New Born, Alvin Lee, Herbie Mann, YoYo Ma...At any rate were it not for the Bricks I'd be all over it. The Monitors are they $380 a pair or each? I like pretty much everything about it l, but that one issue. I assume enclosing the PS would alter not only price, but internal layout and thst could affect overall sound, sadly.
$380 for the pair in Blue. philharmonicaudio.com/products/true-mini
Enclosing the power supply also causes a shit-ton of issues in the EU. Kind of like UL here. That's way some many things have external PS. Thx.
Interesting amp! Have you tried it with some burson or sparkos op amps? Would be curious in a follow up with some other options.
I probably won't. I have too many other units in for review. I would only ever use an amp like the A7 on a desktop. I am looking/listening to an $8k hybrid tube amp right now. That kind of trumps everything else for the time being. Thanks for the suggestion. Have a great weekend.
Ed are those $15 opamps supposed to be 2590s?
No. More like a cheap 3602 or a solid state OPA1656. There are above average when compared to all the standard op-amps. See you Sunday.
Thanks so much for your very informative videos. Can you help me out? I have a FOSI ZA3 and a Topping DX3 Pro DAC.....Using in a desktop environment passive bookshelf Polks/ headphones , I have purchased (2) Sparko's 6302 op amps. Which unit you recommend I use the Sparko's in, the DAC or the ZA3?
Put the op-amps in the DAC. First link in the chain is the most important. Let me know how it turns out. Thx.
@@OldGuyHifi Thank you very much! Happy Holiday!
Thanks Ed - how would it compare sound wise to the WiiM amp?
I haven't looked inside a WiiM amp but my guess is, this uses much better components then any of the other mass market "Fun Fi" amps I have seen. It also sounds significantly better. It cost more though. I think it is worth it. Thx.
Ed, this amp lines up nicely $wise with a pair of Fosi ZA3s or V3 Monos. Any comments on how either option would compare?
I really think this sounds better. It is also a lot easier to accommodate and live with on a desktop. Only one power brick rather than 2.
I wonder how the 3E A7 compares to the Ayima and Fosi Class D amps?
IMHO it is a lot better and worth the extra money.
@@OldGuyHifi thanks, I will consider it...but the Cambridge integrated for $599 might even be better overall...you have great reviews and recommendations !
Can you add those Blue Speakers to your comment list? Thks!
philharmonicaudio.com/products/true-mini
I have that Arkinstone CD too
So with new and "better" opamps we're close to $500. That's the price of entry level Cambridge Audio and
Yamaha amps, just to name a few. Do you really think this little amp can compete with those big brands in
craftmanship, sound quality, liability and overall functions!? Honestly I don't but that's just me. In my view
these amps are made for desktop service at your office, and nothing more than that.. -with all due respect.
I only ever used on the desktop. With the op-amps I used the total cost v is about $332.00. I do believe it offers value to someone looking for good power in a small package.
This or ghorn for desktop use? J2s dac and A3 pro for preamp. Thanks Ed!
This. It is remarkably good sounding and it fits in my new desktop audio rack.
Wow wouldn’t have guessed that, ok thanks!
@@Brian_Romska love the Ghorns but I have a limited amount of space and the A7 just fits that and it freaking rocks. I really do like it. Thx.
Is this an upgrade to the ZA3?
Yes. I really think it is.
so if you have balanced source, do you need to swap the se to balanced opamp?
Maybe not. I didn't really here much of a change related to that third op-amp. The biggest change was on the front two. Thx for tuning in & Happy Holidays.
@@OldGuyHifi nice, thanks for the reply, now it's even more affordable ( only need two better opamps ). besides the price disparity, do you find any other caveat firing your pmc with it? okay, wont bother your holidays much longer, happt holidays.....
@@donnywidodo8874 The PMC are expensive and while the amp drove them very well, I feel that they are not price appropriate. I did run the amp on my Elac DBR62s and that was a good combo. Thank you and Happy Holidays.
More comparisons in your reviews would be welcome.
It is better than the Fosis, the Aiyims and the Douk stuff I have reviewed. None of those are in the same p[rice category so what's to compare. At $300 I have not reviewed anything better., Thx.
@@OldGuyHifi
Thanks, Ed! That helps me too. 😁
FYI; I believe these amps are no longer available, either from the manufacturer 3E Audio , or via Ali.
I just communicated with them today and it is still current. Actually, they asked to release the video today. I had been sitting on it for a while pending their release date. Shipments out of Hong Kong are delayed because there has been a huge rush to get things on the water before any proposed tariffs take effect. I can't control inventories but, the product is brand new and still current. Sorry.
will it be better than ca avr100 in 11x12 room?
Do you mean the AXR100 or the AXA25/35? If you mean the AXR100 then no way. The CA unit is far better. Thx for tuning in & Happy Holidays
@@OldGuyHifithanks 🙏 i have to save money for cxa 61 then.
Graphite is a good conductor. It seems unnecessary to use the pencil tip to point out all of the circuit components
It was not plugged in. So no chance of an issue. Thx
@@OldGuyHifi Pencils are specifically designed to >leave< traces of graphite, so best to not touch it anyways.
It's sold out Ed!
There are supposed to be more shortly. Thx buddy.
They are not sold out, not already for sale but already listed, first batch is coming
@@OldGuyHifi Gotcha! Thank you
@@PlaybackMansion I just heard form them and they will have more on the 15th.
Sold out on Ali.
I think they said there would be more shorty. IDK.
awesome build. I saw there is new Topping DAC, name Centaurus, hope you will review soon after new fiio streamer!
@ Do Fiio have a new streamer?
@ Topping £1000 R2R….its a lot of dosh one component…I wonder if actual playback sound quality will be worth the additional £850 over the Fiio R2R?
Yes.
Check out the album 💿 Ash - self discovery …its beautifully mixed
That's understandable. I should have said just lessen the time talking about and give that time to the product.
Thx.
Good stuff but please SLOW DOWN.
Ya he seems pretty excited about this one, or had too much coffee!
I was try to keep it under 30 minutes. Sorry.
You keep churning out reviews in record pace. Pff. Also, I didn't know you spoke German? On my Rosetube from my streamer I get to listen to some AI translation. And I can't switch :-(
I see you read my recommendation for the SX52B opamps. You're welcome. Good aren't they? Now try a pair of 8802 with the E+ etching (oem for the 3602 only much cheaper, still $45 or so).
For me, I'm really put of by the coupling elcos. No matter how good they are, they are not nearly as good as some proper foil caps like MKP or even PiO. They should NEVER be used in the signal path.
Also, can we please get rid of the terms fun-fi or chi-fi? These amplifiers are so much better than what passed as Hi-Fi in the 70-ies. I even have a $10 100W amp (with the proper PS) that is not funny at all. It's dead serious value for money. It even has BT5 that sounds remarkably well.
Take it easy and keep those reviews coming, others only post 1 per week you know ;-)
PS: look into some better lighting with a lower color temperature. It's rather cold now.
Thx. I can manage the channel. I have my own thoughts about it.
3e Audio may be a new name to you but they have been building Class "D" amp boards for lots of other companies. This is their first foray into the retail market. I am very impressed by its build quality and sound. My goodness, does it sound great. If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
These things have zero visual appeal. Maybe one can be installed inside a vintage unit. :)
Good thought. Thx
I like your review style but please give less about the music you use because not everyone listen to your style of music.
I will continue using the music I like. Thank you for the view.
I'm as much a fan of the music as the gear. Please keep doing it your way, Ed.
Another aspect of your videos is your speech. You don't say "to da" for "to the" and you pronounce the word important like it should be.
The curse of a classical prep school and Ivy league college education.
@@OldGuyHifiNo. it’s because you’re my age. My father used to get mad at me because he said I talked like I had marble’s in my mouth. One dinner i spit out some marbles. What I wise ass I was.
I wound up doing ESL in Japan for Berlitz. That’s where I learned correct English and annunciation.