3e Audio TPA3251 Copies on Aliexpress
It appears there are a lot of clones/copies of 3e Audio's TPA3251 4 channel on Aliexpress and 3e doesn't sell it on their store anymore.
I was wondering if they are the same, on par with, or complete rip offs with fake components? Will i get the same performance from them? If you don't recommend them, can you recommend a 4 channel amp that does ~ 100 watts at 4 ohm? I do plan to buy 3e Audio DSP module to make an active amp
here are a couple links I am talking about
TPA3251 o Amplifier Board 4X100W Hight Power 4 Channel Cl D o Amplifier Board Module|Operational Amplifier Chips| - AliExpress
TPA3251 Audio Amplifier Board 4X100W Hight Power 4 Channel Class D Audio Amplifier Board Module|Operational Amplifier Chips| - AliExpress
TPA3251 o Amplifier Board 4X100W Hight Power 4 Channel Cl D o Amplifier Board Module|Operational Amplifier Chips| - AliExpress
This is 3e Audio's link
TPA3251 4x100W 4Ch Class D Audio Amplifier|Amplifier| - AliExpress
It appears there are a lot of clones/copies of 3e Audio's TPA3251 4 channel on Aliexpress and 3e doesn't sell it on their store anymore.
I was wondering if they are the same, on par with, or complete rip offs with fake components? Will i get the same performance from them? If you don't recommend them, can you recommend a 4 channel amp that does ~ 100 watts at 4 ohm? I do plan to buy 3e Audio DSP module to make an active amp
here are a couple links I am talking about
TPA3251 o Amplifier Board 4X100W Hight Power 4 Channel Cl D o Amplifier Board Module|Operational Amplifier Chips| - AliExpress
TPA3251 Audio Amplifier Board 4X100W Hight Power 4 Channel Class D Audio Amplifier Board Module|Operational Amplifier Chips| - AliExpress
TPA3251 o Amplifier Board 4X100W Hight Power 4 Channel Cl D o Amplifier Board Module|Operational Amplifier Chips| - AliExpress
This is 3e Audio's link
TPA3251 4x100W 4Ch Class D Audio Amplifier|Amplifier| - AliExpress
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3eAudio is a member on here:
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/members/3eaudio.html
Why not PM him and ask if he offloaded his 3251 stock, or if he supplied these other sellers?
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/members/3eaudio.html
Why not PM him and ask if he offloaded his 3251 stock, or if he supplied these other sellers?
Did you buy the amp? I got the 50w version. Haven't got the DSP working yet - having problems when I click -Link Compile Download - there's an error message saying the hardware isn't connected, even though it's there on the schematic. (SigmaStudio)
If I was you, I'd buy the TPA3255 board and build your own amp separately. Even though it's class D, it still gets hot and there's no vents in this amp. There's a tiny fan at the back, not sure if it works, if it does it's very quiet, and won't be much use without a vent. Also, all the components are crammed in a tiny space -thin wires and caps right next to the heat sink. Here's a good link (it was this that encouraged me to buy the amp)
Full Page Reload
But instead of following what he advised I bought it pre made for the convenience and the possible us of DSP - just to see what it was like.
Alternatively, for a ready made amp, try the Volt Allo
Volt+ D (Double) 2x60W. Designed by audiophiles, not just engineers. Plus it got much better measurements on Audioscience.
Allo Volt+ D Amplifier Review | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
Compared to the 3e Audio
3e Audio SY-DAP2002 Review (DSP Amplifier) | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
The only bonus of the 3e Audio is that it has bluetooth, but for the Volt you can buy a bluetooth receiver from Amazon for about £15.
The guy on Audioscience had to change the Op amp on the 3e to get the best results. I've just been looking into it. Strange cos the one that came with the amp OPA 1602 is £2.50 and the recommended upgrade LM4562 is £1.27.
Also, if you want to use the DSP (good luck with that), you'll have to buy a USBi cable, and literally open up the amp to connect it. I bought the one from 3e Audio. It's not available on their site - you can only find it on Aliexpress. ADAU1701 Audio DSP 2In 4Out Pre Amplificatore di Bordo di Controllo del Volume Single end per Bilanciare molto a basso rumore|Amplificatore| - AliExpress
So far I've had no luck with the DSP -lolearnt how to use the software but unable to save any changes, probably cos the cable doesn't work. Again, people have had better luck when they've bought the 3e Audio DSP and an Epprom board separately (see link to cable).
IMO buy the Allo and a separate DSP if you really need it. If you're using a computer to play you music then an equalizer will suffice. The DSP is useful for equalisation, blending in subwoofers, and active crossovers, though you'd need another amp (one for the mids, one for highs). I haven't compared the 3e and Allo amps in a listening test. My brother has an Allo, so when we have time we'll do one. Measurements aren't everything - look at tubes/ Class A, they still sound great!
I don't know if you've had any other Class D amps. I've always had A/B and I find the mid-range in Class D to be a little forward. There is a Class D amp with tone controls for bass, treble AND mids! This might be a good option, not sure about quality.
.
Full Page Reload
But instead of following what he advised I bought it pre made for the convenience and the possible us of DSP - just to see what it was like.
Alternatively, for a ready made amp, try the Volt Allo
Volt+ D (Double) 2x60W. Designed by audiophiles, not just engineers. Plus it got much better measurements on Audioscience.
Allo Volt+ D Amplifier Review | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
Compared to the 3e Audio
3e Audio SY-DAP2002 Review (DSP Amplifier) | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
The only bonus of the 3e Audio is that it has bluetooth, but for the Volt you can buy a bluetooth receiver from Amazon for about £15.
The guy on Audioscience had to change the Op amp on the 3e to get the best results. I've just been looking into it. Strange cos the one that came with the amp OPA 1602 is £2.50 and the recommended upgrade LM4562 is £1.27.
Also, if you want to use the DSP (good luck with that), you'll have to buy a USBi cable, and literally open up the amp to connect it. I bought the one from 3e Audio. It's not available on their site - you can only find it on Aliexpress. ADAU1701 Audio DSP 2In 4Out Pre Amplificatore di Bordo di Controllo del Volume Single end per Bilanciare molto a basso rumore|Amplificatore| - AliExpress
So far I've had no luck with the DSP -lolearnt how to use the software but unable to save any changes, probably cos the cable doesn't work. Again, people have had better luck when they've bought the 3e Audio DSP and an Epprom board separately (see link to cable).
IMO buy the Allo and a separate DSP if you really need it. If you're using a computer to play you music then an equalizer will suffice. The DSP is useful for equalisation, blending in subwoofers, and active crossovers, though you'd need another amp (one for the mids, one for highs). I haven't compared the 3e and Allo amps in a listening test. My brother has an Allo, so when we have time we'll do one. Measurements aren't everything - look at tubes/ Class A, they still sound great!
I don't know if you've had any other Class D amps. I've always had A/B and I find the mid-range in Class D to be a little forward. There is a Class D amp with tone controls for bass, treble AND mids! This might be a good option, not sure about quality.
.
Hi Guys,
I hope you can help.
I bought a number of Amp and PSU from 3e Audio. The TPA3251 and the TPA3255.
Unfortunately, the PSU did not come with connectors and 3e Audio says he had none and lead me to an AliExpress page that contained not what I want.
I need help finding these. I went to AliExpress, Bandgood, eBay, element 14 and I could not find the same things.
I believe they are:
1. From AC to PSU 3 pin connector with only 2 pins used about 5mm between the pins the OD of the wire is 2.75 including the insulation
2. Form the PSU to the amp a 2-pin connector again 5mm between the pins and the OD of the wire is 2.1mm
I tried searching JST 5.0mm 3 pin and JST 5.0mm 2 pin and all the variations on this.
How does one find these? I only need 2 of each…. I even range the technical guys at Element 14, and they could not help.
I am sure for you experts this is easy…. can anyone help??
Thank you.
I hope you can help.
I bought a number of Amp and PSU from 3e Audio. The TPA3251 and the TPA3255.
Unfortunately, the PSU did not come with connectors and 3e Audio says he had none and lead me to an AliExpress page that contained not what I want.
I need help finding these. I went to AliExpress, Bandgood, eBay, element 14 and I could not find the same things.
I believe they are:
1. From AC to PSU 3 pin connector with only 2 pins used about 5mm between the pins the OD of the wire is 2.75 including the insulation
2. Form the PSU to the amp a 2-pin connector again 5mm between the pins and the OD of the wire is 2.1mm
I tried searching JST 5.0mm 3 pin and JST 5.0mm 2 pin and all the variations on this.
How does one find these? I only need 2 of each…. I even range the technical guys at Element 14, and they could not help.
I am sure for you experts this is easy…. can anyone help??
Thank you.
Attachments
Hi Foxint
Your perseverence does you proud!
I believe the connectors you require are CH3.96 (ie nearly 4mm between pins, not 5mm), such as can be found here:
5PCS CH3.96 Cable CH 3.96mm Female Housing Plug Connector Wire 2P 3P 4P 5P 6Pin 22AWG Wire Length 20cm|Connectors| - AliExpress
Your perseverence does you proud!
I believe the connectors you require are CH3.96 (ie nearly 4mm between pins, not 5mm), such as can be found here:
5PCS CH3.96 Cable CH 3.96mm Female Housing Plug Connector Wire 2P 3P 4P 5P 6Pin 22AWG Wire Length 20cm|Connectors| - AliExpress
I think it's the JST NV series:JST - JST NV Connector nvr-03 for the 3 pin and nvr-02 for the 2 pin.
Hi Guys
Thank you.
I keep trying, but it always takes so long.
Yatsushiro – thanks for the link. So I just buy 2 sets of these and it will be OK. I will throw away the ones I do not need.
The 3 pin one has 3 wires – do I just cut the black, the one in the middle? Does it matter that the colours are red and yellow, and I have red and red?
JST NV 5.0 2pin – search into eBay resulted in zero results. The results below the zero number did not really look like the ones I have. This makes it all far more confusing. I wish they were not missing in the box.
Thanks
Thank you.
I keep trying, but it always takes so long.
Yatsushiro – thanks for the link. So I just buy 2 sets of these and it will be OK. I will throw away the ones I do not need.
The 3 pin one has 3 wires – do I just cut the black, the one in the middle? Does it matter that the colours are red and yellow, and I have red and red?
JST NV 5.0 2pin – search into eBay resulted in zero results. The results below the zero number did not really look like the ones I have. This makes it all far more confusing. I wish they were not missing in the box.
Thanks