Which class D amp ?

[sentinelaeon]

Hello,

I am looking to replace my pioneer A-307R stereo amplifier. I like everything about it except that in the summer its like a furnace on my desk, its using about as much electricity as my pc. I would like something that is energy efficient when idling since i have the amp turned on 24/7 and dont plan to change that.

This pioneer amp is really nothing special so i dont need the new one to be either. I will run 30/50W speakers at 4 ohms on it, i never blast music due to neighbours. It would be great if there would be volume knob and at least bass knob, so during night i have an option to turn the bass down. Headphones plug is a plus. I dont need bluetooth. Budget is 50-100$, about as much as i will get for selling the pioneer.

 

[Phorize]

Your budget is rather limiting for a featured new amplifier.

You may wish to look at this if it’s a desktop amp you need:

VOLT+ With Stepped Attenuator

This Amplifier based on TPA3118 IC and using a 24 position resistor attenuator, it’s made for audiophiles. Check our THD+N measurements.

allo.com

@amirm measure it with good results.

 

[MCH]

I got a Volt +D (the next model to the Volt+) last winter for less than 100eur used and i am super happy with it soundwise. However you need to know:
- does not have headphone amp
- does not have any tone control
- the step atenuator is a bit hard to dial, if you change volume often and you aren't used to stepped knobs chances are you don't like it
- has two red leds inside that aren't very bright, but are there at night and might bother some
- the acrylic case, besides not being for every taste, is very very weak and cracks easily (and i would say inevitably in the long term

 

[Walter]

I'm not aware of any in this price range with a headphone output, but these all fit otherwise and are from brands that are at least somewhat more highly regarded than most Ch-fi companies:

https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-Bluetooth-Amplifier-Integrated-Infineons/dp/B0983C2FDJ

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Audio-Amplifier-Receiver-Integrated/dp/B076XSBCCL

https://www.amazon.com/FX-AUDIO-Bluetooth-Amplifier-Wireless-SUB/dp/B08D7DW7DK

 

[JSmith]

Budget is 50-100$

Sure you can't go a bit over?

Topping PA3s Review (Desktop Amplifier)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping PA3s balanced integrated power amplifier. It was sent to me by the company. It is not announced yet and I forgot to ask how much it will cost. It is in similar form factor to PA3 which I reviewed before and that one cost $120. I think...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

 

[SaltyCDogg]

SMSL AD18 ticks all your boxes I think and might be able to pick one up for $100 if you shop around. I have this similar model and it's pretty great for the money

https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-Infineons-Technology-Amplifier-chip%EF%BC%8CBluetooth/dp/B081DJD1G4/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2DB8XVNSLLV5V&keywords=smsl+sa300&qid=1636991751&sprefix=smsl%2Caps%2C281&sr=8-3

But no headphone amp. They have various EQ settings you can access through the volume control with a press.

 

[Joe Smith]

I'd look for a used Emotiva BasX A-100. Great for headphones from what I hear and plenty of power for your speaker needs. Discontinued, but you can still find them around.

 

[sentinelaeon]

Ok lets ignore the headphone for now, its really not important and there are other ways to get that, via pc case, etc.

S.M.S.L A12 really looks nice, its small enough and has what i need. Only thing bothering me is the wierd inputs/outputs. Right now sound coming from my DAC comes in form of 3.5mm, which is then split into 2 chinch cables. And the speakers are bare wires.

https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-Bluetooth-Amplifier-Integrated-Infineons/dp/B0983C2FDJ/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=S.M.S.L+A12&qid=1637003729&sr=8-2

 

[steve59]

D Sonic

www.d-sonic.com

 

[Walter]

Ok lets ignore the headphone for now, its really not important and there are other ways to get that, via pc case, etc.

S.M.S.L A12 really looks nice, its small enough and has what i need. Only thing bothering me is the wierd inputs/outputs. Right now sound coming from my DAC comes in form of 3.5mm, which is then split into 2 chinch cables. And the speakers are bare wires.

https://www.amazon.com/S-M-S-L-Bluetooth-Amplifier-Integrated-Infineons/dp/B0983C2FDJ/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=S.M.S.L+A12&qid=1637003729&sr=8-2

Nothing weird about them. About as standard as it gets. It is easy to find 3.5mm to RCA adapters, although from looking at the back panel photo, it may actually have a 3.5mm input. The speaker terminals will accept bare wires--you just place them under the screws and tighten them down.

 

[Chrispy]

Not sure what you see about the connectivity on the A12 where you couldn't use your current cable adapter (assume yours is a 3.5mm to dual rca) or bare wire speaker wire (or even add banana plugs).....looks like a nice little amp.