Aiyima A07 MAX Long Term Review - Better Than The FOSI v3?
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- After spending well over 600 listening hours with the Aiyima A07 MAX, the Scientific Audiophile reviews the overall listening and user experience. Comparisons made with the FOSI v3 as well.
I got the 48 volt, super loud, more than i ever need in a 15x10 size room pushing Klipsch R620F speakers. Very good sound...detail up high, good mids, good sound stage, got bass.
Very nice!
As a bit of a vinosnob on a budget who got to know Columbia Crest in the early 80s, I had to sub after seeing your rating. Thanks!
I love this little amp. The difference between the V3 and the Max is bass presence. The Max actually has some.
Until you try the Aiyima 48 volt PSU (GaN version, same model Fossi sells for double the price) and you will notice that the base is gone from the Max. I returned that PSU the same day, which I got from Amazon, didn't even check how loud I could push the Max, the absence of bass I get with the stock 36 Volt PSU made it sound quite different and unenjoyable. But otherwise I love the Max, going to try swapping some opamps with Burr Browns / Sparkos soon. Maybe the non GaN 48 volt PSUs are the ones to get, but that's for another day ;)
@@IvanITpro I am using the power supply that came with the max and I find the bass is there. However, I do have the 48 volt from the Fosi that I can try with Aiyima to see if it removes the bass from it. Sparkos has a deal on their op amps. 30 percent off. I ordered some today. Plus Fosi is selling the muses02 50 bucks a pair and they have some sales.
did you notice this on all volume levels or only on high volume ? because i kinda feel my fosi v3 lacks low midrange
My V3 paired with a sub has plenty of bass
Nice I picked up a 48v A07max for 70usd so I cant wait.
Where?
You have blended satire and seriousness to the point of indistinguishable. Please quit staring into the camera. Excellent vid
I use 2ea. as surround and center channel amps. Works well and very clear sound . I don't miss any fullness on these channels. Cheap solution for surround amps and efficient on elec.
Thanks for sharing!
I have today got 2 fosi ZA3 linked them both up on 2 power supplies pushing voltage to cutout took them too 58 volts at 12 amps..using a AIYIMA T10 pre amp and got 290 watts per channel before clipping awesome quality amps
Thanks for sharing
Aiyima 07 Max has a built in feature to mute itself short term when it's first turned on, that's why you don't hear pops, I read that somewhere about it, don't remember where now ;) Also if you try the 48 volt PSU, I don't recommend the GaN version as it robbed the Max of all the good bass it had with the stock 36 volt PSU. Maybe the non GaN PSUs work better in that regard, will try another day!
Thanks for that information. I didn't know that.
It's called a soft start I think. Car audio amps have it.
Finally, a mono block for the masses. Add the 48 volt PS is a no brainer. Now I can have: Two AO7Max's/Schiit DAC/Sony Model:SSCS5/Sony CD transport = $500.00!!!!
The sscs5 give Chi-fi a bad reputation 😊...
Had to be said
@@robertorodriguez2609 I have never heard them. You have heard them in a good small room and a good position? What music genre do you listen to? Maybe I should consider Emotiva new bookshelf speaker?
I have only heard them in CZcams videos but Erin's Audio Corner listened and measured them and confirmed what I always suspected, they are bright as "gell". The Emotiva spkrs are very well regarded; mine are NHT Superzeros, they need a sub but the balance between mids and highs is very good.
@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene did you buy a pair of speakers? What about a DAC, "transport" etc; did you already have those? I would strongly consider buying your speakers used/secondary markets... I've had 2 pairs of sscs5s, paid 120 at most (70 or 80 for my second pair) and these were my initial "gateway" into hifi after ~20 year hiatus (I'm 34 and heroin took the reigns for a while). The sscs5s are good but definitely over hyped. Under 100 is a great deal... IF you're short on space. You can find a better deal on better speakers on secondary markets for 100 bucks if you look around and have patience. My Sony's ended up migrating to be used as height channels in my (7.2.4) surround system (I started with stereo..) And the other pair went to my mom.
How about a comparison to McIntosh, Levinson, Accuphase and such? That would be fun!
My (non-max) A7 lacked bass when played loudly. I moved it to a different system in my home and now run an Emotiva A2 in the main room. Much better bass performance with the A2.
Nice review and thank you very much for that! One thing (if you want to hear it) that you could.. Lets say.. Consider🙂 Is that it would be really helpful if you just plugged it up to a couple of 4 and 8 ohm speakers (I guess you have at least have one pair of 8 ohms?) cause thats kind of important if you ask me and.. Well. Many people I think😂 Keep up the good work and👍👍
Please consider adding standby watts in all your reviews. Thanks for adding common sense and practicality to audio reviews.
The difference is probably the Nichicon 63V caps.
Damn, a 2018 merlot, wasn't really expecting that at all
Dude knows his wine...
Can you tell us how many watts you got out of your white noise test on the Aiyima A07 MAX vs Fosi V3 or Fosi ZA3?
If I remember correctly , Yamaha A-S2100 9 watts, Fosi v3 0.5 watts. A07 3 watts. I didn’t test the ZA3, but they just sent me the v3 Mono, and I believe it’s supposed to be designed around a 2.5 volt input, rather than 5 volts. I’ll test it in a few weeks, but just going to whip out an unboxing on the 20th.
If you use a linear power supply (Using Toroidal + Caps; easier to buy and/or design the old-fashioned way) with a large bank of capacitors in parallel, you will hear the difference. You will get the sound slam(bass response) and immediacy(Treble response) and openness. Use high quality caps, e.g. Nichicon.
And what about comparing it to something like Yamaha R-S202 (like you did with Fosi). Is it worth going with much bulkier an somewhat older stuff?
None of these sub $100 class D amps have the value proposition of a Sony, Yamaha etc stereo receiver.
What if you only need an amp and do not need the other features of a receiver?
both use the TPA3255, so the only difference is the caps and transistors, which are way better in the fosi and do affect the sound, to the discriminating observer
Do you think a good preamp would give it a little performance boost? I currently have a combo home theater/ HiFi set up. They share an amp and front speakers separated by a switch. Got the OK to turn a spare bedroom into a listening room so I am moving my 2 channel up there. I already have a good DAC, Preamp, several speakers, but need a stop gap amp until I get a new set of mono blocks ($$$). Maybe Santa will be generous, we'll see. I was considering these because of the power and reviews. I have a system at work that I will put them in after I get my new amps. I have had a couple of these types of amps with decent results. A Fossi mono sub amp and an SMSL A300 that I got my daughter that is really great with her speakers. Good videos, thanks.
Yes, a good preamp would definitely give the Aiyima and the FOSI a performance boost.
Again (as I mentioned in a previous video), change out the Op Amps with either the MUSES02 (IC based) or the discrete Sparkos Labs SS3602, and you will begin to enter "class AB" amplifier performance as far as a warmer tonality, wider (and deeper) soundstaging, and better ambience retrieval - uncanny at this price point. Just sayin'....
It would have been nicer if more comments about actual audio qualities were advanced, rather than just "loudness..." But hey, the video is what it is.
How do you do that, swap the op amp? Do you need soldering, or is it just a plug and play?
As an aside, I don't know what just occurred here with my reply to your question. I just submitted a longish, yet very detailed and easy-to-understand explanation on how to remove and replace interchangeable Op Amps. Took me 10-15 minutes to type out (and I type 110 words per minute). Yet after hitting the reply button, it completely disappeared - frustrating? And I didn't want to do that all over again. Anyway, in short - Op Amps (the removable kind) can be removed by tweezers or needle-nosed pliers, giving them a yank out. Then just insert the new ones by lining up and pushing the pins in the slots on the circuit boards.
This is the 3rd time something like this has occurred with some of my replies on You Tube. It almost seems like You Tube's algorithms have it out for me?
Thanks for trying lol, I appreciate the effort. Of the two op amps that you mention, if you had to pick one, which would it be?@@MrBenherrmann
That depends on the audio component you are using. For example, in the FOSI Audio V3, I find the Sparkos Labs SS2603 to be ideal. However, in the Aiyima A07 Maxx, I found (surprisingly so) that I enjoyed the MUSES02 much better.
In most audio gear that I've used and experimented with (the ones that allow for interchangeable Op Amps), the Sparkos Labs were always winners. But the A07 Maxx was the first component I've used in which I liked the MUSES 02 better.
Now remember, all of this subjective.
@@MrBenherrmann it doesnt make sense, how many opamps does it take? 2 or 4? Price is what im seeing around $100 a pair, which is more then the whole amp.
aiyima a07 max vs fosi za3 which one has better mono block performance? Which one should I choose? i am waiting for valuable comments and recommendations from friends who have experienced both anfi.
I didn't test the za3, but without knowing if you're getting the ZA3 with or without the additional gain, its tough to know which one you're getting.
@@scientificaudiophile aiyima a07 max vs fosi za3 I haven't bought it yet, it is said that the aiyima a07 max mono block is more successful in some forms, fosi za3 seems to be better, so I am undecided. But I would prefer the 48 volt adapter for both models.
@@SERKAN_HOT34 I think you're just safer with the aiyima a07 max - unless you need those balanced inputs.
The unit consumes 4.6 W when it’s on regardless of the volume setting and when there is no sound. It remains at 4.6 to 5 W even when the music is moderately loud. However, it can be pushed to its full wattage if you can handle the loudness. I am disappointed that it does not have a drop to one watt or less when there is no music for extended period of time.
When the power knob is clicked to off, there is 0 W consumption.
I have the fosi V3 and the one point that may have sold me on the A07 max is the voltage boost. My V3 just doesn't have any headroom when listening to loud music and I have easy to drive Klipsch Icon dual 8" floor speakers for my computer studio. Now thats not to say it doesn't get loud, it does. But I can tell the bass has some lets say mud in the water at volume. These 3255 chips are used in pro amps and definitely have more output with higher input voltage. I wonder if, and I mean it stands to reason, the new Fosi ZA3 would have higher output with the XLR inputs. But of course your source would have to output pro level audio too.
I just reviewed the v3 monos. Has the King Returned? FOSI v3 Mono Review
czcams.com/video/HYdVgMxjzqY/video.html
Tomorrow my video drops comparing the v3 Mono with the Aiyima A70, that was just released.
say Impedance again, that was funny 😂
Impotence of 8 uhm
Does using 48v psu make the amp hotter than using 36v?
No
I am confused. The Fosi V3 has the same single combination power & volume control setup as the Aiyima. You rotate the volume knob to power on. There are no other controls. There is no flipping it on. Are you perhaps thinking of another Fosi unit?
You are correct. A previous comment made mention that they liked the v3 switch and I thought it had an on/off on the rear.
Comparing both, the max and the v3, which one would you say runs cooler, temp wise?
If you really pushed these amps and let them run for extended periods, they will get hit, but the FOSI, and both use similar cooling methods (e.g. the case), but due to the FOSI’s smaller case, there’s less airflow, so it runs hotter. Neither of them ever shut down on me, and neither were so hot that it would burn you. I wouldn’t make heat a determinate between the two.
I've found that the FOSI V3 - especially with the 48V power supply - can (long term) run as hot as some hybrid tube amps. So all of those slots for ventilation are not just a sales gimmick, rather, they are really needed because of this.
I've found that the Aiyima A07 Maxx runs much cooler - even long-term. I tend to keep my gear on all of the time because as the sound warms up/breaks in, many improved audio results ensue.
I would recommend buying good secondhand audio equipment at a low budget. Maybe find a local reseller that offers a warranty.
Old consumer audio electronics will cost more to repair, have more problems and be undependable. You're not going to get this mono-block system from vintage...Two AO7Max's/Schiit DAC/Sony Model:SSCS5/Sony CD transport = $500.00!!!!
@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene Wrong
My friend just sold his vintage Marantz receiver for $500.00, the entire cost of my mono block example system. Unless you can repair your vintage yourself it will cost you a bundle in repair, if it can, there is a limit to repair too. On point we are talking econo system in this video that sound good, not unlimited budget systems. @@nekomancer350
Good video!
Thanks!
Wiim Pro + 2x Aiyima A07 Max 48V/12A on Mono + Sony SSCS5?
I like everything but the Sony's. czcams.com/video/NB3VKbJGVhs/video.html
@@scientificaudiophile finally received the two Aiyimas and had them hooked to the SSCS5s.... very clean sound, bright and clear, no hissssss even at max levels. but the speaker lacked bass... i am ordering a subwoofer to to help on the lows... any reco on cheap bookshelves that would fare better? maybe some that has got 8inch woofers in it
Im looking to build the css torri kit, I have a question regarding the amplifier? Will such an amplifier be sufficient? or what would you recommend in this price range?
Under $100 for an amp. I would recommend nothing, at this time, higher than the Aiyima A07 max. I haven't heard the css torri kit, but the lack of a waveguide is a bit concerning.
Test it in mono mode using two with a quality preamp. How does it sound?
I did test in mono mode (one speaker, one amp), but not with a preamp. I didn’t want another product between my source for any type of comparison.
@@scientificaudiophile Ok! Most DACs have a preamp and many a volume control :) Mine doesn't so I use a passive pre/volume control which basically is a stepped attenuator in a box. With in and outs
Nice video. How do you make that connection, one speaker, one amp? I have two Fosi I’d like to connect that way for more power but I don’t know how. @@scientificaudiophile
Wow, can't believe you are calling pink floyd noise!
Where are the graphs? I can't hear music, I need to see some Excel visualization of data points.
Good point. Graphs are the best way to explain how audio products make music sound .
You should have been there when he called pink noise "Floyd". And it answered. Already became a new Klippel parameter...
The difference in perceived loudness. Is the gain of the Fosi and Aiyima the same ?
Aiyima seems to have added gain from the input prior to amplification.
@@scientificaudiophile then why do you say a preamp can improve it?
@@BB-Rareburto Improve the FOSI? Yes, a preamp that may add some gain to the output, would allow the FOSI to play closer to its spec'd output rating.
@@scientificaudiophile you wrote to ericnortan, 7 months ago: "Yes, a good preamp would definitely give the Aiyima and the FOSI a performance boost."
@@scientificaudiophile You wrote to ericnortan, 7 months ago: "Yes, a good preamp would definitely give the Aiyima and the FOSI a performance boost." I am more interested to know if a preamp can help the Aiyima.
Hey, thank you for the review. Can you please let me know, if ok to use one of those to drive 2x 70w surround speakers in my 7.2.4 home cinema, with onkyo av receiver, that rewuires external amp to drive 2 additional back speakers.
To turn them on with the amp im planning to use 12v trigger out on my amp and relay before this amp psu. Hope will not have any bumps on switching.
Not exactly sure what you’re planning since the Aiyima doesn’t have a trigger. You might be better off with the Fosi Audio ZA3.
I will just leave Aiyima permanently on, and trigger from onkyo will activate relay, that will turn on Aiyima. Its like pluging it in and out to power socket, the only diference that relay will do the work.
You recommended Fosi, does it have signal in wake or something? Thanks.
@@zenonek79 The FOSI has a real trigger. My concern with chip amps is that it may get very hot and eventually burn out the chip. Though I haven’t tried it with no signal.
Fosi has a trigger. Not sure if leaving the Aiyima on permanently will cause heat issues without a signal.
It does get warm and stays warm with no audio signal when it’s on. In that state, it is using 4.6 W which is all converted to heat inside the unit. Since it is so small, especially the chip that small 4.6 W can create a significant temperature.
Can I use this in mono mode to power a passive subwoofer from the Subwoofer pre-out in my AV Receiver? The receiver has the frequency control.
Could you? Maybe. Would I? Maybe as an experiment.
@@scientificaudiophile There is a sale deal going on in amazon right now and I'm confused whether to pick this or the Fosi Audio M03 subwoofer amp. I don't need a crossover dial as my denon avr 1700h has the option to set the crossover frequency. Should I buy this in your opinion as this has better internals than others
I wouldn't use a digital amp like the v3 to power a passive subwoofer. They are all tested at 1 kHz for wattage capability. You're talking driving from 20 - 200 hZ. I'd go with a more expensive option like this: www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=31030
@@scientificaudiophile That's a sweet little unit. Unfortunately not available in my country. I ordered the aiyima anyway to grab the deal price and will be receiving it in about 15 hours. Will share my test results.
@@scientificaudiophile Received it yesterday and wired to my passive sub and av receiver sub pre out. And this thing is a beast. I tried with 5 to 80hz audio and the aiyima was able to reproduce it well. Dead silent when nothing playing. I'm keeping this. Impressed by its build quality. This is running bit warm than a tda7498 amp board that I'm having.
I think you lack technical knowledge. There is nothing like little chip amps. They contain thousands of components perfectly matched on the same substrate.
You are correct- nothing like little chip amps.
can I use it as headphone or IEM's amplifier?
No.
5Volt. What will you do with that? Are you nuts!
What's with Bish? You really listen to her music or is ut part of your parodies? From some of your videos I gather you're a Prog guy. Great humor btw.👍👍👍
I live for Bish!
If you don't listen to organ pipe music, you don't know what a really deep bass is.
@jari121 Aye! The power and the majesty, defined! Live, I've experienced these huge instruments churn my gut and vibrate my skeleton into submission whilst enveloping me in absolute pure sonic bliss!
Hi, please can you test A07 Max and V3 mono @ long term continuous power behavior in mono bridge mode.
Manufacturers of this little D amps only give numbers from TPA3255 datasheet regarding power in different operating modes and PSU voltages, nobody test real world amp behavior @ long term continuous power (I ask Fosi @ASR forum but they ignore me).
Please use 48 V power from V3 mono and set amp to some predefined significant power (50-200W?) for some time (10-15 minutes?) and do the review about observed behavior (final case temp, fall to protection mode...).
Thank you for all.
I don’t have the Aiyima any more, but I did get in the Fosi v3 Mono. Will test, but there’s an issue with their splitter sending distortion to my speakers (they sent me a 10 amp power supply with a splitter to run two units for stereo). So I’m waiting for the new fixed splitter to be sent.
@@scientificaudiophile
This is great because many folks @ASR Fosi V3 mono thread wants testing results with 48V 10A PSU but just one amp connected ( without splitter).
From TPA3255 datasheet, chip is capable of really sick high power:
@48V PSU Voltage @1% THD @ PBTL mono mode
Output Power [W] Load [Ohm] Current [A] @ Load Voltage [V] @ Load
260 4 8,1 32,2
330 3 10,5 31,5
450 2 15,0 30,0
Please push V3 mono hard to find limits.
Be careful with speakers, test with something strong.
Many, many thanks.
Video going up tomorrow. I didn't do a full detailed review because my splitter has a noise issue, but I ran it for hours and tested how hot the unit got.
Might fill bathroom w pinkish noise
Fourth baby mama shower karaoke 🎤
A Wilson Audio speaker had an impedance that dropped to 1 Ohm at the crossover frequency.
Audiophiles want you to get a better amplifier that can drive it, Scientific Audiophiles suggest getting a better speaker, one without that flaw.
Get Klipsch! Yes, that’s a joke.
I don't think that i would trust these amps to drive my speakers at high volume!!!!!!! Also, reliability for these Chinese amps is an issue, too.
Love the videos but seriously dude how scared of the dentist are you?
Really? You watched this review and all you noticed was the teeth!? 😂 How scared are you to actually say something more meaningful?
I've made it abundantly clear, every penny goes into audio. I'm an audiophile not a monster.
Dude he knows I'm joking he's as sarcastic as me, if his butts not hurt why is yours?
@@darrinfyfe7728 I guess you don't watch him much if you did you'd understand the joke. I don't feel bad, wasn't having a bad day it was just a joke. If people took things less seriously the world would be a happier place
You Americans and your obsession with good dentistry. Here in Scotland we just deep fry everything so it melts in the mouth. No chewing, or indeed teeth, required.