So as of right now I am using a topping PA3 to power a set of Micca RB42’s in near field on my desk. The amp “works” but I would like an upgrade as I have a few issues with my unit.
The first issue is that while it has functioned for a few years now there is always that nagging feeling in the back of my head that the topping poor reliability will kick in and burn the apartment down.
The second issue is that while it normally provides enough power, I find that I feel like I need jut a little more in the head room department. As the amp is both very dirty as you get closer to the top end. Ive also had instance where I am listening to some quieter audio that I just can’t get quite loud enough.
Other then finding something without these issues, things I am looking for in an amp would include the power transformer built in instead of relying on a detachable brick. Small enough I can fit it on the deck, I’m a tad tight on space. As for budget I don’t want to bust the piggy bank so prefer suggestions under 250 American.
while it has an external power brick I use a smsl DA-6 with my MB42xg2, low gain around -40db is usually what I run it at (goes down to -59 up to 0)
maybe something like the smsl A300, same amp chip but more features/power and no brick.
Unfortunately, my best options for “small and works” require detachable bricks but: In the past I used an SMSL AD18 with a pair of RB42s in our lab rooms at work, and they always managed to drive them well to a point where too loud is too loud. There may be a better modern option but I never had a complaint with it when I used it. Another option that may not be as high-powered but is pretty clean from what I hear is the RSL iA255.1. Should be more than enough for nearfield, has tone controls AND a dedicated sub-out with high-pass, all for ~$110. Plenty of reviews on it out there if you want to give it a look, and RSL lives and dies by their customer service.
It varies for some things I have to crank it for others I have to turned way down usually its somewhere in between. But I do feel like there is something wrong with my audio chain to cause so much variance.
The issue is I think the amp is defective and my unit is not performing like I feel like it should. The volume settings I’m constantly having to change depending on use cases. Music to YouTube to gaming and the signal gets very dirty very fast.
Yeah that sounds off then. Although volume can change from local files to YT and gaming. have you tried using say a wired iem/bud/headphone to check the if the volume difference is still a thing?
No I have not, And yeah I get that sound level will vary normally. Its just a tad jarring at times. Back of my mind thinking I’m looking for an excuse to get an upgrade lol. That said I have less issue with variance with my Headphone amp that I have hooked up to the same audio chain.
PFFB that is exceedingly well executed. It’s replaced my $6000 250W@8Ohms hybrid class-A tube amp. Looks like they only have the A7. The A5 makes plenty of power and has slightly better technicals. Might keep an eye on it as it’s cheaper too but if you don’t want to fuss just order the A7.
Is there a place to read up more on this product? The product page seems a bit bare. I am not a hige fan of ordering direct from Aliexpress due to shipping times and effectively no warranty or return-ability.
Ah, when the A5 comes back in stock ill have to consider it. At the moment I think what I am looking for is more so something that can fit on the desk. The area is kind of small, and provides clean power. I now don’t think I need lots of power just something much much cleaner then the PA3 that I am currently running. I was thinking the SMSL PA40 might work. Its about as big as I can go is size
