Why running Eversolo DMP-A8 direct into 200w 4-ohm power amp do I want more volume?

[DtM]

 

 

Is there a lack of gain/juice/power from the Eversolo DMP-A8 digital output limiting volumes through Dynaudio Evoke 30s.

Why running direct into 200w 4-ohm power amp do I want more volume? 

I’m very happy with the Peachtree sound as I was the Cambridge its just maybe 20% more Volume I’m after.

My volume settings used range from low -23dB, Medium -20dB, Loud -10dB then 0dB it obviously as loud as it goes. It’s loud but it’s not run for the hills loud, I would have it this loud if in garden or vacuuming cleaning house when a lively passage of music comes on.

I sent back the first amp the Cambridge Audio CXA81Mk11 120W RMS into 4 Ohms thinking underpowered but in hindsight I don’t think it was. 

Now running Peachtree Audio GaN-1 Its 200W into 4 Ohms and there is little difference in the achievable volumes, surely this should be ample.

I can’t trial anything as I’m remote in that there are no dealers here, I must purchase and hope I’m happy.

The return of my Cambridge after a few days was an expensive exercise.

 

I would like some advice or user experience with this setup to see if it is an issue limited by digital output power or volts into the amp. (I have removed volume limiters, Gain set to -0dB, no DSP. As comparison I have a Wiim Ultra that is measurably louder by 2-3dB.

Would a different Power Amp say upgraded to 300w that has Analog in and use Balanced RCA to connect or simply a more powerful integrated Amp and using its preamp stage likely choices Arcam A25 with 164w 4ohms, a Musical fidelity M5Si 270w into 4ohms or a Marantz PM-12SE  200w into 4ohms (on special but not sure how good it is).

The latter two are out of any budget as I was not planning on having to buy anything else but if it will improve over what I got I’ll find a way.

My Dynaudio’s are a little power hungry but nothing you’d notice. I have swapped with other pairs of Tower speakers I have like Fyne F501s Borea and B & O with similar results.

 

 

[Steff]

I don't follow all the questions and conclusions of your post but can sympathise with the power/cost concern.

Class D amps can come with excellent technical specs/measurements at low cost. The Eversolo should be able to function as a digital pre-amp? And if they don't work for you, new units will have very good resale value.

E.g. https://archimago.blogspot.com/2024/11/part-i-3e-audio-a5-stereo-and-a7-mono.html

 

[DtM]

I have a Class D on the way that is just out of curiosity I will of course see what it performs like as a comparison. thank you>

[frankn]

@DtM which outputs are you using from the A8?  If you are using the RCA then swap to XLR cables as this will give you twice the voltage. 
I looked at the specs of the Peachtree - their blurb says 200w into either 8 or 4 ohms - this isn’t possible, so perhaps there is a bit of poetic licence in the PR department. I can’t find a review which actually tests the output vs ohms so can’t be sure. 

I have a pair of March Audio Class-D mono-blocks which I’m going to move on. They will drive your speakers with ease. Contact me if you are interested. 

[frankn]

18 minutes ago, DtM said:

I have a Class D on the way that is just out of curiosity I will of course see what it performs like as a comparison. thank you>

Peachtree GAN-1 is Class D so what do you now have “on the way”?

[sir sanders zingmore]

Have you checked the volume limiter is not set too low?
 

Also, there is some talk of an A8 “volume issue” on the zidoo forums 

 

http://forum.zidoo.tv/index.php?threads/a8-volume-issue.98233/

[DtM]

Thats what I was wondering my GaN-1 only has one input. Single Digital RCA only so thats all I can use from the A8.

Thats sort of what I mean by swapping to amp with other input options will it increase the volume. I never tried the Cambridge with Analog RCA or XLR, I should have done.

I think Im going to have to plug something in via XLRs before taking any further steps.

[DtM]

13 minutes ago, frankn said:

Peachtree GAN-1 is Class D so what do you now have “on the way”?

I have Aiyima A70 for a desktop in the office. I can test different inputs using this.

7 minutes ago, sir sanders zingmore said:

Have you checked the volume limiter is not set too low?
 

Also, there is some talk of an A8 “volume issue” on the zidoo forums 

 

http://forum.zidoo.tv/index.php?threads/a8-volume-issue.98233/

I have removed volume limiters, Gain set to -0dB, no DSP.

[Bronal]

I wonder whether the culprit could be the switching power supply running out of puff at lower impedance levels.

 

Do you notice any signs of clipping when you turn up the volume?

[frankn]

23 minutes ago, DtM said:

Thats what I was wondering my GaN-1 only has one input. Single Digital RCA only so thats all I can use from the A8.

Thats sort of what I mean by swapping to amp with other input options will it increase the volume. I never tried the Cambridge with Analog RCA or XLR, I should have done.

I think Im going to have to plug something in via XLRs before taking any further steps.

I think (someone else could confirm this) because the Peachtree ONLY accepts s/pdif input you are going to be limited to an output of 2.1v from the A8. 
If you want to use the XLR outputs you will have to have either a special cable (I’m not sure if this exists. ???) or more hardware between the A8 and GAN-1. 
Or, different amplifier(s). 
 

[DtM]

No, it sounds great all the way to max volume. It has a substantial power supply. 

[DtM]

7 minutes ago, frankn said:

I think (someone else could confirm this) because the Peachtree ONLY accepts s/pdif input you are going to be limited to an output of 2.1v from the A8. 
If you want to use the XLR outputs you will have to have either a special cable (I’m not sure if this exists. ???) or more hardware between the A8 and GAN-1. 
Or, different amplifier(s). 
 

Thats what Im thinking. I'll try cables when I get my hands on another amp.

But this is basically the question Ive been asking; maybe in not enough of a direct question.  Because of Voltage will XLRs give more volume output than s/pdif?

[Bronal]

11 minutes ago, DtM said:

No, it sounds great all the way to max volume. It has a substantial power supply. 

 

 

For lower frequencies, amps are more important than volts.  I don't see maximum current listed here.

[sir sanders zingmore]

22 minutes ago, frankn said:

looked at the specs of the Peachtree - their blurb says 200w into either 8 or 4 ohms - this isn’t possible,

why isn’t it possible? Just looks like a “low current” amp to me (as opposed to high current which will come close to doubling power as impedance halves). 
 

In any event, I suspect the issue is about gain rather than the amp’s power. 200w should be enough but depends too….

@DtM what’s the efficiency of your speakers and how far do you sit from them?

[frankn]

15 minutes ago, Bronal said:

I wonder whether the culprit could be the switching power supply running out of puff at lower impedance levels.

 

Do you notice any signs of clipping when you turn up the volume?

Quoted in reviews it is a 400w power supply. But, even with the efficiency of Class-D it isn’t lossless so I think it’s very likely it isn’t 200w at 4ohm.  
Speakers are 88db so not that efficient either - could just be a combination of spec mismatch and the owner wanting to push the limits?

 

XLR won’t provide twice the volume, and may not provide any more than the s/pdif connection. It might be a bit louder depending on the design of the amplifier. 

[frankn]

3 minutes ago, sir sanders zingmore said:

why isn’t it possible? Just looks like a “low current” amp to me (as opposed to high current which will come close to doubling power as impedance halves). 
 

In any event, I suspect the issue is about gain rather than the amp’s power. 200w should be enough but depends too….

@DtM what’s the efficiency of your speakers and how far do you sit from them?

Because nothing in amplification is 100% efficient. 

[Bronal]

Also, I notice that maximum output is the same for 4 and 8 Ohms.

 

I'm no expert on SMPS power supplies, but in the linear world this normally indicates a power supply that isn't very robust.

Edited December 6, 2024 by Bronal

[sir sanders zingmore]

45 minutes ago, frankn said:

Because nothing in amplification is 100% efficient. 

Thats correct and is the reason you don’t see

200w into 8 ohms

400w into 4 ohms

 

in case 200 and 200, as @Bronal says, probably indicates a power supply that’s not very “stiff”

[frankn]

15 minutes ago, sir sanders zingmore said:

Thats correct and is the reason you don’t see

200w into 8 ohms

400w into 4 ohms

 

in case 200 and 200, as @Bronal says, probably indicates a power supply that’s not very “stiff”

Oooopps , misread it obviously 

[DtM]

2 hours ago, frankn said:

Quoted in reviews it is a 400w power supply. But, even with the efficiency of Class-D it isn’t lossless so I think it’s very likely it isn’t 200w at 4ohm.  
Speakers are 88db so not that efficient either - could just be a combination of spec mismatch and the owner wanting to push the limits?

 

XLR won’t provide twice the volume, and may not provide any more than the s/pdif connection. It might be a bit louder depending on the design of the amplifier. 

But I have tried more efficent speakers I have various speakers up to  8ohm 92 sensitivity. I also had same issue with a new Cambridge Audio amp

[wasabijim]

1 hour ago, sir sanders zingmore said:

Thats correct and is the reason you don’t see

200w into 8 ohms

400w into 4 ohms

 

in case 200 and 200, as @Bronal says, probably indicates a power supply that’s not very “stiff”

 

 

 

 

 

 

<< just stirring  and not wanting to distract from the guts of the conversation >> 

 

 

[sir sanders zingmore]

14 minutes ago, wasabijim said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

<< just stirring  and not wanting to distract from the guts of the conversation >> 

 

 

Claimed vs measured. 

this one is very good actually. Usually the quoted 8 ohm power is much more conservative to make it look like the amp doubles down. 

 

[frankn]

47 minutes ago, DtM said:

But I have tried more efficent speakers I have various speakers up to  8ohm 92 sensitivity. I also had same issue with a new Cambridge Audio amp

Maybe you need hearing aids?  

It is a bit difficult to completely answer all your questions but you now have some ideas to try out. 
Are there no audio outlets in Cairns that could advise you?

I am certain the March Audio mono blocks would satisfactorily run your speakers to the loudest point you want. And, beyond. 
if you are worried about purchasing 2nd hand, then contact Alan at March Audio. You get a 10day return, no questions option if you don’t like them. 

[DtM]

My system sounds great but I agree I do like it loud, a lot! Likely I do have damaged hearing.

Things seemed better and louder with cheaper gear when I was young. 

I'll get another amp build another system buy some more gear and do some swaps.

I'll keep yours in mind though. Thank you!

[Satanica]

Measure how loud your favourite music is at the listening position at 0dB attenuation and report back.
I assume most phones are adequate enough to be accurate enough.