Chinese Amp Tier List! Cheap Speaker Amps Ranked

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A Tier: Aiyima A07 amzn.to/3srhJEm Fosi Audio TB10D amzn.to/3TSWy9V On Sale B Tier: Sabaj Ice Power amzn.to/3f12ajy SMSL DA9 amzn.to/3TLQ7G5
Aiyima D03 amzn.to/3z8ZRlm
Douk Audio amzn.to/3D0Ix2T
Arylic A50+ amzn.to/3TxeWVM
Aiyima T9 amzn.to/3D0IGmX
C Tier Fosi Audio BT20A amzn.to/3N44va6
Sabaj A20a amzn.to/3Txg23Q
Aiyima A08 amzn.to/3N2vbb3
Aiyima A300 amzn.to/3gB6erh
Topping LA90 amzn.to/3W0ks5g
D Tier
SMSL AD18 amzn.to/3TxV1pY
Fosi Audio DA2120C amzn.to/3SABXpE
Loxjie A30 amzn.to/3TNbgz9
SMSL SA400 amzn.to/3TxfCdM
SMSL SA300 amzn.to/3Fd0zC0
Topping PA5 amzn.to/3DrwQUt
F Tier
Topping MX5 amzn.to/3smMcmQ
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Recommended Streamer
WIIM Mini amzn.to/33CL99w
Bluesound Node shop-links.co/cgGiqJ2UFIO
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Jamo Concert howl.me/cf295uVQJA0
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Emotiva B2+ emotiva.com?aff=9
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top howl.me/cf295uVQJA0
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100/200 howl.me/cf29UeQAWsD
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio.com/products.htm
Recommended DACs
FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips.com/ares
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc

[@cheapaudioman]

Go to shakerandspoon.com/cheapaudioman for $20 off your first Box! A Tier: Aiyima A07 amzn.to/3srhJEm Fosi Audio TB10D amzn.to/3TSWy9V B Tier: Sabaj Ice Power amzn.to/3f12ajy SMSL DA9 amzn.to/3TLQ7G5 Aiyima D03 amzn.to/3z8ZRlm Douk Audio amzn.to/3D0Ix2T Arylic A50+ amzn.to/3TxeWVM Aiyima T9 amzn.to/3D0IGmX C Tier Fosi Audio BT20A amzn.to/3N44va6 Sabaj A20a amzn.to/3Txg23Q Aiyima A08 amzn.to/3N2vbb3 Aiyima A300 amzn.to/3gB6erh Topping LA90 amzn.to/3W0ks5g D Tier SMSL AD18 amzn.to/3TxV1pY Fosi Audio DA2120C amzn.to/3SABXpE Loxjie A30 amzn.to/3TNbgz9 SMSL SA400 amzn.to/3TxfCdM SMSL SA300 amzn.to/3Fd0zC0 Topping PA5 amzn.to/3DrwQUt F Tier Topping MX5 amzn.to/3smMcmQ

[@markc5677]

I'm surprised you rated the MX5 so low is it because of the price not the sound quality. As far as sound quality alone how would you rate it?

[@Boradan01]

I am trying to return a faulty T9 purchased directly from Aiyima and was told that all replacements would be faulty, and if I smash it, they would refund me. Yet they are still selling this. Disgraceful support.

[@Enjoeaudio]

The TB10D is also sale in Canada

[@AbideinChristFully]

just used your link. :)

[@CinemaDemocratica]

Randy, Aiyima is out with an upgraded T9 (called the T9 Pro) which I'm really excited about, and also Douk is out with a clone for $30 less called the ST-01 / ST-01 Pro.

[@mr.b4444]

I purchased the Fosi Audio TB10D on your recommendations last week. I was blown away for something that sounded that good for $72.

[@cheapaudioman]

nice

[@Space-O-2001]

Thanks for taking the time to do this, I love this consolidated snapshot of what's out there for my poverty class decision making process. Ever tested the FOSI BT30D? Probably falls into line with your other FOSI ratings. Content idea if you're at a loss, a refresh of your DAC review that you did last year in the same format would be ace!

[@jsherman999]

IMO the best amp for the money FOSI makes. It allows very controlled output to a SW, and it makes an incredible audio chain with the Sony SS SCS5 or Emotiva B1+.

[@ericnortan9012]

I just bought a SMSL A300 ($195) for my daughter. From my research it sounds great, has some good power for her new Triangle br03 speakers. I figure it can get her playing music immediately, she can upgrade to a better dac right away if she wants. She isn't nearly into sound quality as much as me, lol, so she will probably be content. I hear those speakers are great, so I want to do them justice, of course without breaking the bank. This is her first step into anything close to HiFi, she's 20 and from the earbud and soundbar generation. BTW, I have a passive sub. I built a couple of speaker boxes and a sub for my tool locker at work. The drivers and crossovers are Cerwin Vega VS100. The sub is a CV! 12" sub-woofer, passive, powered by a Fossi MO 3 "200 w" amp. Works awesome. Way cheaper and easier than buying and incorporating a plate amp into my homemade sub box. The system is powered by a very cheap Sunbuck AV 501 BT ($30) sounds pretty bad, but enough power to drive those 10" Vegas and not bad considering we are in the maintenance shop of a factory. I have a crappy video of it on my channel. along with some other stupid ...stuff.

[@davdidit6]

I have had the Fosi BT20A for a while. Just moved it to my bathroom set up. I just got two AO7s, one for next to my bed and the second I am going to do the op-amp upgrade you did. Then, probably this week, I will get the Fosi TB10D to pair with the Aiyima T8 as my budget set up. Except for the op-amp upgrade I just completed my main speaker system. SMSL SU-8s, Douk P1, Aiyima AO7, JBL Stage 530. $800 all in so far and I love the sound. Thank you Randy.

[@chriscleverley4320]

Just purchased a Douk ST-01 based on Randys recommendations. Great channel 😊

[@1337sim1]

Thank you for updating your list of favorite amplifiers! 😎

[@cheapaudioman]

You bet!

[@sounddoc]

I have two passive subwoofers left over from 1990. It's a dual voice coil 12" that I can drive cleanly to 25 Hz. It will output over 110 dB SPL. I have a separate amp deriving them that feeds off the subwoofer output from my Denon AVR. I can adjust each to fit the set up since, as we all know, there are few rooms where two subs will work at the exact same setting.

[@liamporter1137]

Thanks for sharing. Great info especially for potential buyer looking for amp.

[@mikenelson6189]

Great video, exactly what I was looking for. Really interested in how the Tangent Ampster BT II compares to this list. Is it something you’ve had your hands on?

[@madstax707]

NIce review, I actually have passive subs in my NHT 2.5i pair in my living room so I was yelling "I DO!!" at my computer while watching this lol

[@themixedupkid]

Same here brother in my opinion passive subs sound way better musically over powered subs

[@MW-nb4dv]

I agree that probably not a lot of people have a passive sub, older subs with dead plate amps are probably more common though. This is the main reason I was thinking of buying one of the Sabaj amps with the bridging and low pass filter options.

[@JukeboxAlley]

That's true, nearly all of the old Klipsch and Emotiva powered subs I've had and buddies have had the amps have gone bad in no time, and other brands also. I believe passive is the best long term sub option. That's just my experience with powered subs.

[@tvih84]

I just bought a small Class D amp for a passive DIY sub a few months ago. Using it with a PC which can do the EQ for it and the stereo channels separately.

[@cmammen]

I also have an old passive sub plus a DYI passive sub I might use one of these cheap-O’s to power them. Anyone recommend a higher volt power supply so I can get max watts to these subs?

[@tvih84]

You seemed to like MX5 in your review of it, saying there's nothing you disliked about it and it being a great value. But now it's F tier of all things, which is generally reserved for very poor products? It's almost like PA3s and DX3 Pro+ in one box at a slightly lower price, and both of those are great products I'll use happily as long as they continue functioning - so hopefully for many many years. But basically the only reason I didn't get an MX5 for my desktop instead of them for the one-box convenience is that some users reported high-pitched noise issues on one channel, and I didn't want to risk that. Not that I mind people liking whatever they want, but the change of heart seemed a bit surprising.

[@EskWIRED]

I haven't yet watched the video, and yet I am thanking you already. you do good stuff Randy.

[@ComputerGeeks-R-Us]

Nice project. I've been digging the Aiyima D03 as the center of my home office desktop setup.

[@cheapaudioman]

Very cool!

[@markzts6677]

I am enjoying the D03 more and more as well. The rca inputs circuit was not implemented correctly on my D03 as the frequency response rolled off way too early, but once I got rid of the resistive voltage divider that was there, it sounds good. I usually use the optical input anyway which works perfectly.

[@jcanuk269]

I bought the Douk X1 amp for my daughter’s apartment system with turntable. She is pleased. I use the Aiyima tube T10 pre off the back of a mac mini going into the A07 and that is great. For vinyl I just add a Fosi X2 phono pre. I confess that Randy’s recommendations have helped me + a little good luck. Good sounding midfi for cheap!

[@cheapaudioman]

Love it when parents give the gift of audio to their kids. Warms my heart

[@timtroxell4857]

Great vid CAM!

[@cheapaudioman]

thanks, Tim

[@bbmaharaj]

I've been going bonkers researching these D amps as there are so many offered these days. I have a Douk ST01 which is fine but it's got some glitches. I am still in the return window and I'm going to try out the Fosi TB10D at $60! This is for the garage hence I don't need many options, just the ability to RCA my old Alexa Dot to the Fosi. Excellent multi-review vid!

[@bluev2srt]

I picked up loxjie A30 and it was not bad but then I Picked up a mini dsp 2x4hd and use that to do the d/a conversion and run anlaog out through some "Cheap audioman" Rca cables and it has really brought the sound quality from my Elacs to another level. Far batter then some much more expesive setups i have heard!

[@ed0c]

this is exactly what i needed to make a choice for my pc/speaker setup!

[@lukerestlessstudios]

“Who has a passive subwoofer that they need to power?” *nervously raises hand*

[@cygnusmedia992]

Thanks for this very helpful Tier List Randy. I bought the S.M.S.L AD18 based on your recommendation and used it for over a year, until I decided to buy a Muzishare X7. I am currently using the Muzishare for my main system. I would like to try the Aiyima A07 with an Aiyima T2 Pream for a 2nd system. Do you have any experience with the T2?

[@ufarkingicehole]

The t2 pre isn't great.

[@astroporpoise7802]

Thanks for being a sensible cornerstone for me in this hobby :) And nice shirt! Nirvana Unplugged especially just means so much to me.

[@bpalpha]

I'm using an Onkyo AVR for my amplification and its pretty good, close to great. I don't like having to use on screen menus for bass management and I don't use any of the surround sound features. I really would like to find decent amplification for my 2.1 setup but there's a point of diminishing returns. It would be nice to see a comparison that included both the Sony STR-DH190 or Yamaha R-S202.

[@hdsarma]

Nice review! please make a similar list for headphone amps/DACs.

[@kevinboerner3977]

Hey Randy, between the Douk Audio, Aiyima D03, and Aiyima T9, which do you think has a better DAC? Or between the three which would you pair with the Sony SS-CS5?

[@buffal0bilious]

I think it'd be really cool if there were more compact desktop power amps in this vein. Tons of people have headphone dac/amp setups with pre outs, and a decent, affordable little power amp box to facilitate adding passive speakers to the setup would be sweet.

[@mikemcnair2026]

Smsl ao200.

[@RennieAsh]

After a lot of consideration, I decided on smsl ao200. Sounds great, no external power brick to deal with, has 2x sub line out, balanced inputs, RCA inputs, has Bluetooth if you want it. Sounds fine to me. It may cost slightly more than some of the others in this list, but still cheap imo

[@ufarkingicehole]

FYI the a300 is a sonic upgrade

[@brunobarbagli4573]

good review, thank you Randy

[@carminedesanto6746]

Appreciate the work you do ☕️ Btw, the Xduoo 604 on my Sen’s 650’s brings the magic back 😊

[@cheapaudioman]

Great to hear!

[@spamcan9208]

Do you also have the HD560S? Tubes were something Zeos was recommending when he reviewed them but he was also using a very expensive tube amp.

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@spamcan9208 Nope, just the 650’s no both the’789 , Loxji 20 and the Xduoo 604

[@jimbroen]

"I don't know why anyone would need to power a passive subwoofer". I find myself needing to do this. I was happy with my TV speakers for a long time before hearing a sound bar at a friends. I then thought it would be a good idea to have a little fun constructing an alternative to a cheap sound bar. I have some EV PA speakers laying around along with a Crown Drivecore II amp that do a much better job of giving my TV space a man den ambiance. One channel of the Crown can drive the sub daisychained to a matching 12 inch top (a recommended configuration according to the manual.) I know that an Audiophile (or is it HiFi enthusiast) might poo poo such a configuration but in my defense it's way better than the TV speakers. I have an A07 (purchased after viewing your enthusiastic endorsment) that I use for my desktop speakers. I was thinking of trying the A07 powering the tops and the Crown powering the subwoofer to see if I can hear a difference. My retired old man tinnitis addled ears will probably not care. I love your channel for getting up to date on technology choices for sound and I love your focus on value.

[@fate2022]

great video, very helpful, but I do have a question. Currently I am using a DAMGOO 50W+50W+100W 2.1 for my TV speakers and sub, this thing is amazing volume and bass response. I have been wanting to switch to a tube hybrid, but i'm afraid of losing the volume and bass that I have. I was thinking of the Dayton Audio HTA50BT. Have you tried this amp? if not what recommendation would you make, i'm not afraid to try a few, I can always return anything to amazon that I don't like. Thanks in advance.

[@nesutoneko]

Very curious to see what Geshelli have to offer with their upcoming speaker amp! Hoping cost to value ratio is in line with their DACs.

[@cheapaudioman]

I hope so too!

[@imautubertoo]

great video, would have liked to see Fosi T20 amp rated as well

[@darinclark1853]

I have the Fosi DA2120C driving a pair of Klipsch RP500s and absolutely love the combo....

[@mikecampbell5856]

I love the tier list. One of my favorite segments. I bought two Schiit Modi 3s based on your DAC tier list and I'm very happy.

[@towerofkuma2526]

Great list! 👍 BTW you said Don't buy Fosi Audio TB10D a few months ago. What changed?!?

[@cheapaudioman]

watch the latest video on it. from about a week ago

[@kiefloyd]

Great tier list any chance of a review on smsl A300 and smsl ao100

[@mauricioalejandroarriagada7581]

I have de t9 with tubes update, coupled to some sony ss-c5s plus a subwoofer from an oldn5.1. It sounds incredible for the price.

[@willobst2772]

I really was surprised to see the Loxjie A30 not being an easy recommendation any more.

[@cmammen]

Great timing I’m still fuzzy on op amps so I think I’m gonna get the Fosi 10. Hey we need to hear where and which of the higher power power supplies are good. They all look the same and hard to find over 24v

[@teroojanpera1891]

Hi Randy! Have been a big fan of your channel. However, am now a bit confused here. You seem to rank the Fosi Audio TB10D in A tier, when just a few months ago I listened You telling it was total crap. Also, I bought the Aiyima A08 based on your review telling "unbeatable!". However, the amp seems now to be in tier C, just 10 months later. Could You tell me what's changed so much considering these two amps?

[@sensi148]

Fosi Audio listened to Randy’s criticism and made effort to improved the TB10D. The one online now is an upgrade version.

[@nanite12]

Randy, Would the Aiyima T9 have enough power for the Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52s? Not looking for crazy loud volumes. Just looking to replace a soundbar and eventually build out a full surround system based on UniFi 2.0s as LCR. Thanks!

[@CinemaDemocratica]

The current dilemma for a buyer, as of mid January 2023: Both the A-tier recipients in this shootout offer op-amp rolling and upgraded power supply, but with no DAC and no remote. Aiyima has meanwhile redesigned the T9 and solved its bugs, with the T9 Pro, and that's a bit more (you **can** find it for $110). That model has a full DAC -- including PC USB -- and a remote. But the power supply rating is lower, and op-amp rolling may not be practicable.

[@elk3909]

i use a passive sub so i can muse a modified amp.i find the powered subs have too much roll off and will need larger coupling capacitors on the preamp and out put. the amp i use with its larger capacitors can go down to 2 hertz for wave analysis

[@markparent3323]

Thanks Randy.

[@eddiebaby22]

Have you made one for DACs? Please do if you haven't. This is a great feature. 👍

[@lbk9989]

What A/B switch do you use for comparing components? Looking at some that have input only selector and others that also let you choose amp A or B . Looking for 3 or four input selector. Thanks!

[@CNC-Geek-Doug]

Can I count on the Douk Audio product line to mirror the Aiyima products? One is as good as the other?

[@brandonwinstead5128]

I’ve seen the Sony STR-DH190 on sale for around $150. I know it’s not a “like comparison” but sound wise at that price where do you think it would fall in the tier?

[@margherito]

Will you ever review Indiana Line loudspeakers? Diva series looks and sounds nice, wondering what you you think about 'em!

[@Hirnlego999]

I use SMSL AO300 for PC and Topping PA5 for main So far no problems

[@donfinnie3303]

I have been very happy with my A07 driving some relatively expensive speakers. Beat my Denon DRA800H - not even close. I think the Wiim, the A07 and a decent DAC can make a very good main system. Would not have known that without CAM.

[@mhzsurx]

Are you connecting Sub with this configuration

[@donfinnie3303]

@@mhzsurx Yes. I am splitting the signal off from the DAC/preamp with Y candles. Works great and maintains the proper speaker/sub volume level.

[@mhzsurx]

@@donfinnie3303 so u have separate DAC connected to A07 and sub is connected to DAC? Can you share the picture of your setup?

[@Jasonbhaller]

What is your source? The dac?

[@Vandophoto]

What I wonder on some of these, and I'm pretty new to this, is will they be powerful enough. As I'm trying to make a whole new setup together with the renovation of my home for multiple rooms. And I'm thinking about the arylic A50+ here, or wondering if I should pay more for a svs soundbase or a powernode. They will be powering new bookshelves in some rooms, in ceiling speakers in other rooms. Any ideas?

[@amanieux]

How do you know which tb10d we buy ? ( The old crappy one you tested 4 months ago or the new one that is fixed ?) Is it a lottery ? Thanks

[@spamcan9208]

Hey, I got the A30 because you said it sounded ok! I know it wasn't A or B from your review, but I figured it was at least a C tier! Granted I think it's better as a sound bar replacement.

[@cheapaudioman]

it's decent but it sounds a lot like the other Infineon amps. As I've heard more and more amps the A30 kind of keeps falling down the list. Still good and if it has a sound you like it's still a good versatile product

[@mm-tg8oo]

I have the Dayton Audio 15" subwoofer in my livingroom. It is advertised as 150 Watts, but the amp actually puts out about 70 watts. Would one of these be good to wire straight to the sub?

[@ceeweedsl]

Take a look at the Fosi BT30D PRO. It should give you about 150 watts for the sub if 4 ohms

[@phenoman32]

Hi, do you know something about Aiyima A03? is it worth it? What tier would you put it?

[@mrpedrodrodriguezsr7628]

I use passive subwoofers , in fact 3 of them.Two of them in the front and one on the rear. I use three Chinese amplifiers of a brand that I haven't seen again, but looks like the Foxi Audio amplifiers. The problem with these amplifiers is that you use switching power supplies with them. They tend to produce a high frequency hiss, so use a linear power supply instead .I have had them for more than 5 years, and they keep going!

[@agustinduenas5902]

I purchased the Loxjie A30 and it worked fine for a year until it just died about a month ago. I don't have a clue as to what happened but I paid about $180 for it so am hugely disappointed. Finding support for repair is not easy. It sure looks that they don't want to be contacted after purchase. I have the Aiyima 07 but had some issues when using an Aiyima tube preamp with Bluetooth. Using the preamp in close proximity to it cut out the left channel. I tried it with a Bluetooth receiver and had the same results. I moved the tube preamp a couple of feet away and resolved the problem. Whatever works, right? I have basically written off the Loxjie at this point. Just not worth it for me to pursue it any further. It has a lot of functionality but not when it's dead as a doornail.

[@skippythetubrat]

I just ordered a Aiyima T10 direct from Aiyima. It will take a while to get here. I am looking forward to playing with it!.

[@ianpearson8976]

the fosi audio bt20a sounds to me better than i remember my hifi amps like nad and arcam i used in the 90s and never was happy with.paired with a pair of old wharfedale speakers from my pc using spotify its brought my love of systems back! i dont know if the aiyima a07 or the fosi tb10d sound better,intriguing.

[@thorstenwieszniewski6875]

Aiyima A07: SINAD 82 dB; Fosi Audio Tb10d: 79,5 dB SINAD. But: Fosi V3 with 48 V 5 A Power supply has more than 87.5 dB SINAD and nice thermal management for low temperatures and high reliability.

[@macsaeki]

So what's better than the AD18 that does the same thing? Or at least does a 2.1 that sound better?

[@angelheart7643]

How would you rate the new Aiyima A07 Pro in comparison to the normal A07 Cheap Audio Man ? It's on its way to me...

[@CarswithMark]

What do you think of the Schiit Hel 2e?

[@nukem11b]

Can you do a review on the Allo "miniBOSS Player Plus"? I can’t find any well-done reviews on it and would love you know your thoughts.

[@JoseSalor]

I am thinking on putting some little HIFI system on mi PC for listening to music while working and gaming. Is it worth the aiyima A07 + aiyima DAC A2 or taking directly the T9 is better? I will not use probably any other source than the PC and I dont need bluetooth.

[@mihai66hrc]

Between Aiyima A300 and D03 what would you recommend? Or maybe a T9 pro?

[@sumdood2035]

What's the difference between the Fosi BT20A and the BL20A? Does the BL have the arcing problem on the power connector?

[@Aviator168]

I have the Fosi T20 which sounds great. Just got a pair of Polk speakers to replace the 30 year old ones.

[@Manu-yv1jt]

Can you review the Aiyima A05?

[@chrisd7875]

Wondering what your thoughts are on the Sabaj A30a? Better to just get the Fosi V3/TB10d or Ayima amp and pair one of these with Wiim Pro or Pro Plus? Looking for a home audio solution that doesn't put me in jail with my wife, or suck. Thanks in advance and love the content. CD

[@Shozimus]

Is there any plans for sabaj a30a review ?🙂

[@Bodegabandit-.80]

I have a passive sub too, DIY transmission line box with a 4" woofer, sounds great with the Fosi BT30D

[@pturtle7107]

Ok, For turntables you touched on pairing the Fosi Box 2 and the Aiyima T9. Have you heard of any details of the Fosi Box 4, which I guess is the Box 2 update. Or, maybe the Aiyima T5, which looks like the T9 with phono pre amp.

[@paulduvernet4012]

Just a thought, I wonder if you would do a shoutout and/or listening sessions of inexpensive class D amplifiers with subwoofer output.

[@LesbianNaziHookers]

"Who has a passive sub woofer, why would you even want that?". Well, I have a passive sub woofer that I'm trying to power. Had to buy a Nobsound G2 Mono Amp to power it separate of my Aiyima D03. Many of us have car audio stuff lying around and the car audio world is jam packed full of high quality high value products, especially on the used market where stuff goes for super cheap. In the past few years I had built a custom ported box for a sub then opted to build a sealed box for it instead. Had two subs but really only needed one for the small car so this led me to have an extra sub with it's corresponding spec'd box. Powered it by the Nobsound between a pair of Sony speakers and the D03. It sounds great and gives the kick I need for bass music.

[@ceeweedsl]

Same here. Passive sub is better to me. Leaves the amplification in my hands and that can be upgraded.

[@bernhardmichaelfux308]

Shaker and Spoon? WOW... GREAT! Did they really ship the Ice Cubers in that box too? GREAT!

[@cheapaudioman]

I actually provided the ice cubes

[@bernhardmichaelfux308]

​@@cheapaudioman Oh! Great! Ok...that´s advertising as always... By the way, it is good to have ice cube3s in the fridge! You´ll never know when you need it, so you better have it! I do the same with fresh cooking water too! I´ll always have 1liter of cooking water in my fridge! You never know when you´ll need some, so you better have some! Be prepared!

[@Edelgul1717]

Hey. Thank you for the list. But i'm somewhat confused. Here you list Fosi Audio TB10D as tier A - best of the best. But your more detailed review basically suggests not to get it. What has changed in the last 4 months?

[@Ozlandmx]

They fixed it. There is another video about it

[@ceeweedsl]

They actually listened to Randy and fixed the issues he disliked. So he's rating the new and improved version.

[@D1N02]

Got a TB10D from Ali for €64,90 (it said 72 something but there were some extra discounts). Since I am getting a new DAC for my main system I can use the old one with this . Hope it will work out.

[@bigambientdeath]

Hoping you will review the SMSL A300 soon, if there are any owners out there, how does it compare to any class a/b amps you have owned...

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

I've just received one last week, coming from some powerful pre/power combos The first thing you notice is the power, detail and soundstage I think the damping factor must be high because it seems to control the woofers better than anything I've heard It sounds very neutral,not adding warmth which might take time to get used to Definitely try and audition one or if just take the gamble and order one 👍

[@CNC-Geek-Doug]

If I purchase the A07 and upgrade the op is performance being held back by the DAC op amps? Must I replace both/all 4 units?

[@Pentenfi]

Who has passive subwoofers? I have several passive subwoofers and so do most other people who are into DIY audio. The price to performance ratio of most amplifier modules is worse than actual power amps (PA stuff, subwoofer amps, cheaper class D china amps). And having the option to use different power amps for your subs is quite nice. Also, placement is easier if you use separate power amps for subs (like pros do)

[@MrMoLucky]

I had reliability issues on my T9 :( I loved it before that though. I really need to get something else to control the A07, which I also love. It powers my ELAC uni-fis beautifully

[@markzts6677]

I use an aiyima T8 to feed an A07. Set the A07 to about 3/4 volume and use the T8 remote from there. Sounds great to me. I think the tube of the T8 is a little cheesy, but it's effect on the sound is pretty neutral to me so I don't really care that it's there.

[@ufarkingicehole]

I agree. The T8 pre is a good option for the A07. Tube pre helps the sound

[@randybehenna3763]

The man the legend 🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊 here is hoping you have an awesome day 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@cheapaudioman]

You too!

[@AudioHead809]

My pa5 is still going strong. Glad I can enjoy it while it sounds amazing. Sound is definitely A tier. Still haven’t had a single reliability problem. I just use xlr to trs cables from my topping a90 headphone amp which also has a built in preamp. One day I’m gonna sell my thx aaa 887 and replace it with a topping pre90 so I can keep my headphone system a bit more separate. The aaa 887 sounds a bit sterile. Don’t know how to explain it. Definitely a detail King though. Then I’m going to replace my topping d30 pro with a d90 most likely. I’ve heard it sounds a bit better plus it has Bluetooth which I probably won’t use but it would be nice to have from time to time so my friends can play their music.

[@vulcan6940]

My upgraded TB10D is supposed to arrive tomorrow (I managed to get it for $59) based on the review. Excited to get it hooked up. It was nice to see this tier list as I'm sure there's a lot of unknowns in this category!

[@carloshuang4048]

now the TB10D is on sale, $20 off!

[@RoguePC4U]

Upgraded? I'm assuming you ordered it with a bigger power supply? If so... how exactly? I've been looking at doing this too but finding the right power supply has been stupidly difficult.

[@michaelbrown3294]

Are any of the tier A or tier B amps visible in Roon? I have a specific use case where I am trying to power sets of wired stereo speakers throughout the house and don’t want to spend the dollars on a big multi zone amp.

[@danielc5191]

If I somehow end up with an Aiyima D05 instead of a D03, would the D05 still be in the Tier B list?

[@tonym8358]

Some people said that the smls a300 (not review by you) is better than Aiyima 07, not sure if that is true and can be used as monoblock.

[@halrichard1969]

Its after Noon Randy. I think I'll grab a cup of Crown Royal. Cheers :D Keep up the Good Work !

[@GregWalrath]

Before I bought the Aiyima T9 and T3, I seriously considered the Douk Audio tube amp. The only thing that put me off from the latter was the lack of a remote control.

[@brianchristopher4666]

Anyone have any success upgrading the 32v/4.8a power supply on the Fosi TB10D? Also, where did you find yours? Love my TB10D+ but interested in the power upgrade, if it's more headroom without compromise? Thx for any feedback

[@ceeweedsl]

I've got my eye on an Aiyima 36Vx6amp as a minor upgrade to my 32V Fosi. Under $30. Check Ali Express. Going over 36V gets expensive.

[@robbiemer8178]

Nice list! I will say that I bought an SMSL AD18 3 years ago to use with my pc. Which I use for movies, gaming, and general music. And a bit of old time radio. I'm running Klipsch R-41M speakers and I have been quite pleased with this set up. IF I were buying today, I'd likely not make that same choice but, until this little amp breaks, I really don't have a reason to replace it. Do I have the best possible audio set up for my budget? I honestly don not think so. Do I have an audio set up that sounds good to me and fulfills what I was looking for? Absolutely. If I out live this set up, will I make different choices next time? Yes. Do I think your list is somehow "wrong"? No. It's (possibly) different than what mine would be were I able to actually try all the others out on my desk with my speakers and in my little office. :) Do I appreciate your videos and opinions about this stuff? Yes. Yes I do, thank you!

[@howardhandville2107]

Have one, too & really enjoy it. While it may not be top-rated, it should get at least a C for all of its functionality.

[@robbiemer8178]

@@howardhandville2107 I disagree: it got the tier it deserved for HIS tier list. MY tier list would, probably, be different. And YOUR tier list would likely be different than either. I found his reasoning pretty compelling and I also figure his--or any one's--"requirements" aren't going to be the same as mine so it makes sense to me that everybody's list will be different but none of them will be wrong. :)

[@MW-nb4dv]

I'm still happy enough with my AD18 on my PC system running some used PSB image B5's. If it were my primary movie, gaming, or music system I might think about upgrading, but I think it will stay for some time.

[@IzziedeD]

unless there is a newer rev, smsl ad18 uses TI TAS5508 not the Infineon MA12070

[@Jasonbhaller]

Any source recommendations for the a07 for a turntable and home theatre 2.1 set up?

[@dirtydoug5050]

Any recommendations for the best speakers to listen to backward message with? I know they are saying something, but I can’t really tell what it is.

[@deplorabass1588]

I believe you left one off the list. How about the Aiyma A08 Pro? Unlike the A08, it's available with a separate 300w power supply, vu meter and tone controls.

[@B2video]

What about the Sure 2024 for $25 without power supply. It's cheap and low power but for the money is great. Had it for a few weeks and really impressed. I also have the a07 and it's ok.

[@willmac5642]

Smsl A300 looks a solid bet, if matching with warmer source / speakers

[@ArtVandelayOfficial]

Correct