Well I looked like an idiot listening to the tweeters.
This was after unboxing the two Topping PA3 amps.
I prepped some 12 gauge wire and wired up the Vandersteens.
Ran an extra set of RCAs from the preamp, and had a Y adapter on each amp so the LHS amp is doing full signal out of both channels.
Same on the RHS.
Then each of the speaker bi-wore posts can get its own channel.
I turned the amps to 12 o’clock, which is difficult with no actual mark on the dial… so I used some tape make the mark on.
I have the Pre-Amp set at -8dB, and I usually run it at about -30 to -20 dB with most other amps. So I ran a much hotter signal.
There is something more like a high frequency buzz, than a ground loop hum, or like a white noise hiss.
If I run a 0dB single ended RCA, and rack the amp’s gain knob back it is OK for hiss.
The sound is not bad… pretty good really.
The gain management could be a challening, but they are designed for a full range signal, and will likely better with an XLR, which is the idea for ANV surround channels.
For $120 as a stereo amp, it seems OK for sound, other than the hissing.
(But returning them for an amazon refund)
ASR measured SINAD:
- Topping PA3s at 69 dB
- AIYAMA at 83 dB
- Upper end stuff is 100dB or higher
The AIYAMA is half way between say a March Audio and a Topping in terms in SINAD.
I think that the state of art class-D should be worth a try based upon the 30dB noisier unit being OK. I see how the AIYAMA goes on the morrow.
And maybe hook the VTLs back up.