A good little amplifier with excellent reviews, ideal if you have a spare pair of speakers collecting dust at home. This deal was £17 with prime membership when I posted it yesterday but the price keeps dropping down to £16 every so often. I use mine connected to my tv for much better sound than the £140 Yamaha soundbar I used to own. According to camelcamelcamel the price very rarely goes this low.
Latest comments (61)
sgs222
15 Sep 17#54
Thanks OP - have been thinking of getting one of these as a PC audio solution. So just bought one.
Can anyone recommend some semi-decent speakers to go with this amp?
Looking at those somebody has a review of using the M10's with a Leppy amp. No reviews of the Diamond 9's, so hard to make an opinion. Normally I would say you need to try out hifi before buying. At the entry point we're talking here though I would say any of the choices would be fine for you. Richer Sounds are also quite good if you buy something and it just doesn't work in your environment.
pibpob to youngrobbo
21 Sep 17#60
Honestly, loudspeakers connect to amplifiers. If the amplifier is designed to drive the stated impedance of the loudspeaker, and can drive it with sufficient power to get the expected volume level given the loudspeaker's sensitivity, it's going to work. Loudspeakers, and particularly, their placement, dwarf any minuscule differences that might result from the amplifier used.
youngrobbo to pibpob
21 Sep 17#61
Which is pretty much what I said. At this level any of them would be fine. However, going up levels your statement that any speakers will do is not going to cut it. Loudspeakers are the final link in you hearing the sound and is equally important to get right as the source. And yes, I was one of those hifi bores in my time.
OB1
15 Sep 17#55
Now if only I could figure out a cheap way of mixing chromecast audio and echo dot outputs in to this amp, so that I can still hear Alexa while chromecast is playing......
pibpob to OB1
15 Sep 17#56
Four resistors are pretty cheap.
OB1 to pibpob
15 Sep 17#57
What would that achieve? I was thinking of just joining cables with our diodes, but I guess audio signals are AC?
pibpob to OB1
15 Sep 17#58
Yes, diodes don't work on AC. Rather than having to write you a personal explanation, you could do a search for something like "resistive mixer" and read what others have written.
livid_chimp
14 Sep 17#40
I'm a bit late to the party, but does anyone know if something like this exists that can be controlled (power & volume) via WiFi? Trying to do piped music on a shoestring, plugging a a chromecast & Bluetooth dongle in the back.
pibpob to livid_chimp
14 Sep 17#43
Can't the Chromecast control the volume of its output? As for power, these things consume very little so you might even consider leaving it on all the time.
livid_chimp to pibpob
14 Sep 17#44
Thanks - did consider this, but not really happy with having it on all the time (static hiss, heat, life reduction etc). And controlling volume via chromecast/Bluetooth will only give a certain range & introduce distortion at higher levels and hiss at lower. Maybe an amp with IR is what I need, and then get a WiFi IR controller...? Just thinking out loud, on an expired post!
pibpob to livid_chimp
14 Sep 17#45
Distortion due to excess level will be identical whether you use a volume control in the Chromecast or the amplifier. I doubt noise will be an issue either but you can't be sure until you try it.
youngrobbo to livid_chimp
15 Sep 17#53
Depending on how technical you are, it's also worth looking at what you can achieve with Raspberry Pi's. I use this and Shairport (gives Apple Airplay compatibility). Cheaper than buying the Airport Express.
No details of the power supply - a crucial component.
I have the big brother of this amplifier. Its power supply is reasonable, but badly-matched to the amplifier for 8 ohm speakers, where you need as much voltage as possible. I modified it to increase the voltage. In practice, I don't suppose it'll make any difference but of course it sounds better as a result .
ws007 to pibpob
15 Sep 17#49
" I modified it to increase the voltage"
pray tell how did you do this?
pibpob to ws007
15 Sep 17#51
Looked at the data sheet for the amplifier chip, to check its recommended voltage range. Opened up the power supply - which, for a change was easy, because it was actually held together with screws rather than glue or ultrasonic welding. Checked the voltage rating of the low voltage electrolytics (and of course did the same in the amplifier itself). Found the potential divider providing the feedback voltage reference and changed a resistor value appropriately (or added one in parallel - can't remember). Checked the voltage before re-connecting to the amplifier. This is fine for small changes (about 10% in this case, IIRC), but not for radically altering the output voltage of a switch mode power power supply because you are likely to run into other problems such as rectifier diode rating and de-stabilising the feedback loop.
ws007 to pibpob
15 Sep 17#52
WOW ok that's a bit (LOT) beyond me, but thanks for the info. :sunglasses:
paulandpam1
15 Sep 17#50
Deal unexpired plus the price has dropped further to only £16 with Prime.
welshblob
15 Sep 17#47
Back on at £16
ozskins
14 Sep 17#42
Try www.techvision.co.UK for waterproof marine speakers that deliver good sound bmuch better than the Pyle.
Jaybeam
14 Sep 17#8
Does it have much treble boost? I need something to hear the dialogue better - everything seems to be bass heavy
gazdoubleu to Jaybeam
14 Sep 17#9
A hearing aid is free on the NHS :grin:
Jaybeam to gazdoubleu
14 Sep 17#11
What a joker you obviously are!!!! Yes I am deaf - I already have NHS hearing aids thank you but am asking a legitimate question to try to help my situation. Taking the mick of someone with a hearing loss is really low maybe someday you will lose your hearing. Shame on you
hobofighter to Jaybeam
14 Sep 17#17
Pardon?
b1g1an to Jaybeam
14 Sep 17#24
If you'd said you were deaf upfront you'd have every right to be upset, as you didn't and what you did say wouldn't imply you were to the majority then it was just unfortunate and you need a sense of humour.
Shame on you!
gazdoubleu to b1g1an
14 Sep 17#37
Not sure about deaf, probably hearing impaired in which case hearing aids would work better than a £20 amplifier cobbled with some speakers. Get that chip off your shoulder too, probably what's preventing you from getting on with it! :raised_hand:
alexus to Jaybeam
14 Sep 17#41
Can I just say thank you for posting this I think his offence was probably unintentional. Probably posted without really thinking might cause offence. Still we should try and think of others in this community I thought your original question highlighted an underlying need that didn't need spelling out and is common anyway as we all age. It was a good question I own several of these they have a good sound quality I find with the right speakers.
Honestly I think if I was you I would spend a little more and you want decent speakers. Paired with the richer sound wharfedale diamond 9.0 mine have been good. Chromecast using an optical out cable into am amp might be worth the extra. When paired with cheap speakers from a charity shop I was disappointed. Expect it's the speakers.
Anyway respect for standing up and saying that you found that hurtful am sure you where not alone in being upset by the thoughtless comment. Wish you the best.
jayjay266 to Jaybeam
14 Sep 17#10
If it's for TV audio then a Soundbar or soundbase with audio enhancing technology might be better, but it does have pretty good range on the bass and treble.
Jaybeam to jayjay266
14 Sep 17#12
Have tried soundbase and bars but they have set eq - need something with variable tone controls wish they did graphic equalisers these days.
trilock
14 Sep 17#39
Ok I'm not jumping in to start an argument, I'm going to try and give example of sound... I have a friend who shall remain anonymous who owns a guest house. This guest house he has kitted out with complete Sonos... Now before we compare. Sonos wins in sound but not price. Anyways..... He has everything you can think of Sonos wise for this guest house and it sounds amazing.. but ........ In his main home after hearing my setup he asked me to install this setup . . For whatever reason he and I have came to the conclusion that this is great for sound Vs money. Hope this helps someone who stumbles upon this sometime
Cr0m
14 Sep 17#38
PMSL.
dz1
14 Sep 17#25
I've had the 2020 version of this, purchased back when it was about £10. Do yourself a favour and pay extra for the SMSL version. You will notice the difference in the sound. The SMSL version has stronger bass and overall improved sound.
pibpob to dz1
14 Sep 17#26
I'd love to see evidence or even a scientifically-believable explanation for that.
dz1 to pibpob
14 Sep 17#28
I believe the smsl has better components inside so if you want a scientific explanation then that could be it. It has been years since I looked into the reasons for the better sound but I'm sure there are some old reviews out there that will tell you more.
Agharta to pibpob
14 Sep 17#29
If all amplifiers sounded the same I doubt there would be any interest in HiFi at all!
pibpob to Agharta
14 Sep 17#31
That would only be the case if there wasn't a fool born every minute, who can be duped into being parted from their hard-earned cash.
Agharta to pibpob
14 Sep 17#32
So you think a £17 amplifier such as this will sound as good as a £200 HiFi amploifier?
pibpob to Agharta
14 Sep 17#33
Yes quite possibly - if you haven't been told what you're listening to and how much it has cost. It's simply the power of suggestion, as used by snake-oil salesmen since the year dot. With hifi there is the additional complication of the pseudo-scientific nonsense that is often employed to talk up products.
Agharta to pibpob
14 Sep 17#34
When you get to the realms of higher end stuff I hear what you are saying. But there is a baseline for decent sound and I very much doubt this competes with a decent basic HiFi when used with decent entry level speakers. If you are just going to use it in a shed with PC speakers then I doubt you'd notice a differene.
pibpob to Agharta
14 Sep 17#35
A "baseline for decent sound"? "Entry-level speakers"? The hifi BS is beginning to flow thick and fast, so I'll withdraw at this point.
Agharta to pibpob
14 Sep 17#36
You were never really in the discussion, just showing your reverse snobbery badge. If you are happy with your £30 PC speakers then good for you. I'm happy with my basic HiFi which was less than £200 and miles better.
twonkydonkey
14 Sep 17#27
It's expired now for some reason... 20quid for me, looks like a bargain me thinks.
tek-monkey
14 Sep 17#4
Does it come with a PSU?
martinspoon to tek-monkey
14 Sep 17#5
The one I got a few weeks ago did, yes. If you do a bit of research there are some people warning that the PSU is a bit crap and underpowered, but I've had no problems so far.
pibpob to martinspoon
14 Sep 17#23
I've had one for a while, and it came with a 12V 3A Lepy-branded wall wart which seems to be quite efficient (i.e not noticeably warm when on standby). This is 36W, so given the efficiency of the amplifier of around 80% would allow about 14W per channel. But with 8 ohm speakers I doubt you'd get more than that anyway.
trilock
14 Sep 17#22
I always wondered about that marine speaker
trilock
14 Sep 17#13
I have 3 of these all connected to Amazon echo dots and ceiling speakers.. sound is fine, there is a blue light that stays constantly on around the volume knob, this can be disconnected if your willing to open the amp , but I actually like it.... I keep it at the highest level it can go without distortion of sound when at max and control volumes with Alexa... This along with echo has been one of the best multi room sound systems for a fraction of the price compared to competitors offering multi room..
This is showing as 16 now which is cheapest IV seen it. Must be selling quick back to 20 now
jaddy to trilock
14 Sep 17#15
I also have a simalar thing but using google homes and Chromecast audios connected to these amps, there brilliant.
ws007 to trilock
14 Sep 17#16
What ceiling speakers you you used?
trilock to ws007
14 Sep 17#19
I used these." Pyle PDIC61RDSL " They were on offer a while back for 17 I think I got them at..... Truthfully... Sound is amazing from it all. There are alot better speakers out there, but I was going for the cheapest as I was a bit sceptical of the amp actually producing anything that great...
jaddy to trilock
14 Sep 17#21
i think thats what i used aswell, 6.5" look really good and sound really good, i also used a pyle 6.5" marine speaker in the bathroom, doesnt look as good or sound quite as good but its fully plastic so no rusty grills. amazon.co.uk/PDI…B7J
I think if I remember reading, it's something to do with chipset inside it. The original company making them closed and another firm bought them but used their own chipset inside it... Something along that lines
jaddy
14 Sep 17#18
I use with a Chromecast, so the phone/tablet/pc/or voice on google will do the volume, skip tracks ect.
ws007
14 Sep 17#14
Anyone in the know, knows of something like this with a remote?
BeerDrinker
14 Sep 17#7
Got one of these in the shed connected to a couple of bookshelf speakers along with a chromecast audio. Get a great sound off it!
polarbaba
14 Sep 17#6
I have this one, it's a very good sounding amp
jayjay266
14 Sep 17#2
For some reason it checks out at £16. Have one but bought another. Bargain.
martinspoon to jayjay266
14 Sep 17#3
Same here, just dropped to £16!
martinspoon
14 Sep 17#1
Great price - bought one around the £22 mark just a few weeks ago.
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Opening post
This deal was £17 with prime membership when I posted it yesterday but the price keeps dropping down to £16 every so often.
I use mine connected to my tv for much better sound than the £140 Yamaha soundbar I used to own.
According to camelcamelcamel the price very rarely goes this low.
Latest comments (61)
Can anyone recommend some semi-decent speakers to go with this amp?
I'm thinking Diamond 9 £49 at Richer Sounds
richersounds.com/hi-…tml
or QA 2010is £79 at Richer Sounds
richersounds.com/cat…07/
or Mordaunt Short M10 - £69 at Richer Sounds
richersounds.com/mor…o-1
Maybe an amp with IR is what I need, and then get a WiFi IR controller...? Just thinking out loud, on an expired post!
I have the big brother of this amplifier. Its power supply is reasonable, but badly-matched to the amplifier for 8 ohm speakers, where you need as much voltage as possible. I modified it to increase the voltage. In practice, I don't suppose it'll make any difference but of course it sounds better as a result .
pray tell how did you do this?
Shame on you!
Honestly I think if I was you I would spend a little more and you want decent speakers. Paired with the richer sound wharfedale diamond 9.0 mine have been good. Chromecast using an optical out cable into am amp might be worth the extra. When paired with cheap speakers from a charity shop I was disappointed. Expect it's the speakers.
Anyway respect for standing up and saying that you found that hurtful am sure you where not alone in being upset by the thoughtless comment. Wish you the best.
But there is a baseline for decent sound and I very much doubt this competes with a decent basic HiFi when used with decent entry level speakers.
If you are just going to use it in a shed with PC speakers then I doubt you'd notice a differene.
If you are happy with your £30 PC speakers then good for you.
I'm happy with my basic HiFi which was less than £200 and miles better.
This is showing as 16 now which is cheapest IV seen it. Must be selling quick back to 20 now
amazon.co.uk/PDI…B7J
amazon.co.uk/dp/…age