Is TPA3116 still relevant in 2025? SMSL AO10 class D amplifier review!

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Remote beer tap control :D
https://paypal.me/hfzytreviews
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This is one of the super affordable SMSL amplifier series, it got me interested as PA40 is still one of my recommended value purchases and this guy is even cheaper (though it does look very familiar!)
But I wouldn't be reviewing it if I wouldn't realize that this small guy uses twin TPA3116, and that IC - even though its older than 3255 - has a special place in my heart as all my first, small class-d amps that I started collecting about 4-5 years ago were based on that.
And I was just curious how does 3116 sound in 2025, as it seems to be a little forgotten now.

You can get one directly from Aoshida, - and Aoshida (thank you!) was very kind to offer a discount code to my viewers :)
So the link to the official store is here: https://www.aoshida-audio.com/product...
And you can use this coupon code: HiFiZone-AO10 for 5% discount.

You can also get this amp through Aoshida Aliexpress store:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4E...


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Audio setup used in testing (you can find reviews of most of these in my channel):

FLAC/DSD files - Foobar2k - Fully passive 11th gen Intel PCwih LPS - AQ Jitterbug -
Chord USB - AO10 - fk Dragon Full Range - Dali ikon 1 mk2, Dali Opticon 1, Oatlon M10, ML 15i, ML 35Xti, ML XT B100, ML Ascent I speakers.

Power: two Pavalle power strips with additional DIY EMI filters, power cords: fk AQ Dragons Source (DACs) fk AQ Dragon HC (amplifiers) and RCore LPSes with Sonic Scientific Hades for HTPC, Su-6 and OCXO power supply.

USB-C: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oCY...
(get that one only if your system is transparent enough as the effect is subtle!)



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Alicodes: I'm trying to update them whenever possible as they usually are quickly vanishing:

A new set for Winter Sale 2026 - These will be valid till 19th of January:

$2 off $15:【IFP2JZSI】$4 off $29:【IFPPK6N4】$7 off $49:【IFP5QIND】$10 $79:【IFPEHPFI】$15 $109:【IFPXGMZV】$20 $159:【IFPLKF7U】$30 $249:【IFPQYH0S】$45 $369:【IFPEBVFY】$60 $499:【IFPAALVL】

There is also a generic set for US only, these should be valid until 2026-06, here they are - enjoy!
$39-5: 【ZONE】 $89-10: 【ZONE10】 $149-25: 【ZONE25】 $259-45: 【ZONE45】 $349-60: 【ZONE60】 $459-70: 【ZONE70】 $599-120: 【ZONE120】

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