3 FIERCE Mini Amps 💥Dayton Audio + Dajunguo + Raspberry Pi DAC 💥

Which Mini Receiver Amp Reigns Supreme for integration? Whether you're building the ultimate DIY DAC Raspberry Pi boombox, retrofitting a vintage speaker, or leveling up your portable sound game — this is the showdown you've been waiting for.

I put three Class D Bluetooth amplifier boards head-to-head: 🎯 The premium pick from Dayton Audio, and two wallet-friendly powerhouses from Dajunguo — the 540w and 300w models. From RMS raw power output and Bluetooth performance to volume control quirks, input flexibility, and those sneaky pops and fan noises, I dive into what actually matters for your build.

Whether you're after audiophile clarity, budget-friendly wattage, or compact Bluetooth 5.2 performance, this breakdown has it all — and we’re not pulling any punches.
👇 Full side-by-side breakdown below 👇

🎛️ Power & Chips
• Dayton uses a single TPA3116 (50w x2 + 100w); Dajunguo 540w uses dual TDA7498E (160w x2 + 220w); 300w version uses dual TPA3221 (100w x2 + 200w).
🔌 Power Input & Management
• Dayton runs at 24V 4A with soft memory; both Dajunguos allow 12–38V (540w) and 12–30V (300w) with hard power off memory that remembers power state.
📶 Bluetooth Chips
• All support Bluetooth 5.0+, but the 300w Dajunguo shines with BT 5 for LE Audio & LC3 codec (low-latency, high fidelity streaming)
🎚️ Volume & Sub Control
• Dayton and 300w Dajunguo use analog 50K pots (Dayton’s is indented), while 540w uses a digital control that jumps sharply from 0.
🎧 Inputs & Usability
• Dayton includes RCA + 3.5mm, while both Dajunguos rely on 3.5mm only. Dayton has the simplest single-press input switch, others require quadruple-press.
🔊 Sound & Noise
• Dayton offers best audio clarity, 300w has noise at 0dB and 540w has fan noise and a jump in volume from zero.
💡 Knobs & LEDs
• Dayton features X-over, sub, tone, volume with breakout-friendly LEDs; Dajunuo adds treble/bass, 300w is most compact with pre-wired knobs.
⚠️ Quirks & Perks
• Dayton pops at power-on unless soft-powered; Dajunuo 540w is a beast! and their 300w offers best Bluetooth + sub control in the smallest footprint.

OH, and a nod to ‪@HarryMack‬ in my outro because why not?!


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=-=-=-=-=-=-= PRODUCTS REFERENCED: =-=-=-=-=-=-=

Tang Band Speakers:
Full Range Mid Driver: https://www.parts-express.com/search?...

Subwoofer: https://www.parts-express.com/Tang-Ba...

These are affiliate links which, at no cost to you, kicks me some pennies 😁

Dayton Audio DTA-2.1BT2
https://amzn.to/4ja55SQ

Dajunguo S220HS 540w
https://amzn.to/3Eme307

Dajunguo S220HS 300w
https://amzn.to/42b97nX


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TIMESTAMPS: =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
00:00 The Mission
00:50 Amplifier and Testing Overview
02:00 Dujunguo S220HS 300W
03:00 Dujunguo S220HS 540W
04:00 Dayton Audio DTA-2.1BT2
05:30 Wrap-Up and Matrix