The UDP320 is a fully digital PWD (pulse width modulation) amplifier that has no A/D conversion, no preamp and no analog signal path before the final output stage. It’s kind of like a DAC with high power output capable of driving your speaker directly, but different from other amplifiers that are sometimes called powerDACs, as those are normally class D amplifiers with a DAC built inside.
The benefit of this technology is that the output is very clear and natural sounding and with a very compact size. There are fewer parts required which explains the small size, and also makes it possible to sell this great sounding amp at a low price.
The UDP320 has an upgraded output stage compared to the previous UDP80 and UD80 and now use the same output stage as the T4 amplifier, based on STA516BE in BTL mode.
Technology
The amp gets the i2s signal from SPDIF or USB and sends this digital signal to the STA320 controller where PCM is processed and sent to the STA516BE output chip as a PWM signal. This high quality conversion from PCM audio to DDXs patented tri-state PWM switching waveform provides over 100 dB SNR and dynamic range.
This is a very different technology compared to class-D amplifiers like our Tripaht amps, that takes an analog signal signal and process it in their controller chip (tc2000/1) and send the PWM signal to an output chip.
There is no on/off switch but the amp will go to standby mode when you turn the volume controll to minimum fully counter clockwise, and the current consumption is 10mA (0.5W).
The average current consumption with 88dB speakers listening at moderate volume is 100-200mA.
INPUTS
USB:
- No drivers required. Many Android phone works. iOS require Apple camera connection kit adaptor. Savitech SA9023 USB receiver
- Accept sample rates 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz and 16 and 24 bits
- USB Asynchronous mode
SPDIF (optical):
- Accept all sample rates up to 192kHz and 24bit
- TOSLINK connector.
Auto detects USB or SPDIF input. SPDIF takes priority when both SPDIF and USB input is connected.
**No analoge inputs!
OUTPUTS
- 2x150W to 4 ohm@38V
- 2x120W to 8 ohm@48V
- 2x160W to 8 ohm@56V
Speaker outputs use banana style connectors. It is very important that you avoid shorting the output (connecting the + and – together) as that might damage the amplifier. The two negative outputs can not be connected together, as they are not commond ground.
Other specs
- Fully digital amplification based on DDX output stage
- Up to 100dB SNR
- Requires DC input 12V to 48V (up to 56V accepted for 8 ohm loads).
- DC input plug: 5.5/2.5 center pin positive
- Size:120x85x34mm. (excluding volume control 17mm)
- Weight: 350g
Power supply options
The short answer:
Pick GST280A if you want an easy, ready to go solution, SMPS300RS if you can do some more installing yourself or LRS-350-48 if you want the cheapest solution.
The longer answer:
The UDP320 can be powered from 12V up to 56V and we recommend using a 48V power supply in most situations. For 4 ohm speakers the max supply voltage is 48V. It can be powered from 12V if that is what’s available, but to get higher output suitable for common speakers you need at least 24V, and the best audio quality will be achieved by 48-56V Average power consumption with normal listening volume is just 0.1 to 0.2A, while short peaks are higher. So the amplifier can last a while powered from a battery supply.
We have available a few different suitable power supplies. You can also use any small computer adaptor style 18-20V power supply, but max output will be limited by the adaptor’s max output, and some adaptors might send a noisy low quality DC signal that will affect sound quality. Plug must be center pin positive.
The Meanweel GST280 is a 280W adaptor style power supply that is ready to be used with the udp320 and provides the easiest and quickest way of getting music out of your speakers. There is no on/off switch so you can either keep the amp in standby mode by turning volume fully counter clock wise, or pull out the mains plug from the supply. 280W will be sufficient in most situations except if you’ll use it for some kind of constant max output drone bass low ohm constant 2X150W output.
Connexelectronic SMPS300RS 48V is made for audio and is a high quality, low noise power supply. It comes as pictured and needs to be installed in some kind of enclosure. You need to connect the wires for input AC and connect the output DC to the amp.
Meanwell LRS-350-48 is a good quality SMPS at a low price and doesn’t necessarily need any additional enclosure. There is a fan that will start if a constant high current is drawn, however this is not the case with normal listening with average speakers.
The Gopert 0-60V adjustable power supply is another option for the UDP320. It’s fairly simple to hook up and connects to the mains cable directly. For the DC output you’ll need to fasten the DC cable to the outputs. You can use banana style connectors for this. This power supply provides a low noise DC output, but the power supply itself can emit some high frequency noise.
We also have the 34V adaptor that we originally made for UD80 and we now sell at a discount for $39 (was $69). You’ll can get up to 2x80W when using this 34V supply.
We have a cable available with the 5.5/2.5 connector that can be used with SMPS300RS, LRS-350 and Gopert.
model: udp320
| Weight | 0.40000000 kg |
|---|
8 reviews for Hifime UDP320 USB and SPDIF TRUE DIGITAL POWER AMPLIFIER 2X150W
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Juraj –
This is the second power amp I got from here (udp80 was the first one) with the same problem – once it gets warm the volume starts fluctuating.
The support said (when asking for help with the old udp80) “…it seems from your description that the temperature is affecting the MCU which adjust the volume incorrectly…” and that I should try to get more cooling for the unit.
The unit does not really run hot, its just warm from the outside. To me it seems to be a design problem. Its a pity, otherwise it would be the perfect solution for me.
JM Lecrivain –
TL;DR
This amp is so direct and transparent, extra care should be taken on the rest of the signal chain, especially power supplies. Worth every penny.
Originally, I bought this unit with the desktop power supply in 48V, as advised. I wasn’t quite happy because after a sound was played, I’d still hear the amp power section hissing/whining. Pitch and loudness would change after each stop. But it was hearable from a few meters away, annoying… After a lot of research and discussion with HifiMe, it is in fact inherent to the STA326 chip, its noise shaping filter stops processing when the last audio sample is finished playing. See this page for a example of the architecture found in such chip : https://github.com/YetAnotherElectronicsChannel/FPGA-Class-D-Amplifier. This leaves the power amp section in a non-silent setting resulting in a hiss.
To solve this problem, I started experimenting with lowering the power supply voltage so that noise would be so small I wouldn’t here it anymore. Turns out 24V is just fine, which coincidentally would match my speaker power wattage of 75W@8Ohm. So now, I don’t risk blowing them out. I didn’t noticed a significant dropout in dynamics. On the plus side, I could use a much larger range of the volume pot. So I ended up buying a Connex 24V PSU which I cased up.
To this day, I enjoy it every day as a Hifi/Cinéma setup. Upgraded a lot of the wiring and power supplies of the components feeding the amp to get the most benefit out of it. Ifi iPower helped a lot to make the treble even more airy and open ! It is impressive how the amp reveals weaknesses in the signal chain and the natural sound of the speakers.
Despite the speaker popping when the amp is turned off or on, the most appreciated feature is the auto power-up/standy. I don’t have to switch it on or off anymore. Brilliant ! I wish more amps would follow this trend when fed with digital sources.
This amp would definitively benefit form a refresh with the newest chip available (e.g. STA311B) to upgrade the accepted bitrate and address the speaker pop on power-on/power-off.
Salvatore –
sounds very good, powerful, precise detailed.
I am very satisfied.
Hal Rockwell –
Bought this amp on pre-order, with the Connex Electronic PS. I paired it with a set of Wharfedale pi40 Limited Edition floor standing speakers. It’s fed from my PC, through Behringer DEQ2496 mastering processor. All wiring is TOSLINK.
This amp is very powerful compered to its size, but noisy! – I tried it with a Meanwell PS as well, with the same results. When it’s on, and no music is playing, it’s hissing through the speakers, and the pitch of the hiss changes when I twist the volume knob. It’s also noticeable when music is playing. I tried to change the signal chain, but it remains the same.
It has another quirk – the amp doesn’t turn on if it’s not synced. I wish that the power led was an RGB that has a different color for "on" and synced.
P.S.
The Connex Electronic PS has a very narrow voltage regulation margin. Very far from the +/-5V stated.
Michael Booth –
Using this amp with the supplied 48v power supply to drive floor standing speakers in a medium sized room. I’m using the optical connection with a Cambridge Audio CD Transport to supply the UDP320. I haven’t tried the USB connection. This amp will deliver music at high volumes and will easy fill my listening room. It handles all types of music in my system, even large scale classical. I several amps, all pre /powers including class A ( at many times the UDP’s asking price ). I don’t feel short changed when I use it and I am saving money on electric and my wife likes the lack of cabling all over the room. For the price this amp is a steal!
Jacob –
I hate to say it, but I was disappointed by this little amp. To my ears the sound is muddy, smeared out, lacking in clarity and detail… typical of what you’d expect from a cheap digital ampfilier. I don’t know if it’s a fair comparison but I A/B’d it with an old Pioneer receiver (SX-838), and the Pioneer won hands down.
At least it’s small, inexpensive and would make an OK backup if your real amp breaks.
Hifime reply: what voltage power supply did you use? It might require 48V to perform at its best.
2 REVIEWS MERGED: Forgot to say I’m using it with the 48v Meanwell desktop power supply recommended by HiFime, and feeding it with the toslink output from my CD player. See also this thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/c0dq2d/brand_new_all_digital_amp/
Raymond Au –
I have used this amp more than a week. It is powered by MEANWELL LRS-350-48 without any problem.
The amp is mildly warm but never get overheated. Both the usb and toslink input works fine.
Since my speaker is not a grand one, the sound and the dynamics is good and enough. The sound is clear but not sharp.
I like this one better than the previous UDP80. Not only because of the better power but the use of banana plug is much easier than the UDP80.
So far I am very satisfied with this amp. I would like to use it to drive a bigger speaker to see how it goes when I have time.
Naca5 –
Waow…from first note, replacing a 3k kit, three boxes and a lot of cables….
Bravo!