Lepai LP-168HA Mini Amp Review - OldSchoolStereo.com Bench Test
Вставка
- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- The Chinese mini amp invasion continues! This time we will show off the Lepai LP-168HA, a 2.1 channel mini amp. It is called a 2.1 amp, because it offers 2 stereo channels as well as a single "bass" channel. Sounds very promising at the rated 40x2, plus 68x1 power output. Now, as we've seen before, the manufacturer's ratings for these amps means nothing...Actual RMS output means everything!
Buy this amp on Amazon!
amzn.to/1uwnUo2
The Lepai LP-168HA offers 3 inputs, all in parallel (non switchable). On the front, there is a 3.5mm stereo input jack, while the back offers left and right RCA input jacks as well as a USB port. The USB port will play back MP3 files on a compatible thumb drive, MP3 player, cell phone, etc. This feature wasn't tested other than for charging and it failed on 2 out of 3 devices tested. The 1st generation iPod Nano was the only device accepting a charge from the LP-168HA...the iPhone 3G nor the iPhone 4 would receive charge from the USB port.
The LP-168HA also offers a separate volume (and TINY knob) for the bass channel as well as the stereo channels. Unlike most amps offering a bass channel, there is no "master" volume controlling all outputs. You must adjust the bass channel and stereo channels independently. What a horrible design! Furthermore, the bass channel reaches full power at just a slight turn of the bass volume adjustment. There is no input gain control for the channels, just the volume knobs.
Also watch as I verify RMS power output using the Velleman HPS50 and SMD DD-1 Distortion Detector. How close can we get to the manufacturers claim of 40x2 and 68x1? Well, you're gonna have to watch and see....
OK, it's confirmed...I just did some quick tests of my 2nd copy of this amp and it confirmed my original tests. The crossover is a joke, the sub channel is weak and something else VERY IMPORTANT I failed to mention in the video...the LP-168HA wants a higher voltage input than most portable mp3 players can provide. For example, I was unable to drive the amp to full volume (clipping) when using an iPod Nano or iPhone 4. I had to use a 3V pre-out signal from my Yamaha HT receiver for the tests
See the "Chinese Mini Amp Invasion" Article on OldSchoolStereo, which also has a matrix of all mini amps tested showing ratings and actual measurements:
www.oldschoolst...
Please subscribe to my channel: / bigdwiz
Follow me on twitter: / oldschoolstereo
Visit my website: www.oldschoolst...
Keep it OLD SCHOOL!!!
@charlesamaral56 I'm going to do a giveaway of the Kinter MA-150 soon...it will be RANDOM, to those of you who will contact me and say "give it to me"...Once I hit 750 subs, I'll do a random selection for the winner, then at 1000 subs, will give away something much nicer....just haven't decided what yet...
@guitarleocordeiro Front channels - 8 watts per channel RMS, bass channel - 11 watts total RMS. Measurements were taken at 4 ohms, 2 ohms may be slightly more
Thanks for the comment. I would say the amp not having input sensitivity adjustments to match the output of the iPod is a big problem. This is the reason amps have gain controls, they are not for "volume" but to match the output provided by your input source
@charlesamaral56 I have tested the 4020 in the past, send me a message and I'll forward you my results later today. I'm done w/ the Chinese amps, so the good stuff is coming soon!!
@charlesamaral56 You are right, I try to tell the original MSRP, as I think this is important also. The prices of old school amps fluctuate a lot, some models always bring big money (RF Power 1000 Mosfet, for example), while some others can be found for very reasonable prices...
I bought and installed this for my 8’X10’ work shop. It is running a pair of 5 1/4” Dual coax speakers and a cheap 8” dual 8 ohm voice coil subwoofer from Partsexpress. The sub volume now is tied to the volume of the main speakers so everything goes in tandem. For a small shop, it sounds ok. The sub is not controlled very good so I’ve got it turned down a lot. But for music listening while working on my projects it sounds ok.
Wow, I feel like an idiot...was watching my original video on the Chinese Mini Amp Invasion and realized I bought 2 of these LP-168HA's!! I will test the other one soon to see if it has the same issue with the crossover and bass channel. I picked up 2 b/c I was planning on using both in small custom boomboxes...maybe not?
@bigdwiz These RMS values were taken at 1 percent THD, ratings from mfg may be 10 percent or higher
@ocauTMM Yes, very likely a faulty potentiometer, would be nice to know if others who have this amp experience the same issue?
OK, it's confirmed...I just did some quick tests of my 2nd copy of this amp and it confirmed my original tests. The crossover is a joke, the sub channel is weak and something else VERY IMPORTANT I failed to mention in the video...the LP-168HA wants a higher voltage input than most portable mp3 players can provide. For example, I was unable to drive the amp to full volume (clipping) when using an iPod Nano or iPhone 4. I had to use a 3V pre-out signal from my Yamaha HT receiver for the tests
I have one of these on my desk as the sound amp for my Desktop computer. It has performed flawlessly for 5 years. I have a 3.5mm jack on the back of my ASUS tower and use a 3.5mm to RCA stereo cable. I have an un-powered 6" sub woofer and two speakers (3" + 1" tweeter) from a Philips home theater system I don't use anymore. It kicks butt! The sub cross-over is questionable, but I set it at the lowest 50HZ setting anyway. I am amazed by the quality of the sound. The sub woofer volume is no hassle! I am a pro bass player and really don't mind setting the separate sub and main volumes, if fact once they are set, I rarely adjust either. It's not too loud a system! I recommend getting a 5 watt power supply!! This is one of the best CHEAP 2.1 amps you can get!
+Michael Moore awesome, thanks for the comment. I'm testing some of the newer amp boards and the ones based on the TPA3116D2 chips are quite impressive. They don't come in enclosures, but have much more power and sound as good as the Lepai amps.
i use my own cheap amp on one sony woofer box from 1990's
and it almost blowed the rotten cork on the backboard!
By the way i am using 15volts @ 5A to power the amp
These small amps are not designed to push 12" subwoofers. I found it didn't do a good job with any subwoofers, even as small as 6.5's. Parts Express has 100x4 digital amps by Sure, but I haven't tested these. They require 24v to get the full power though. Sorry, I'm not aware of any other quality 2.1 amps for this purpose, maybe somebody else can suggest some?
Very helpful review, especially mentioning that sub vol isn't connected to main vol control, saved my money. Thanks!
+robrath31 You are welcome, that was the main reason for my review. Save other people from wasting their money....since I already wasted mine :-(
i think you should aways tell people the price that each old school amplifier was when sold to the public new back in the day when they came out. this would help people thinking of buying an old school amplifier today.thanks for the videos have learned a lot.keep them coming.
Yes, it has 3.5mm inputs as well as RCA line level inputs
I bought this amp for a Tv With tinny speakers for a bedroom, Good to know the real output , it did about exactly what I thought it would . Great Straight forward test , by the best Big D Wiz !
40Hz test tone. For this amp, I used a 12V 5A power supply, but have a 13.8V 100A power supply available.
Your review is awesome. No one else did like you. Thanks. I subscribed!
+Ary Himawan same
I love how they call the sub output Super Bass =D
Yes, and it would be nice if this real music wouldn't be tagged as copyrighted. I'm always on the look for good, free, public domain, royalty-free and artist owned music.
My MA-200 didn't make it through the testing phase...sorry, I'm not buying another and wouldn't recommend one. I like the Lepai LP-2020A+ the best out of the one's I've tested. I may get a couple of the Dayton amps from Parts Express to try out in the near future. They are more expensive, but you know what they say about getting what you pay for...
I wrote a VERY detailed review on Parts Express a few weeks ago about this amp...don't think they are going to publish my review on their site...oh well, anyone who Google's the model number should find this review! The truth will set you free...
I prefer the LP-2020A+ to all of the other mini amps I've tested (under 30 US dollars)
Lol where i do start?
1. The independent controls arent bad as iit gives you flexibility. If you don't like it, just add a pot resistor knob on the rca input
2. The 20wn into 2ohm sub channel is useful but you have it baxkwards. Instead of a small sub you want a big sub comparatively because they're louder at the same AC voltage. Putting in a 75-80 db woofer would be dumb.
3. The filter works nicely if you a simple inductor on your sub. I have a 6 ohm triple 8" subwoofer and i have no problem reaching 100-110 db in the bass region.
You need to use and iPod dock when you want to use an iPod with an amp like this. I also had volume problems with my homemade iPod speaker which has a built in amp. But that was fixed when i used the 3.5mm out from an iPod dock. The 3.5mm jack on iPhone or iPod is the problem, not the amp.
I agree with you, an amp like that should have an adjustable sensitivity.
I went ahead and bought one of these, It was cheap. It sounds ok with my book shelf speakers, 10 watts on the sub channel is fine I tested it with my old JBL 8" home sub, Yes the sub volume is far to touchy. My sub volume is labeled as the x-over and vice versa for it. It will most be placed in my step fathers car ,he doesn't have a stereo at all, As a phone amp.
Do you think that the crossover adjustment is just a high-pass filter on the main channels, since it doesn't seem to affect the subwoofer channel at all?
No, doesn't seem to affect main channels either. Sorry it only took 3yrs to respond to your question :-(
BigDWiz lol!
I like your review's. I wish you would have played with the sub crossover and gain to see exactly what it's doing. I used that amp in a boombox build and it really did crank pretty good. A lot better than most boomboxes at the store for a lot more cash.
Hey are you going to do the review the MA-200 ? I just bought the MA-150 and I went searching on youtube reviews and real wattage ratting for it and saw your videos :P I am very disappointed from the power of it, so I was woundering if the MA-200 would be better than your amps, since it is kinda bigger :P
Its a wonderful amplifier. Sounds awesome on Philips hts3021 Speakers (50 watt sub + 25x2 w satellites)..with following knob tweaking: **Sub volume 35%, Crossover 0%, Treble 90%, Bass 35%, & Volume 100%.** Gives rich detailed spacious sound with powerful bass, which is totally in sync with satellites. Soft rich treble....Punchy bass....Clear vocals..Can hear each n every instrument...without any overlapping or overpowering.....Metallic, Air, Wood, Stone, Drums, Pianos, vocal, Guitars every sound sounds awesome..
Agreed. These are the same settings I use, and love mine!
I thought power was dependent on the powersupply you were using. The standard ps puts out measly 30-40 wattish. Upgrade that and you should get far more power.
Exactly, the Amp can take up to 14.4v (the seller had it listed as up to 15v but I'll stay safe at 14.4v) it's supposed to run at full power(40w*2 and sub @ 68w) at 14.4v.
What was you favorite mini amp with good bass punch
LP-2020A+. There are some new ones out that have peeked my interest. I'll be picking up some soon to try out
somewhere in PE's forum is a "hot rod the LP 2020A+" article....
replacing the input coupling caps to audio quality, and output coupling caps to larger size higher voltage, really did some small wonders...
went from about 8.3w/ch 1% THD, to near 13w. it's easy to do kiddie stuff so I did all 3 that I have, the 5w extra helps it a lot to not choke playing bass stuff.
hey man!! this seems to be better than the 2020A+. just a question: is that jack aux a standard lil one or is the same as for example iphone 4 jack format (little smaller)?
I personally prefer the 2020A+, but yes, the aux jack is a 3.5mm plus, same as most headphone jacks. Some older cell phones and MP3 players used 2.5mm, but your iPhone 4 is 3.5mm
Hello,
I have a question.
What voltage and amperage did you put into the amp?
These are class a/b amps and you have to have no less than the optimal voltage and amp to get a good clean signal out.
And you would need to put in they proper lowest impedance to get the full wattage.
Have three of these Lepai LP-168HA mini-amps, one in the car and two attached to computers. For $25 or so, they're hard to beat for sound and durability. The X-over works on two of the amps, but not the third. Go figure. There's more than enough punch for a desktop amplifier regardless of what the published numbers claim. Good luck finding a better amp at this price.
Did you consider the crossover knob is for the main speakers and if low frequency cut off to those?
Is there a good 2.1 like this out there anywhere? I feel like the Lepai is really the only game in town for a 2.1 mini amp. If I could find a better one I would buy it. Do you have any suggestions? Imagine that this Lepai amp was actually good and functioned as advertised then I think it would be perfect for what I need. Just trying to build a decent 2.1 system for my desktop computer. The amp is the weak link.
I purchased 1 of these on eBay gor about $10 looks a bit different bit after it broke i looked at chips and although i don't remember them i do remember the output said to be very similar to your finding Big-D.
@Maxxarcade This is my finding as well...the rest are a waste of money IMHO. I'm done buying these cheapo amps, what a waste of time, energy and money!! My intention of doing these tests was to show people what to really expect with these little amps, and not to believe the manufacturers ratings
In this video, the Amp is not running at 100 percent. The Amp can take up to 14.4v. To run at full power, upgrade to at least a 14.4v power supply.
Good afternoon, I bought an amplifier equal to that which was tested, and realized that the subwoofer output does not really work well, but I saw something on the Internet that claimed to exchange some componentnes, it might work better, you know what components should be changed to improve the amplifier? thank you.
as anyone can see the chinese amplifiers are best left in china.waiting to see you test the dsm series. seen the 40i want to see the bigger ones tested.right now im looking at the DMS 4020 4 channel amp,with no bass or treble controls im thinking of buying one but wish i knew what it costed new and if it is still worth 100 dollars used in working condition,with both end caps and warranty stickers intact.do you know if it has problems because it was built for only a short time.thanks
I bought the same mini amp (had a Lepai LP-838 before). The sub output works very well but not the stereo channels: lots of distortion.
I wanted to improve the bass quality with the 168HA (super bass sound) but now, the high frequencies are all distorted!!!
Why is that?
haha seems like such a dodgy bunch of parts thrown together. The crossover sounds like about 6db/octave to me, but like you say it seems to be stuck at 500hz or something like that - possibly a short on the PCB or a faulty potentiometer?
Hey Big D. big dummy
i got an el cheapo amp off some mail rated 12v 5a input and 2x 40w output
it even has SD and USB playing capability
maybe you could recommend me a better amp? for the price
I would like to see you test the Sure electronic amplifier
i too dint like the seperate bass and main volume. till i decided to think of them as gain not volume. i use my tv volume variable for one amp. mybother setup i use either my nexus 10 or my galaxy note 3 so i control volume that wsy. even picked up a 3.5/bluetooth dongle that works great. wireless baby
i was wondering. did you use the power supply that came with it or a beefier power supply? because i bought a lepai A6 amp and a 6amp 12 volt power supply. as far as i know the power supply that generally comes with lepai amps are 2 amp so thats 24 watts max. (and chances are the power supply is not running at 100 percent efficiency)
@bigdwiz no no no, i love the little amp reviews.Just being curious. you could of done tests on the first Sony Walkman and got more output than that amp though :p
Ok so wondering if you could make a suggestion I have a PA speaker with bad board speakers (15 sub an 1.35 compression driver) still work. Wanted to make a portable speaker out of it need a small efficient amp
@goatskindreams Never really bought a big mono amp...think I got a 2kW once on a trade, but I either traded it off or sold it. Why ya ask? Tired of the little amp demos? LOL
thinking to get one of these mini-amps to convert an old dead dead Cambridge Soundworks cd740 into a speaker dock - unit had great sound but something died internally so sound from any source cuts in/out randomly and frequently - maybe power transformer is failing since display drops out too. I don't want to screw with removing the speakers since they sound so good in the case - like a Bose Soundwave. I can easily get to the speaker wires - just not sure what speakers they are - 2 on front look to be 40mm full range and one down facing ported 3" might be a sub or maybe just a std woofer. I see they are 2w, 4 ohm but no other info can easily be seen - so I need 2.1 or maybe a 4 channel using set A for fronts and using set B's R+ and L- to drive the 3rd spkr if possible. Any suggestions.
is it just me or are the left and right input colors swapped
what's that beat looping through the beginning of the video? it has a nice contrast between bass & HF buzz.
Since there is an ac to dc 12v converter would ddit be safe to power via cigarette lighter in the car?
Dereck BigDWiz I don't really know much about amps, and I like a lot of bass in my music, which one do you recommend the lp2020 or the lp168ha? Please answer soon i really need the amp!
Alexis Paniagua LP2020A+ is my favorite of these small cheap amps
Dereck BigDWiz I'll take your word! Im ordering it today!!!!!
What kind of subwoofer you would recommend to put on a TA2020a+?
I know it`s funny to put a sub on these amps :D
Yep nice reminder the sub volume ha it did have half decent sound and could balamce it out then use phone for master vol. Oh and my son also had one but his didn't last as long as mine.
Hello there cool vid . Just a quick pick of your brains please if you don't mind . I'm looking to use one of these with a bass shaker for some pc gaming (Aura AST-2B-4 Pro ) as a cheaper alternative to a buttkicker . I have a Sony BDV-E300 home theatre system ,would it be just a case of splitting my sub out cable to this amp then running that to the transducer ? (sub is passive btw) Thank you .
where is the best place to store this amp, maybe under the glove comp?? JUST Screw it under??
car batteries are actually usually at like 14 volts + it will power up on 12v i bet
What is the best stereo amplifier of all the lepia and pyle or whatever models? I've seen this on line and would like one but what one is the best?
Hey big do u know of any thats just 12v battery hook up style? i noticed most of those i have searched is all for houses
whats the biggest mono amp you have ever owned?
The only one I've really liked out of all these Lepai amps, is the 2020A+. The rest seem to be all looks and no performance :-)
Too bad you blew one of your Athena Speakers. They used to be great speakers
I blew one and have been meaning to pick up another on eBay. I agree, they are FANTASTIC sounding speakers!
Which of the lepai amps do you like the most and would purchase? Which of these small amps can power 6x9s (pair) 440 maw watt. Thanks in advance bigdwiz or anyone who can answer my question.
you say it goes to pc is power to this 12v or 240v and if 12v wired to pc wired via via 12v power wire eg fan etc or just through power plug at back useing a 240 v to 12v adapter?
I don't think it's reasonable to expect these little amps to power a subwoofer directly. I'd get a Line Level Adapter Like the Metra IBLOC01 and use a powered subwoofer connecting to the LFE input channel on the subwoofer amp.
PLEASE HELP i am trying to make a pa system, have cb radio with cb output and a 100 watt speaker, will this power the 100 watt speaker enough to make a loud pa system? what would you recommend as a mini amp for this use? trying to be under $20 rangeish thank you
are you familiar with the bash 300s plate amps?
whats a good cheap amp i want to make a boombox but i do not know what amp to use at all
I was hoping to get this. BUt seeing how the sub crossover doesnt work ill continue looking.
Is there a cheap amp thats capable of doing 2.1 that youve come across?
Im trying to put speakers into my semi and cant install a real radio. Would need to be able to run off a 12v inverter.
Get this one, it is the best one out there, and untouchable for the $$$!! You will NOT be disappointed.
Can you connect this amp to a car stereo rca ?
hey bigdwiz... whats that jazz you are playing? where can i get that one at??
Sam Cardon "Chelsea's Day"
os ot possible to use this aamp with a bose acousticmass 5 sub?
is it*
are there any other 30-50watt mini amps out there? i got a pair of 100w car component speakers and a 100w rms subwoofer that i want to make portable speakers out of. i have a 12v rechargeable li-ion battery, just need a suitable amp now, please help :)
Can You review the
Pyle PLMRMP1A 2 Channel Waterproof MP3/ Ipod Marine Power amplifier please?
Hi there. I have some old speakers in my garage and im trying to make use of them. Do you guys think this amp can drive an old 5.1 system's woofer (3 ohm, 50 W, 30- 150 Hz) and 2 samsung ps n22e bookself speakers (4 ohm, 15W each). Also, if yes, can i make this system portable with a 12V car or motorcycle battery, how much playback time i can count on with a 45Ah battery?
+Takács Ákos Don't even think about it. The Lepai produces square wave clipping after only 12 watts (being generous). I bought 2 of these and both blew up - one on stand by..! They are junk. If you must use 12 volts supply, get a small car battery, charge it up and run a 100 watt rms car sub amp. Almost any will do, including probably secondhand, car boot sale quality. Don't waste your time on this Chinese crap. I did, including replacing the internal power capacitors with high quality upgrades - made no difference...
Incidentally SMSL SA93E, mini amps on eBay, also made in China, are several levels superior to this rubbish. I bought a 80 x 80w (@ 10% distortion, probably 25-30 wpc @ 1% distortion) for the equivalent of $105 and it is as good as a 30-50 wpc, full size, made in Japan, amp.
thanks can you tell if earthquake are or not i'm think about going to be a authorized buyer.
thanks for the reply.
Man that amp is badass..I am going to strap 700 of them and be king of the block..lmao..sarcastic
what should i use for a 100 watt bass shaker
RED IS LEFT? SINCE WHEN?
Is something like this sufficient to drive 2 x Dayton Audio TT25-16 Mini Bass Shakers ?
+r@media I don't think it offers enough output power
can I hook it up to my car?
yeah just make sure you attach a fuse and a 2w resistor
So, my friend, in the end wich is the best cheap chinese amp? Thanks in advance.
Lepai LP-2020A+ IMO
Thanks! Good job BigDWiz. Keep going.
Have you made the review of "Kentiger HY-600" or any other amp with usb/sd card mp3 reader? Is there any sound difference between the usb/sd card mp3 reader and the amp without those specs? Thanks.
I better use head unit directly when it just about 20 Watt /channel
Are there any 2.1 amps like this that are worth buying?
The TPA3116 and 3118 based amps perform well
Hey bigdwiz I was wondering if I could just cut the adapter off the power supply that came with it an run it off a 12v 5ah garage door opener battery with out it frying out the other day I had the lp838 connected it straight to a 12v 28w SLA battery and the amp fried lol
Funny you mention this..I just fried my LP-2020A+ when I hooked it up to a battery the other day. I'm certain I had the wiring correct. The aH of the battery should not fry the amp, it's all about the voltage and anything between 10-15V should be fine for input.
Dereck BigDWiz I looked at the adapter it came with it says 12v- 16v input at 2A I know I did something wrong cause the thing started smoking lol
Dereck BigDWiz could u send me an inbox how I could run this amp off a 12v battery please I'm dying to make a portable boom box with one of these amps I already had the speakers in a box had the amp mounted in the box had the battery in place cut the adapter off the power cord put the + wire with the + side of the battery and the - with the - side of the battery turned it on then french fries no more amp
big d the people who make this probably cant afford charmin toilet paper and at the same time its too loud for my ole lady. i wonder if a strong power supply would have help? Im running pc to 20 band eq to a lepai to jbls and 10"powered kenwood sub, a 150rms kenwood house amp waiting for bigger speakers. anyway awsome reveiw
Have you tested the lp-279fs? It's supposedly 45 watts per channel.
Can you plug it to PC ?
Can you bridge the stereo channel outputs?
No
If you need royalty free music, you can find LOADS of music by Kevin MacLeod.
True, and now UA-cam has free music also
I like reviews like this you should test more crap amps maybe some knockoffs like rockwood or xplode
yeah i would not buy this for the sub, i have not had a good experiance. the main channals are fine for what i do though
would this be able to run a 40 rms sub?
Yes ,and the nieghbors will never call the police on you for having too much bass
. 40 watts is low power , so 11 watts will get a little bass out of it but not much.
You are better off with an amp with at least 25 watts rms at 1% distortion.
If you Input a 1KHz tone, NO CROSSOVER will affect the 1Khz tone.... To test that, you need either wide-band audio Noise or normal Music program content !!!! WOW.........
It was tested with music to note the Xover was not working. The 1kHz was used for testing output power, a standard frequency for full range amplifiers.
Incorrect statement. If you input 1kHz signal and the crossover is set at 80Hz (low-pass), you should not hear the 1kHz output at all. WOW.......