Nobsound M5.1 5.1 Channel Home Theatre Amp Review

The Nobsound M5.1 is a 5.1 channel digital amplifier priced at $169.99, designed for home theatre and multi-channel music systems. It is aimed at listeners who want a small multi-channel setup without the size or cost of a conventional AV receiver.

Output is handled by three classic TPA3116 chips split across the system: front left and right at 50W x 2, surround left and right at 50W x 2, center at 50W and subwoofer at 50W. Four digital inputs are provided (Bluetooth 5.0, coaxial, optical and U-disk) alongside 2.0 channel and 5.1 channel RCA inputs, so most home audio devices can connect. The U-disk input plays lossless WAV, APE and FLAC as well as MP3. A low-frequency output is included for connecting a second active subwoofer, letting the amp build 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 5.1 or 5.2 channel systems.

The M5.1 can also create surround from stereo sources: a built-in multi-channel signal processing chip applies dynamic separation techniques to allocate a 2.0 signal across 5.1 channels, with the maker claiming precise sound positioning and a convincing surround effect. A long press of the play/pause button switches between 2.1 and 5.1 output modes without re-plugging speaker cables. On the maker's own advice, a true 5.1 result needs a 5.1 channel RCA input; a 2.0 input sent to 5.1 output is processed and simulated. Controls include main volume, treble and bass, plus separate front, surround, center and bass volume knobs and function indicators. The amp is made of aluminium alloy and runs from a single included 24V/6A adapter, with a second power input available for more output.

Specifications

How it compares

The M5.1 is the only five-channel amp in this type. For two zones rather than surround, the Douk Audio M4 Bluetooth 4-Channel Amp 50W review ($79.99) lists four speaker outputs at 50W x 4 into 4 ohms with independent volume on each, Bluetooth 5.0, two RCA input groups and a U-disk input, with a 24V/4.5A adapter; its page lists no optical or coaxial input. For stereo plus a subwoofer, the Nobsound NS-14G Bluetooth 2.1 Channel Amplifier review ($99.99, which is $70.00 less than the M5.1) lists 50W x 2 plus 100W for a subwoofer, with subwoofer frequency and level knobs, Bluetooth and stereo RCA inputs, and no optical or coaxial input either.

Only the M5.1 page lists optical and coaxial inputs and separate front, surround, center and bass level knobs, and it asks you to add a second 24V adapter for higher output. If you need two speakers and one sub, the NS-14G or the Douk Audio NS-14G PRO TPA3255 Amplifier review ($134.99: a headline of 300W per L/R channel plus 300W for the sub, though its own table gives 120W + 120W and 270W at 4 ohms on the included 48V/5A adapter; Bluetooth, stereo RCA and AUX inputs) cover that for less than the M5.1. Choose the M5.1 for a small home theater that needs surround and sub outputs, and feed it 5.1 over the RCA inputs if you want discrete channels.

Shipping, returns and warranty

• Shipping: Douk Audio's current shipping page says orders are generally processed no later than the next business day and arrive in 2-8 business days, with duties, taxes and customs fees included in the checkout price unless noted otherwise.
• Older shipping terms are still online: airmail at 10-25 days for parcels under 2 kg, DHL, UPS or FedEx at 5-8 days above that, and a line saying the store is not responsible for import duties. Check the delivery estimate and any duties at checkout.
• Returns: ask within 30 days of delivery and wait for approval before sending anything; an approved return has to ship within 7 days. Items need all packaging and accessories and no excessive wear, or the store can refuse them or refund part of the price. Refunds go to the original payment method after inspection.
• Not refunded: original and expedited shipping, duties, taxes and customs charges, unless the law requires it or the store made the error. The return page does not say who pays return postage, and the older refund page excludes mistaken orders and change-of-mind returns from free after-sale service.
• Warranty: 24 months from purchase for manufacturing defects, with free repair, a replacement unit and free shipping both ways for covered repairs. Drops, liquid, DIY repairs, lightning, extreme temperatures and misuse are excluded (partial fees may apply), and damage from weak packing on the way back may not be covered. The older refund page still says 1 year.
• Seller: the site is run by Shenzhen Anba Technology Co., Ltd (Shenzhen, China) and HONGKONG LONGSHENG Import and Export Trading Co., Limited (Hong Kong); support is by email at [email protected]. These terms cover orders placed on doukaudio.com; other sellers apply their own.

For this product, the page lists US, UK, EU, AU and Other under 'Shipping to' and shows Free Shipping, 2-8 Days Arrival, 30-Day Return and 2-Year Warranty badges near the price.