ToneWinner AD-7300PA+ 7 Channel Power Amplifier Review

Tony O’Brien samples this sizeable 7-channel audio-visual power amplifier…
ToneWinner
AD-7300PA+ 7-Channel Power Amplifier
USD $1,575
China’s hi-fi and audio-visual scene is not only alive and well, it’s thriving. With regular trade shows taking place across the country, we see not only the brands we all know, but also many new and innovative names from local manufacturers.
As you’d expect, you’ll find equipment catering to a range of price points, with even a couple that fall into the absurdly expensive category. If there’s one thing that differentiates the shows from their western counterparts, it’s the focus on value for money—specifically, the ability to create high-end components that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
Indeed, it’s this core philosophy that drives the Chinese-based company ToneWinner. It has an extensive portfolio of hi-fi and AV products, including AV processors, amplifiers and AV receivers. Its range of home cinema products extends to 5-channel, 7-channel and even 11-channel amplifiers. It also offers a 16-channel preamp and a 7.1-channel AV receiver.
Itching to put one of the company’s products through its paces, we start with a review of the AD-7300PA+ 7-channel amplifier, which according to the ToneWinner website, is rated at 310 watts per channel. Spider senses tingling, I visited the local distributor Fundamental Audio’s website, which has a more comprehensive listing of the AD-7300PA+ power ratings.
Rated power is only for two channels driven, with 324 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms when only one channel is driven. With all seven channels working, the power rating drops to 173 RMS watts per channel into 8 ohms. So it’s not quite the powerhouse it appears to be at first glance, I’ll admit, but it’s still an impressively well-powered amplifier, considering the asking price. What’s more, it can drive 4-ohm loudspeakers, meaning there are few things that the AD-7300PA+ won’t be able to tame. Under the hood and this Class AB design uses three pairs of high-power, three-level push-pull Darlington circuit transistors. It also sports seven independent circuit boards, with the left and right channels utilising exposed radiators, larger in size, to power the front speakers.
UP CLOSE
In an industry that is becoming dominated by shrinking sizes, the AD-7300PA+ stands at an unapologetic 440x197x445mm. Weighing 26.3kg, it’s a hernia-inducing piece of equipment by anyone’s standards, so moving it about is a two-person job. I was surprised to discover the amplifier was not only double-boxed but further protected by a drawstring bag. It’s evident that ToneWinner wants to be taken seriously, with a level of care and detail that many high-ticket components can’t compete with.
Finished in gloss black, its front is dominated by an impressively large VU meter, if that’s your thing. Aluminium clad, the sides of the amplifier sport cooling fins, while small holes for additional cooling perforate the aluminium top plate. At the back, you’re greeted with gold-plated binding posts and RCA and XLR inputs. The oversized speaker binding posts are solidly built, with holes to connect banana plugs should you wish. A metal toggle switch activates the unbalanced or balanced inputs, along with a single 12V trigger and a level input. Also included are a power cord, 3.5mm mini jack and a printed user manual. Rack ears were not included, and of course, being a dedicated power amplifier, a remote is not necessary.
At this price, you have to ask yourself what’s not been included or whether there have been any corners cut. Except for rack ears, though, I came up empty-handed. It was the same story when it came time to assess the build quality of the AD-7300PA+. While the big ToneWinner lacks some of the finesse or refinement of better-known brands, it is built like a tank.
The setup was relatively straightforward; the AD-7300PA+ was connected to my JBL SDR-35 AV receiver via its unbalanced inputs, with the latter serving as a preamp. As they’ve often done, my friends at Vision Living came to the rescue providing me with custom-made Canare interconnects for the review period.
When powered up, the amp’s VU meter emits enough blue light to brighten the darkest of bat caves. While some will enjoy this, ToneWinner is aware that it will not be to everyone’s taste, so it has thankfully provided a dimming switch that offers the option to turn off the display completely.
For the review, the AD-7300PA+ was also partnered with VAF Signature i91 front and centre loudspeakers and four VAF i90 speakers used for surround and overhead Atmos channels. Video devices consisted of an Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player and Apple TV, connected directly to a 5348 Lumagen Radiance Pro. Images were projected onto a 100” Severtson Cinegray 16.9 screen by a Sony VPL-XW5000ES 4K projector. Dirac Live Bass Control was used for room correction.
THE LISTENING
The AD-7300PA+ exhibits a refined character that is not only surprisingly easy to listen to, but also addictive. It creates a sizeable sonic soundscape, particularly given its modest asking price, and had no apprehension driving my speakers to high levels, remaining poised and without any hint of strain. Dynamics are delivered with a satisfying level of attack that makes for an exciting movie-watching experience.
With Avatar 2 showing in cinemas, it was high time to revisit the world of Pandora with the original Avatar on Blu-ray. While the DTS-HD 5.1 is undoubtedly dated by today’s standards, it’s still a potent soundtrack. As Jake and the scientific crew explored Pandora, the AD-7300PA+ produced a surprisingly refined sonic character that belies its modest asking price. I enjoyed its neutral character that, if anything, errs ever so slightly towards the livelier side.
Throughout my audition period, it never sounded harsh or fatiguing. On the contrary, it’s a relaxed listen, so much so that I was soon drawn into the world of Pandora, with all thoughts of reviewing this amplifier forgotten. With the Dolby Atmos Soundtrack found on Prime’s Rings of Power, the AD-7300PA+ produced a wonderfully nuanced performance, with all the detail I’m accustomed to present and accounted for. At nearly a quarter of the price of my usual Class G JBL SDA-7120, it serves as a wake-up call for what’s possible.
With my family out for the day, it was time to test the sonic chops of this big power amp, starting with the aged but nonetheless excellent DTS-HD 7.1 Master Audio track found on the Blu-ray of The Wolverine. With the attack at the funeral underway, the ToneWinner had the opportunity to flex its muscles. And, although it liked the volume pushed a little higher, gunshots and blows were delivered with a pleasing amount of wallop.
Anything but dated, the Dolby Atmos found on 2022’s 4K Blu-ray of Maverick is one of best-sounding 4K Blu-rays I’ve encountered to date. Faced with the daunting valley scene and the volume control pushed ever louder, the ToneWinner showed no hint of strain. In fact, it managed to keep the same relaxed character that I’m accustomed to. Coupled with my SDR-35 and VAF speakers, it produced a wonderfully airy sound field that encompassed me.
THE VERDICT
Impressive as it is, ToneWinner’s AD-7300OPA+ power amplifier simply cannot match more expensive offerings such as NAD’s M28 or my reference JBL SDL-7120 – at least as far as dynamics are concerned. Coming in at nearly a quarter of the price, however, this should come as no surprise. Yet it still produces a wonderfully relaxed and classy sound, with plenty of power on tap that will drive all but the most demanding loudspeakers.
The natural partner for the AD-7300PA+ is ToneWinner’s own AT-300 16-channel preamplifier. Such a duo represents outstanding value for an entry-level separates home cinema system. Coupled with an AV receiver with preamp outputs, it provides the perfect upgrade path, giving enthusiasts not only a whole lot more power under the hood, but also a perfect stepping stone into separates. If you’re happy to settle for a little less power and five channels, the AD-5100PA+ comes in at under half the price. However you look at it, the AD-7300PA+ delivers a lot for surprisingly little.
For more information visit ToneWinner

Tony O'Brien
As the owner of Clarity Audio & Video Calibration, Tony is a certified ISF Calibrator with over a decade of experience. Tony is an accomplished Audio-Visual reviewer specialising in theatre and visual products for over a decade at StereoNET.
Posted in: Amplifiers | Multi Channel | Home Theatre
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