View Full Version : Amptastic Mini T Amp - on its way
Based on what I've read here, I've bought myself an Amptastic Mini T amp from eBay, and it should be with me in a few days.
Looking forward to trialling it with the Cainman+ when it arrives. If it doesn't sound better than my Nad 302 then I'll use it with my main PC, and move the aging Rotel into my sons' room (it sounds rather dull compared with the Nad, so something a little more lively would be welcome).
I'll link all my digital sources to the Caiman, and link that to the MiniT, and then to the Tannoy F3s.
Lenny
Will be interesting to see what you think of it Lenny. For the money, you can afford to have a little play with these things. :)
jandl100
05-01-2012, 07:27
A Mini-T certainly sounded fabulous with some Tannoy 10 inch Monitor Golds.
I'm looking forward to see what you think, Lenny! :)
hoopsontoast
05-01-2012, 09:21
Yep, I was enjoying the little amp with both ATC SCM10s and even better with the Keesonic Kolts!
kininigin
05-01-2012, 12:57
If it doesn't sound better than my Nad 302 then I'll use it with my main PC
Ahh the nad 302,my first proper amp,had fond memories of that one.
Artifolk
05-01-2012, 18:42
I to am waiting on delivery of a Mini T, if Jerry is correct in his findings, we both should be very happy.:eyebrows:
I to am waiting on delivery of a Mini T, if Jerry is correct in his findings, we both should be very happy.:eyebrows:
We shall see/hear.
The Caiman+ arrived today, so that's in the process of being wired to the Nad 302 (which I love to pieces, and will never get rid of). I'll try to do some listening tests tonight if I get the chance.
If the MiniT is better to my ears than the Nad, then the Nad will go to the study...
I'm so glad to be treating my ears once again. It's been a long time since I've dabbled in the world of hi-fi. I can feel myself being sucked in deeper.:eek:
Artifolk
05-01-2012, 20:19
:lol:
It all started again for me in 10, and its been costing me since :), but my system has never sounded so good.
The Mini T is for my Laptop rig. Replacing an old Pioneer A-400 retrieved from the loft which sound very dull.
Artifolk
07-01-2012, 12:09
Mini T arrived.
Jerry, you wasn't wrong, i can't believe the sound this little thing is pumping out and its still cold.
From the off vocals are far more in tune with reality, channel separation has increased, dynamics have improved, in fact everything has far more depth and realism to it. this little amp is a corker. :) all round
wiicrackpot
07-01-2012, 12:23
Exacatly what Charles said playing through my Chatsworth Monitor Gold's, :wow: loads better than the last one i had but sending mines back as the left channel volume is down a wee bit, gave it a couple of days for it to settle but no avail, plugging back to my old amps confirms problem.
wii.
A Mini-T certainly sounded fabulous with some Tannoy 10 inch Monitor Golds.
I'm looking forward to see what you think, Lenny! :)
What are the best ones to go for jerry?
jandl100
07-01-2012, 14:24
Mini T arrived.
Jerry, you wasn't wrong, i can't believe the sound this little thing is pumping out and its still cold.
From the off vocals are far more in tune with reality, channel separation has increased, dynamics have improved, in fact everything has far more depth and realism to it. this little amp is a corker. :) all round
Exacatly what Charles said playing through my Chatsworth Monitor Gold's, :wow: loads better than the last one i had but sending mines back as the left channel volume is down a wee bit, gave it a couple of days for it to settle but no avail, plugging back to my old amps confirms problem.
wii.
PHEWWWWWWWWWWW !!!
You don't know how pleased I am to hear both of those verdicts on the sound quality. :D
Sorry to hear of your balance issue, Andy, but I'm sure you'll get top support from Chris, the seller.
jandl100
07-01-2012, 14:26
What are the best ones to go for jerry?
??
What TA2020 amp, you mean?
I've only heard two - the Amptastic Mini-T and the Muse. The Mini-T costs more but is worth it, imo.
Yes 2020 should have been clearer.
Thanks.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-T-T-Amp-HiFi-Audio-Amplifier-5A-PSU-TA2020-UK-/180777826514?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiF i_Amplifiers&hash=item2a1732b8d2
Is this the kiddie?
jandl100
07-01-2012, 14:48
Yup, that's the one, Stu :thumbsup:
Yes, that's the one. There is one with a 2A supply for £5 less. That's the one I went for, but as I'm a member of this superb forum, Chris (the seller) upgraded me to 5A. Top chap.
My amp has arrived, and I've just set it up and it's currently playing audio from a DVD my children are watching. DVD (SPDIF) --> Caiman --> MiniT --> Tannoy Mercury F3 floorstanders (in a far from ideal position). Sounds ok.
"Sounds ok"? Why the less than glowing words? Until I play something I know intimately through the MiniT, I can't pass comment. But I will say that it's no worse than the Nad 302, which totally blew me away this morning...
Artifolk
07-01-2012, 17:20
Jerry,
You need not worry,this little amp has done all you said it would and more, £60+ well spent IMHO, It has even encouraged me to move my Speaker to where they should have been place in the first instance ... got some work to do tomorrow, moving book cases,easels,paintings,drawings etc.
Bluedroog
07-01-2012, 18:09
I’ve got nowhere to use one of these little amps but that won’t stop me. I have to admit I’m very curious, think they look great and at the price I can afford to satisfy my curiosity.
I do however feel confused by the choices out there and with no experience of digital or T class amps could do with a little guidance. They seem to range in price from the ridiculous (around £12), then there are quite a few in this £60 range such as the Amptastic and Toppings and then the Bantam is quite a bit more. Of course this is true of SS amps, but is it a case of price discrimination or are they quite different?
I do like the look of this one though.
jandl100
07-01-2012, 18:19
I’ve got nowhere to use one of these little amps but that won’t stop me. I have to admit I’m very curious, think they look great and at the price I can afford to satisfy my curiosity.
Try a Mini-T in your main system, Christian. You may be surprised! ;)
.... or have you got active speakers?
jandl100
07-01-2012, 18:21
Jerry,
You need not worry,this little amp has done all you said it would and more, £60+ well spent IMHO, It has even encouraged me to move my Speaker to where they should have been place in the first instance ... got some work to do tomorrow, moving book cases,easels,paintings,drawings etc.
Thanks, Charles. :)
Heresy for a Naimee, I know - but have you tried it in your main system? :whistle:
... but SBLs are a bit of a b*gger to drive, aren't they.
I trusted the views of the posters here and splashed out on the Mini T, but i also read reviews of others, and watched a handful of reviews on YouTube. The Lapei amps seem to be very popular and quite highly rated. I'm tempted to buy one of these too (they are the cheapo ones) just to hear what it sounds like. Maybe build a mini system for the children.
The Mini T turned out to be larger than I had been lead to expect, but I do love it. No tone controls, not balance control. It's simplicity makes it look like an expensive piece of high quality hi fi equipment.
As others have said, it really does bring vocals alive.
I trusted the views of the posters here and splashed out on the Mini T, but i also read reviews of others, and watched a handful of reviews on YouTube. The Lapei amps seem to be very popular and quite highly rated. I'm tempted to buy one of these too (they are the cheapo ones) just to hear what it sounds like. Maybe build a mini system for the children.
The Mini T turned out to be larger than I had been lead to expect, but I do love it. No tone controls, not balance control. It's simplicity makes it look like an expensive piece of high quality hi fi equipment.
As others have said, it really does bring vocals alive.
Surprise you find it largish as i thought it was tiny.
Because so many people said it was tiny, my mind was telling me it will be minute. It is small, and chunky.
Reid Malenfant
07-01-2012, 19:44
Because so many people said it was tiny, my mind was telling me it will be minute. It is small, and chunky.
:rfl: Take it from me that they are tiny, I had my hands on one once, I reckon forty of them would occupy the volume of one Krell KSA80 :eek:
Artifolk
07-01-2012, 19:59
Reference to Adult Human Skull.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h419/Artifolk/IMAG0477.jpg
Small size, but massive sound.
20Watts doesn't sound like much, but by the time the dial is at 10 o'clock it's too loud for my liking.
Small size, but massive sound.
20Watts doesn't sound like much, but by the time the dial is at 10 o'clock it's too loud for my liking.
How sensitive are your tannoys?
89dB. I think all my Tannoys have been rated at that value.
Bluedroog
07-01-2012, 21:30
Ahh right next pay day I'll take the plunge I reckon. What small speakers do people recommend?
With the Squeezebox Touch being down the £135 on Amazon, with one of these you could have a lovely 2nd system.
Shame I am 100% skint and live in a studio with no need for one!
icehockeyboy
07-01-2012, 23:20
Ahh right next pay day I'll take the plunge I reckon. What small speakers do people recommend?
With the Squeezebox Touch being down the £135 on Amazon, with one of these you could have a lovely 2nd system.
Shame I am 100% skint and live in a studio with no need for one!
Buggered if I can see any on Amazon at that price............:scratch:
Bluedroog
07-01-2012, 23:42
Ah shame, just checked myself and they're back up. That's the thing with amazon, if you're after something and the price is good - snap em up!
jandl100
08-01-2012, 07:47
Small size, but massive sound.
20Watts doesn't sound like much, but by the time the dial is at 10 o'clock it's too loud for my liking.
Yup, I agree they can drive some surprisingly tough speakers.
But, umm ... they are really only about 8wpc. ;) - the 20W is with 10% distortion or summat like that!
It's amazing what 8 clean & pure watts can do.
Power is over-rated! :D Many speakers really don't need much to make them sing.
Do keep us posted on your thoughts on the Mini-T Charles, it really is a great little amplifier:)
... they are really only about 8wpc. ;) - the 20W is with 10% distortion or summat like that!
I watched a video on YouTube that was measuring the power output at different loads. I think it was around 12W when some clipping became apparent in the waveform.
The volume knob is at 9 o'clock at the moment, and the bass from Tubular Bells 2003 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubular_Bells_2003) is really deep and tuneful, almost too loud. TB 2003 a bit like listening to a Bose acoustiwave system - bass that is completely divorced from the rest of the sound. Not a sound I like :rolleyes: That's just TB 2003, though, NOT a comment on the Mini T. I did not get bass as deep and tuneful as this from the Nad.
Power is over-rated!
Yes, my 11W fluorescent light bulbs are brighter than the 60W tungsten ones :D and my old 699cc turbo diesel Smart could shoot ahead of our 1.7l Corolla :ner: (very nippy down country lanes, but on a motorway, it struggled to hit 60; and going up hill :hmm:)
Artifolk
08-01-2012, 09:55
Thanks, Charles. :)
Heresy for a Naimee, I know - but have you tried it in your main system? :whistle:
... but SBLs are a bit of a b*gger to drive, aren't they.
I would try but i'd need to cut off the Naim plugs as they don't fit :(, i had to do exactly this to the NAC5 on the laptop system for it to fit the Mini T.
Do keep us posted on your thoughts on the Mini-T Charles, it really is a great little amplifier:)
Will do, i'll give it a couple of weeks to bed in first, though for 60+ if i don't see any more improvement it won't matter, sounding superb as it is. :D
jandl100
08-01-2012, 10:17
Yeah ... I wonder if those folks enjoying themselves on the current Harbeth speaker / amp thread have considered a Mini-T?
I bet it would be wonderful! :eyebrows:
Bluedroog
08-01-2012, 11:36
Hi Guys, looking at these on ebay the ones that were sold by Amptastic don't seem to appear but the same picture with the Union Flag on lists the sellers as 'tclass_audio', is this the same thing? Thanks.
Yeah ... I wonder if those folks enjoying themselves on the current Harbeth speaker / amp thread have considered a Mini-T?
I bet it would be wonderful! :eyebrows
Sir! Sir! l have..............:eek:
Hi Guys, looking at these on ebay the ones that were sold by Amptastic don't seem to appear but the same picture with the Union Flag on lists the sellers as 'tclass_audio', is this the same thing? Thanks.
Those are the ones.
Before you buy, you may like to email sales@amptastic.com (or contact the seller). You may be able to receive a small discount by explaining that you are a member of AoS.
I did. But I bought before I received a reply. Nevertheless, Chris upgraded me from a 2A to a 5A PSU.
The service received from Chris at Amptastic was excellent. He posted first class recorded, and the amp did indeed arrive next day, but the postie didn't ask be to sign for it :steam: (again!).
The more I use this little amp the more amazed I am by the resolution and - dare I say - the purity of the sound. Right now I'm listening to The Penguin Cafe Orchestra (live) and I have NEVER heard the music sound so sweet. The clarity and separation of instruments is unbelievable, the bass is rich without being too forward, and instruments are identifiable. Just waiting for an oboe which can be a challenge to identify as such in my experience.
Waiting for the sound of the musicians taking breaths...
Don't hesitate to buy one of these little wonders.
I wish I had an expensive amp to compare it to. If there's someone around the SE London/NW Kent area who has an expensive amp, and wants hear the Mini T before buying, perhaps we could get together to compare performance?
Bluedroog
08-01-2012, 14:30
Thanks for that Lenny. Right, I'll order one on pay day and drop them an email.
Just discovered The Penguin Cafe Orchestra myself, really, really enjoying them. Can't belive I missed them all these years.
Just discovered The Penguin Cafe Orchestra myself, really, really enjoying them. Can't belive I missed them all these years.
I was introduced to them in late '86/early '87. A brilliant ensemble led by Simon Jeffes (RIP).
If you haven't, then do try to have a listen to some of their tunes. Telephone and Rubber Band is one that everyone will recognise.
Bluedroog
08-01-2012, 15:06
I've got myself quite a bit of their stuff but haven't got familiar with most of it yet, really enjoying 'Broadcasting from Home'. But yes some is familiar as I think a lot is used in adverts.
jandl100
08-01-2012, 17:32
The service received from Chris at Amptastic was excellent. ....
The more I use this little amp the more amazed I am by the resolution and - dare I say - the purity of the sound. .....
I wish I had an expensive amp to compare it to. If there's someone around the SE London/NW Kent area who has an expensive amp, and wants hear the Mini T before buying, perhaps we could get together to compare performance?
Yep, I''ve heard well-thought-of multi-£k amps that I prefer the Mini-T to.
Some folks say "Fantastic amp for £65!"
I say "Fantastic amp!". ;)
Yeah ... I wonder if those folks enjoying themselves on the current Harbeth speaker / amp thread have considered a Mini-T?
I bet it would be wonderful! :eyebrows:
Jerry, we tried it if you remember, and it was horrid, the sound all bright and thin toned, rather like a cheapo jap amp from the 70's..
I do appreciate that the likes of classic Tannoy DC's are rather more efficient so wouldn't need to be driven anything like as hard...
Jerry, we tried it if you remember, and it was horrid.
It certainly wasn't great, and my poor old Mini-T has been sulking in the dining room doing "dinner jazz" duties ever since... Maybe I should give the poor thing another chance sometime!
jandl100
09-01-2012, 06:30
Ah, yes. Strange indeed what the leetle beasties do and don't get on with.
Living Voice? - nope, I've not heard a good thing about that synergy.
Avantgarde Uno Nano - nope, I heard that, didn't work.
MBLs ... yup, pretty darn good!
Tannoy dual concentrics ... yup, fab.
Harbeths - mixed reports, Dave and Alex weren't impressed, but Andy (Tarzan) seems to enjoy it.
Lots of other folks with Spendors, MA etc have reported good results.
Have you tried it with your SP1's, Alex?
But when they do synergise, it can be magical as Charles and Lenny have recently found.
Strange indeed the ways of hifi equipment matching!
Canetoad
09-01-2012, 09:37
Jerry kindly sent me his Muse T-Amp to try. What can I say about it?
The sound it produces from such a tiny package is really very impressive! I had it hooked up to a set of Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 speakers and was a bit disappointed with the bass reproduction. These are small speakers so bass is a compromise anyway.
Next, I hooked it up to my Monitor Audio BR2s and was blown away! I usually have these attached to an NAD C350 amp and the sound is sometimes very heavy and plodding. Bass is overblown as well and I had put it down to the speakers themselves. With the T-Amp driving them the bloat and heaviness has completely disappeared and been replaced by an open and detailed sound with plenty of air around instruments. Bass is a little subdued but still tight and very musical. The speakers actually sound really good! No, REALLY good! I've gone from being neutral about the BR2s to really liking them now.
The only downside is that the T-Amp doesn't do LOUD. The sound quality drops off when volume is turned up too much. It's fine up to about 12 o'clock. For normal listening though it's fine.
I was so impressed I've also ordered an Amptastic, got a discount from Chris, and am hoping for even more improvement when it arrives!
Music source is Squeezebox Duet and Gatorized Caiman.
One other "issue" with the T-Amp is when using heavy speaker cables the tail tends to wag the dog so to speak. I can live with that though... :lol: :cool:
jandl100
09-01-2012, 09:49
Great stuff, Bernie. :)
I loaned my other Muse TA2020 amp to another forum friend. He too was smitten and ordered a Mini-T.
Here's his comments about the comparison ... "The new Mini-T amp is better, bass is more controlled certainly sounds to be gripping the speakers more than the Muse. Overall very pleased does everything i'd hoped for and perfect backup / reserve amp for when the valve amp needs attention or just background listening.
I've lived with The T amp for a few evenings only swapping back to my normal amp yesterday. The mini T is incredibly transparent gives a very honest portrayal of the music. My valve amp is slightly warmer sounding which makes things a little more involving / less stark. They are more or less as good as each other - just in different ways. Quite amazing what you can get for £65."
dave2010
09-01-2012, 09:51
Any one got views on how the Amptastic would compare with a Bantam Gold?
Like a few others here i probably don't really need one, but curiosity ....
jandl100
09-01-2012, 09:53
The Bantam has more power, and some speakers/rooms/music need that, the Mini-T has a bit more transparency and a more open sound, imo.
Rob (hoops on toast) heard the same.
If transparency is your thing, then the TA2020 chip is hard to beat with a sympathetic speaker.
Is this one similar (I have one on my TV setup and it looks very similar)?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Class-T-Amp-20Wx2-Amplifier-Tripath-TA2020-SMSL-S-PSU-/380360098800?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiF i_Amplifiers&hash=item588f3a83f0
Costs a bit less if it is the same.
Regards
Chris
jandl100
09-01-2012, 10:19
Chris at Amptastic says he has tweaked the circuit of the standard TA2020 t-amp to create the Mini-T, and I know of several folks now (including me) who think it's worth the extra. See my post #50 for independent comments.
hoopsontoast
09-01-2012, 11:15
Any one got views on how the Amptastic would compare with a Bantam Gold?
Like a few others here i probably don't really need one, but curiosity ....
I compared the Bantam Vs TA2020 with some Keesonic Kolts and ATC SCM10s.
I found the TA2020 had more open midrange and forward sound (without being too harsh) and really tight, fast bass. The Bantam seemed to do a little deeper in the bass and slightly more relaxed overall presentation.
FWIW, the TA2020 sounded a lot better with the SCM10's over the bantam, the Kolts, it was closer.
I have now settled on a big'ol Sony ES battship. It does not give me the speed and quite the mid range openness, but it brings out un-heard depth in the bass and extremely refined in the treble without being 'boring'.
One thing I did find is that the TA2020 could start to sound a little shouty (not much though) in the treble, shrill on female vocals but this was with 80dB speakers and playing louder that I normally would.
Overall, Personally I would have the TA2020 over the Bantam Gold, for the price of the Gold (new), I got my 670ES which I prefer.
Just to mention, both the Gold and TA2020 were loaned kindly to me from two forum members, Jerry (JandL100) and Henry (CableMonkey) so I had no vested interest in either.
Also my room is very small, around 8ft square so some might find the little extra power of the Bantam Gold makes a difference in a larger room.
Thought that I would have ago at comparing my current setup with the SMSL T2020 with 4A 12v SMPS that I use on my TV and offer some thoughts on what I found.
The setups are as follows:
Well modded SB3 with self built linear PSU's (3 of them) and new clock.
Modded Beresford Caiman with self built linear PSU's (5v and 12v).
Avondale 260 power amp.
JM Lab 926 speakers (Gale Gold Monitors also tried).
The T2020 replaced the A260 and the Caiman run using its fixed outputs.
Well very interesting. The SMSL sounds very good for it's price. No nasties or anything to complain about - sound volume level just about ok.
Where the Avondale /Caiman variable set up beats it hands down though is shear scale of the music and the "relaxed" way its played. The T2020 in comparison is a little agressive and "weedy" sounding if you know what I mean.
Summary: The T2020 amp is fantastic for its meagre asking price (£38.00 inc 4A PSU). Downside: for me it just does not replace a well sorted amp setup and the Caiman into A260 stays!
Regards
Chris
Canetoad
10-01-2012, 14:57
Thought that I would have ago at comparing my current setup with the SMSL T2020 with 4A 12v SMPS that I use on my TV and offer some thoughts on what I found.
The setups are as follows:
Well modded SB3 with self built linear PSU's (3 of them) and new clock.
Modded Beresford Caiman with self built linear PSU's (5v and 12v).
Avondale 260 power amp.
JM Lab 926 speakers (Gale Gold Monitors also tried).
The T2020 replaced the A260 and the Caiman run using its fixed outputs.
Well very interesting. The SMSL sounds very good for it's price. No nasties or anything to complain about - sound volume level just about ok.
Where the Avondale /Caiman variable set up beats it hands down though is shear scale of the music and the "relaxed" way its played. The T2020 in comparison is a little agressive and "weedy" sounding if you know what I mean.
Summary: The T2020 amp is fantastic for its meagre asking price (£38.00 inc 4A PSU). Downside: for me it just does not replace a well sorted amp setup and the Caiman into A260 stays!
Regards
Chris
I agree Chris but, at normal listening levels, it isn't as noticeable for me. I certainly wouldn't use a T-amp in a party situation or when I wanted to really rock on! :eyebrows:
jandl100
10-01-2012, 16:36
It all depends on the speakers/room/music/headbangerness - if it ain't got enough power for you, then it ain't got enough power!
But when it does gel, the performance can be very impressive.
... and the Amptastic Mini-T is better, it isn't just a stock TA2020 unit. ;)
Hi Jerry,
Just to be clear all I have done is offered my opinion like everyone else. When comparing my SMSL (yes a little bit different to the T Amp) with my current setup I prefer my current set up by quite a margin. This is when comparing power, scale, presentation and realism. Good as the little cheapie is I found that it has limits.
Cheap enough to try out but it isn't the "Holly Grail" if you have a decent amp already.
Regards
Ah, yes. Strange indeed what the leetle beasties do and don't get on with.
Living Voice? - nope, I've not heard a good thing about that synergy.
Avantgarde Uno Nano - nope, I heard that, didn't work.
Strange indeed the ways of hifi equipment matching!
For a few months I had the Amptastic t-amp paired with my (very efficient) Living Voice speakers. They were excellent. I was most surprised!
Having said that, however, the Sugden amp has a bit more authority and bass oomph. Perhaps cabling is an issue here. Is the Amptastic particularly sensitive to cable lengths and properties?
BW
Bonky
Would love to hear the Mini-T with Snells or Audionote Es
electric beach
10-01-2012, 18:08
Chris at Amptastic says he has tweaked the circuit of the standard TA2020 t-amp to create the Mini-T, and I know of several folks now (including me) who think it's worth the extra. See my post #50 for independent comments.
You need to think of the Mini-T as a SET amp - low power, comparatively lightweight but extremely transparent and musical. Most, if not all, T-amps are voiced to achieve passable simulation of a valve amp and are expected to end up in a low cost starter or bedroom system. Fair enough.
The potential of the Amptastic voicing is realised when you play to it's strengths and compensate for it's compromises, just as you would a SET amp. "Is a Bantam or a Mini-T the best?" is an irrelevent question without context. Take mid 80's sensitivity 3 way speakers and a DVD player and the Bantam, Muse, whatever will be warm, weighty and forgiving.
Take mid 90's sensitivity single driver speakers and a sub, the Mini-T dynamics and transparency will be unbelievable.
Add a vinyl front end, the Mini-T clarity balances well. Add an active valve pre amp and there's a bit more weight and drive with a great increase in soundstaging and instrument tone.
I would also like a bit more heft to the sound - but not at the expense of any of these unique qualities. Comparing to my 1.5w SET in my system, the biggest difference is that laid back ease which the valves give, along with improved timbre. But the Mini-T makes possible tighter driving bass, more organised soundstage and bolder dynamics.
Tarzan, my fellow convert, come and hear it drive a pair of Sachikos :stalks: You ain't heard nothing yet!
For me, at the moment (and probably for ever) I can't afford the great amps that you are using so I'll almost certainly never experience the clarity and realism you enjoy. Even if i could afford the amp, I'd want better speakers too.
But compared to the Nad 320, the MiniT is the winner.
I never play music super-loudly, anyway, so it's wimpish output is not a major concern.
Although it's just £60, if you didn't know better, how much would you estimate its cost to be?
Add an active valve pre amp...
My ignorance will show now... but how does one add pre-amp? Isn't the Mini T an integrated amp?
I'm interested in using my Caiman as a pre-amp, as I did when testing with the Nad.
Another question: is it possible to increase the power output from the MiniT? Not that I want/need to, just wondering what would need to be done to achieve a power boost.
Add an active valve pre amp and there's a bit more weight and drive with a great increase in soundstaging and instrument tone.
Very much so, and i found it took some of what i call spikeyness out it as well
Would love to Steve, whereabouts are you?
wee tee cee
10-01-2012, 22:56
Buy another mini t and bi amp with it, utilising the caiman as a pre-amp. Some maplins phono splitters and some belkin interconnects and you can have some fun without breaking the bank.
jandl100
10-01-2012, 23:17
Although it's just £60, if you didn't know better, how much would you estimate its cost to be?
In a sympathetic system I've heard it beat (to my ears) amps costing thousands, in as much as I'd rather listen to the Mini-T than those other amps.
It's the transparency - that is very important in my audio priorities - and the Mini-T (when it synergises) beats many amps at any price hands down when that is top priority, as Steve says in post 62.
I must admit that I don't hear any "spikiness" from the Mini-T - just a wide open top end that can show up or allow thru flaws elsewhere - ime & imo you need to look elsewhere in your system for the spikey culprit. The Muse TA2020 amp can get a bit edgy, but the tweaks done to the Mini-T seem to get around that.
jandl100
10-01-2012, 23:23
My ignorance will show now... but how does one add pre-amp? Isn't the Mini T an integrated amp?
Just set the volume control to a sensible level and feed a pre-amp into it. That way the character of the pre-amp will influence the system - in terms of tonal qualities or dynamic drive, that sort of thing.
If you find the top end a bit too open / spikey, then a smooth sounding valve pre-amp could take the edge off.
aquapiranha
10-01-2012, 23:44
Tarzan, my fellow convert, come and hear it drive a pair of Sachikos :stalks: You ain't heard nothing yet!
Hi Steve, I am glad you are still loving the sachiko's! I remember when I used them with the Trends TA10.1 that was modded and if I could get away with that combo I would have to do it again. In the meantime I will continue lusting after some big Tannoy drivers to put in a big bad box... :lol:
http://www.trendsaudio.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=37&Itemid=28&lang=en
Steve
electric beach
11-01-2012, 19:52
Hi Steve
I was quite surprised that the Fostex drivers really did take about a full year to reach their maximum potential. I can't imagine giving up that horn speaker presence now that I know the honk I heard from Beauhorns is not mandatory :lol: I'd love to hear a Feastrex or some other more exotic driver in an application as good as the Sachikos.
I've got an FH3 kit from Colin to assemble at the moment, with CHP70 drivers and looking forward to the comparison. Will have sub augmentation and driven by the Mini-T and active preamp.
Truly bitten! Thanks!! :D
aquapiranha
11-01-2012, 22:40
That is great news Steve. I have followed with interest the FH3 threads, and they certainly seem to be popular but I can't help thinking that they will never match the scale of the Sachikos. Regardless, make sure you post up lots of pics and your thoughts about them when you have them sorted! Steve :)
Even my son is noticing the difference in audio from the Mini-T.
Shaun the Sheep - the music now sounds so much cleaner, especially the bass. So much so that my son did comment on it.
TV optical out -> Caiman + -> Mini-T.
Outstanding!
jandl100
13-01-2012, 10:32
Shaun the Sheep. Yes!! - love it. One of the best kids progs of recent years, imo.
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/Shaun.jpg
Even better thru a Mini-T, eh? :thumbsup:
electric beach
13-01-2012, 12:07
Ironic! Didn't we get labelled as sheep for following your Mini-T heads-up Jerry? :lol:
Canetoad
13-01-2012, 13:44
Mine arrived yesterday. I hooked it up in my bedroom system to run it in. The Muse I got off Jerry (thanks mate!) will be going into my son's room along with a set of Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 speakers for the TV, DVD and PS. He will be pleased! And here I was thinking there was going to be no room for an amplifier. :)
@Jerry - aye, a great programme on many levels. Through the Mini-T + Caiman we could really hear just how synthesised the instruments are. Through the Nad it wasn't so obvious. Likewise with the Pet Shop Boys which I'm listening to now.
@Canetoad, what is the muse like? I've been tempted by one for the bedroom or possibly the study (connected to the PC, though I tend to use headphones). However, there are several Muse versions around using either TA0924, TA2021, or TA2020 chips.
Bluedroog
16-01-2012, 19:30
I've got no use for one of these but at the price couldn't help myself. Just ordered one so hopefully can report back at the end of the week with my thoughts. I could do with a corridor system....:)
I've got no use for one of these but at the price couldn't help myself. Just ordered one so hopefully can report back at the end of the week with my thoughts. I could do with a corridor system....:)
Corridor system :lol: good call
wiicrackpot
16-01-2012, 21:30
I could do with a corridor system....:)
:lol::lol:....that is so funny it's insane, really original quote, respect dude.:youtheman:
Hope it works out for and you're boogying through the corridor when you go get another :cool:
wii.
Bluedroog
18-01-2012, 14:03
Well mines just arrived at work, can wait to get it home to try it out. I ordered on Monday evening, chose the standard free delivery and it's arrived now so I'm really pleased with the speed. Out f the box and purely aesthetic for now but I'm really pleased. It's even smaller than I was expecting and a tad heavier (not heavy by any means but just read how light it was). The finish is top notch and it does look rather smart. A slight odd one but I really like the plug, it's a standard 3-pin UK plug but it's almost stripped back, not a chucky old thing. Looks rather neat. I really like the simplicity of it's design, no livery on the front panel, simple brushed aluminium and a pleasing little blue led around the volume which it's self is lovely and smooth to turn.
So far it's fair to say I'm chuffed, let's hope it sounds as good as it looks.
It's just sitting on my desk at work, switched it on to warm up for now.
I've jumped on this particular bandwagon. It's for my (ahem) kitchen system...
Reid Malenfant
18-01-2012, 15:48
:lol: I shouldn't worry, I have a CD player, integrated amp & Mordaunt Short Pageant series II in the shed :rfl:
Bluedroog
18-01-2012, 16:07
:lol: I shouldn't worry, I have a CD player, integrated amp & Mordaunt Short Pageant series II in the shed :rfl:
Yes I've got an Arcam Alpha 8 in a box, but this one is just so small and shiny.
In my 'defence' I do a lot of cooking
So far it's fair to say I'm chuffed, let's hope it sounds as good as it looks.
If you don't like the sound, I shall personally come around and remove the cauliflowers that have obviously colonised your ear canals.
:D:D:D
Bluedroog
18-01-2012, 19:13
Ohh it's good! :) Detail, seperation and actually more power than I was expecting. I'll have to wait till the Mrs is out before I can get some serious listening done. But this thing is a bargain. :D
jandl100
18-01-2012, 21:54
Yaay - another Mini-T FanBoy. :carrot:
Great - so pleased you like it.
Listen to the soundtrack to Amile through the Mini-T. There's a whole new range of emotions revealed.
I've ordered a second one for the bedroom. And there's never been a hifi there before.
------------
There are two problems with the amp.
First, it is unforgiving of poor quality recordings. I have the 'Karaoke Smiths' album which sounds great on my MP3 player and when played through my Nad. But through the Mini-T - eugh!
Second, it's showing how poor my speakers are. I'm itching to listen to the Mini-T through a friend's transmission line speakers (huge affairs that produce the most incredibly tuneful and realistic bass I've ever heard).
aquapiranha
19-01-2012, 00:42
Listen to the soundtrack to Amile through the Mini-T. There's a whole new range of emotions revealed.
How good is that? I love it. Yann Tiersen is incredibly gifted, and the music is able to display emotion easily, if I am making sense?
Dyo4tNwNIvQ
I've jumped on this particular bandwagon. It's for my (ahem) kitchen system...
Roy, l have a Mini-T ( the MK1 2A PSU) if you want to borrow it l am in Hornchurch l can drop it round to you if you like.
Thanks for the offer Andy, at that price I've just gone ahead and ordered one. Haven't really got a specific use for it at the moment, just a few ideas.
Bluedroog
19-01-2012, 19:26
Well I’ve had a little more time with this beauty and here are my thoughts after day two. The positives we often hear in regard to this amp hold true; there is great transparency and details but I would expand on that and say there is also a great sense of space between instruments. As I write this I’m listening to the XX and this does sound just great.
I’m trying to address some of the downsides associated with these amps and have to say I think they are a tad pedantic, namely peoples issue with volume. This amp is really at home at what I would consider normal listening volume, a fair few notches above ‘back ground’ or dinner party listening. I really can’t pick fault. I’m currently driving a pair of B&W 602 S2’s and as much as I try I can’t bring myself to get it anywhere near all the way round on the volume dial. I’ve got it at about 9 O’ clock, at 10 O’ clock it still sounds great but I’m concerned I’m pissing off the neighbours (suspended Victorian floorboards in a house / flat conversion). I think the issues raised about volume are not really about ultimate volume but more about distortion. The amp does do loud in the sense that if you were having a house party of sorts and serious listening wasn’t your concern you actually can get pretty loud but at the expense of sound quality. The amp will go up but it loses grip. For normal listening I can’t imagine that would ever be an issue. Anyone who is lucky enough to live somewhere where they can belt out music at reference levels won’t be looking at one of these anyway.
Another concern I want to dispel is that of bass, I’m getting plenty. I’ve just put on The Stranglers and the bass guitar and drums in European Female are pronounced and tight. Of course compare this to something like a Bryston SS amp and it would be chalk and cheese but this is a different beast altogether. I think it’s easy to misjudge what others consider pros and cons when reading opinions on kit, that’s what someone has said when trying to pick out flaws, while they may have some truth it’s a lot less significant then you may think.
Yesterday I listened direct from my Squeezebox Touch, tonight is via a Caiman DAC and its responded well. The Touch has a decent DAC but I’ve found a nit more detail in the frequency extremes tonight.
If I was being picky the only criticism I could really say is to my ears at least after about two hours listening I have found it a little fatiguing but to be fair to it I’m used to a slightly warmer sound. I also tried it via the analogue out of Sky and thought it didn’t fare as well with the TV dialogue as it did with music, I will investigate this further but adding the DAC into the mix to see how much of that is due to the Sky DAC.
All in all I would unreservedly recommend this dinky little amp. I’m staggered you can produce this kind of sound for the price, not to mention in such a neat package. I’ve heard many different people say how much they think this sounds like its worth, some perhaps a little over the top but I guess it depends on paring gear too. I would happily and conservatively say it could cost 4 or 5 times what it does based on sound.
It’s a great amp for a 2nd system and for those on a tight budget, tight of space or looking for a first system to start out then this is ideal. I could easily live with this as my main amp and see no reason why others wouldn’t either.
One of the biggest compliments I can pay to it is how curious it’s got me to thinking how it would sound in the context of some high end speakers. I’m not saying I would pair this with ££££ speakers but I’m sure it would hold its own and give a great account of its self. I have to keep reminding myself how much this thing cost.
Fantastic little amp and at this price you can afford to satisfy your curiosity, I did!
How good is that? I love it. Yann Tiersen is incredibly gifted, and the music is able to display emotion easily, if I am making sense?
When people listen to the soundtrack, they'll know exactly what you mean.
jandl100
19-01-2012, 20:37
Well I’ve had a little more time with this beauty and here are my thoughts after day two. The positives we often hear in regard to this amp hold true; there is great transparency and details but I would expand on that and say there is also a great sense of space between instruments. As I write this I’m listening to the XX and this does sound just great.
I’m trying to address some of the downsides associated with these amps and have to say I think they are a tad pedantic, namely peoples issue with volume. This amp is really at home at what I would consider normal listening volume, a fair few notches above ‘back ground’ or dinner party listening. I really can’t pick fault. I’m currently driving a pair of B&W 602 S2’s and as much as I try I can’t bring myself to get it anywhere near all the way round on the volume dial. I’ve got it at about 9 O’ clock, at 10 O’ clock it still sounds great but I’m concerned I’m pissing off the neighbours (suspended Victorian floorboards in a house / flat conversion). I think the issues raised about volume are not really about ultimate volume but more about distortion. The amp does do loud in the sense that if you were having a house party of sorts and serious listening wasn’t your concern you actually can get pretty loud but at the expense of sound quality. The amp will go up but it loses grip. For normal listening I can’t imagine that would ever be an issue. Anyone who is lucky enough to live somewhere where they can belt out music at reference levels won’t be looking at one of these anyway.
Another concern I want to dispel is that of bass, I’m getting plenty. I’ve just put on The Stranglers and the bass guitar and drums in European Female are pronounced and tight. Of course compare this to something like a Bryston SS amp and it would be chalk and cheese but this is a different beast altogether. I think it’s easy to misjudge what others consider pros and cons when reading opinions on kit, that’s what someone has said when trying to pick out flaws, while they may have some truth it’s a lot less significant then you may think.
Yesterday I listened direct from my Squeezebox Touch, tonight is via a Caiman DAC and its responded well. The Touch has a decent DAC but I’ve found a nit more detail in the frequency extremes tonight.
If I was being picky the only criticism I could really say is to my ears at least after about two hours listening I have found it a little fatiguing but to be fair to it I’m used to a slightly warmer sound. I also tried it via the analogue out of Sky and thought it didn’t fare as well with the TV dialogue as it did with music, I will investigate this further but adding the DAC into the mix to see how much of that is due to the Sky DAC.
All in all I would unreservedly recommend this dinky little amp. I’m staggered you can produce this kind of sound for the price, not to mention in such a neat package. I’ve heard many different people say how much they think this sounds like its worth, some perhaps a little over the top but I guess it depends on paring gear too. I would happily and conservatively say it could cost 4 or 5 times what it does based on sound.
It’s a great amp for a 2nd system and for those on a tight budget, tight of space or looking for a first system to start out then this is ideal. I could easily live with this as my main amp and see no reason why others wouldn’t either.
One of the biggest compliments I can pay to it is how curious it’s got me to thinking how it would sound in the context of some high end speakers. I’m not saying I would pair this with ££££ speakers but I’m sure it would hold its own and give a great account of its self. I have to keep reminding myself how much this thing cost.
Fantastic little amp and at this price you can afford to satisfy your curiosity, I did!
Brilliant review, Christian! :thumbsup:
Gmanuk101
24-01-2012, 13:04
Hi.
A friend of mine put me onto this amp, and this review was the reason I have purchased this amp!
It will (hopefully) be with me at the weekend.
It's going to be matched with a pair of Monitor Audio BX2 bronze.
RCA direct from my Samsung 6 series TV to the amp.
tivo input and ps3 input via HDMI to TV
bought some QED 42 strand cable and a mid-end RCA QED 0.5m interconnect.
can't wait for saturday!
If this little amp works the business, I will be getting another one to match my 1980's Celestion speakers in my spare room, get a phono stage and get my deck (Technics SL1210mk2) hooked up to it!
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