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Covenant
14-04-2010, 08:59
I borrowed two amplifiers from Dave Hewitt (thanks again Dave) and enjoyed the different presentation of valves amd Class D. However if I was completly honest the differences were fairly subtle-I have experienced more of a change in swapping op-amps in my Standac.
Do you need to spend big money to get a dramatic improvement?
Ali Tait
14-04-2010, 16:23
Not if,like Dave,you know what you're doing! Diy is the best SPPV I think,though there are commercial bargains out there.This T-amp I got is astonishing for the money and I think would embarass amps at several times it's price.
swampy
14-04-2010, 19:45
Not if,like Dave,you know what you're doing! Diy is the best SPPV I think,though there are commercial bargains out there.This T-amp I got is astonishing for the money and I think would embarass amps at several times it's price.

Agreed, even if you are not a DIY'er you can put together a system better and more enjoyable to listen to than some hi-end gear at a fraction of the cost, even though the hi-end system may be more 'hi-fi'
Ali Tait
14-04-2010, 20:10
Indeed! :)
aquapiranha
14-04-2010, 21:38
I borrowed two amplifiers from Dave Hewitt (thanks again Dave) and enjoyed the different presentation of valves amd Class D. However if I was completly honest the differences were fairly subtle-I have experienced more of a change in swapping op-amps in my Standac.
Do you need to spend big money to get a dramatic improvement?

I assume you borrowed the really big Hypex that I had for a bit? Which valve amp did you borrow? and what were your impressions?


:scratch:
Covenant
15-04-2010, 15:34
I assume you borrowed the really big Hypex that I had for a bit? Which valve amp did you borrow? and what were your impressions?


:scratch:

Yes-the one thats in a computer tower case. Very nice but weighs a ton. The valve amp was just a power amp that he dug up from the back of his garage. Its an aladdin's cave in there.
I spend ages swapping between them. At first I was convinced the Hypex was better but then I got beguiled by the valve sound.
Predictable isn't it? :lol:
Jerry
Ali Tait
15-04-2010, 18:04
;)
aquapiranha
21-04-2010, 20:50
At first I was convinced the Hypex was better
Jerry

Exactly my feelings. The Hypex is good, and when you first hear it it sounds great. After a while however I felt a little underwhelmed.

I have come to love my Tripath amp of late
Ali Tait
21-04-2010, 20:56
Me too! this Hlly T-amp 90 is nothing short of astonishing for the money,very valve-like,with SS grip in the bass.I don't think you could beat it for £150 odd delivered.
aquapiranha
21-04-2010, 21:04
My Sure board cost £40! and that is for four chaanels. The PSU was another £25.

I agree re the 'valve' sound too. I loved the Trends TA10.1 I had too.
Ali Tait
21-04-2010, 21:19
I paid more for this one as it uses the TA2022 chip,so I get 90w into 4ohms,and about 40-45 into 8,plenty to drive statics.From what I've read,this particular chip has a different and distinctive sound compared to other Tripath chips.Haven't heard others,but I like what this one does!
aquapiranha
21-04-2010, 21:28
Hi Ali. The Sure board is this one...

http://www.sureelectronics.net/goods.php?id=960

the Trends uses the TA 2024. Silly cheap and bloody great. IMO of course. Plus, keeps the bills down too.
Ali Tait
22-04-2010, 07:32
For the money,the sound is unbeatable IMO.I fancy trying some different chips to see what the differences are.