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View Full Version : Sneak preview - New Miniblocks


Firebottle
19-10-2018, 17:57
In development .........

http://i65.tinypic.com/2uscz6q.jpg

http://i65.tinypic.com/aot3jt.jpg

http://i68.tinypic.com/2yv5mjq.jpg

Linear psu, class D, 50W into 8 ohm.

:)
Bigman80
19-10-2018, 18:06
Haha, Miniblocks!!! I love the name. Look great mate.
walpurgis
19-10-2018, 18:16
Look good. Bet they run nice and cool.

Wouldn't be paralled TPA3116 chips by any chance?
Ali Tait
19-10-2018, 18:30
Very bijou!
Bigman80
06-11-2018, 22:00
Had a listen to these little beauties today. I absolutely love the styling, the cases are diminutive but VERY heavy!

Comparisons against the Behemoth sized Krell weren't fair but the little Miniblocks (for the money) sounded great. Pushing the boundaries in terms of SQ v Cost these little beasties are going to cost under £250 I believe, which is outrageously good.

Certainly good enough for a second system and I'm seriously considering setting up a 'budget' system with these and the upcoming OTP3!!!

Great work again, Alan.

Pics for scale [emoji23][emoji23]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181106/d884581e59dabded3f84ee380484487e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181106/ed5796e8e4a373531e892737672666c2.jpg
walpurgis
06-11-2018, 22:24
I believe they use the same TPA3116 Class D chip that's in the little Chinese amp I've been banging on about.
Bigman80
06-11-2018, 22:33
Could do, Geoff.

They didn't have the "human" sound of the Krell, as i call it, but i felt they were very clean sounding and certainly far better than the cost should suggest. £200!!

I was impressed sufficiently. If your little box is as good as these, i doth my cap. The Chinese are coming to take over!! Well, maybe not just yet lol
walpurgis
06-11-2018, 22:38
Dunno :). With the SMPS the amp cost me about £25. It reminds me of the SM-70 very much. Power is probably about the same too.
Bigman80
06-11-2018, 23:16
Dunno :). With the SMPS the amp cost me about £25. It reminds me of the SM-70 very much. Power is probably about the same too.i think Alan said these push 50w per Miniblock. If youre reminded of the monarchy, thats remarkably good money for the performance Geoff. I'm looking at ultra low budget DACs at the minute. China is awash with them. Topping are getting good press.
walpurgis
06-11-2018, 23:21
Topping are getting good press.

Don't know about their DAC's, but I tried their big Class D TP60 integrated amp and wasn't particularly struck. It did nothing wrong, but was just a bit dull and two dimensional. Nicely made though.
Bigman80
06-11-2018, 23:22
Don't know about their DAC's, but I tried their big Class D TP60 integrated amp and wasn't particularly struck. It did nothing wrong, but was just a bit dull and two dimensional. Nicely made though.Hmmmm, anything on Chinese eBay that catches the eye? Can't do anything currently but maybe in the future. USB is a must!
walpurgis
06-11-2018, 23:38
Have you seen this TDA1543 board? Can't get cheaper than that for something hopefully decent sounding. Could be a clone chip, but may be good anyway. Just plug in an SMPS and you're away!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Assembly-TDA1543-CS8412-DAC-Audio-Decoder-Board-Stereo-HiFi-Audio-DAC/272186327433?
Firebottle
07-11-2018, 07:54
I would avoid the TDA1543, it isn't the cleanest output. Same Dac as in the little DAC3.
Bigman80
07-11-2018, 09:17
No usb!!
hifinutt
07-11-2018, 09:28
Certainly good enough for a second system and I'm seriously considering setting up a 'budget' system with these and the upcoming OTP3!!!

looking good , whats the otp3
Bigman80
07-11-2018, 09:34
Certainly good enough for a second system and I'm seriously considering setting up a 'budget' system with these and the upcoming OTP3!!!

looking good , whats the otp3It's Alan's Solid-state phonostage. There's been an OTP1 & 2. The third is a complete redesign and will feature a custom made PCB. The prototype was excellent and there will be one in my system to go alongside the Bigbottle phonostage (mine and Alan's valve collaboration)

Best part is......it's also likely to be under £250 (depending on final build costs)) which is ridiculous.

Alan is taking on the challenge of providing quality pieces for great prices and succeeding.
hifinutt
07-11-2018, 09:44
ah thanks

well got the schitt freya with tung-sol valves working very nicely with the f/b hybrid monoblocks
Bigman80
07-11-2018, 10:18
ah thanks

well got the schitt freya with tung-sol valves working very nicely with the f/b hybrid monoblocksSounds good I'd have thought.

Not heard the Schiit stuff.
hifinutt
07-11-2018, 12:48
yes been using the saga with a brimar valve and a lovely warm sound but very linear . very nice little pre amp for 360 quid and easy peasy to use . the freya was a weeny weeny bit too neutral for me with stock valves because the fb hybrids are very neutral sounding . the freya has a little bit more slam than the saga and just a few hours on the tung sol valves so far is very sweet sounding , especially xlyophone and bells
Bigman80
07-11-2018, 14:08
yes been using the saga with a brimar valve and a lovely warm sound but very linear . very nice little pre amp for 360 quid and easy peasy to use . the freya was a weeny weeny bit too neutral for me with stock valves because the fb hybrids are very neutral sounding . the freya has a little bit more slam than the saga and just a few hours on the tung sol valves so far is very sweet sounding , especially xlyophone and bellsGreat result mate.