Rotel v Chipamp

[Batty]

I have a Rotel RA-04 integrated amp hooked up to my PC for casual listening and PC use, I think this is a total overkill really so am thinking of swapping it for a small (10 -15 watt) gainclone or T-amp type thing. My speakers are 86dB sensitivity bookshelves. Having not heard either of these type amps I am not sure if this would work for me.

Does anyone have any input/advice for me.

Cheers

[DSJR]

We all have differing opinions and for normal HiFi use I'd say that you can never have too much power as long as it's good quality power..

For an office system, the needs may be very different. Can you make or buy a T amp or Gainclone and try it BEFORE selling the Rotel? 86db/W isn't very high and a larger shelf speaker with up to 90db/W would be handy.

[The Vinyl Adventure]

The little t-amps tend to be a bit bass shy (mine is a temple audio bantam) although the hlly 90 and aparently topping 60 have more guts. My gainclones have more guts still but arnt quite as detailed as the hlly90.
All are much better (in the right system) than my ra-01 that hasn't left it's box for nearly 2 years
The little bantam goes very well with my 4ohm dynaudio a42's for eg..

[Batty]

I will still have my main system for serious listening, at the moment the rotel is rarely turned up past about the 8 o'clock position, I was thinking maybe a TA2020 based amplifier. My sitting position is about 1 metre from the speakers (Castle Richmond 3).

[Mothman]

I recently got one of the Hlly T20 tripath amps and it has no problem driving my 8ohm Monitor Audio 9 golds (88db) or a pair of german 4ohm Heco 120S (86db), both are large bookshelf \standmount size. At normal listening levels I would have the volume control set at about 12 'o' clock position, I also tried it with my larger Audiomaster MLS4 speakers and again it seemed to drive these without any problem. I guess a lot will depend on the size of room and the volume level you normally listen at.

I found the Hlly T20 to be quite musical with good mids and highs but it simply didn't cut it for me in the base department. Probably good if you listen to a lot of classical or electronic music, however if rock music is your thang then then the T-20 may not be for you, YMMV.

http://hllyaudio.com/tripath-amplifier/hlly-tamp-20-class-t-amp-amplifier-tripath-ta2020-chip.html

[Batty]

I have posted the same Q on an Aussie forum and have been chastised for even thinking of swapping the Rotel for a 'TOY'. I think I shall bow down and keep the Rotel.

Thanks for the responses.

[Ali Tait]

The Hlly t 90 is no toy IMO,and will probably easily better the Rotel.

[Steve Toy]

Hamish, n i c e avatar!

[Batty]

I was looking at low cost chip amps Ali, the t90 was probably over budget.

[The Vinyl Adventure]

I have posted the same Q on an Aussie forum and have been chastised for even thinking of swapping the Rotel for a 'TOY'. I think I shall bow down and keep the Rotel.

Thanks for the responses.

They are being snobby!
Many of these amps need to be heard to belived

[Mothman]

I certainly would not describe the T20 I have as a TOY, their small stature belie's their performance, suggest you try to borrow one before deciding, you may be surpised. My only criticism was insufficent bass for my taste, otherwise hard to fault at the price point.

[The Vinyl Adventure]

Hamish, n i c e avatar!

Ta, it's a keeper I think :)

[Welder]

I’ve heard the 2020-m from these people and I was impressed……a lot :eek:
http://www.autocostruire.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=42&osCsid=5560f1b05c49c765e6c0c2719f592836

I wouldn’t get put off by the “wtf do you want to be playing with a Toy for when you you’ve got a bloody great Japanese shiny box of technology already” comments if I were you.

If only it was as simple as “hearing is believing”. Unfortunately despite what many would have you believe the look and the cost of a product does influence their aural perception.
Don’t tell em what it is and sneak it into their kit while they’re not looking and I’m sure you’ll get lots of Cor! Comments :)

[The Vinyl Adventure]

Unfortunately despite what many would have you believe the look and the cost of a product does influence their aural perception.


a great shame i think

[Tripmaster]

Hi

I used to run LM3886 and 3875 chipamps with a pair of 88db speakers and they sounded fine. For VFM the Tripath amps are hard to beat, and can be used with standard wall warts. The lower power versions can even be run from a 12v battery!

If you only plan to use it in a smallish study it will be fine. You might loose some of the 'magic' with less efficient speakers.

How big is your room?

[Batty]

the room is really unimportant, I shall not be doing any critical listening, just background music when at the computer and the main aim of the exercise was to free up a little cash, but selling the rotel and buying something else will return very little, so not much point and the Rotel does work well with the Richmonds.

[Tripmaster]

the room is really unimportant, I shall not be doing any critical listening, just background music when at the computer and the main aim of the exercise was to free up a little cash, but selling the rotel and buying something else will return very little, so not much point and the Rotel does work well with the Richmonds.

Go for a cheap Tripath based amp then. It will sound fine, have a small foot print and free up some cash to boot!