Location: Middlesex, UK
Posts: 4,482
I'm Alex.
Location: Forest of Dean
Posts: 643
I'm Gary.
I recently bought this from Amazon. (couldn't wait for 2 weeks!). Its a 100w version if you power it appropriately.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
As far as a review goes I took it round to my dads to try with his Penaudio speakers (9k new). His previous amplification (Talk Hurricane 3/Musical First/custom valve pre's) is now for sale.
So that's a £28 quid amp powering many grands worth of speakers replacing a couple of grands worth of amplification. The synergy with the speakers was utterly astonishing.
Now being run off a linear power supply set at 18v. Everyone should have one of these.
System 1: - Amp - Musical Paradise MP-701 mk2 - Neurochrome 686
- Source: Audio Technica LP-5 - Custom 6V6 stage - Novafidelity X30 - Soekris 1421 (LPSU) - Custom TDA1541 C3G DAC -
- Speakers: Martin Logan Prodigy's - Subs: - REL T3's -
System 2 - Amp: Musical Paradise MP 303/Custom 300B SET - Custom 6SL7 Pre -
- Source: Pioneer N-30K - SONCOZ SGD1 -
- Speakers: Loth X BS1's - Sub: REL T3 -
Current Lash Up:
TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.
You're not the only one who was surprised Martin!
I've tried to better the aforementioned amplification with offerings from Ming-Da, Musical Fidelity, Quad and the old Talk always prevailed. Until now. I think the most surprising thing was the dynamics. It goes from a distant ambient note to a gigantic swell of sound in an instant.
The old man's hearing is not the sharpest to be fair and he mixes classical with 70's rock. Maybe some slightly more modern recordings will show any weakness' it has.
I agree prolonged listening is required to better understand what might be missing.
Could you give an example of a good test track to determine what you suggest could be missing? 10CC - Not In Love (beginning part with layered vocals maybe??)
Cheers.
System 1: - Amp - Musical Paradise MP-701 mk2 - Neurochrome 686
- Source: Audio Technica LP-5 - Custom 6V6 stage - Novafidelity X30 - Soekris 1421 (LPSU) - Custom TDA1541 C3G DAC -
- Speakers: Martin Logan Prodigy's - Subs: - REL T3's -
System 2 - Amp: Musical Paradise MP 303/Custom 300B SET - Custom 6SL7 Pre -
- Source: Pioneer N-30K - SONCOZ SGD1 -
- Speakers: Loth X BS1's - Sub: REL T3 -
I noticed it with about the first thing I played after swapping back to DCB1/Krell which was a Robert Plant record 'Principle Of Moments'. I think it is at the start of the second song, Plant sings for a second or two before the rest kicks in and the multi tracking on his voice was obvious, no need to listen for it.
It wasn't obvious with the TPA3116, not sure if it is still there or not with that amp, but it certainly isn't obvious. It is a good quality recording though.
Current Lash Up:
TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.
Thanks I'll give it a go.
The speakers really seemed to react well to the change so possibly a re-capped/serviced Talk would be an obvious winner in a back to back comparison. It has been sitting there for best part of 15 years to be fair . . . .
I'm sure the Krell is always welcome back in after something (momentarily) takes its place!
System 1: - Amp - Musical Paradise MP-701 mk2 - Neurochrome 686
- Source: Audio Technica LP-5 - Custom 6V6 stage - Novafidelity X30 - Soekris 1421 (LPSU) - Custom TDA1541 C3G DAC -
- Speakers: Martin Logan Prodigy's - Subs: - REL T3's -
System 2 - Amp: Musical Paradise MP 303/Custom 300B SET - Custom 6SL7 Pre -
- Source: Pioneer N-30K - SONCOZ SGD1 -
- Speakers: Loth X BS1's - Sub: REL T3 -
Location: Middlesex, UK
Posts: 4,482
I'm Alex.
Not all TPA3116 amps are the same, not my findings but a friend is a wizard with these things. I'm certainly happy with the one he put together for me.
Spendorman