Quote Originally Posted by jtay View Post
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

This is a complete board based around the tk2050 tripath chip - output up to 100 watts into 4 ohms.

I'm not electronically savvy, but even I could plug in a laptop power supply for this to work. And work it does. I'm currently using it on a computer sourced set up with a Benchmark Dac1, then this board powering Castle Isis speakers. I love the sound. For £27 it is a 'no brainer' for anyone wanting to explore tripath chips. With no mods at all, it is a very classy sounding amplifier.

I've had the Sonic Impact, still got Trends Audio TA10 and the Teac Al700p and also use a winsome labs mouse. So, I've been a keen follower of this technology and sound. The Sure Electronics IMO is brilliant for the money. Typical of the tripath sound, it has a very clean and sweet top end. The bass goes down well, but lacks some articulation. But the mid range is wonderful, a little forward but brimming with detail. It is a more full bodied sound, compared to my leaner sounding Winsome Labs mouse.

I'm sure that improvements could be made on the power supply I'm using, but, in all honesty, for an office hifi setup, the sound is so musical, that I can't be bothered tweaking it further. It's also a setup that makes nonsense of the formulaic approach to system building ie spend 1/? of your budget on source, 1/? on amp and 1/? on speakers. The original sonic impact was startling for £20 to £30. The sure electronics amp board is much better IMO.

I only dip into this forum once and a while but hope this gives food for thought.
Thanks Jtay. Is noise from the fan a problem?
In my case I use sensitive speakers but the manufactures recommend 20w and my Tripath only gives 8-10w. All this means is that I use it with the volume up around 2 oclock. I would prefer a more powerful amp.
I think Tripath are underated and I am sure many people dont try them because they are cheap.