The TPA3116 ( using a new chip from T.I ) is beyond amazing with near SET like performance.
At $20 it destroys the concept that you get what you pay for.
Yes... An no...
recent listening tests prove very expensive amps win against this one.
But it is a very very good value for the money, mainly with mods.
I don't want to change mine for another amp.
it sounds incredibly perfect for me.
But with all my mods, shiiping costs, time, etc... it is not $20
I recently purchased an Arcam FMJ-A19 integrated amp from Audiophile Liquidator. They generally sell for $999 but it is still selling for $778 at Audiophile Liquidator, plus shipping.
I was skeptical that a 50 WPC, chip based amp would out perform my very minty NAD C 162 preamp and my slightly tired Rotel RB 980BX power amp (120 WPC). The sound went from slightly brittle top end and over extended bass to very smooth, yet detailed. The sound stage improved significantly as well. The Rotel would do deep bass somewhat better. The Arcam has no tone controls which does bug me with some old LP's that don't have much dynamic range. But mostly, such refined sound from IC chips is amazing. Overall much better than the discrete component based Rotel that preceded it.
Without mods the $20 TPA 3116 combined with the $35 Astron linear ps will go toe to toe with the best. Totally out classed the Classe integrated I sold.
So where do you get such an animal? I have no skills. Can you buy assembled?
Tell me more. At that price point what does one have to lose??
Baffled and Hopeful..
Hi, first of all thanks for this thread been a big help. Now that thats out of the way can any one tell me if pyle products are worth looking into for a home theatre setup. Or is it cheapo ebay crap. Trying to find 3 amps for the set up 50w perchannel is more than enough. My budget is low if there is a better product let me know please. If not might go with 3x audio source.
Thanks
Over the last couple years I've had several integrateds, went through a vintage kick, and then modern. My background is solid state. I tried tubes and it was empty for me. All of the vintage units I restored. Here goes my recommendations of what I know (all played with LS-50's, Arcam rDAC, SVS subs, MiniMac, Pure Music):
1. Luxman L-505ux
2. Sansui AU-717 (amazing amplifier, best value)
3. Accuphase E-202 (more accurate than 2 but slightly more boring)
4. Pioneer SA-9100 (warm sound)
5. Prima Luna Dialogue Premium ($3400 upgraded with kt150's, go figure)
6. Pioneer A-71 (bump by the SA-9100when I got it)
I'm going to work with the Luxman for awhile.
Only modern amp I own is a crown xls 2500. Nothing much say about this amp that I already shared here on audiokarma really. It's lightweight, very powerful with good amount headroom, very clean sounding, has all the necessary connectors anyone ever needs, very good noise floor, very effective and nice built-in crossovers and peak limiters, ect. Probably best amp purchase I ever made and does it sounding nice, clean and effortless with my large altecs and technics sb7000a speakers. I highly recommend it if people don't let the the idea that it being pro gear and it being class d design bother you. I probably end up sticking with crown from now since I always had good performance with their amps.