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Looking at T-amp prospects.

mcgarick

mcgarick

Super Member
Hello
I'm wanting to try another t-amp or two.

I have a Topping ta2020 based amp that I don't like that much, not so musical to my ear and I think the cheapo Lepai sounds better,so price is not the issue, musicality is.

I've been playing with the Parts Express Dayton DTA-1 and DTA-2, TA2024 based T's and really like their sound alot. They are quite musical, and have the best tone IMO.

I've also had the more powerful ta2050 based amps (Virtue and SURE) and ultimately they're not my cup of Tea. (sorry for the bad pun):smoke:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/class-d/139617-dayton-introduces-sonic-impact-lookalike-5.html

Has anyone here bought any of the ta2024 based T's from China?

Which ones are great?:scratch2:

Thanks, and awaiting your responses!
 
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Never tried the Lepai. I've had the Topping TP21 and the Dayton DTA 100a. The Dayton was very forward but had a rough and unrefined quality to the sound. Almosty gritty. The Topping is so analytical and uncolored I'm amazed that these things go for less than a hundred.
 
I don't know if my thoughts on the subject will help any or not since I've had pretty much the opposite experience. I run my desktop computer through a Topping TP30 using the USB output from the computer. It powers Yamaha NS-333 speakers and sounds very good - to my ears, at least. I was using a Dayton DTA-100a but the headphone out became intermittent so I switched to the Topping. My ears told me I'd made an improvement even though the Dayton puts out over twice as many watts per channel. The Topping TP30 also has a built-in DAC. I ran the Dayton through a Musical Fidelity V-DAC II. I don't know what op-amp either unit uses but you should be able to find that information through a search.
 
I've had an SMSL TA2020 and still have a Dayton DTA-100a. I found that their sound quality varied considerably depending on the input or preamp used. IPod line-out or CD player were just ok. Squeezebox Touch was very good. That's my ears, though. YMMV. I suggest trying a few different sources before switching amps.
 
I have a HLLY Tamp 90 that sounds very nice when used with a pre amp. Alone not quite as good but overall I've been happy with it.

cubdog
 
I enjoy several t-amps including a Topping TP21, Dayton DTA-100, the new improved Lepai and the Sure Board amp pictured below. Of the group the Sure sounds best and especially when paired with a tube preamp.

picture.php
 
Update on this thread. I picked up a Trends TA10.1 amp, and with out a doubt, EASILY the best T-amp I have had, and a keeper. Uses the TA2024 chip.
 
You may try the SMSL SA-3, uses the TA2021B chip, reviews border on the ecstatic. I myself am waiting on one, which should be here this week hopefully. The build quality looks far better then many other "T Amps". $60.00 shipped, including a 14v 4A power supply. I will post my thoughts after it arrives.
 
I just won a LePai LP-2020A+ amp via AK VOA Christmas auctions.
I've been playing with it today and for a yuck I hooked it to our RUARK Talisman II speakers
and was flat amazed - its DARNED impressive! (ALAC Lossless files via my iPhone)

attachment.php
 
@hJames WOW! love the Ruark!! great speakers..so cool. Ya the LePai LP-2020A+ is a killer and it about given away. No excuse to have crappy hifi these days.

BTW: Did I say, I want a pair of Talismans too!

I had a pair of Ruark Templars that were pretty dang good, now I'm running ADS L780 and love them, if you like the Lepai, the Trends TA10.1 are great and even more open, I do not like the alps volume on the TA10.2, because I think it robs the signal, the cheap volume control does not seem too. Just an FYI.
 
mr.jones said:
Nice looking set up!
Click to expand...

Thanks

There are huge threads on other forums regarding the newest chip amps, TPA3116 and TPA3100. Both are under $20 on ebay without a ps which can be nothing more than a cheap laptop brick.

I ordered one of each and if the hype is true expect them to better my Sure TK2050/Meanwell and Topping TP21.
 
krisjay said:
You may try the SMSL SA-3, uses the TA2021B chip, reviews border on the ecstatic. I myself am waiting on one, which should be here this week hopefully. The build quality looks far better then many other "T Amps". $60.00 shipped, including a 14v 4A power supply. I will post my thoughts after it arrives.
Click to expand...

After getting this in and doing some listening, all I can say is, wow. Seriously great sounding amp. Very musical. It is a far more refined sound then the Lepai I have, very detailed, things seem to be in the correct space and just an overall pleseant sound. The build is great, it feels like quality in your hands. Very happy with this purchase. I may try the SMSL 1955+ DAC now.
 
Not a T amp, but I picked up a Crown XLS 1500 pro Clss D amp to try, and it's like a really good T amp on steroids.
 
The TPA 3116 is almost complete. I'll post some pictures and impressions here or somewhere on AK.

It's said to use the same chip set as the TBI Millenia.
 
TPA3116 in a cigar box. Just using a 12vdc wallwart.
MK
 

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krisjay said:
After getting this in and doing some listening, all I can say is, wow. Seriously great sounding amp. Very musical. It is a far more refined sound then the Lepai I have, very detailed, things seem to be in the correct space and just an overall pleseant sound. The build is great, it feels like quality in your hands. Very happy with this purchase. I may try the SMSL 1955+ DAC now.
Click to expand...

Just checking - is this the SMSL SA-S3 with 25 wpc? I have the SMSL SA-50 amp, I like it but don't really need the power, would order one of these if the chip is that much better than the TDA7492 used by the SA-50?
 
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