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TPA 3116 vs the tripaths

That 3 pin connector is the same as a computer fan connector. Salvaged one out of the pc junkpile at work. And I'd go with a 19v supply if possible-seems to be the sweet spot. And I agree-this thing sounds great. I'd post up a pic-but can't seem to disconnect it to pretty it up. lol. And Davidplas-i'm using that same little bear pre you bought,running ge 5stars and sounds mighty fine to me driving some overnight sensations.
 
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If I could narrow down the pieces, I'd be interested in building a one enclosure version of the tri path, the three tube preamp , with supplies. Anybody have a bom with supplier list?
 
just order the pre off of the bay-order the new blue board from yj audio-dig up a 19v laptop brick-and grab some rca's and binding posts locally.
 
I'm looking at picking up the Emotiva Stealth DC-1 for DAC/Preamp duties in combination with the TPA3116. Could I throw the 6n3 preamp in between the two components with the gain at max in order to benefit from the tube qualities while maintaining volume control with the Emotiva?
 
opa1 said:
Few pics.

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this looks easy enough for me to build.
Is this better than prev T-amps?
 
nj pheonix said:
If I could narrow down the pieces, I'd be interested in building a one enclosure version of the tri path, the three tube preamp , with supplies. Anybody have a bom with supplier list?
Click to expand...

6n3 preamp : four RCA jacks ( 2 reds 2 blacks ), one on/off switch, one inline fuse and one cut off 2 prong power cord ( plugs into wall outlet )

TPA 3161 : one RCA plug in cable, one 24V 5 amp power brick ( I used 12V as I had one on hand ) four binding post like the ones I posted, one on/off switch, one inline fuse.

Case or cases to put everything in. I picked up a couple of nice "Bamboo Stackable Organizational Boxes" today from Tuesday Morning. The mahogany cases I used for the 3116 and preamp came from there and they are deeper than the two I bought today. My local store said they get shipments every couple of weeks.
 
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Ok, I might pull the trigger. What PSU stuff do I need to purchase?
Available from that auction site?
 
I set up my TPA3116 amp, $14.88 delivered, with a 19.5 V 4.6A power supply and audiphile interconnects made from a pc fan connector spliced to a generic RCA cable. My source is a NAD 516BEE CDP and speakers are vintage JBL L100T ( 91dB 1 m 1 W). I played Dave Brubeck Time Out, Dire Straits 1st, and Paul Simon Graceland.

Overall wow! I do think that the TPA 3116 produced a hint of sibilance and upper midrange stridence with my source, speakers, room, and ears, but overall clarity and detail was excellent, producing a nice soundstage

I could be happy if this was my only amp.

Poultrygeist, did you perceive sibilance and upper-midrange stridence? Is this what the pre-amp improves?
 
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"Poultrygeist, did you perceive sibilance and upper-midrange stridence? Is this what the pre-amp improves?[/QUOTE]"

The preamp smooths it to the point where it's a non issue not that it ever was for me. Honestly I get so lost in the music with this combo I can't analyze all of what I'm hearing. The tweeters atop my horns were giving too much cymbal with the 2a3 and a tad more with the 3116 so I'll be changing their cap value. I had planned to do that anyway. The 3116 is a solid dean's list amp with no preamp but with that sweet tube front end it becomes valedictorian.

Early this a.m. I've been drinking coffee while listening to the 6n3/3116 on the kitchen counter playing Kenny Burrell through the cheap Dayton B652's. It's really inconceivable to think how a sub hundred dollar system can sound this nice. Never thought so highly of the B652's before.

I continue to try the 3116 with everything I've got and the only mismatch was with the Lowther/Bottlehead. Maybe some RF or impedance issues but it's too complicated with active and bi-amping cabling to swap the Foreplay for the 6n3. I suspect it would sound fine if I did. No matter for the 6n3/3116 is all I could ever ask for driving the Frugal Horns.

I shouldn't be concerned with how others choose to spend their hard earned money but having been raised by depression era parents I can't help myself. I cringe when I see how much folks are wiling to spend on amps that can't hold a candle to this $15 wonder.

I can see this humble amp/preamp combination as part of an journey ending system for many folks. It could be for me if it was in my nature to leave well enough alone. But I've got it's tiny sibling the 3110 waiting in the wings. :D
 
The 3116's tiny sibling, the 3110 which is said to sound just as good if you only need 3 watts. I measured it and it's a whopping 2 inches by 3 inches. Once the word gets out these new chips will be the death of t-amps.

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Just curious...thanks!!

One more thing...how does that pre work at low volumes?? Does it collapse??
 
I gotta stop reading about chip amps! I just bought a 3116! maybe pair it with the 6n3 pre and 7492 chip amp and run two pair of full range obs?
 
I just saw an ebay 6-channel TPA3116 based board for $40. I am very tempted to tri-amp two speakers with it, but I'll stick with my 2 channel for now
 
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