Trends Audio TA-10 or other Tripath amps...

[Marty Marr]

I read a very interesting article about the Trends Audio TA-10 integrated amp at 6Moons. In the section of the article, titled "Klipsch Clicks," the reviewer sited the use of the TA-10 on Klipsch La Scala and Synergy F2 loudspeakers. Stating that the combination was basically a match made in heaven...

I am finding the whole concept of these Tripath amps very intriguing and wondered if any of you are using such amps to drive your Klipsch loudspeakers? Tell us what you are using and how it sounds. Thanks!

Marty

 

[BadassBob]

I had a TA-10.1 a couple years ago. I replaced the stock Bennics with Auricaps and used an Alps pot for volume control. While it did sound nice, it didnt put out much bass with my Klipsch Fortes. It was great for nearfield with my RB-35s, but I feel the impedance dips of the Fortes are what choked up the bass with the Trends.

 

[skywave-rider]

I have the 10.1 and it is plenty loud and clean for Heresys.

I also use it on much less efficient mini speakers like JBL Control Ones and Zilch modded Minimus 7s.

I essentially use it as a power amp and run it stock. Have had it for well over a year. Good product.

 

[rhing]

I purchased a MKIII Tripath TA2020 PCB 25watt Class-T amplifier module from Helder HiFi on eBay.

This amp uses a Tripath TA2020 amplifier chip instead of the related Tripath TA2024 amp chip used in the Trends TA-10.1. The TA2020 amp chip provides more headroom, a larger soundstage and a bit more midrange warmth than the TA2024 amp chip. Right now, I have it in a makeshift chassis with a 12AU7 tube buffer stage with an OS RCA black plate 12AU7. It rocks with my Klipsch Frote IIs. I have no shortage of strong, tight bass with this amp.

It's possible that the Trends amp lacks a bit of solid bass due to its use of air core inductors in the low pass filter pf the amplifier's output. The Helder HiFi amp uses micrometal core inductors that give it a bit more of a solid state flavor versus the air core inductors.

If you're not into DIY audio, then I would recommend the TOPPING TP20 MK2 TA2020 Amplifier available from Helder Hi Fi. There are other eBay vendors that sell the same amp. This amp also uses the Tripath TA2020 amp chip.

Any of these T-amps (Class D amps with Tripath amplifier chips) have a nice warm midrange presentation and immediacy that have a certain likeliness to SET tube amps, but they can be a bit forward sounding. I recommend using this amps as a power amp with either a tube preamp or tube buffer to balance out the forward-sounding character. Keep in mind that these amps take some time to settle in--about 20 hours or more.

I also modified a Sonic Impact T-amp that sounds great with my Forte IIs. This uses a Tripath TA2024 amp chip like the Trends TA10.1. I like the Helder HiFi amp a lot more.

 

[Erocka2000]

Also, there is the TA10.2P power amp, which removes the volume control altogether. I am currently using a TC-754 pre/phono which was a stop gap pre. I'm planning to get the Dared SL-2000a to use as a pre to the TA10.2P. I've read that that setup has a great synergy. FWIW, I think the Trends sounds incredible for what it is. I'm powering Tekton 6.5 (Full range drivers) and have achieved great results.

 

[BadassBob]

All of this talk makes me want to get a T-amp again. :yes:

 

[rhing]

All of this talk makes me want to get a T-amp again. :yes:

Since my other amps are tube amps, I have a T-amp as my hot weather amp so I can listen for hours to music. T-amps, at least the TA2024 and TA2020 chip-based amps run cool, and they sound great with Klipsch speakers.

 

[rage]

doing the ALK mods on the Forte and adding a zobel of 20uf cap and I believe 5ohm resistor will help with the low power t-amps. seemed to help mine a great deal. I also changed out the input caps but was only running the $20 dayton t-amp.

 

[pharoah]

i run a dayton dta-1 amp on a set of klipsch synergy b2 bookshelf speakers.i absolutely love the sound.i also run a powered subwoofer to augment the bass.im using a modded chase technologies rlc-1 as a preamp.overall i have no complaints with sound quality.

 

[greenmark59]

I love my T-amps (own 3) and I have several SS amps as well and 1 tube amp and I have to say the T-amp that I use the most is a Topping TP20 ( http://www.p-macaudio.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TP20 ) and it has a great sound stage. Not a tremendous amount of power, but enough to make my speakers loud enough in my small 10'x'14 listening room.

I'm modding a Sure Electronics 2*100watt TK2050 TP2050 Tripath Class-D D-AMP Audio Board and have tried it before the mods and it sounds absolutely sweet and wonderful and plenty of more power that can even power lower efficient speakers (87db).

For the money, I honestly believe most audiophiles should try these amps - you will be surprised. Parts Express sells a nice one rebadged as a Dayton product and I recommended it to my friend who also loves it.

 

[Erocka2000]

After a bunch of these comments, I'm starting to look at the Topping TP20 a little bit. One question I have is are there any of the TP2020 chip amps that are just power amps, meaning without volume control? I guess one can always remove/move a jumper to deactivate the volume, but I haven't really learned to mod circuit boards yet. Also, is the Topping that much an improvement over the TA10.2P?

 

[greenmark59]

Also, is the Topping that much an improvement over the TA10.2P?

Really wouldn't know the answer to this unless I had an opportunity to A/B them side-by-side with the same music and the same speakers.

To be honest, all 3 of my t-amps sound similar, but there is enough differences that I can typically tell by ear which one is active. A lot has to do with surrounding components used and not the Tripath chip. Also Google "D class amps" and you will see other non-Tripath chip D class amps are being offered and also sound pretty good.

Take a look at this Dayton t-amp DTA-100 and the reviews are pretty good and some more power for about the same price: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/sho...383&FTR=dta-100&CFID=5005766&CFTOKEN=72475424

 

[Erocka2000]

Don't get me wrong, I love my Trends. It's 15w x 2 works perfect with my Tektons (94db). I was just curious because a couple of the commenters had heard both the Trends and the Topping and prefer the Topping. If there is not that much of difference, I would much rather stick with the Trends and focus on buying my Dared preamp to warm up the sound a bit. This is basically my first HiFi system, so it's been a fun learning process.

 

[greenmark59]

Don't get me wrong, I love my Trends. It's 15w x 2 works perfect with my Tektons (94db). I was just curious because a couple of the commenters had heard both the Trends and the Topping and prefer the Topping. If there is not that much of difference, I would much rather stick with the Trends and focus on buying my Dared preamp to warm up the sound a bit. This is basically my first HiFi system, so it's been a fun learning process.

IMHO that's a smarter way to go - a good preamp is like a GREAT friend :thmbsp:

After looking at the Dayton DTA-100 amp, I'm thinking about trying one out :scratch2:

 

[Arkay]

I got the Trends Audio UD-10.1 USB audio converter a few months ago, and have since had some contact with the guys at Trends Audio, a local Hong Kong company. Great people, with some very good products. I've heard the amp you refer to, and it's pretty sweet, too. I might pick one up next week, when the company will be exhibiting at a high-end audio show here (and presumably will have some special-price deals available ).

You might also look at the T-amps offered by PopPulse, another local Hong Kong company. I know the guy behind this brand, and he's a nice guy who really knows his stuff. Unfortunately (for him) probably more of an audio guy than a gifted businessman; otherwise, I think his products would be better known. Although Tripath chips are inherently limited in their output, there are ways to add additional amplification (hybrid construction). Some of the PopPulse T-amps do this, and are as powerful as many regular amps and receivers; one of them puts out 90 WPC, if I recall correctly. If you are a golden-eared audiophile type, you might not be completely satisfied with a Tripath system, but for any normal application, they shine nicely.

Either of the brands I just mentioned OUT-PERFORMS the original Sonic T-amps by a good margin, IMO. I'd recommend either of them for a cheap way to get some surprisingly good sound (and not just "for the price").

 

[rhing]

After a bunch of these comments, I'm starting to look at the Topping TP20 a little bit. One question I have is are there any of the TP2020 chip amps that are just power amps, meaning without volume control? I guess one can always remove/move a jumper to deactivate the volume, but I haven't really learned to mod circuit boards yet. Also, is the Topping that much an improvement over the TA10.2P?

The DIYParadise Charlize is available in an Aluminum case without a volume control. It's not cheap, but this TA2020 amp has been regarded as one of the better TA2020 amps.

http://diyparadise.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=6

Don't get me wrong, I love my Trends. It's 15w x 2 works perfect with my Tektons (94db). I was just curious because a couple of the commenters had heard both the Trends and the Topping and prefer the Topping. If there is not that much of difference, I would much rather stick with the Trends and focus on buying my Dared preamp to warm up the sound a bit. This is basically my first HiFi system, so it's been a fun learning process.

The difference between the Topping and Trends amps probably isn't big enough to ditch the Trends for the Topping. If you get a really good tube preamp, it will go a long way to improving your system sound quality. I don't know what Dared preamps cost or sound like, but if you can find a good deal on a used Conrad Johnson tube preamp and roll in some good tubes, you would be in audio heaven.

One key area of improvement with T-amps is in the area of power supplies. A better power supply can take T-amps to another level of performance, especially in the area of bass extension, tonal richness and soundstage size. Some people really like SLA batteries for taking their T-amps off the power grid. Others like me prefer to use higher wattage AC-to-DC switching power supplies. Some people have even added high capacitance automotive audio stiffening capacitors to their power supplies to boost the reserve power for power bass extension.

http://www.monstercable.com/mpc/productPageMPC.asp?pin=2837&section=four

For an assembled power supply upgrade, some people have used these:

http://www.welbornelabs.com/sonic.htm

It comes with a nice umbilical cable for connecting the power supply to the amp.

 

[Erocka2000]

I have read about the Charlize and it is quite enticing. However, the Dared SL-2000A that I'm looking at is only a little more expensive (~$500) and I this point I'm really anxious to get involved with tubes. I'm not sure what the Conrad Johnsons go for used, but I will start to research. Perhaps after the Dared (or Conrad), the Charlize can become my next target.

With regards to the power supply, when I bought the Trends I paid a little extra for the SE version with came with a 48w 4v psu. Granted, it's not up to the level of the one you referenced, but it does a passable job. The law of diminishing returns also comes into play when looking at $250 power supplies for essentially a $200 amplifier.

I'm just having a really great time doing all this research and I'm happy I've been bitten by "the bug." I always appreciate any advice.

 

[skywave-rider]

.....

You might also look at the T-amps offered by PopPulse, another local Hong Kong company. I know the guy behind this brand, and he's a nice guy who really knows his stuff. Unfortunately (for him) probably more of an audio guy than a gifted businessman; otherwise, I think his products would be better known. Although Tripath chips are inherently limited in their output, there are ways to add additional amplification (hybrid construction). Some of the PopPulse T-amps do this, and are as powerful as many regular amps and receivers; one of them puts out 90 WPC, if I recall correctly. If you are a golden-eared audiophile type, you might not be completely satisfied with a Tripath system, but for any normal application, they shine nicely.

Either of the brands I just mentioned OUT-PERFORMS the original Sonic T-amps by a good margin, IMO. I'd recommend either of them for a cheap way to get some surprisingly good sound (and not just "for the price").

I use 3 of these little Pop Pulse amps in a Uni radio station suite:
http://www.cryo-parts.com/cityspot.html
The model: Pop Pulse 2024 T-Amp, scroll down.
Trends former dealer in the US (forgot the name) used to sell them.
Well, they are powered-up 24/7 for small monitors in studios outside the main control rooms. Still ticking for about a year, though the power LED on one has gone out. I have not super critically listened to them as I have the Trends; but the characteristics are similar. I assume they draw little to nothing when idle.

 

[rhing]

With regards to the power supply, when I bought the Trends I paid a little extra for the SE version with came with a 48w 4v psu. Granted, it's not up to the level of the one you referenced, but it does a passable job. The law of diminishing returns also comes into play when looking at $250 power supplies for essentially a $200 amplifier.

The SE version does have a nice power supply--good move on getting that one. Don't underestimate the potential of a power supply upgrade. Most people believe that a well made TA2024 or TA2020 amp will only go so far, but consider that these amps are 80% energy efficient. That means the quality of the DC power going into the Tripath chips has a significant bearing on the amp's overall sound quality. With good efficient speaker systems, you can actually hear the improvements that a power supply upgrade can make.