Why Tripath?

Davey T · 25th May 2009, 02:52 PM

Hello guys

Just something thats been bugging me a bit. Everyone on this forum seems very keen on using the Tripath T-amp chips, kits and modules. I've bought and built a few from 41hz and yes they worked great and sound good but have since moved on to amps from TI, Maxim, Analogue semi etc.

The simple reason is that many of these amps use spread spectrum modulation eliminating the filter, have a lower BOM, come in smaller packages, are cheaper, have MUCH lower quiescent current draw and can be bought from Farnell/RS/digikey easily.

Is just because there aren't any pcbs available?
is it because the chips are harder/impossible to hand solder?
Is it because people are convinced that "class-T" and the Tripath amps actually sound better?
(The THD and SNR specs are pretty much the same and I can't hear a difference)
Is it because you didn't know that other class-D IC amps existed?

Just wondering... THANKS!

-David

Pano · 25th May 2009, 03:59 PM

Yes, all of the above. :P

How you gonna have a cult without an object of worship?

Davey T · 25th May 2009, 04:39 PM

A cult huh

where all common sense and reason go out the window

Fair enough.

I'l stick to me TI amps tho thanks.

theAnonymous1 · 25th May 2009, 04:55 PM

Let's not forget Tripath pretty much started the class-d IC revolution, so they had a bit of a head-start in gaining popularity.

Filter free class-d? Sounds more like an oxymoron than an advancement in the technology.

I've built a few boards around TI's filtered class-d and I think they sound great. Who sells reasonably priced boards for the masses though? No one as far as I know.

When you get past the "chipamp" power range, I think some of the Tripath amps still have value. They might not have all the qualities of something like UcD, but they are definitely cheaper.

If you want an alternative medium/high power board that's cheaper than UcD but more modern than Tripath, I would check out one of the IRS2092 boards you can find on e*ay.

Oh, and then there's that cult thing........ very reminiscent of the full-range and tube variety.

Pano · 25th May 2009, 10:14 PM

Which is what got me interested in the 1st place. =)

25th May 2009, 02:52 PM	#1
Davey T diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2007	Why Tripath? Hello guys Just something thats been bugging me a bit. Everyone on this forum seems very keen on using the Tripath T-amp chips, kits and modules. I've bought and built a few from 41hz and yes they worked great and sound good but have since moved on to amps from TI, Maxim, Analogue semi etc. The simple reason is that many of these amps use spread spectrum modulation eliminating the filter, have a lower BOM, come in smaller packages, are cheaper, have MUCH lower quiescent current draw and can be bought from Farnell/RS/digikey easily. Is just because there aren't any pcbs available? is it because the chips are harder/impossible to hand solder? Is it because people are convinced that "class-T" and the Tripath amps actually sound better? (The THD and SNR specs are pretty much the same and I can't hear a difference) Is it because you didn't know that other class-D IC amps existed? Just wondering... THANKS! -David __________________ www.speakerporn.com

25th May 2009, 03:59 PM	#2
Pano diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: North Carolina Blog Entries: 4	Yes, all of the above. :P How you gonna have a cult without an object of worship? __________________ Take the Speaker Voltage Test!

25th May 2009, 04:39 PM	#3
Davey T diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2007	A cult huh where all common sense and reason go out the window Fair enough. I'l stick to me TI amps tho thanks. __________________ www.speakerporn.com

25th May 2009, 04:55 PM	#4
theAnonymous1 diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Anonymityville	I think there are quite a few reasons. Let's not forget Tripath pretty much started the class-d IC revolution, so they had a bit of a head-start in gaining popularity. Filter free class-d? Sounds more like an oxymoron than an advancement in the technology. I've built a few boards around TI's filtered class-d and I think they sound great. Who sells reasonably priced boards for the masses though? No one as far as I know. When you get past the "chipamp" power range, I think some of the Tripath amps still have value. They might not have all the qualities of something like UcD, but they are definitely cheaper. If you want an alternative medium/high power board that's cheaper than UcD but more modern than Tripath, I would check out one of the IRS2092 boards you can find on e*ay. Oh, and then there's that cult thing........ very reminiscent of the full-range and tube variety. __________________ "If you don't like funerals don't kick sand in ninja's face."

25th May 2009, 10:14 PM	#5
Pano diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: North Carolina Blog Entries: 4	Which is what got me interested in the 1st place. =) __________________ Take the Speaker Voltage Test!


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