Tripath amps -- TK2050

[jmar]

I have no experience with these but just bought a 4x100w module off of Ebay to use in my home theater setup for the 2 rear, sub and center channels.

Too good to pass up and curious about that "tripath" sound I read so much about.

If I like it, I may use it for my stereo L and R as well.

What is the deal with the power supplies on these chips?
First of all it looks like it's single sided? +24v (NOT split - and +)

And unlike conventional amps it looks like it needs a regulated supply -- will a simple LM317 with a +24vdc output suffice? (I don't really listen very loud).

I see elaborate switching power supplies being suggested. necessary?
why?

THANKS.

[jmar]

Anybody?

I'll plan on building a +24vdc supply with conventional regulation -- (an LM317) -- unless there's a reason not to.

(Class D people are efficiency freaks maybe?)

Even the PS should be switching?

[cyteen]

My rule for switching supplies is the the switching frequency should be at least 3x the highest frequency you want to hear. So above 60khz. Then the artifacts of the switching are well outside the audio band. If you can't find an smps that does this then your better off going regulated linear.

An lm317 isn't going to have a high enough rating (1.5 amp) better to use a lm338 regulator (5 amp).

[kristleifur]

Originally Posted by jmar

What is the deal with the power supplies on these chips?
First of all it looks like it's single sided? +24v (NOT split - and +)

Yep! (At least the 41Hz TK2050's I know are single-sided. I have a hard time imagining that the Sure is any different.)

Originally Posted by jmar

And unlike conventional amps it looks like it needs a regulated supply -- will a simple LM317 with a +24vdc output suffice? (I don't really listen very loud).

You actually don't need a regulated supply. A simple rectifier + capacitor solution will also work. These amps aren't particularly sensitive to what power supply you use.

Originally Posted by jmar

I see elaborate switching power supplies being suggested. necessary?
why?

Well, 12V switchers are ubiquitous. Cheap and simple to get going, too. Light and power efficient. Higher voltage and higher quality switchers are harder to find, though. It just depends on what you have the best access to.

I'd advise you just get it going somehow without sinking too much money into the supply. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Or at least I have usually been.

[Josephjcole]

Most people use the switching power supplies for three reasons:
1 simple
2 cheap
3 they sound good

I imagine either of these power supplies could fit your needs:

27V DC 13A 351W Regulated Switching Power Supply_Industrial Power Adapter_Boxed Industrial Power Adapter and Chargers and Transformers_Measure Power Adapters_Sure Electronics' Webstore

36V DC 9.7A 349.2W Regulated Switching Power Supply_Industrial Power Adapter_Boxed Industrial Power Adapter and Chargers and Transformers_Measure Power Adapters_Sure Electronics' Webstore

[jmar]

In conventional power amps a regulated supply is something you DON'T WANT.

I guess with class D the rail swings are pretty tame in comparison to Class AB etc. I'll have to study up.

Is there ANY advantage to regulation?

Other than inherent noise reduction? (and maybe prevention of noise back into the line?)

[joekraska]

Originally Posted by jmar

Other than inherent noise reduction? (and maybe prevention of noise back into the line?)

Speaking of that, is there any belief that these sorts of supplies prevent ground loop hum?

Joe.

[Pano]

One of the big advantages of regulation is that it allows you to run near max safe voltage without ever going over. That's important in a low voltage amp. Maybe less so in a higher voltage amp where you have more margin - I.E. you don't have to run so close to max voltage to get the power you want.

Other than that, some folks like the sound of a nice regulated supply.

[john65b]

If I remember correctly, an LM317 is 1 amp, LM350 is 1.5 amp

Try an old laptop power supply - usually 20VDC and 3.5 amps

[sendler]

Originally Posted by jmar

Anybody?

I'll plan on building a +24vdc supply with conventional regulation -- (an LM317) -- unless there's a reason not to.

(Class D people are efficiency freaks maybe?)

Even the PS should be switching?

I retired my big linear supply when I started using the Sure 2X100 as the MeanWell smps sounds much better.