Class D/T amp comparison - your recommendation

[TCx]

Hi all,
I would like to build a hifi amp with best possible sonic performance for home listening. There are many kits and assembled amp modules available and some of them have very good reputation but I would like to know your opinions which is the best... :-) And why... If you have experience with more different amp modules, I would welcome your comparisons with descriptions of their sonic character and what you like (and dislike) on them.

I have selected some candidates which seem to be really good, so I prefer your comments on them but welcome any recommendation. Also comparison with good class A/B amps is welcome.

TruePath by 41Hz.com
TA3020 Audio Amplifier v3c by connexelectronic.com
TA3020 Amp by hllyaudio.com

TAMP-90 by hllyaudio.com
TA2022 amp by auspiciouselectronics
TA2022 V3.0 amp by audiophonics.fr
MUSE MU-40

TAS5630 and TAS5613 based (or similar) amps
TK2050 based amps by Sure electronics and hifimediy

DXA-400 (or higher models) by audiopower.it
Zap Pulse 800XE by LC Audio
UcD bz Hypex.com
IcePower modules

This thread can be very useful for many members, I think, especially for beginners like me. :-)

Thank you for sharing your experience and impressions...

Tomas

[julcat]

A new contender arjenhelder_electronic MKI TK2050 mono block class-D amplifier
Brand New MKI TK2050 mono block class-D amplifier on eBay (end time 02-Jul-10 12:45:14 BST)

[stigs]

Take a look at classdaudio.com .I just puchased one of their sds-254 kits.There is a 80 page thread on their amp on audio circle forum. Got me sold. I am just starting assembly now.

[poler]

stigs, i've been looking at the kits from classdaudio.com and i'm very interested. please let us know how it goes. thanks

[AP2]

Hi TCx,
You find a good amplifier,...see this new. It is compact and have incredible sound as A-B mospower amplifier.
Not have intermodulation on voice up to full power.
audio is clean... with deep bass.
I you want ,can try this new module.
(I remembered the performance that you have required ).

Regards

[TCx]

Thank you all for your tips... Much appreciated!

AP2: Isn't DXA-400 better than SDA-400?

[AP2]

Originally Posted by TCx

Thank you all for your tips... Much appreciated!

AP2: Isn't DXA-400 better than SDA-400?

Hi TCX,
DXA is more complex, has advanced current protection and a totally new modulator of class D amplifiers.
certainly the technological level of a company is measured by product and this is a difference between DXA and SDA.
But this new SDA-400 is the result of experience, how to make a good amplifier that does not cost too much, with very high quality components. Result is an reliable, quiet, able to confuse listening compared to a good class AB.
the feeling of listening is really very good.

Regards

[TCx]

Thank you, AP2, for your explanation. Well, I would not mind saving about 100 euro on a pair of amp modules, of course. However, I would not prefer lower cost if it would mean (even slightly) lower audio quality (when comparing DXA and SDA). So do you mean that SDA is sonically better than DXA or that the cost difference is not adequate to SQ difference?

Other members: Do you have any experience with any of these amp modules by audiopower.it?

Thanks!

[AP2]

Originally Posted by TCx

Thank you, AP2, for your explanation. Well, I would not mind saving about 100 euro on a pair of amp modules, of course. However, I would not prefer lower cost if it would mean (even slightly) lower audio quality (when comparing DXA and SDA). So do you mean that SDA is sonically better than DXA or that the cost difference is not adequate to SQ difference?

Other members: Do you have any experience with any of these amp modules by audiopower.it?

Thanks!

Hi TCX,
just to clarify a point.
currently the difference is only 100 €, as you say but only because DXA is promoted until September. After this period, the difference will be greater € 100.
And then there's a big difference in audio amplifier measurements and behavior to different circumstances.
SDA has good measures (not exceptional) but has a really good sound.
example: if Ta-xx-xx or TK amp cost only € 20, this does not mean that to be thrown in the trash.
(I only wanted to give you a hint based on what you asked me long ago)

[TCx]

Hi AP2,
thank you for your recommendations. Much appreciated!
It seems that I will have to try the SDA... :-)
What voltages the SDA-400 requires (I can't find this information on the audiopower.it website)? Which SPMS is most suitable for this amp?
Do you recommend using PBTU-2 Accessory with the SMPS or would several low ESR high ripple current caps do the same job?
Is DPS-400-S available for 230V mains voltage?

Sorry for so many questions and thanks for your support.

P.S. I know that low cost doesn't always mean bad performance. Some of the relatively cheap tripath based amps seem to be very good and popular here.