Comparing Class D to my Yamaha Natural Sound Receiver

[hoffsta]

Hey, I'm very new to DIY Audio and am looking to do some builds in the near future. I'd like to know what I can expect from these new-tech T amps and the only thing I have to reference them against is my current Yamaha HTR-5550 home theater receiver. It is rated at 75 watts x 5 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.06% THD, but beyond that I don't even know what type of amplifier tech it uses. This receiver debuted around 2002.

If I'm looking at a Sure TK2050 50 watts x 2 (I only use stereo speakers anyway), how will the output compare to the Yamaha? I'm interested in comments regarding the power difference I'll notice and the character of the sound.

The speakers I'm currently driving are 1980's Vanderstein series 1b.

Would a TK2050 represent a significant upgrade in terms of SQ from what I'm currently using?

Please note, I'm not planning on replacing my Yamaha at the moment, I rather like it's handling of all my inputs receiver needs, I'd just like to know what to expect sound-wise as I develop separate DIY system and have only the Yamaha to compare against. I'm a noob!

[wushuliu]

Anything will sound better than the Yammy. Sound quality is at the bottom of the priority list for HT receivers. As for the TK2050, if you are using the Sure then it will probably sound better - but relative to other TK2050 amps available like the Hifmediy or even the Topping, etc. the Sure will not compete. You are definitely getting what you pay for. The Hifimediy are only a little more expensive but have a much greater price/performance ratio including yes, a *significant* upgrade in sound quality.

Once you discover how good the sound quality can be, you will never go back to the yamaha. Welcome to the rabbit hole and watch your step, it's a long way down...

[hoffsta]

Ha ha ha! Yes, the rabbit hole is opening up in front of me wide and far!

How loud can I drive my system with say a TA2020 vs a TK2050 vs the Yamaha's 75 watts?

I understand the SQ will be significantly better but to what limit with the lower output ratings?

Thanks again!

[Pascal GUERIN]

Hey,
I own HTR 6230 wich is a 100 watts per channel for Home Theather and familly usage

My second system only for me and audio usage is based on Hypex class D 2.0 plate amp (UCD 180 ST module) for the bass section and a Poppulse T150 mkII based on tripath 2022 chip fot the medium/high section.

The big difference for me is the dynamic range and the clearity of the medium and high section. Simply its really much much better
According to the preceeding post, Hifimediy modules seems very interresting, il think i wil buy a T3 some days

[wushuliu]

Originally Posted by hoffsta

Ha ha ha! Yes, the rabbit hole is opening up in front of me wide and far!

How loud can I drive my system with say a TA2020 vs a TK2050 vs the Yamaha's 75 watts?

I understand the SQ will be significantly better but to what limit with the lower output ratings?

Thanks again!

How loud you can drive depends on your speaker sensitivity rating amongst other factors. Also the TK2050 50w may be for 4ohms not 8 depending on the amp, so check to be sure.

I have my doubts about the TA2020 driving your speakers with authority. Despite the sensitivity, those 1Bs look like they still need some power.

[hoffsta]

Good info, thanks guys. Also thanks for the heads up on the Hifimediy, looks much nicer for not much more money!

[Colin]

FWIW, a recent blind ABX test over on HDDaudio.net dismissed the idea that most AVR's have poor sound quality. It's not the first time a modest receiver has competed with the best. In this case a Sony AVR proved indistinguishable from Classé amps and the built-in DAC was audibly only marginally inferior to a Benchmark DAC.

This is a much older test and refers to power amps only but gives a similar result

http://webpages.charter.net/fryguy/Amp_Sound.pdf


Set against that, building a new amp is always more fun than just using an existing one!