Amps for the rest of us?

dzzmiller · 11th March 2009, 04:07 PM

I ask this question here because you guys seem more interested in speakers than amps. I've found, that except for tubes amps, I don't find much difference in good amps anymore. I'll even admit that I find cheap T-amps to be pretty good.

So, I'm finding I need lots-o-amps from 50-150 watts. What's a high value single channel way to buy amps? I don't need a nice box, or a brand name.

rkevans · 11th March 2009, 07:13 PM

"GainClones" using LM3875/3886/4870 op-amps are pretty popular and can be built for about a dollar per watt.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainclone

I've never built one, but I've considered it SEVERAL times.

Rick

planet10 · 11th March 2009, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dzzmiller
I've found, that except for tubes amps, I don't find much difference in good amps anymore.

I'm surprised...

dave

rcdaniel · 11th March 2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

I'm surprised...

Me too. My modified Metaxas presents music differently to my friend's MF, which was different again to a borrowed Quad SS we heard in the same system. The differences were pronounced and significant... and this does not include chip amp or digital(ish) topologies etc.

As an aside, the 'old' Metaxas smashed the new Quad (and MF) in just about every way that mattered to us. Interesting. Ah, but I do look forward to going SET.

Cheers

dzzmiller · 12th March 2009, 01:14 AM

Here are some high power T-amps I haven't seen before:
http://store.virtueaudio.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=26

Here's the popular parts express amp
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=300-812

It would be interesting to compare the T to the Parts Express AB design

raypalmer · 12th March 2009, 01:52 AM

Gainclones all the way if you're looking for VFM. They're the most compelling argument for SS amplification.

IMHO

planet10 · 12th March 2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dzzmiller

Here's the popular parts express amp

Just ordered one of those. Even for just the chassis & power supply probably worthwhile. Doubt it will stay stock.

dave

planet10 · 12th March 2009, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by raypalmer
Gainclones all the way if you're looking for VFM. They're the most compelling argument for SS amplification.

Althou good, not one of my chipamps comes close to our (similar cost) tube amp builds (alot more power on tap thou)

dave

rcdaniel · 12th March 2009, 08:36 AM

There is some nice solid state out there, at a cost. So, chipamp if you need decent quality and decent power for a modest investment - you can do them in a way that does not cost heaps. Otherwise tubes, with - I believe I will ruffle some feathers - DH tubes offering a little something special (and perhps greater overall potential), if one seeks to exploit it. I have been planning to go the way of tubes for too long now.

Cheers

Dust · 12th March 2009, 10:16 AM

VFM?

11th March 2009, 04:07 PM	#1
dzzmiller diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2008	Amps for the rest of us? I ask this question here because you guys seem more interested in speakers than amps. I've found, that except for tubes amps, I don't find much difference in good amps anymore. I'll even admit that I find cheap T-amps to be pretty good. So, I'm finding I need lots-o-amps from 50-150 watts. What's a high value single channel way to buy amps? I don't need a nice box, or a brand name.

12th March 2009, 01:52 AM	#6
raypalmer diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Burlington	Gainclones all the way if you're looking for VFM. They're the most compelling argument for SS amplification. IMHO __________________ Wherever you go there you are.

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11th March 2009, 07:13 PM	#2
rkevans diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Orlando, FL, USA	"GainClones" using LM3875/3886/4870 op-amps are pretty popular and can be built for about a dollar per watt. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainclone I've never built one, but I've considered it SEVERAL times. Rick

12th March 2009, 01:14 AM	#5
dzzmiller diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2008	Here are some high power T-amps I haven't seen before: http://store.virtueaudio.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=26 Here's the popular parts express amp http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=300-812 It would be interesting to compare the T to the Parts Express AB design

12th March 2009, 08:36 AM	#9
rcdaniel diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: BrisVegas	There is some nice solid state out there, at a cost. So, chipamp if you need decent quality and decent power for a modest investment - you can do them in a way that does not cost heaps. Otherwise tubes, with - I believe I will ruffle some feathers - DH tubes offering a little something special (and perhps greater overall potential), if one seeks to exploit it. I have been planning to go the way of tubes for too long now. Cheers

12th March 2009, 10:16 AM	#10
Dust diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2008	VFM?

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