What is next cheap amp after TPA3255 that is better?

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denbret

denbret

Member
Joined 2011
daniboun said:
Maybe... but you re many here and from ASR sending me emails )
I try to help the community as well as possible in the end)
Why do you think I'm being asked? Because I am a "charlantan" or because I am credible? Remember about the DrMordor modules... remember about the OPA1656....

Many people jump to conclusions when reading ASR measurements ... I decided to do both and test all the amps that I can find) There are great amps for all tastes and all portfolios)

For example, I am the first to think that the next Allo TPA3255 amp should sound wonderful and I have already shared the measurements .... In the end, several people answered me that they are only measurements ...
You will always have purists close to numbers or enthusiasts whose musical appendix is irreplaceable)


My setup is the same :

Gustard X16 / Gustard A18 dacs
Streamer LG V30
source : HD audio Playlist

My speakers :

https://ibb.co/J2xHgf0
Click to expand...


Thank you Daniboun for all your review and your comments about amplifier.

I should receive the DUAL MERUS Sabaj A20a.

I will compare it to TPA3255, and some class AB amps.

Ps: I also have the Leaf double ES9038 DAC with XLR inputs that you recommended, I sold my SMSL M200 the following week.
 
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U

UAN

Member
Joined 2020
Amplifiers based on MERUS chips have an output impedance of 0.3 ... 0.5 Ohm and a small damping coefficient. Therefore, if you listen to the typical,
multiband acoustics, first
I will like the sound very much. Bass, bright mids, sparkling highs, but you quickly get tired of such a sound.
Slightly better on TPA chips ...
 
daniboun

daniboun

Banned
Joined 2019
Hi guys,

Got the Mini Gan amplifier.... ))
I've been listening for two hours already ... but I will share a thread with my impressions after a long listening.

I can already tell you that it sounds monstrously good! He has an absolutely incredible power reserve! to follow.... )


here's a little appetizer)



 
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Solve

Solve

Member
Joined 2006
daniboun said:
Hi guys,

Got the Mini Gan amplifier.... ))
I've been listening for two hours already ... but I will share a thread with my impressions after a long listening.

I can already tell you that it sounds monstrously good! He has an absolutely incredible power reserve! to follow.... )


here's a little appetizer)

https://ibb.co/bBzFXnv
https://ibb.co/5RkYtGv
https://ibb.co/XSKNMPn
Click to expand...

It looks interesting the GaN amp and could be the "next cheap TPA3255 that is better".
The frequency independence is definitely better than any Class-D.
The implentation on this amp review is not good but promising.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...tems-amplifier-eval-board-measurements.24202/
 

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daniboun

daniboun

Banned
Joined 2019
The implentation on this amp review is not good but promising.
Click to expand...

This is the GaN Systems module curve for their Eval board.

The Mini Gan and the Orchard Audio measure better.

The Mini Gan is about 200W / 8R
The Bosc is about 150W / 8R

Mini GAN
THD+N 5W , 1Khz : 0.004%
THD+N 10W 20-20Khz : 0.005%
THD+N 100W 20-20Khz : 0.008%
SNR: 110dB A-weighted

BOSC Starkrimson Gan :
THD+N 5W , 1Khz : 0.0004%
THD+N 10W 20-20Khz 0.0025%
THD+N 100W 20-20Khz : 0.0092%
SNR : 121DB A-weighted

The Orchard Audio BOSC has been compared to the Purifi here :

Fresh From the Bench: A Tale of Two Class-D Amplifiers Orchard Audio BOSC and Purifi Audio Eigentakt EVAL1 | audioXpress

I expect a lot from Gan modules concerning their "tonal and musical property" beyond theoretical measures. I will continue my listening this weekend and I will come back with my impressions.


Theorically GaN provides the following sonic/sound quality benefits over traditional silicon transistors:

Less harshness
Cleaner highs
Better transparency
Higher detail

This is because GaN transistors have much better characteristics over their silicon counterparts:

Increased slew rate
Reduced ringing
Faster switching
Faster overload recovery

Amplifier performance is improved by the use of GaN technology:

Decreased noise
Less distortion
Better transient response
Higher bandwidth
 
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SinGun

SinGun

Banned
Joined 2017
ICG said:
From how you describe the sound of the Accuphase P-300 it's no wonder the TPA3255 won - the 50 year old amplifier needs a complete overhaul! Aside from that, newer Accuphase amplifiers sound indeed different than the first series does and that's why I was asking. Thank you for going into details about the sound.

Which TPA3255 board do you have? What did you modify?
Click to expand...


My P-300 is overhauled of course. My P-300X is even modded. No matter both can't hold a candle against the TPA3255. Alone the soundstage of the TPA3255 is: <<< H U G E >>> in all directions. New Accuphase amps? They sound boring and are totally overpriced. But the new McIntosh's (last 30years) are even worse.
 
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SinGun

SinGun

Banned
Joined 2017
bonjonno said:
The GaN amps are currently 10X the price of a complete 3255 amp, so I don't think you can say it's the next "cheap" amp. Of course everything is relative. But I consider cheap under $100 for a finished amp with case and ps.
Click to expand...


You are right it is much more costlier than a TPA3255 (even modded like hell).

We will see much cheaper GaN products with time for sure.
 
wushuliu

wushuliu

Member
Joined 2008
IMO we are now at a point of diminishing returns when it comes to amplifier performance. Sound quality from a good TPA3255/51 would have cost thousands (retail) even 10yrs ago. I would rather spend time and money on other parts of the audio chain - preamp, speakers, digital source etc - to correct any perceived faults than on yet another amp. Especially as IMO and experience ClassD can be much more sensitive to component matching.
 
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