Hi everybody,
I just noticed that AudioDigit (the one of the Class T 2020 T-Amp like module) has just completely updated its web site with technical info and images ....
I'm really tempted to buy a Class T Amp 100 kit (see http://www.audiodigit.com/index.php?section=80 ) , that is advertised as a 100W T-Amp, or even the Class T 100 as a complete amplifier (see http://www.audiodigit.com/index.php?section=83 ).
Does anybody have them and how do they sound? I see they use a "strange" chip (TAA4100) which is 4 channels in origin ...
Do they sound like the very good Class T 2020 that I own? It could be really good to have such power!
Also the upcoming 8 channel module looks promising ...
Any opinion or feedback?
I just noticed that AudioDigit (the one of the Class T 2020 T-Amp like module) has just completely updated its web site with technical info and images ....
I'm really tempted to buy a Class T Amp 100 kit (see http://www.audiodigit.com/index.php?section=80 ) , that is advertised as a 100W T-Amp, or even the Class T 100 as a complete amplifier (see http://www.audiodigit.com/index.php?section=83 ).
Does anybody have them and how do they sound? I see they use a "strange" chip (TAA4100) which is 4 channels in origin ...
Do they sound like the very good Class T 2020 that I own? It could be really good to have such power!
Also the upcoming 8 channel module looks promising ...
Any opinion or feedback?
starn02 said:
Doesn't seem that strange a choice, I'd wager a guess it's being used in bridge mode?
As far as I know it's not possible to bridge the Tripath chips, and the 4100 should be no exception. Maybe they use only two channels out of four, they use the same chip in the upcoming 4 channel amp (http://www.audiodigit.com/index.php?section=91).
The important thing is that they use the same "air core" inductors in the 100w amps ! The sound should be similar.
The important thing is that they use the same "air core" inductors in the 100w amps ! The sound should be similar.
The one thing I really hate about advertising the Tripath specs is their quoted output power. Sure it can do 100W per channel into 4 ohms but that's at 20% THD+N! They should say it is actually a 60W per channel @ 0.1%THD+N amp.
As chris mentioned, it is interesting they chose to use a 4 channel chip for a 2 channel amp. The TAA4100A already has 4 bridged outputs so you can't bridge them further. The datasheet does say you can parallel the outputs to increase current capability but each otuput still needs its own inductor. You could parallel all 4 and be able to drive a 1ohm load if you wanted. The T-amp 100 only has 4 inductors so it only uses 2 channels and leaves the other two disconnected.
Aircore inductors with an amp that powerful? It would be interesting to see how much rfi that thing throws out.
As chris mentioned, it is interesting they chose to use a 4 channel chip for a 2 channel amp. The TAA4100A already has 4 bridged outputs so you can't bridge them further. The datasheet does say you can parallel the outputs to increase current capability but each otuput still needs its own inductor. You could parallel all 4 and be able to drive a 1ohm load if you wanted. The T-amp 100 only has 4 inductors so it only uses 2 channels and leaves the other two disconnected.
Aircore inductors with an amp that powerful? It would be interesting to see how much rfi that thing throws out.
OK, I just got an email from a friend that actually bought the Class T 100 board a few days ago and tells me wonders about it. I couldn't resist any more. My order has been placed, in a few days I'll post my own opinion....
Marco (my friend) told me that he spoke about the chip choice with the audiodigit guys, and they told him they selected the 4100 because it's a newer generation (with respect to the 2022 that we can see in other kits) and that this chip actually sounds much better ... and perfect with their air core inductors. No problems at all as far as RFI is concerned, at least in my friend's hifi system (I know it, it's quite sophisticated).
He got also a pair of "ceramic speakers" (http://www.audiodigit.com/index.php?section=50) for his PC audio system, and he's telling me that they are incredibile for the size, and work perfectly with the Class T 100 board.
Well, guys, a few days and we'll see, I just ordered the board,
I ordered also a "Tubalizer" kit, which looks like a tube buffer (gain is nearly 1) with a 6SL7 tube (http://www.audiodigit.com/index.php?section=81). A little "tube sound" will do no harm in my system.
Back in a few days with more news!
Marco (my friend) told me that he spoke about the chip choice with the audiodigit guys, and they told him they selected the 4100 because it's a newer generation (with respect to the 2022 that we can see in other kits) and that this chip actually sounds much better ... and perfect with their air core inductors. No problems at all as far as RFI is concerned, at least in my friend's hifi system (I know it, it's quite sophisticated).
He got also a pair of "ceramic speakers" (http://www.audiodigit.com/index.php?section=50) for his PC audio system, and he's telling me that they are incredibile for the size, and work perfectly with the Class T 100 board.
Well, guys, a few days and we'll see, I just ordered the board,
I ordered also a "Tubalizer" kit, which looks like a tube buffer (gain is nearly 1) with a 6SL7 tube (http://www.audiodigit.com/index.php?section=81). A little "tube sound" will do no harm in my system.
Back in a few days with more news!
Its a shame they only implemented two of the four channels, it would have been the perfect amp for bi-amping. The price is a bit high at $194 USD, I could have two AMP1-B's and change to spare for that.
I got the Amp 1 one year ago, but they use conventional toroids for the output filters, and the air core inductors are by far superior in my opinion. As regards the price ... well, I see a lot of discussions about the difference in price of such boards ... but come on, is it worth discussing about 10 or 50 $ when talking about an amplifier? You're not going to make a collection of amplifiers, you need the right one, and if $ 50 make a big difference well, it's
ok to pay them. Please remember how much even a gold plated RCA connector or one meter of cable cost ....
If you need to do biamping ... just wat a few days, it seems that also a 4 channel board is on the way, see http://www.audiodigit.com/index.php?section=91.
Bye.
ok to pay them. Please remember how much even a gold plated RCA connector or one meter of cable cost ....
If you need to do biamping ... just wat a few days, it seems that also a 4 channel board is on the way, see http://www.audiodigit.com/index.php?section=91.
Bye.
$194 is quite a bit more than $50 above the price of an AMP-1B. I don't think the fact that it comes with air cores is worth the $130 dollar difference. I also can't imagine the TAA4100A sounds any better than the TA2022, or at least not $130 better.
FWIW, my gold plated RCA connectors cost $1 a pair and my speaker cable was about $3 a meter.
FWIW, my gold plated RCA connectors cost $1 a pair and my speaker cable was about $3 a meter.
You are right, money is money ... but here in Italy for $ 130 you will get one night in a medium quality hotel with no breakfast the following morning ... Humm ... if you can get a better sound from your hifi system for the years to come ... well, for me it's a deal! ;-) ... OK, I'm only joking, of course. We'll see if I get all the quality I expect.
Ok, finally I got the Class T 100 board from Autocostruire. It took three days instead of the expected one, but that's Italy ...
The first impressions are really quite good, I have listened only for one our with a temporary setup (I use a chinese 5A regulated power supply set to 25 V instead of the torioidal transformer), but probably I finally got a really good amplifier. Good imaging, very good bass. With my best recordings it's simply outstanding even at high levels. Sound is quite similar to the sound of the 2020 board I have, that's Tripath's sound maybe, really good news because I feared that more power could imply less quality. On the contrary I got the same musicality and even more headroom and even a little more air ...
I suppose the higher supply makes the big difference here, getting watts out of 25V is certainly easier than with 12 or 13 ...). By the way, the board also works at 12V, I initially tried at this level by just plugging the same power supply I use for the 2020. Strangely enough the supply voltage is not so influent on the power or musical character of the board, but probably because I use it at low output levels.
Well, for now I'm quite satisfied, but I'll have to make some serious listening, and also try the "Tubalizer" which seems promising ...
I hope the board will improve after a few hours of use like the 2020 did.
The only complaint for now is that the board lacks the usual silkscreen (the white imprints of components), no signs or numbers or component names on either side. Maybe it's an early version or maybe they have some secret circuit tweak to protect ....
By the way, hooking the board was not a problem, after all you have only the input for the transformer and the speaker connectors... well, no problem at all if this is the sound you get at this price level.
Back in a few days with more detailed impressions. Is anybody out there who can share his experiences with me? Has anybody done any compasison with other boards or amps?
The first impressions are really quite good, I have listened only for one our with a temporary setup (I use a chinese 5A regulated power supply set to 25 V instead of the torioidal transformer), but probably I finally got a really good amplifier. Good imaging, very good bass. With my best recordings it's simply outstanding even at high levels. Sound is quite similar to the sound of the 2020 board I have, that's Tripath's sound maybe, really good news because I feared that more power could imply less quality. On the contrary I got the same musicality and even more headroom and even a little more air ...
I suppose the higher supply makes the big difference here, getting watts out of 25V is certainly easier than with 12 or 13 ...). By the way, the board also works at 12V, I initially tried at this level by just plugging the same power supply I use for the 2020. Strangely enough the supply voltage is not so influent on the power or musical character of the board, but probably because I use it at low output levels.
Well, for now I'm quite satisfied, but I'll have to make some serious listening, and also try the "Tubalizer" which seems promising ...
I hope the board will improve after a few hours of use like the 2020 did.
The only complaint for now is that the board lacks the usual silkscreen (the white imprints of components), no signs or numbers or component names on either side. Maybe it's an early version or maybe they have some secret circuit tweak to protect ....
By the way, hooking the board was not a problem, after all you have only the input for the transformer and the speaker connectors... well, no problem at all if this is the sound you get at this price level.
Back in a few days with more detailed impressions. Is anybody out there who can share his experiences with me? Has anybody done any compasison with other boards or amps?
Hi Starn,
Thanks for the report on the board. I think you are brealng new ground here, no one else has reported on the TAA4100A chip.
Let us know how the listening goes. The TAA4100A is an interesting chip for its 4 channels and its ability to run on a single 25V supply. Twice the voltage, 4 times the power!!
Thanks for the report on the board. I think you are brealng new ground here, no one else has reported on the TAA4100A chip.
Let us know how the listening goes. The TAA4100A is an interesting chip for its 4 channels and its ability to run on a single 25V supply. Twice the voltage, 4 times the power!!
Yes, you got the point, "easy" is the right word to describe how the 4100 produces sound. It's clearly more easy for this chip to follow the high and lows of the music, probably the energy stored in the big caps at 25V is really useful. I wonder what the upcaming 4 channel amp could do in a car!
OK, I'm back with some detailed notes after some days of listening ....
To put it simple: my old Rotel amp (an RA 931 MKII) has been definitely set out of the listening system, and is on the way to a safe place in my garage ...
I'm really impressed by the sound of the board. Powerful and delicate at the same time, it's really the best that I can buy with my low budget (and maybe I'd need a lot of money to do better).
The air core inductors works wonderfully like in the old 2020 board. I was costantly happy with the sound, and it really made me appreciate the CDs coming from master analog tapes like I never did before, it was like having a Revox Tape Reel playing for me!
To summarize: the T100 board is definitely here to stay, I'll try to build a decent case, and now I'm quite sorry that I didn't buy the assembled version of the amp, it's really worth the price judging from the photos on the web site. Today I'd go for that.
A final world on the "tubalizer". I didn't expect much from it, it's a tube OK, but it's fueled only at 12 V ..... well, I was wrong. Probably (surely) a tube preamp will do better, but it still adds a touch of tube sound to the already good pitch of the T100. I happened several times to start listening at 2 p.m while working at my laptop and ending at 8 p.m ... with no listening fatigue. Never happened before, really. I'll try to put the T100 and the Tubalizer in the same case and have a "pseudo" tubed amplifier ...
Also the pot control on the board is working, initially I though it could do very few changes, it's 12V .....
OK, it actually changes the operating point of the tube, but the main effect is to change how much "open" is the sound. The control range is huge, and at one extreme it's quite unusable, but you can go from extremely bright to extremely bass heavy sound. A very good "tone control". I ended up finding a good compromise with my setup in a few hours, and never changed it later. Tried also to go back to the T100 alone, but no way, with the tube it's better.
OK, really good job folks at AudioDigit! When will a tube RIAA preamp be available? (I miss the one in the Rotel ...).
To put it simple: my old Rotel amp (an RA 931 MKII) has been definitely set out of the listening system, and is on the way to a safe place in my garage ...
I'm really impressed by the sound of the board. Powerful and delicate at the same time, it's really the best that I can buy with my low budget (and maybe I'd need a lot of money to do better).
The air core inductors works wonderfully like in the old 2020 board. I was costantly happy with the sound, and it really made me appreciate the CDs coming from master analog tapes like I never did before, it was like having a Revox Tape Reel playing for me!
To summarize: the T100 board is definitely here to stay, I'll try to build a decent case, and now I'm quite sorry that I didn't buy the assembled version of the amp, it's really worth the price judging from the photos on the web site. Today I'd go for that.
A final world on the "tubalizer". I didn't expect much from it, it's a tube OK, but it's fueled only at 12 V ..... well, I was wrong. Probably (surely) a tube preamp will do better, but it still adds a touch of tube sound to the already good pitch of the T100. I happened several times to start listening at 2 p.m while working at my laptop and ending at 8 p.m ... with no listening fatigue. Never happened before, really. I'll try to put the T100 and the Tubalizer in the same case and have a "pseudo" tubed amplifier ...
Also the pot control on the board is working, initially I though it could do very few changes, it's 12V .....
OK, it actually changes the operating point of the tube, but the main effect is to change how much "open" is the sound. The control range is huge, and at one extreme it's quite unusable, but you can go from extremely bright to extremely bass heavy sound. A very good "tone control". I ended up finding a good compromise with my setup in a few hours, and never changed it later. Tried also to go back to the T100 alone, but no way, with the tube it's better.
OK, really good job folks at AudioDigit! When will a tube RIAA preamp be available? (I miss the one in the Rotel ...).
I've just ordered the Class T 100 and have yet to get a power supply. I read that Starn02 used a regulated 24 V supply but noticed that Autocostruire seems to want to supply an 18V 50VA toroidal supply. I didn't include one in my order because I was worried about the shipping costs and think I can do better with a North American supplier.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a good toroidal transformer? Being a newbie at this - do I only have to connect the appropriate wires to the mains and then to the board? Is there a way to hook up an LED light to indicate the unit is on (given the higher voltage of the transformer)?
Does anyone have a recommendation for a good toroidal transformer? Being a newbie at this - do I only have to connect the appropriate wires to the mains and then to the board? Is there a way to hook up an LED light to indicate the unit is on (given the higher voltage of the transformer)?
Got part of the answer today directly from AudioDigit and think I'll go with a good 24V AC adapter from Parts Express. The reply noted that 13.5V was minimal for the design and higher voltages (up to 27V) were better. They also indicated that any power supply that could provide more than 1A was fine and that at idle the board requires 220 - 250 mA. Incredibly, the chip has a
current limit of 12A!!
current limit of 12A!!
starn02 said:
I have heard the tubepreamp ...with the old 2020 board.
And I was really impressed with the sound too
even with CDs ... never thought they could sound
so good...
transformer for the T2020
Holdent
So how has the transformer ('24V AC adapter from Parts Express') worked out for you? I'm building the UcB180 and I'm trying to decide how to power it.
PVN
Holdent
So how has the transformer ('24V AC adapter from Parts Express') worked out for you? I'm building the UcB180 and I'm trying to decide how to power it.
PVN
I haven't recieved the amp or the rest of the parts (adapter included) -- missed the UPS delivery yesterday and will have to wait till Monday now.
trafo
Check out Apex Jr for his xfrmr-good prices, good VA ratings;
Steve's got an ad in Vendor's Bazaar(check out those50V caps!)
also: check out his site-lotsa good stuff!!
😀 I ain't
Check out Apex Jr for his xfrmr-good prices, good VA ratings;
Steve's got an ad in Vendor's Bazaar(check out those50V caps!)
also: check out his site-lotsa good stuff!!
😀 I ain't
Hello to everyone,
I’m asking what may seem like some very simple questions but I’m a definite newbie and still learning and very much wanting to learn.
I’ve previously brought the Class-t-amp-2020 Kit and housed it in a metal Hammond enclosure. I was very pleased with the results and the sound is exceptional. The only slight issue I’ve found as with the original Sonic Impact T-Amp is when the volume is pushed up high there is sometimes a little distortion and I do sometimes like to listen at higher volumes.
I feel I may need more power? I’ve been looking at the Class-t-amp-100-m as discussed in this thread and it sounds like it maybe a winner. I’m perfectly capable of housing the board and connecting up the speaker and interconnect wires.
My main and big question is how to safely connect up the recommended Toroidal-18-0-18-50VA. I understand from reading on the link below but I have some questions -
http://www.autocostruire.com/assistenza/ct100-t.pdf
It may sound very simple but with the Europe design is shows the Violet and Grey wires hanging loose? The other wires are connected but what happens with the loose wires?
I’ve also read that when housing the board and a transformer in a metal enclosure the enclosure must be safely grounded. I was told that with the Class-t-amp-2020 kit I housed in a metal Hammond enclosure it was safely grounded as the metal Potentiometer was touching the inside of the case and I was using an external power supply.
I’m sorry if my questions seem very simplistic. As much as I would love to complete the Class-t-amp-100-m amp if I’m unsure I won’t do it. Is it possible to use an external power supply with the 100-m amp like the 2020 kit?
Phew and thanks
Jon
Please accept my apologies if I should have started a new thread ot not as I'm unsure .🙂
I’m asking what may seem like some very simple questions but I’m a definite newbie and still learning and very much wanting to learn.
I’ve previously brought the Class-t-amp-2020 Kit and housed it in a metal Hammond enclosure. I was very pleased with the results and the sound is exceptional. The only slight issue I’ve found as with the original Sonic Impact T-Amp is when the volume is pushed up high there is sometimes a little distortion and I do sometimes like to listen at higher volumes.
I feel I may need more power? I’ve been looking at the Class-t-amp-100-m as discussed in this thread and it sounds like it maybe a winner. I’m perfectly capable of housing the board and connecting up the speaker and interconnect wires.
My main and big question is how to safely connect up the recommended Toroidal-18-0-18-50VA. I understand from reading on the link below but I have some questions -
http://www.autocostruire.com/assistenza/ct100-t.pdf
It may sound very simple but with the Europe design is shows the Violet and Grey wires hanging loose? The other wires are connected but what happens with the loose wires?
I’ve also read that when housing the board and a transformer in a metal enclosure the enclosure must be safely grounded. I was told that with the Class-t-amp-2020 kit I housed in a metal Hammond enclosure it was safely grounded as the metal Potentiometer was touching the inside of the case and I was using an external power supply.
I’m sorry if my questions seem very simplistic. As much as I would love to complete the Class-t-amp-100-m amp if I’m unsure I won’t do it. Is it possible to use an external power supply with the 100-m amp like the 2020 kit?
Phew and thanks
Jon
Please accept my apologies if I should have started a new thread ot not as I'm unsure .🙂
- Status
- Not open for further replies.