I am in the process of shopping for a new stereo and am interested in building an amp. I came across classdaudio.com in my travels but there really isn't much info about them other than their website and a very limited few threads here with the newest one from 2016 (that I found) so I figured I would bring it up. So I would like to build an amp to save some money since my overall budget is about 1500 and a good amp can easily double this on its own. What is attractive to me with calssdaudio.com is I can get a 500wpc amp for probably less than $500 finished (DIY) built. Anyone have experience with these amps? are they any good?
I have been briefly looking at other options but price is a big factor. Right now the other front runner is a parts express ICEpower amp build. I'm looking to power klipsch 8000F or fluance floorstanding if budget dictates.
I have been briefly looking at other options but price is a big factor. Right now the other front runner is a parts express ICEpower amp build. I'm looking to power klipsch 8000F or fluance floorstanding if budget dictates.
Hello,
I have been using TPA, Hypex, Icepower and Purifi amplifiers
To my ears and also for measurements, i prefer Purifi
Cheapest options for Purifi are
For EU:
Audiophonics HPA-S400ET Amplifier Class D Stereo Purifi 2x400W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics
They also have smaller version and monoblocks
For USA:
VTV AMPLIFIER Stereo Purifi Audio 1ET400A Amplifier | VTV Amplifier
Basic will do
DIY:
EVAL1 - PURIFI
You can find alot building/information on ASR
DIY Purifi Amp builds | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
For dacs
ADI-2-DAC FS - RME Audio Interfaces | Format Converters | Preamps | Network Audio & MADI Solutions
GUSTARD DAC-X16 Balanced DAC 2x ES9068AS Accusilicon XMOS MQA Bluetooth 5.0 32bit 768kHz DSD512 Black - Audiophonics
TOPPING D90 Balanced DAC AK4499 XMOS XU208 I2S 32bit 768kHz DSD512 Bluetooth 5.0 Black - Audiophonics
If all this is over budget i would go for:
DIY TPA3255:
Akita "AllInOne" Amp based on TPA325x PFFB+ and LLC PSU in one board.
Amplifier Modules and PCBs For Sale
XRK RTR TPA3255 Reference class D Amp GB2
with a E30 Topping dac
https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/dac-...93-32bit768khz-dsd512-xmos-black-p-14486.html
Good luck
Enjoy...
🙂
I have been using TPA, Hypex, Icepower and Purifi amplifiers
To my ears and also for measurements, i prefer Purifi
Cheapest options for Purifi are
For EU:
Audiophonics HPA-S400ET Amplifier Class D Stereo Purifi 2x400W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics
They also have smaller version and monoblocks
For USA:
VTV AMPLIFIER Stereo Purifi Audio 1ET400A Amplifier | VTV Amplifier
Basic will do
DIY:
EVAL1 - PURIFI
You can find alot building/information on ASR
DIY Purifi Amp builds | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum
For dacs
ADI-2-DAC FS - RME Audio Interfaces | Format Converters | Preamps | Network Audio & MADI Solutions
GUSTARD DAC-X16 Balanced DAC 2x ES9068AS Accusilicon XMOS MQA Bluetooth 5.0 32bit 768kHz DSD512 Black - Audiophonics
TOPPING D90 Balanced DAC AK4499 XMOS XU208 I2S 32bit 768kHz DSD512 Bluetooth 5.0 Black - Audiophonics
If all this is over budget i would go for:
DIY TPA3255:
Akita "AllInOne" Amp based on TPA325x PFFB+ and LLC PSU in one board.
Amplifier Modules and PCBs For Sale
XRK RTR TPA3255 Reference class D Amp GB2
with a E30 Topping dac
https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/dac-...93-32bit768khz-dsd512-xmos-black-p-14486.html
Good luck
Enjoy...
🙂
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Good Afternoon, :
If you are interested in the classDaudio version, you might want to check out this link/long thread (it'll at least give you and idea)...
$175 Class D amp--120 wpc
I bought a used kit (SDS-250/254) from CanuckAudioMart and built and integrated with a CloneNoteLDR. I haven't posted any pictures of the build as I didn't take them when in the process. I do have mainly completed pictures. (Mainly meaning a few small items/details that still need to be taken care of.)
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Kingsley.
If you are interested in the classDaudio version, you might want to check out this link/long thread (it'll at least give you and idea)...
$175 Class D amp--120 wpc
I bought a used kit (SDS-250/254) from CanuckAudioMart and built and integrated with a CloneNoteLDR. I haven't posted any pictures of the build as I didn't take them when in the process. I do have mainly completed pictures. (Mainly meaning a few small items/details that still need to be taken care of.)
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Kingsley.
ClassDAudio TPA3255 looks well built.
I've considered getting it and pairing it with a Gan Fet switching power supply. That would be neat.
Very interesting modern Gan Fet amps completely built are starting to come out by same company.
Check out the Gan Mini 5 amp. Kind of pricey and not a DIY amp... anything with Gan Fet tech right now is pricey for DIY type of kits and so new.
This finished amp designed by same company as ClassDAudio.
Mini GaN 5 Balanced Power Amplifier
I've considered getting it and pairing it with a Gan Fet switching power supply. That would be neat.
Very interesting modern Gan Fet amps completely built are starting to come out by same company.
Check out the Gan Mini 5 amp. Kind of pricey and not a DIY amp... anything with Gan Fet tech right now is pricey for DIY type of kits and so new.
This finished amp designed by same company as ClassDAudio.
Mini GaN 5 Balanced Power Amplifier
You're welcome, acgojira. Enjoy the kit building (which is not very difficult as you've probably noticed). 😎
Here's some pics of mine. Some parts were replaced, e.g., the power supply caps, regulator, and diodes. Fan (is running at 6-7VDC) not really needed but wanted to keep the classDaudio amp module cooler. 😉
Here's some pics of mine. Some parts were replaced, e.g., the power supply caps, regulator, and diodes. Fan (is running at 6-7VDC) not really needed but wanted to keep the classDaudio amp module cooler. 😉
Attachments
I have not heard a ClassD amp, but I have read some good reviews. I have used Hypex UCD 180 amps with very good results. Another solid option is IcePower, the various modules of which are sold by Parts Express in the U.S.
Nice catch! I know Tom has been reworking his website, but until now I had no idea he had new products.
I have three of his amps (6 channels) driving my LXmini's. Very nice sounding amps. Great person to work with.
Mike
The Mini GaN 5 from what I have gathered online is kind of mystery.
150W RMS X2 channels @ 8 ohms.
SPECs are vague.
I think it might use an external "brick" power supply.
Looking forward to some reviews of it.
150W RMS X2 channels @ 8 ohms.
SPECs are vague.
I think it might use an external "brick" power supply.
Looking forward to some reviews of it.
Did I understand correctly that your entire system budget is $1,500? In that case, it is perhaps not the time to be looking at Purifi or Hypex amps.
I would recommend a Raspberry Pi with Hifiberry DAC+ and Volumio software ($100-ish). Then add a $200 used amp and use the remaining $1,200 on speakers. Don't forget the issue of room treatment too - even the most amazing sound system in the world won't sound good in an untreated concrete box.
With a system like this, you can play all your own digital files as well as adding music streaming services (e.g. Spotify, Qobuz), play 1,000s of online radio stations and even use the system as an end point for services such as Airplay, which allow you to stream all computer audio to the audio system which is useful for online movies, Youtube, etc.
I would recommend a Raspberry Pi with Hifiberry DAC+ and Volumio software ($100-ish). Then add a $200 used amp and use the remaining $1,200 on speakers. Don't forget the issue of room treatment too - even the most amazing sound system in the world won't sound good in an untreated concrete box.
With a system like this, you can play all your own digital files as well as adding music streaming services (e.g. Spotify, Qobuz), play 1,000s of online radio stations and even use the system as an end point for services such as Airplay, which allow you to stream all computer audio to the audio system which is useful for online movies, Youtube, etc.
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yes, you are correct; $1500 total, but this is more of a recommendation than hard limit. I use a mac mini for my entertainment source and this will be the center of the system. The raspberry pie option is intriguing to me but I feel like this is getting in over my head. One of the reasons I like the Classdaudio kits is because I can pretty much set it up with limited knowledge and add more, like build it into an integrated amp as I learn more.
I have pretty much ruled out hypex and purifi for price reasons. right now I am looking at the Klipsch 8000f loudspeakers (on sale right now but I wont be buying for a couple weeks so hopefully they stay on sale). A classdaudio CDA 1000 kit and using the dac/preamp built into my comp/tv for now or buying a budget unit while I save more $. I'd be more likely to buy used speakers than an amp because I've wanted to build an amp for a long time. Interested in your thoughts on this.
Klipsch 8000f is a high efficiency speaker. It does not need high input power to produce a very high volume level. I've paired bookshelf Klipsch speakers with low power single-ended tube amplifiers with very good results. Class D amplifiers are happy when they put at least a few watts of power on the speakers; distortion at lower levels is higher. A Klipsch 8000f speaker driven with 1W of power is above apartment level volume already. If your listening habit does requires powerfull deep notes at high volume, then your CDA 1000 choice may be just what you need. I've read the user manual, and it states that no forced cooling is required up to 1/8 of the rated power, so you will not need to add a cooling fan if your sustained power draw is less than 31W RMS at 8 ohms. With 90dB speakers, 30W would be a live rock experience at home. If you don't need this, I suggest to look at class A single ended amplifiers. They work better at low power levels.
The CDA 1000 choice is more of insurance that I will (probably) never need more and would allow me to push the 8000f to their limit though only very rarely. Mostly my listening is lower levels (mainly because I live in an apartment). I've also been looking at the Cambridge Audio AXA35 because its gotten good reviews but this gets rid of the DIY aspect and Ideally i did want more power. Maybe it would be wise to get a ready made amp and piece the DIY amp together over time as a long term project. Do you have an example of a single ended amp? I've googled it but have only found articles explaining what it is so far (and some multi thousand $... options).
Those speakers are rated at 98db, which is very efficient and 98db is quite loud. Since you live in an apartment and, presumably, you don't want to be evicted, you will be using less than 1 watt per channel to drive them. If you feed your neighbors a steady diet of 98db, you will get evicted. And every time you double the power you get an extra 3db of sound output.
I recently picked up a cheap Class D amp for my computer desktop system. It replaced one of the original Sonic Impact (Class D) amps which I bought soon after they were introduced. It sounds really nice and has plenty of power.
Nobsound 100Wx2 Mini Class D Digital Power Amplifier HiFi Stereo Audio Amp | eBay
I mostly use tube amps. I also use a Class A tube amp (DIY Bugle 45 SET, see attachment) in my office and, while this little amp doesn't have the same "magic" as tubes, it's really quite nice.
I'd suggest that you go with something like this in the short term. There are many similar options in this price range. It will work well with those speakers. Then take some time to do some research into tube amps.
I looked at the kit you mentioned and a Class A tube amp can be had for the same money or less - and I'm not talking about one of the cheap Chi-Fi ones. I would suggest you avoid those, you can do much better for the same money.
I'm currently listening to a single-ended 6BQ5 amp that was pulled from an old console stereo and modded a bit. Single-ended just means one output tube per channel and is, by definition, Class A. Cost was well under the cost of that kit. Here's a thread about it:
Voice of Music SE 6BQ5 w/Local NFB Build | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums
I'm streaming to it from my Mac Mini using an Airplay Express. No preamp is needed.
The Class D amp I linked will probably have a bit more power than the Cambridge with 8 ohm speakers. The advertised power ratings for Class D amps always seem to assume a 4 ohm load, even though most speakers are 8 ohms, and a maximum voltage power supply.
IMO, the only reason to spend 7x more $$ on the Cambridge is if you use a turntable and insist on having something in a single chassis. A separate phono stage could be added to the cheaper amp and the total cost would still be much less - a total of ~$100 or so, maybe less.
I ended up getting a Mini Gan 5 amp from Premium Audio.
There is a sticker on the outside enclosure that states the warranty is voided if I remove a sticker covering an enclosure screw. So I'm not able to get a good view of the PCB and power supply of the guts but from the cracks it looks beautiful in red PCB with gold colored heat sinks.
The power supply is not an outside enclosure brick type enclosure. The power supply is built inside of the small amplifier case.
t's a very nice modern small and powerful Gallium nitride class D amplifier that has no problem driving my tiny Tang Band W4 1879 4" speakers like well made musical instruments. The speakers enclosures are IWISTAO HIFI 4 Inches Full Range Speaker Empty Labyrinth Birch cabinets.
The sound reproduction that my ears experience are precise 3 dimensional harmonically clear frequencies that are juicy and soft with no sting. Very easy to listen to my ears. Immersive and enjoyable.
I tried out my 100W Klipsch RP-250F speakers and they can drive them no problem and sound great as well.
Hi,
I read some good things about the Mini Gan. Almost ordered it but measurements show this so you can compare, the BOSC Gan seems better :
The Mini Gan is using a LLC PSU for info.
MINI GAN :
THD+N 5W , 1Khz : 0.004%
THD+N 10W 20-20Khz : 0.005%
THD+N 100W 20-20Khz : 0.008%
SNR: 110dB
PURIFI :
THD+N 5W , 1Khz 0.0006
THD+N 100W 20-20Khz 0.00017
THD+N 10W 20-20Khz 0.00029
Sinad 5W / 4R : 108
SNR : 131DB (ASR shows 128DB)
BOSC Starkrimson Gan :
THD+N 5W , 1Khz : 0.0004%
THD+N 100W 20-20Khz : 0.0092%
THD+N 10W 20-20Khz 0.0025%
Sinad 5W / 4R : 105
SNR : 121DB
ALLO TPA3255 (to be confirmed) :
THD+N 5W , 1Khz 0.00014
THD+N 100W 20-20Khz 0.0097
THD+N 10W 20-20Khz 0.0091
SNR : about 117DB
I read some good things about the Mini Gan. Almost ordered it but measurements show this so you can compare, the BOSC Gan seems better :
The Mini Gan is using a LLC PSU for info.
MINI GAN :
THD+N 5W , 1Khz : 0.004%
THD+N 10W 20-20Khz : 0.005%
THD+N 100W 20-20Khz : 0.008%
SNR: 110dB
PURIFI :
THD+N 5W , 1Khz 0.0006
THD+N 100W 20-20Khz 0.00017
THD+N 10W 20-20Khz 0.00029
Sinad 5W / 4R : 108
SNR : 131DB (ASR shows 128DB)
BOSC Starkrimson Gan :
THD+N 5W , 1Khz : 0.0004%
THD+N 100W 20-20Khz : 0.0092%
THD+N 10W 20-20Khz 0.0025%
Sinad 5W / 4R : 105
SNR : 121DB
ALLO TPA3255 (to be confirmed) :
THD+N 5W , 1Khz 0.00014
THD+N 100W 20-20Khz 0.0097
THD+N 10W 20-20Khz 0.0091
SNR : about 117DB
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Those measurement comparisons are impressive however I personally question the conditions of each test... Such as ambient temperature, type of power supply, duration of test... ect. Not that I don't believe what has been presented but I think when looking at tests data like you have presented it's near impossible to create the exact same electrical phenomena audio condition of voltage traveling through a circuit at any given time. I'm sure it would be fair to also publish a +- range of THD performance over many, many test for any particular audio amp benchmark but I haven't see this practice done which leads me to believe in house testing shows the best captured results to impress.
Is the Allo TPA3255 going to have some type of GaN Fet implementation in it's design? At this point in time the GaN Fet implementation is the better design for electrical efficiency and performance when design applies it for performance.
I did consider doing a DIY BOSC Starkrimson GaN 2x DIY build but the costs would have been at least 30% higher and the overall build may not have been as well designed and implemented with the matching of the power supply. The fact is that there is no available finished balanced stereo amplifier from BOSC to market at this time and the price of the not released Starkrimson Stereo Ultra stereo amplifier is about U.S. $2500 with presales right now U.S. $500 off.
Purifi did catch my attention as well. There are some decent finish amps available but from what I have seen higher priced but very well reviewed with benchmarks and testimonies from people that enjoy the sound their speakers produce when driven by this amplifier technology. I like the small foot print design as well. Purifi at this point is a leader in high quality Class D audio technology.
The Mini GaN 5 is priced U.S. $699 on sale with normal price $799 U.S. But I'm still not certain what all you get for the money since very little information is available about the Class D and Gan Fet technology used or design of matched power supply..... The signal going through the amp driving my speaker nets and audio sound that is pure satisfaction in terms of being easy to listen to and sounding natural through out different harmonic musical frquencies. I also like the small foot print size, the quality of build in performance and application of Class D technology Gan Fet design and the appearance reminds me as some type top secret government space ship device. For my budget the GaN 5 resonated well and after some communication with Premium Audio I felt good about purchasing this amplifier. Premium Audio is also local to where I live. So it seemed like a good choice based on the location of the manufacturer and I feel good supporting my local unique Class D Audiophile shop.
I thought long and hard about this purchase. I wanted to do a DIY amp with this technology but this finished amp met my current desires best for the price.
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This graph of 600W with 8 ohm load from Class D Audio while not the best THD is impressive to capture how powerful the little Mini GaN 5 is.
To answer you, the new Allo is not using Gan Fet implementation but it is the best innovative TPA3255, with some "Air core" Inductors ! This makes a big difference to achieve such a great THD.
I own many amps, including the Purifi and Ncore amps, I am waiting for the new Allo. I will be able to compare with my other amps.
Even if the Mini Gan has not the best THD, I read that it is very "musical" .
Should be fine to ask about the Gain loop (VS Purifi : 75db)
I own many amps, including the Purifi and Ncore amps, I am waiting for the new Allo. I will be able to compare with my other amps.
Even if the Mini Gan has not the best THD, I read that it is very "musical" .
Should be fine to ask about the Gain loop (VS Purifi : 75db)