Finally! A high-quality stock T-amp with a proper (brushed aluminum) chassis and gold-plated RCA connectors and binding posts! I've searched and haven't found any threads on this topic yet, so I thought I would ask for people's opinions on this new iteration (if anyone has it). Other notable features include a separate power button, higher-quality circuit board components (hopefully this includes caps), ability to stand vertically, and included power brick... I think you guys could care less about the included speaker and RCA cables.
I would think that this version undergoes more rigorous QC validation, and surely it's no worse than the original? Shame on the much higher price, though. I can afford only one of these babies...
Sonic Impact Super T-Amp at Parts Express
(Not in stock as of 1/11/2006, due 1/20/2006)
I would think that this version undergoes more rigorous QC validation, and surely it's no worse than the original? Shame on the much higher price, though. I can afford only one of these babies...
Sonic Impact Super T-Amp at Parts Express
(Not in stock as of 1/11/2006, due 1/20/2006)
Yes, the Super-T is very nice. Worth the extra $100 over its little brother. You would spend almost that much for all the parts to upgrade your little Sonic, and loose a lot of hair in the process. 
The new Super-T does lack some of the magic of the other T-amps now out, but it's a good starting point. A lot easier to work with than the original.
I have begun mods and will post some of the results on my site as soon as I'm sure of them. Have already started to ship modded Super-T amps, one just went to Brazil. I will be offering them thru my Octopus amps site. (Sorry for the ad).
The new amp sure sold out quick on Think Geek and Parts Express!
The new Super-T does lack some of the magic of the other T-amps now out, but it's a good starting point. A lot easier to work with than the original.
I have begun mods and will post some of the results on my site as soon as I'm sure of them. Have already started to ship modded Super-T amps, one just went to Brazil. I will be offering them thru my Octopus amps site. (Sorry for the ad).
The new amp sure sold out quick on Think Geek and Parts Express!
Thanks, guys. I did not realize that a review has already been out and mods underway. Good info in that write-up, panomaniac. 🙂
I just bought a Super T-amp, and two of the first generation T-amps last Friday. Tracking my UPS order, they should all arrive tomorrow. I plan on experimenting, and will attempt upgrades. I will be using the other two as a basis of performance. I will also be drawing upon the knowledge posted in these forums.
I’ll be able to post a novice opinion between the two, in a few weeks. I’m looking forward to the arrival, and my planned modifications.
I’ll be able to post a novice opinion between the two, in a few weeks. I’m looking forward to the arrival, and my planned modifications.
I bought one of these about a month ago.. I modded a number of the original SI's so I was looking forward to this one. I have a number of commercial amplifiers to compare these to. . www.cotoaudio.com/duke (see reference equipment link)
I am running it off a 12v battery.. bought it at Radio Shack the Alarm backup battery 12v 5ah.. $26 bucks. Bought a cheap charger at an auto parts store. $20. make sure you get one for these type of batteries and not a car charger.. You can get a battery and charger cheaper online or even an autoparts store)..
End results... For $130 bucks plus $50 for the battery/charger Forget about it.. Absolutely no brainer purchase.. This thing kills..
I already swapped the RCA and Speaker jacks with Cardas jacks. Sonic Impact makes it easy as the holes are drilled for the bigger speaker posts( What a relief) and the RCA jacks go right in. I just snipped the round connectors and put them over the bigger jacks and soldered them to hold them in place.. Took me about an hour to replace all of them.. No stress no mess..
I will probably replace some of the Caps and the pot with an Alps once I have time... but for now.. The amp is driving the Lowthers and it is all good... Actually very good..
Good luck..
I am running it off a 12v battery.. bought it at Radio Shack the Alarm backup battery 12v 5ah.. $26 bucks. Bought a cheap charger at an auto parts store. $20. make sure you get one for these type of batteries and not a car charger.. You can get a battery and charger cheaper online or even an autoparts store)..
End results... For $130 bucks plus $50 for the battery/charger Forget about it.. Absolutely no brainer purchase.. This thing kills..
I already swapped the RCA and Speaker jacks with Cardas jacks. Sonic Impact makes it easy as the holes are drilled for the bigger speaker posts( What a relief) and the RCA jacks go right in. I just snipped the round connectors and put them over the bigger jacks and soldered them to hold them in place.. Took me about an hour to replace all of them.. No stress no mess..
I will probably replace some of the Caps and the pot with an Alps once I have time... but for now.. The amp is driving the Lowthers and it is all good... Actually very good..
Good luck..
I also bought a Super-T a little while back. The best thing I ever did. Although it lacks a little power, in terms of clarity it blows my Naim amp away big time.
It doesn't impose a signature of it's own on the music: it just plays it like it is. I've been listening to records that I've owned for over 20 years and I'm hearing things that I've never heard before.
I've recently borrowed a set of valve monoblocs based around EL34 valves. There is a bit more ooomph and soundstage than the Super-T but that's it. The valves would cost about £800.00 the pair whilst the Super-T is a fraction of the cost.
The HIFI world is notoriously snobby about what is perceived to be proper HIFI. I've had a lot of adverse reactions to my purchase of the Super-T. The belief appears to be that one has to spend £100.00s if not £1000.00's on some ridiculously overpriced 1watt per channel flea valve amp to obtain proper HIFI sound. Not so suckers!!
It doesn't impose a signature of it's own on the music: it just plays it like it is. I've been listening to records that I've owned for over 20 years and I'm hearing things that I've never heard before.
I've recently borrowed a set of valve monoblocs based around EL34 valves. There is a bit more ooomph and soundstage than the Super-T but that's it. The valves would cost about £800.00 the pair whilst the Super-T is a fraction of the cost.
The HIFI world is notoriously snobby about what is perceived to be proper HIFI. I've had a lot of adverse reactions to my purchase of the Super-T. The belief appears to be that one has to spend £100.00s if not £1000.00's on some ridiculously overpriced 1watt per channel flea valve amp to obtain proper HIFI sound. Not so suckers!!
And if you like the Super-T now, just wait 'til I get through with it.
Hope to get some modding done this weekend, inbetween partying. Should have some good things to report and maybe a few photos early in the week.
Filters, filters, filters. Caps, caps, caps...
Hope to get some modding done this weekend, inbetween partying. Should have some good things to report and maybe a few photos early in the week.
Filters, filters, filters. Caps, caps, caps...
I’ve received my three T-amps a weeks or two ago.
I have to get this out first. When I joined a short while ago, I thought I knew much more than I now know I do.
The more I read of the forums, I realize the less I know. My posting here will not help the experienced audiophile, but may be useful to other beginners like myself.
When I first opened My Super-T, I connected it to the CD player in my primary system with the included RCA cables; my first reaction was utter disappointment. I had no sound what-so-ever.
I then moved on to one of my first generation t-amps, I hooked this up to my PC, replacing an early 70’s amplifier. I then connected a pair of Jamo bookshelves. I was pleased; the sound was different, defiantly not worse. I then decided to give my Super-T one last chance, and connected it to my PC. Atlas, I hear music. I was very happy to find that in my order, I received bad cables, not a bad amp.
I can defiantly notice a difference between the Super-T, and the first generation of t-amp when connected to my computer. The Super-T does sound better to me.
Now just for Kick’s, I recently hooked up my first generation t-amp to primary system. (Ok, guys don’t laugh now. Well if you feel the need I guess it’s ok, just this once.) I was running a Harman/Kardom HK3470, with JBL Northridge E-100’s. Once I connected the t-amp, my jaw dropped in utter amazement.
I’m still currently feeling a mixture of emotions. I’m now smiling ear to ear, but at the same time I’m upset that my previous pride and joy is now currently a piece of crap in my mind.
I’m in utter amazement. I just don’t know what to say, I’m finding my self listening to CD’s that were just plain un-interesting played through the Harman/Kardom.
The stock T-Amp is a big improvement, to anything I ever had before.
I’m very surprised that this T-amp, can drive the Northridge Speakers, and at levels much louder than my ears can handle.
I can’t wait to hook up the Super-T to this system, I’m wondering if I will be able to hear the same difference that I noticed on my computer.
I have yet to modify any of the amps, although I did buy an aluminum case, and also two sets of RCA connectors. I’m starting to think my time will be better applied towards building a nicer set of speakers.
Bye the way, Is anyone looking to buy a Harman/Kardom HK3470? It’s in perfect working condition, but for some reason it sounds muffled.
I have to get this out first. When I joined a short while ago, I thought I knew much more than I now know I do.
The more I read of the forums, I realize the less I know. My posting here will not help the experienced audiophile, but may be useful to other beginners like myself.
When I first opened My Super-T, I connected it to the CD player in my primary system with the included RCA cables; my first reaction was utter disappointment. I had no sound what-so-ever.
I then moved on to one of my first generation t-amps, I hooked this up to my PC, replacing an early 70’s amplifier. I then connected a pair of Jamo bookshelves. I was pleased; the sound was different, defiantly not worse. I then decided to give my Super-T one last chance, and connected it to my PC. Atlas, I hear music. I was very happy to find that in my order, I received bad cables, not a bad amp.
I can defiantly notice a difference between the Super-T, and the first generation of t-amp when connected to my computer. The Super-T does sound better to me.
Now just for Kick’s, I recently hooked up my first generation t-amp to primary system. (Ok, guys don’t laugh now. Well if you feel the need I guess it’s ok, just this once.) I was running a Harman/Kardom HK3470, with JBL Northridge E-100’s. Once I connected the t-amp, my jaw dropped in utter amazement.
I’m still currently feeling a mixture of emotions. I’m now smiling ear to ear, but at the same time I’m upset that my previous pride and joy is now currently a piece of crap in my mind.
I’m in utter amazement. I just don’t know what to say, I’m finding my self listening to CD’s that were just plain un-interesting played through the Harman/Kardom.
The stock T-Amp is a big improvement, to anything I ever had before.
I’m very surprised that this T-amp, can drive the Northridge Speakers, and at levels much louder than my ears can handle.
I can’t wait to hook up the Super-T to this system, I’m wondering if I will be able to hear the same difference that I noticed on my computer.
I have yet to modify any of the amps, although I did buy an aluminum case, and also two sets of RCA connectors. I’m starting to think my time will be better applied towards building a nicer set of speakers.
Bye the way, Is anyone looking to buy a Harman/Kardom HK3470? It’s in perfect working condition, but for some reason it sounds muffled.
I just connected the Super T into my primary listening room. I’ve only listened to it for 1/2 day now; I will not claim that it’s a very large improvement over the first generation T-Amp. I personally do not hear a difference at this point, but I did hear a difference when I had it connected to my PC with smaller speakers.
One thing I can saw for sure is that the Harman/Kardon HK3470 will be collecting dust, until I’m fortunate enough to pass it on. The Harmon/Kardon defiantly put out more power, especially in the low end, but it came at an uncompromised cost.
To put thing simply, I’m still amazed, I’ll defiantly be recommending this product to anyone who will listen. When playing a live Frank Sinatra recording, I heard glasses being placed on a table. Then with a cat power recording, I heard the fingers of the guitarist, sliding on the guitar strings, almost to the point of being annoying.
Although peanuts in the High-Fidelity world, as a novice. I will confidently say that the Super T will be very satisfactory, compared to alternatives in the price range.
If you’re a hip hop/rap fan……..This item will probably not be worth your dollars. This unit is not designed for that music, but for its cost it just may be.
One thing I can saw for sure is that the Harman/Kardon HK3470 will be collecting dust, until I’m fortunate enough to pass it on. The Harmon/Kardon defiantly put out more power, especially in the low end, but it came at an uncompromised cost.
To put thing simply, I’m still amazed, I’ll defiantly be recommending this product to anyone who will listen. When playing a live Frank Sinatra recording, I heard glasses being placed on a table. Then with a cat power recording, I heard the fingers of the guitarist, sliding on the guitar strings, almost to the point of being annoying.
Although peanuts in the High-Fidelity world, as a novice. I will confidently say that the Super T will be very satisfactory, compared to alternatives in the price range.
If you’re a hip hop/rap fan……..This item will probably not be worth your dollars. This unit is not designed for that music, but for its cost it just may be.
Wow…. I may finally have some good information for people wondering if the Super-T is worth $100 more than the first generation.
Today I’m running a by-amp configuration. I’m splitting the signal off my cd-player using mono Y connectors.
I have two sets of speakers currently connected. The first set is the JBL Northridge E-100’s; the second set is a pair of JBL Northridge E-30’s.
I have banana plugs into all speakers; this allowed me to switch speakers, and amps on the fly.
I’d like to retract my last post. The Super-T defiantly sounds better. The difference is very noticeable on the E-30’s, and less so on the E-100’s. On a side note, The difference was even more noticeable on my small Jamo speakers. I’m still confused on why I’m noticing larger differences as the speakers get smaller; I’d think it would be the other way around.
I’m really liking the Bi-Amp configuration, I feel it’s giving me a little more control over the sound. It gives me some control over the perceived Bass/Treble (the difference coming from the volume I play the different size speakers.
Is what I’m doing recommended, or am I going down the wrong track? I’m sure I’m experiencing some signal loss with the Y-adapters.
I’f what I’m doing is advisable; I’m considering buying another Super-T.
Today I’m running a by-amp configuration. I’m splitting the signal off my cd-player using mono Y connectors.
I have two sets of speakers currently connected. The first set is the JBL Northridge E-100’s; the second set is a pair of JBL Northridge E-30’s.
I have banana plugs into all speakers; this allowed me to switch speakers, and amps on the fly.
I’d like to retract my last post. The Super-T defiantly sounds better. The difference is very noticeable on the E-30’s, and less so on the E-100’s. On a side note, The difference was even more noticeable on my small Jamo speakers. I’m still confused on why I’m noticing larger differences as the speakers get smaller; I’d think it would be the other way around.
I’m really liking the Bi-Amp configuration, I feel it’s giving me a little more control over the sound. It gives me some control over the perceived Bass/Treble (the difference coming from the volume I play the different size speakers.
Is what I’m doing recommended, or am I going down the wrong track? I’m sure I’m experiencing some signal loss with the Y-adapters.
I’f what I’m doing is advisable; I’m considering buying another Super-T.
I hate to do a triple post, and this may be old news. But I found this link today at work.
http://www.reveries.com/?p=117
What’s interesting is it says Sonic, “plans to introduce a 50-watt version, priced at just $349, next year.”
If this is a valid sorce, I thought a few of you may find this interesting.
http://www.reveries.com/?p=117
What’s interesting is it says Sonic, “plans to introduce a 50-watt version, priced at just $349, next year.”
If this is a valid sorce, I thought a few of you may find this interesting.
Panomaniac, you seem like the resident expert on t-amps. (You have a nice web-site by the way). I have a quick question for you. I now have two of the Super t-amps. If I chose to run one of the amps strictly for the left channel, and one for the right channel, would this hurt the amps in any way?
What I’m thinking about doing is running a mono signal in two each amp. If I like the sound, I’ll solder the left and right channel together into one rca connector on each amp. This way, I would be able two run one rca cable from my pre-amp. The left channel would go two one t-amp, and the right would go two the other.
I’m just wondering what your thoughts would be on this configuration? And also what I might be overlooking by doing something like this?
What I’m thinking about doing is running a mono signal in two each amp. If I like the sound, I’ll solder the left and right channel together into one rca connector on each amp. This way, I would be able two run one rca cable from my pre-amp. The left channel would go two one t-amp, and the right would go two the other.
I’m just wondering what your thoughts would be on this configuration? And also what I might be overlooking by doing something like this?
Did you just ask me this by email? Or was that someone else?
You can NOT connect the left and right outputs together, but you CAN connect the L/R inputs. So if you choose to bi-wire your speakers, e.g. Left for the highs, Right for the lows, you can do that. Do be sure that your woofers and tweeter do not share a common ground. (see above)
Thanks for the compliments on the website. It's busy over there!
You can NOT connect the left and right outputs together, but you CAN connect the L/R inputs. So if you choose to bi-wire your speakers, e.g. Left for the highs, Right for the lows, you can do that. Do be sure that your woofers and tweeter do not share a common ground. (see above)
Thanks for the compliments on the website. It's busy over there!
A power question
I know I am not the person asked but feel fully qualified to answer. Using a single amp for biamping is a routine upgrade and a positive one at that. On the amps instead of just shorting out the 2 inputs why don’t you install a small toggle switch with gold contacts? This way you can wire it to connect the 2nd channel to either its own jack or the other common RCA at the flick of a switch, forming a mono/stereo selector.
If you want to really get serious you can put an active crossover before the amps and eliminate the passive ones in the speakers. This allows direct drive from the amps outputs to the actual speakers. This way there are no crossover losses and the whole system will sound a lot better. These little amps do not like driving speakers with complex crossovers in them. This is why the little single driver speakers sound so good with them.
Roger
Charged,Charged said:
I know I am not the person asked but feel fully qualified to answer. Using a single amp for biamping is a routine upgrade and a positive one at that. On the amps instead of just shorting out the 2 inputs why don’t you install a small toggle switch with gold contacts? This way you can wire it to connect the 2nd channel to either its own jack or the other common RCA at the flick of a switch, forming a mono/stereo selector.
If you want to really get serious you can put an active crossover before the amps and eliminate the passive ones in the speakers. This allows direct drive from the amps outputs to the actual speakers. This way there are no crossover losses and the whole system will sound a lot better. These little amps do not like driving speakers with complex crossovers in them. This is why the little single driver speakers sound so good with them.
Roger
Thanks for the replies. I liked your idea sx881663, I’m going to give it a try.
For now I’ll be running two sets of speakers, so a shared ground will not be an issue.
My next project may be building a set of speakers revolving around the Fostex FE206E’s. I'm thinking about getting 4 of them, but I still have some more research to do.
For now I’ll be running two sets of speakers, so a shared ground will not be an issue.
My next project may be building a set of speakers revolving around the Fostex FE206E’s. I'm thinking about getting 4 of them, but I still have some more research to do.
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