Im a recent convert to the SI t-amp and cant see myslef going back to my marantz amp. Nothing new.,,,i guess. But the problem with my stock SI is a common one - too bright and voices just seem a bit sibilant at times..Again a common problem with some it seems
My dac is a zhalou which is known to be on the bright side and my rogers speakers are pretty revealing. While im completely amazed with the detail im getting with this setup and its a little frustrating to be oh so close to sonic nirvana( i dont have overly high expectations) but this irritaing sibilance,,
Funnily enough I tried my dac ah with this setup and the overall sound was much easier to listen to and the dacah with stock t-amp is a very good match. But Ive come to really like the zhalou with the great soundstage it gives.
Jeez kind of went on there a bit..sorry. So Im thinking:
1) mod the SI
2) buy the charlize/audiocosture t-amps
3) Get a tube pre-amp
I'd like to get a remote preamp anyway to at least replace the functionality of my old amp..Would something like this be a good investment?
TRemPre
http://electronics.dantimax.dk/Kits/Preamps_-_poweramps/index.html
Regards
Gary
My dac is a zhalou which is known to be on the bright side and my rogers speakers are pretty revealing. While im completely amazed with the detail im getting with this setup and its a little frustrating to be oh so close to sonic nirvana( i dont have overly high expectations) but this irritaing sibilance,,
Funnily enough I tried my dac ah with this setup and the overall sound was much easier to listen to and the dacah with stock t-amp is a very good match. But Ive come to really like the zhalou with the great soundstage it gives.
Jeez kind of went on there a bit..sorry. So Im thinking:
1) mod the SI
2) buy the charlize/audiocosture t-amps
3) Get a tube pre-amp
I'd like to get a remote preamp anyway to at least replace the functionality of my old amp..Would something like this be a good investment?
TRemPre
http://electronics.dantimax.dk/Kits/Preamps_-_poweramps/index.html
Regards
Gary
Gary the Charlize is like putting a tube amp in the chain. Get the air core coil version, and you will have the smoothness you now lack.
Regards Nigel......... Charlize user for nearly 2 years
Regards Nigel......... Charlize user for nearly 2 years
I am using a Dac Ah with a tube pre-amp and a modified Sonic Impact. Turn the volume right up on the S.I and control it with the valve pre. Bliss. I have also built an Audiodigit 2020 amp, but it does not like the valve pre and keeps shutting down. Works well with a passive pre amp. The two amps are not that different despite the hike in power. I believe the Charlize is based on the Tripath 2020 chip ?
Sorry, but I don't agree. I don't think the SI sounds like a tube amp at all. How could it? It has no output transformers.
I love the SI. But my tube amp sounds very different.
I love the SI. But my tube amp sounds very different.
As remarkable as the Sonic Impact is, it's lack bass and strident top end wore me out in the end. Even the entry level Clari-T suffers from the same problems, however it is a much cleaner sounding amp than the Sonic Impact. Changing the input coupling caps fixes the bottom end, but the stridency never goes away. However, in spite of the weaknesses of the little Sonic Impact, I found it to be significantly far more revealing than the highly acclaimed YBA Integre.
But as for the Charlize, it is in an entirely different league altogether. I seriously doubt I'll ever replace this amp unless it dies and they are no longer available. It's a good thing I have two!
But as for the Charlize, it is in an entirely different league altogether. I seriously doubt I'll ever replace this amp unless it dies and they are no longer available. It's a good thing I have two!
it seems the charlize amps the way to go....
cant help but wonder would the panasonic x55 be worth a punt! All the extra features, remote control and glowing reviews are pretty convincing.
Any ideas on how this would rank with the other classDs? I can probably answer this myself..somewhere between the stock SI t-amp and the charlize but that may be good enough for me. Still,,its great theres so many options at such low cost!!!
might just get the two 🙂
Regards
Gary
cant help but wonder would the panasonic x55 be worth a punt! All the extra features, remote control and glowing reviews are pretty convincing.
Any ideas on how this would rank with the other classDs? I can probably answer this myself..somewhere between the stock SI t-amp and the charlize but that may be good enough for me. Still,,its great theres so many options at such low cost!!!
might just get the two 🙂
Regards
Gary
I predict that the 41hz AMP4 will be a killer once released. The specs of the TK2050 make the TA2021B chip look stone age. 0.007 THD+N at 30W into 8Ohms! Even more impressive figures if you drive it into 4Ohms.
If I ever give up my old tube amp, this is likely to be the reason.
If I ever give up my old tube amp, this is likely to be the reason.
phn,
Have you heard the Charlize? I know Barfind has owned a variety tube amps, some costing as much as a small car and he ain't looking back. FWIW, I've owned a few so-called Stereophile Class A rated amps, even one that redefined the whole meaning of what they considered to be ranked as Class A worthy. I'm not saying that the Charlize is the end all be all, but regardless of price it's a real tantamount to challenge!
j
Have you heard the Charlize? I know Barfind has owned a variety tube amps, some costing as much as a small car and he ain't looking back. FWIW, I've owned a few so-called Stereophile Class A rated amps, even one that redefined the whole meaning of what they considered to be ranked as Class A worthy. I'm not saying that the Charlize is the end all be all, but regardless of price it's a real tantamount to challenge!
j
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying not sounding like a tube amp is bad.
Most of the "tube sound" comes from the output transformers, not the tubes. So by adding OTs on a SS amp, you get a for all intent and purpose tube amp. In a previous post I said that the difference between SE and PP are the OTs. Put beefy SE OTs on a PP amp and you have a PP amp that sounds like a SET. Everything else is religion.
I did not intend it as tubes vs. SS. And I definitively didn't intend it as a knock against the Tripath.
There are people that say that the CD today sounds as good as or better than vinyl. That has nothing to do with anything. The CD is superior in just about any regard. But it still doesn't sound anything like vinyl. It's about taste, not about which is better.
I'm pretty honest about myself. I'm not afraid about being irrational. I have no need to rationalize my tube amp. I accept being irrational as fact of life. And the reason I use a 40-yr-old tube amp can to a large degree be attributed to the fact that I'm ticked off by the high-end industry. I'm also a ham. And the ham in me likes the tube amp. But there are also times when I wonder why I use it. It's hot (too hot in the summer), expensive and generally stupid.
I will get the new 41hz amp when released. But chance is that I will stick with the tube amp. Not because it's better, but because of the previous paragraph.
I'm not a tube snob. I don't like those people very much. I have problem with the SET and full-range crowd. (The tube, SE and full-range snobs are hams. Since I'm one too, I really have no problem accepting them.) There's nothing good about SET and full-range unless you listen to chamber music. I don't. So in my case a SET and full-range would be completely useless. In other words, Lowthers are junk. I would take Cerwin any day. Even Bose would be a fall forward. (I believe my credibility in some circles just became dirt. Like if I ever seeked their acceptance.)
To end this rant, I'm a big fan of the Tripath. I still prefer chips, but only because of those SMTs. I will have to get a new iron if I'm going to be able to solder those tiny buggers.
Right now I play Beastie Boys on a Sony PlayStation, SI and Altec monitors. I think it sounds damn good. I could live with this combo the rest of my life without complaining.
Most of the "tube sound" comes from the output transformers, not the tubes. So by adding OTs on a SS amp, you get a for all intent and purpose tube amp. In a previous post I said that the difference between SE and PP are the OTs. Put beefy SE OTs on a PP amp and you have a PP amp that sounds like a SET. Everything else is religion.
I did not intend it as tubes vs. SS. And I definitively didn't intend it as a knock against the Tripath.
There are people that say that the CD today sounds as good as or better than vinyl. That has nothing to do with anything. The CD is superior in just about any regard. But it still doesn't sound anything like vinyl. It's about taste, not about which is better.
I'm pretty honest about myself. I'm not afraid about being irrational. I have no need to rationalize my tube amp. I accept being irrational as fact of life. And the reason I use a 40-yr-old tube amp can to a large degree be attributed to the fact that I'm ticked off by the high-end industry. I'm also a ham. And the ham in me likes the tube amp. But there are also times when I wonder why I use it. It's hot (too hot in the summer), expensive and generally stupid.
I will get the new 41hz amp when released. But chance is that I will stick with the tube amp. Not because it's better, but because of the previous paragraph.
I'm not a tube snob. I don't like those people very much. I have problem with the SET and full-range crowd. (The tube, SE and full-range snobs are hams. Since I'm one too, I really have no problem accepting them.) There's nothing good about SET and full-range unless you listen to chamber music. I don't. So in my case a SET and full-range would be completely useless. In other words, Lowthers are junk. I would take Cerwin any day. Even Bose would be a fall forward. (I believe my credibility in some circles just became dirt. Like if I ever seeked their acceptance.)
To end this rant, I'm a big fan of the Tripath. I still prefer chips, but only because of those SMTs. I will have to get a new iron if I'm going to be able to solder those tiny buggers.
Right now I play Beastie Boys on a Sony PlayStation, SI and Altec monitors. I think it sounds damn good. I could live with this combo the rest of my life without complaining.
No need for a new iron for SMD work, just steady hands and some extra flux. I built three 41hz AMP1-B's using a $6 30w iron with a standard tip and some extra radioshack flux. All three amps worked the very first time I powered them up. It was the first time I ever soldered SMD.
Regarding the AMP4 and Charlize discussion, there seems no doubt that the charlize is a great amp, but there are indications that a properly sorted 2050 chip can compete with the best as well:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/redwine4/30.html
The AMP4 perhaps with 'customised' input caps, inductors and power supply has the potential to be great. I have been vacillating between buying a pair of Charlizes or a pair of AMP4's when available, even though with my horn system I really don't need 30 watts..
..could be nice to have, though!
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/redwine4/30.html
The AMP4 perhaps with 'customised' input caps, inductors and power supply has the potential to be great. I have been vacillating between buying a pair of Charlizes or a pair of AMP4's when available, even though with my horn system I really don't need 30 watts..
..could be nice to have, though!
"Im a recent convert to the SI t-amp and cant see myslef going back to my marantz amp. Nothing new.,,,i guess. But the problem with my stock SI is a common one - too bright and voices just seem a bit sibilant at times..Again a common problem with some it seems"
My Marantz not going to see the light...
Is the problem the highs maybe its the speakers?
Just listen to my friends Mangepan speakers and it sounds
great!Soft and clean.
I invented him to T-amp.
He is stuck!
He have tube amps.
"I never go back!"
Then he have bought some Altec Lansing 15" and the t-amp
just driving it amazing!
Best sound i ever heard!
Sorry im not expert in language or in tech.
But im musician and work as soundenginer and now
how it should sound.
Love Tripath!
🙂
Nirvana?
Nope!
The highs not what i like...
But we are close!
🙂
My Marantz not going to see the light...
Is the problem the highs maybe its the speakers?
Just listen to my friends Mangepan speakers and it sounds
great!Soft and clean.
I invented him to T-amp.
He is stuck!
He have tube amps.
"I never go back!"
Then he have bought some Altec Lansing 15" and the t-amp
just driving it amazing!
Best sound i ever heard!
Sorry im not expert in language or in tech.
But im musician and work as soundenginer and now
how it should sound.
Love Tripath!
🙂
Nirvana?
Nope!
The highs not what i like...
But we are close!
🙂
Solve. Great to hear you really like the Sonic sound. I love them. I use them with a valve pre amp and it is a good combination. Perhaps the valves add a little warmth. I am going to try a Sonic with some old P.A speakers handling a true 500 watts, 5 bullet tweaters, mid range horn and 15 inch bass units. They are 95db and it should be interesting.
ive decided to get the charlize .... bought it readymade
"Also for sale Charlize 2 channel power amp Tripath TA2020 chip,air cooled inductors,audio note phonos,silver wired and Eichmann cablepods.
Power supply is a smps which improve SQ over stock 12v supplies,as recommended on the diy forums.."
also got an alps 50k pot fitted!
Paid £120/ Maybe a bit dear but i ve never built an amp before and happened upon the above ad.. 😀
quality parts too.
Looking forward to hearing it
"Also for sale Charlize 2 channel power amp Tripath TA2020 chip,air cooled inductors,audio note phonos,silver wired and Eichmann cablepods.
Power supply is a smps which improve SQ over stock 12v supplies,as recommended on the diy forums.."
also got an alps 50k pot fitted!
Paid £120/ Maybe a bit dear but i ve never built an amp before and happened upon the above ad.. 😀
quality parts too.
Looking forward to hearing it
I went on a binge in my previous post. Too much generalizations and exaggerations. And I'm aware that many T-amp fans are FR fans. And I'm equally aware that I'm fighting windmills.
People debate pro vs hifi amps in one thread at the loudspeaker forum. But they aren't debating pro vs hifi so much as their own perceptions of pro and hifi amps.
The highest praise you can give a SS amp is to say it doesn't sound like a SS amp. There's a review of the Yamamoto A-08 45 SET at 6moons. The reviewer prefers it to the Sonic Impact Super. But one of his friends prefers the SI Super. Does that mean his friend thinks the SI Super sounds more like a tube amp than the Yamamoto SET? That's a rhetoric question.
I posted this once elsewhere.
"There are a ton of misconceptions about tubes including the belief that they sound 'warm.' Tube circuits have about as many sounds as there are circuits. It is more about the topologies used and aims of the designer as to how a circuit will sound. In fact, it is usually the transformers that are typically used in tube-based products that create the illusion of 'warmth.' There is a lot of vintage solid-state gear that used transformers and is commonly described as 'warm.' A typical transformer adds some odd-order distortion at the lowest frequencies and tends to restrict the ultrasonic frequencies, which we subtly perceive because of the phase shift. Part of this effect also seems to smooth transients. Tubes probably tend to offset some of that effect, because a little THD tends to exaggerate transients."--Hutch Hutchison, Manley Labs
People debate pro vs hifi amps in one thread at the loudspeaker forum. But they aren't debating pro vs hifi so much as their own perceptions of pro and hifi amps.
The highest praise you can give a SS amp is to say it doesn't sound like a SS amp. There's a review of the Yamamoto A-08 45 SET at 6moons. The reviewer prefers it to the Sonic Impact Super. But one of his friends prefers the SI Super. Does that mean his friend thinks the SI Super sounds more like a tube amp than the Yamamoto SET? That's a rhetoric question.
I posted this once elsewhere.
"There are a ton of misconceptions about tubes including the belief that they sound 'warm.' Tube circuits have about as many sounds as there are circuits. It is more about the topologies used and aims of the designer as to how a circuit will sound. In fact, it is usually the transformers that are typically used in tube-based products that create the illusion of 'warmth.' There is a lot of vintage solid-state gear that used transformers and is commonly described as 'warm.' A typical transformer adds some odd-order distortion at the lowest frequencies and tends to restrict the ultrasonic frequencies, which we subtly perceive because of the phase shift. Part of this effect also seems to smooth transients. Tubes probably tend to offset some of that effect, because a little THD tends to exaggerate transients."--Hutch Hutchison, Manley Labs
I have just gone back to using a valve amp after many months of Class D. To my ears the sound is not that different. The valves are certainly not warm, but dynamic, punchy and detailed.
Puffin said:
That's about how I feel about my PP amp. But the SET crowd is likely to disagree.
Maybe the sound of the Tripath can be compared to those output transformer-less tube amps. I have never heard an OTL tube amp. I don't even see the purpose with OTL.
I just got two AMP3 kits from 41Hz. Damn, those SMTs are tiny.
I just want to say thanks for the tips..The Charlize is an incredible little amp. It took a while to grow on me but I have to say its the happiest Ive ever been with my setup.
I can't speak for the Charlize personally, but I'm sure it's everything people say it is. These Tripath chips are indeed truly spectacular, and they offer alternatives that would be extremely expensive with tubes. Most people that have gone active crossovers say it's the best thing they ever did. Getting two Tripath-based amps and building a chip-based active crossover isn't just quite simple, but affordable.
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