Warp-1 Amp

[xrk971]

The LSA Warp-1 amp based on my TPA3255 reference design amp has been getting some good reviews. I think it is time for it to have a dedicated thread.

The reviews so far include:

ttp://v2.stereotimes.com/post/lsa-warp-1-power-stereo-amplifier-by-greg-voth/

https://www.tonepublications.com/review/review-the-lsa-warp-1-power-amplifier/

https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...warp-one-class-d-power-amp-impressions.11451/

We also have reviews from SBAF loaner tour here:

https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...warp-one-class-d-power-amp-impressions.11451/
A new review on YouTube by Thomas and Stereo just came out:

 

[decommo]

Beautiful amp inside and out. Just watched Thomas's video and it is fantastic bargain for the price. Just out of curiosity, are you planning to build multi-channel amplifier in the future?

 

[xrk971]

Hi Decommo,
Thank you for the kind words. By multichannel, do you mean more than 2? I have built an 8-channel amp for a professional audio amplication using four of my TPA3255 modules and a 1200w SMPS by MicroAudio with PFC.

 

[decommo]

Hi Decommo,
Thank you for the kind words. By multichannel, do you mean more than 2? I have built an 8-channel amp for a professional audio amplication using four of my TPA3255 modules and a 1200w SMPS by MicroAudio with PFC.

View attachment 1024294

Thank you for your response and Yes, it is what I am after. I actually need 6 channels to power LXMini +2 speakers.

 

[Bigshark78]

I've got one and was really impressed at the quick pace of this amplifier with no overshoot or fatigue

 

[xrk971]

Thanks for the feedback Bigshark.
RichardNL posted his impressions in the other thread:
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/...ss-d-amp-with-pffb.372379/page-2#post-6946116

 

[bloqhed]

New review in from Part Time Audiophile; https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2022/02/27/lsa-warp-1-power-amplifier-review/

 

[xrk971]

Thanks for the link. There is one point of correction to the review regarding the XLR vs RCA inputs: the amp was designed with auto switching so that XLR has priority and if XLR/TRS is inserted, a relay disconnects the RCA input in order to prevent the buffer from being overloaded. Overall though I am happy that they liked how it sounded and performed and the Warp 1 has been receiving lots of great reviews now. I can attest it sounds wonderful with vinyl.

 

[xrk971]

I just measured the output impedance (damping factor) of the Warp-1 today.

Damping factor was measured flat from 1kHz down to 20Hz and is very good at 0.0052ohms (5.2 milli ohms) This was using a precision non inductive air cooled 10ohm load. Only when I took it to 10Hz that it went to 0.021ohms. Excitation voltage was 38Vpp. Measurement made using Owon digital Oscope and Fluke 116 DMM. I measured at 1kHz, 100Hz, 50Hz, 30Hz, 20Hz, 10Hz.

This says that damping factor (DF) is 192 and is flat and extends over the important mid bass and bass and down into low 20Hz bass region of audibility. This explains why the bass is so good on this amp. It doesn’t falter even when pushing the low end.

It may even be better as this was at the limit of the Oscope’s resolution to see difference between 38.4v and 38.0v.

 

[Harley90]

Warp 1 Amp has blossomed my Gallo 3.1's, Sounds fantastic, movies are great as is music. The added power and detail is much better than the Yamaha RX797, using the Yamaha as a Pre and very happy! Looking forward to your next amps! Will ask for a trigger on the next one, only issue as it doesn't cut on with the rest of the system.

 

[xrk971]

You want a trigger to go from standby to on? Just leave it on - it’s fairly low power when idle. It’s actually better for the electronics longevity not to turn it on and off. I had no doubt it would work well with the Gallo’s.

 

[Harley90]

It is a fantastic match with the Gallo's, the sound is great in movies, a whole new character of sound. Separation and bass are so much improved. Transformed the experience.

 

[CGodecke]

I feel as though I was practically bludgeoned by all the excellent reviews of this amp, and along with the fact that XRK971 had engineered it, HAD to order one! Should give me yet another nice alternative to several amps to power a good selection of stand-mount speakers. I have a feeling this amp will be able to put some punch into the low end of my Falcon Q7s.

I spent a lot of time establishing how X got so much out of the TPA3255, given so many other implementations at far lower cost. Many good reports of those, but nothing as glowing as those for the Warp-1.

Should be fun!

 

[xrk971]

Thank you for the kind words, Cgodecke! You will love this amp. It’s definitely a keeper and I like how I can leave it on 24/7 since it is relatively low quiescent power draw.

 

[CGodecke]

I was also heavily influenced to order the Warp-1 by X's long association with Hugh Dean. This tells me his sonic sensibilities were conditioned by the Aspen amplifiers world-class class AB sound.

By the way X, how did the name Warp-1 come about? I have to admit I like the looks of this amp but not so much the name.

Cam

 

[xrk971]

That’s the LSA marketing department. But there is a theme to it. We have the HyperDrive-2 headphone amp/preamp. There will also be forthcoming, a 100w Class A amp called the Supernova. Think warp speed and not warped sound. Lol…

 

[Blues]

 

[Harley90]

Looking forward to that Class A but the warp speed is one very good amp. Very happy with mine.

 

[xrk971]

Preview of another review of the Warp-1 by Steven Stone from The Absolute Sound.

 

[Harley90]

In this review he goes at length on changing the gain, looking inside I don't see it but it has need a while since I opened the case. Do you know the setting of how these are being shipped out? Any recommendations to setting(s) Thanks!!