2. amps-preamps
  3. 1155071602

Entry level tube integrated to replace T-Amp?


Hi!

I'm currently using a T-amp with a NOS Dac (Derek Shek's) with a pair of original Snell K. I'm very happy with the set-up and amazed at how good things can sound at budget level. However while the Snells are tight, swinging, very open and aery, and delivers great soundstage and image with the T-Amp, they are also somewhat "bleached" in sound (as I've seen them described by someone). The T-Amp is a bit "thin" overall and creates a certain listening fatigue. The Snells are last on my list of updates, and I am therefore considering replacing the T-Amp with an entry level tube integrated to compensate for the Snell's somewhat "bleach" sound and the T-Amps somewhat "thin" sound, as well as to make the listening less fatiguing. I'm aware of at least three well reviewed tube integrateds: the Almarro 205, the Sophia Baby, and the Decware Zen. Is there anyone who has heard and compared those three amps and could give me some advice? PRaT (as the English say) is very important to me and I would vey much like to keep the T-Amp's good soundstage, image and detail.

Feel free to comment!
Thanks!
Jolojl
jolojl
jolojl OP
7 posts
 

Hi!

Dmason
This new RWA Sig. 30 really seems to be on everybody's lips. I really think it's what I'm looking for so maybe I'll keep to the T-Amp until I can get a Signature. Would have been fun to try tubes though...

Dlstephenson
Looked at the Cary Rocket 88 review in Positive-Feedback and it gets a great one. Couldn't find anything on TAD though. Really a problem with this "hobby": you can never audition enough before buying. You have in many ways to trust other's opinions. Maybe one should become a reviewer oneself :o)

Tpsonic
Had a look on Stereophile review of no 1. Looks interesting. But same problem as above.

Jaybo
:o)

Thanks for feedback!
Jolojl
lvw
4 posts
 
Have you tried any mods to the Sonic Impact, specifically the larger caps to improve the bass response? That might address some of your problem with it.
jolojl OP
7 posts
 
Hi Lvw!

Actually I don't have the knowledge, skill or desire at the moment to modify the T-Amp by myself. Maybe it would be possible to make something like the Red Wine Audio Sig. 30 if one took the time. I've seen the modded T-Amp by Best Audio Mods (http://bestaudiomods.com/information.html): maybe that's one way to go?

It's not really the bass response that bothers me though with the T-Amp (but it could of course be better). It's rather a more full-bodied tone all over the frequency range I'm after. But maybe a change of caps would address such an issue as well?

Thanks for feed-back!
Jolojl
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Jolojl,
since I'm not quite clear on the power requirements. I'll offer several different options. If you're not stuck on batteries.. you do have several T amp options. One being a mixture of T amp and Tubes like the Tube T-Amp 2020.
If more power is needed maybe the Class T-Amp 100.

And last but not least Michael Mardis's creation the Octopus amp. From my communication with him , adding the Obbligato film/foil as input caps should give you what you're looking for.

All of these amplifiers are right at or under $600 USD.
You may want to look over his DIY site to learn more about the T amps.

Michael has been a great help too me and will share his knowledge with you. All you have to do is ask.

Good listening!!
jolojl OP
7 posts
 
Hi Gmood1!

Great feedback! For volume levels I don't need much power, depending on recording level I rarely run the T-Amp above 9 o'clock. Maybe more power would affect other parameters as definition, bass, texture, I don't know.

I regularly read the TNT-Audio site where the Sonic Impact T-AMP, the Autocostruire 2020, the DiyParadise "Charlize", and the 41Hz AMP (why the name "41 Hz", by the way?) were reviewed (http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/tripath_amps_e.html). I have been very tempted by the Charlize and am still wondering how it sounds.

I knew about the DIY site by Michael Mardis but since I'm not really into DIY I haven't visited it regularly. The Octopus however really look like an interesting alternative to the Charlize! Have you heard it?

And what about the Maestro T-Amp. How does that look to you? (http://www.bestaudiomods.com/)

Thanks again for feedback!
Jolojl
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