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Class D amplifier with TPA 3250 board

Hello,

I'm new to this forum. I recently purchased my endgame setup comprised of Closer Acoustics Ogy speakers (91 SPL), REL T5X subwoofer and a custom hand built tube amplifier with EL34 tubes. The tube amplifier is giving me trouble with hissing noises, so it's constantly at the artisan's workshop. Since my speakers are extremely efficient, I was wondering about smaller amplifiers as an escape route (if the artisan can't fix the amp, he surely can). The Octavio Amp looks nice on paper. So does the Atoll IN80. Is one obviously better than the other for my revealing speakers?

Folks on another forum I shall not name seem to heavily imply that all amplifiers should sound the same (or very similar). They rave about these cheap tiny Topping/Aiyima amplifiers with class D TPA 3250 amplifier boards. These same boards are used in Genelec active monitors, so they must be good? I'm flustered because there no direct comparisons between these TPA 32xx amplifiers and more conventional/expensive branded amplifiers. The same folks on the forum I shall not name imply that I'm a dunce for spending so much money on a tube amplifier (quote: it's a distortion factory and it can't play grindcore metal music so it sucks). If it weren't for the hiss I wouldn't post here. 

Can I cheap class D amp replace a custom hand-wired EL34 tube amplifier for extremely revealing Closer Acoustics Ogy speakers?

128x128kokakolia
spenav
416 posts
 

@kokakolia 

 

You have to try at least one cheap class D amp to really know for yourself. Everything else is just opinion. Just make sure you can return it if not satisfied. In audio, knowing is hearing for oneself. This is half of the fun. Good luck. 

kokakolia's avatar
kokakolia OP
198 posts
 

Thanks. I'll retrieve the tube amplifier this weekend. I'm praying that it won't hiss. If all goes well I'll stay put. No need to spend more money on audio haha. 

I'm still curious about other people's opinions on cheap class D amps compared to costlier class D amps (NAD, Hypex...), class A/B and tubes. Is the difference noticeable on efficient bookshelf speakers?

 

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,384 posts
 

Are the OGY 8 ohm or 16 ohm?

If 16 ohm they may not sound right with a Class D amplifier.

I have Sharp SD-EX111 (Class D amplifier section) that does not mate well (sounds odd/off) with any of my 16 ohm single driver speakers, but it sounds good with my 8 ohm single drivers.

All my drivers are vintage (Elac, Stephens-Trusonic, Coral et cetera).

I've read that whatever causes this has been remedied with some of the new (more expensive) Class D designs, but not certain if this technology has trickled down to the less expensive gear.

 

DeKay

 

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 

They rave about these cheap tiny Topping/Aiyima amplifiers with class D TPA 3250 amplifier boards.

Like most things in life, cheap products are not always very satisfying. What you want are products that deliver good value for the performance. In class D amps, the Rogue Hybrid Sphinx is in that category. But don't read the ASR review because they hate audiophile products and don't have the slightest clue on what sounds good. 

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