[Smalltalk80]

Very simple question: What t-amp gives you the most bang for the buck in the $200 region (up to 250 probably)?
I've heard both good and bad stuff about the Hlly tamp 90.

[timind]

The only tripath amp I've owned was the Bel Canto eVo2. Way more than $200. I enjoyed that amp for a couple years before going to an ICE based amp. My infatuation with the ICE amps wore off as they seemed lo leave me cold (no pun intended).
This is a good question as I nearly pulled the trigger on one of the hlly amps (tamp 20) about a month ago. Intended for the bedroom but I just never jumped.

[Smalltalk80]

How is this
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-383
compared to the Hlly Tamp 90?
I realise they use different chips, and that the 2050 is better on paper, but that is far from always the whole story.

[Steidl Guitars]

What is the efficiency of the speakers you're planning to drive?  Are they 4 or 8 ohm? 

Might you be interested in assembling an amp from pre-built parts?  I ask, because there are some DIY solutions for T-amp that are pretty inexpensive and built with good quality parts.

[HT cOz]

For that budget I would figure out how to make one of the HiFiMeDiy amps work.  http://hifimediy.com/ For a power supply I would probably use Connex http://connexelectronic.com/index.php/cPath/25_46?osCsid=cqpcvi1bo6gplr9u0o11f1bug2

DIY will get way more for your money.

[srb]

I haven't heard either amp, but in comparing them, some differences stand out (and reflected in the Hlly TAMP-90 being ~ 2X the price of the Dayton DTA-100a).
 
Hlly TAMP-90
- 60W/ch @ 8 ohm, .1% THD
- 4 ohm minimum load
- Internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer
- 5-way binding posts
 
Dayton DTA-100a
- 30W/ch @ 8 ohm, .1% THD  (50W/ch rating is at 5% THD)
- 6 ohm minimum load
- External switch-mode power supply brick
- Banana plugs only (included)
 
Steve

[Smalltalk80]

No DIY sorry. I don't have the time or the confidence.
I need the ability to do 4 ohm as I'm driving CHP-70s.
So as I understand it the Hlly 90 is still the best in this range, even after 3 years?
The TA2022 is an OK chip?
There is just so many alternatives, it's hard to get a clear picture without using ungodly amounts of time.
What for instance of the Bantam Gold?
http://www.templeaudio.net/bantamgold.html
Help from more experienced would be greatly appreciated.

[HT cOz]

No DIY sorry. I don't have the time or the confidence.
I need the ability to do 4 ohm as I'm driving CHP-70s.
So as I understand it the Hlly 90 is still the best in this range, even after 3 years?
The TA2022 is an OK chip?
There is just so many alternatives, it's hard to get a clear picture without using ungodly amounts of time.
What for instance of the Bantam Gold?
http://www.templeaudio.net/bantamgold.html
Help from more experienced would be greatly appreciated.

Bantam looks interesting.  Anyway you can get into the Virtue range?  Those are great Tamps.

[Smalltalk80]

Actually I have a One.2 and love it. Extremely well made amp!
This setup is for my sister, and around $200 is what she is willing to spend. Maybe I'll chip in a bit, as a gift, if the cost goes a bit higher.
Virtue amps are a bit more pricy here in Denmark. They are about 2x of the Hlly if not more. I don't think I can convince her that it's worth that much more.
She does love the sound of mine and the fullrange speaker I drive though.

[timind]

Unsolicited I know but have you considered something like the Audioengine A2 active speakers? I had a pair of the A5s and thought they were great for the money.