[henrylr]

There seem to be some pretty good car amps, hybrids, mosfet,  ect. Has anyone tried any for home use?

[RDavidson]

Car amps are purpose made for durability and space saving (in vehicles) and that's about all.

[Jumpin]

How about cables?

[RDavidson]

How about cables?

Yes. Good point. You'll need cables to hook everything up.

But seriously, what about cables? Not sure what your question is.

[henrylr]

I've been reading info about Tripath or class T amps and the reviews, descriptions and low price seem beyond belief. Are they really that good? I was thinking of spending over $1K for a used SS amp but not now. I need more info. Who makes good class T amps? My speaker's are 8 ohm and sensitivity is 90dB. Based loudness I like, what I listen to and the size of my room I need a minimum of 30 watts per channel. Are there any good T amps that powerful?

Thanks,
henrylr

[Folsom]

You're years behind mate. Class "T" sounds like balls these days.

ClassD has some offerings that are decent in the sub $1k range. But unless you're going to DIY then you can forget about anything too amazing sub $1k.

Perhaps you should look at an Odyssey amplifier.

[JLM]

Agree that ClassDaudio builds pretty good power amps, 60 wpc (watts per channel) and up, all under $1000.  IMO beats the Crown class D amps that were crowd favorites which are cheaper and offer more watts.  Note that there are multiple genres of class D (my favorite is Hypex). 

Had an early 7 wpc class T that punched well above it's power rating (put SET's to shame in that regard).  Did admirably well with my full range 90 dB/w/m speakers in a 8'x13'x21' room, but a 40 wpc amp turned those speakers from polite dinner guests into NFL linebackers in tuxedos in terms of resolution (detail/imaging), absolute volume, and dynamics.

So Folsom, don't tease, tell us what class T amps you recommend at 30 wpc (or higher).

[henrylr]

Thanks for including classdaudio in your reply JLM. The only class Ds I had read about, or even know of, are Unico and Peachtree integrateds and the crowns. I spent some time on the classdaudio site and I like the prices. I still want to investigate the class T amps before buying anything.

I think my preamps are pretty good, so don't want an integrated, or the hassle of trying to sell my preamps.

I've read great reviews for the Odessey Khartago. How does it stack up against the D and T amps?

[jtwrace]

If you can DIY the Neurochrome Modulus86 is pretty amazing. 


http://www.neurochrome.com/

[RDavidson]

I agree with everything said about class T. I had maybe 5-6 different T amps. They're definitely fun (being inexpensive) and with so many types, worth a try. However, T amps have largely run their course. I'm certain there are some exceptions, like Folsom's kit. But as far as prebuilt units, they're just not as refined as more recent technologies. I always found the less expensive T amps to sound a bit thin ; Good bones but not enough flesh. The Virtue offerings I had, were an exception to this. Still, I wouldn't say they were "better" than a good SS amp (like you own now or one from Odyssey etc).

It comes down to priorities. As you go up the food chain, neutrality and resolution increase in both tube and SS land. In fact, I have found high end SS and tube gear to have more in common than not. The differences are more in the subtleties rather than the whole presentation. In the more affordable realm, you'll find more differences in the whole presentation as the maker has to make more cost-sensitive decisions.....which is partially what makes more affordable gear fun (if you are one who enjoys swapping gear a lot).

If you're set on a class D amp, one of the hottest tickets in recent years, besides the Crown amps, is the Rogue Sphinx integrated. Read up on it.

[henrylr]

I went to the Neurochrome site and was astounded by specs of the Neurochrome Modulus86. Almost makes me want to build an amp with it. How many members have used it and did the results match the sites descriptions and reviews? I will be contacting them for more info.

Just had another thought...the DIY bug is setting in. I have an old adcom that is probably worth about $300. It has heatsinks, IEC connector, RCA inputs, binding posts, power switch and leds for startup and clipping. Would that be a good candidate for ripping out most of the guts and installing a Neurochrome Modulus86? I know its much bigger than what is needed, but so what, its free and I have room for it.

[jtwrace]

I went to the Neurochrome site and was astounded by specs of the Neurochrome Modulus86. Almost makes me want to build an amp with it. How many members have used it and did the results match the sites descriptions and reviews? I will be contacting them for more info.

Just had another thought...the DIY bug is setting in. I have an old adcom that is probably worth about $300. It has heatsinks, IEC connector, RCA inputs, binding posts, power switch and leds for startup and clipping. Would that be a good candidate for ripping out most of the guts and installing a Neurochrome Modulus86? I know its much bigger than what is needed, but so what, its free and I have room for it.

They're the real deal as long as you can deal with the power output.  And yes, the measurements are no joke!  Tom knows what he's doing. 

[srb]

I have an old adcom that is probably worth about $300. It has heatsinks, IEC connector, RCA inputs, binding posts, power switch and leds for startup and clipping. Would that be a good candidate for ripping out most of the guts and installing a Neurochrome Modulus86? I know its much bigger than what is needed, but so what, its free and I have room for it.

If it's truly worth $300, sell it and you can buy a brand new aluminum power amplifier enclosure with at least as good (or better) RCAs, binding posts and IEC/switch all for ~$100 or a bit more if you want upgraded jacks and posts.

Many of them have an IEC/fuseholder/switch square hole precut, so all you have to do is drill the easy round holes for jacks and posts.  You also will the benefit to locate them strategically for shortest wiring to the modules.

Steve

[henrylr]

Just pulled the trigger for the Neurochrome amp components. I've had many helpful email communications with Tom at Neurochome. That helped make the decision easy.

[lowtech]

Tom knows what he's doing.

Yes he does.  He also personally uses Linkwitz Lab speakers.   

[Markvdv]

Admire the swift choice, only heard a brother and that one was very good! No reserve. I think about putting 2 in a fake chinese Quad 405 cabinet, for personal joy/reason

[henrylr]

I ordered a case from Modushop with a custom drilled back panel. This will be used for my Modulus86 build. During the ordering process I had many email conversations with Gianluca at Modushop. All were very pleasant, clear and very helpful.

It arrived three days after they shipped it. Their packing is outstanding and the case is perfect.

I strongly recommend them and I'm not connected with in any way. Just a very pleased customer.

henrylr

[henrylr]

I'm very pleased that I ordered the Modulus86. Tom Christiansen continues to help me with questions regarding my Modulus86 build. I'm an electronics newbie and would be lost without his help. He responds quickly to my emails and it is a pleasure communicating with him.

henrylr