This is a very good sounding DIY battery powered Tripath "integrated" amp built into cigar boxes. I love this amp, having used it for a couple of years in a very good bedroom system driving Merlin TSM-MMEs and other great standmounts, but it is now a victim of the wife's re-decorating plans.
The board uses a Sure Electronics TK2050 board which uses an integrated Tripath TC2000 controller and the TP2050 power stage. I believe it is nearly the same as the board used by the RWA 30.2, with most of the passive components upgraded- chokes, signal caps to Wima, storage caps to Nichicon. A high quality SMD volume control is in place, all wiring is DH Labs silver clad OFC copper. Connectors are good quality.
I believe its output with batteries is about 30 WPC. It will run at least 10 hours on fully charged batteries. If you're using high efficiency speakers, or are in a small room, this amp offers superb sound for a song.
Amp is complete and ready to use, and sounds as good as the better comparable Tripath designs. (I have a Virtue Audio 1.2 and they sound indistingushable using the batteries-the best sounding power supply).
The only thing that needs work is the power switch could be more securely mounted on the battery case. This amp is great fun- astonishing actually.
Batteries are 2-12 V. SLA types in a separate box. A "smart" charger is included that will maintain the charge level w/o overcharging. These batteries should give many years of service if kept on the charger.
The can also be used on the AC grid as-is with any ~24vdc power supply, such as the $19 Virtue Audio basic power supply or their upgrade PSs. I will supply the documentation on the board specs as well.
This is a great way to learn about the battery powered amp phenomena, and get great sound with truly minimal outlay. If you have questions, PM me.
Thanks for having a look!
