[Letitroll98]

Just looking at some recent threads on C&C and I can see we can get a $29 DAC that sounds very good, a preamp at $99, a high powered amp for $175, some floorstanding full range speakers for $119 ea., some options for CDP/transport for around $200, or just use your existing computer files, and several options for inexpensive cables.  So I'm looking at the possibility with a little DIY of putting together a complete killer audio system, totally from scratch, for around $800, and $600 if you use your own computer.  Not just a "sounds pretty good for the money", but one that can realistically sound like true hi fidelity reproduction.  Ain't this hobby great?

[Mitsuman]

I've been doing this for years with vintage gear. 

[wisnon]

Just looking at some recent threads on C&C and I can see we can get a $29 DAC that sounds very good, a preamp at $99, a high powered amp for $175, some floorstanding full range speakers for $119 ea., some options for CDP/transport for around $200, or just use your existing computer files, and several options for inexpensive cables.  So I'm looking at the possibility with a little DIY of putting together a complete killer audio system, totally from scratch, for around $800, and $600 if you use your own computer.  Not just a "sounds pretty good for the money", but one that can realistically sound like true hi fidelity reproduction.  Ain't this hobby great?

Can you name these components?

[wushuliu]

Great indeed. And for ultimate champaigne/beer budget there's the TBI Millenia Amp for only $500 . I know OzarkTom mentioned it's too good to mention in this circle, but for some
it could be the first and last audiophile amplifier they own for a long time...

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=108242.0

and thanks for the great moderation, LIR!

[Noseyears]

Audioengine D1 (amp/dac) i believe it also can be used as a pre + some self powered speakers.

A nice and basic computer setup.

[Letitroll98]

Can you name these components?

Yes, and these are just some examples, I'm sure folks can mix and match different choices.

The Muse CS4344 Dac is actually $21.99, I thought it was $29 from memory.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320890635962?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

The Bottlehead Quickie Pre amp
http://www.bottlehead.com/store.php?crn=220&rn=438&action=show_detail

Class D Audio amps
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=76400.0
http://classdaudio.com/index.php/

A bunch of CD transports/CDP's discussed
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=109514.0
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=108540.0

This is the speaker I was thinking of, but there's a zillion other candidates
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=107173.0

Cables
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=108306.0
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=109044.0

Hope that gives you enough reading and perusing options.  No doubt others could find quite a few more, such as Noseyears, wushuliu, and Mitsuman just did.  (BTW Mitsuman, me too)  It really is an exciting time for Cheap and Cheerful HiFi.

[fredgarvin]

Great indeed. And for ultimate champaigne/beer budget there's the TBI Millenia Amp for only $500 . I know OzarkTom mentioned it's too good to mention in this circle, but for some
it could be the first and last audiophile amplifier they own for a long time...

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=108242.0

and thanks for the great moderation, LIR!

My guess would be that the $89 Dayton DTA100-a tripath amp would be good enough that a lot of folks wouldn't be able to justify the additional $400 for the tbi.

[hoxuanduc]

I wouldn't be surprised if this outperforms the TK2050 amp within its volume limit:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=320-329

Less than $10!!!!

[Letitroll98]

My guess would be that the $89 Dayton DTA100-a tripath amp would be good enough that a lot of folks wouldn't be able to justify the additional $400 for the tbi.

I wouldn't be surprised if this outperforms the TK2050 amp within its volume limit:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=320-329

Less than $10!!!!

Well, almost a watt for dollar tie, with the little board at 3W real world for $10 and the Tripath at a realistic 30W for $90.  (I assume the  DTA100-a is a TK2050 amp like the Muse DT 50 etc.  Please correct if I'm wrong)  But it might be hard to compare the two in real world performance without using very high efficiency speakers.  What makes you think the little guy would do better?  I should add that's an honest question, sometimes these things look like jabs in print, it's not.

[hoxuanduc]

Letitroll98,

First, I'd like to thank OzarkTom for bringing the TBI Millenia to folks' attention and Wushuliu for exploring this further to find out that the amp is based on the TI's TPA3100D2 chip.  I've been following the amp's road tour as well as Wushuliu's posts on diyaudio about the TI TPA3100D2 evaluation board with interest. 

Since the PE's board (manufactured by Sure Electronics) are based on similar chip (TPA3110D2, lower power, but minimal output filtering), with the price so low, I thought I'd give it a shot before trying out the TPA3100D2 amp.  I didn't expect much at all, given Sure is not exactly known for good design!!!  I'm very pleasantly surprised with the sound: Great detail, tonal balance, soundstaging and imaging.

I've  had Tripath 2020 (Topping TP20, with add'l power supply cap):  Sounded bad.  Connex Electronics' Tripath 2022 (Sounded good, esp. with add'l power supply cap), Connex Electronics's Tripath 3020 (Preferred the 2022 implementation), Modded Sure's TK2050 (Changed input caps and output inductors and caps, used with the B1 buffer.  The original stock Sure TK2050 sounded bad), and Hifimediy's DDX 320 direct digital amp (very good)

Going with memory (since I haven't dragged out the modded Sure yet, too lazy), I'd have to say this TPA3110D2 $10 job is more transparent than the modded Sure!!!  Since the Dayton TDA-100a is based on the TK2050 chip, I wouldn't be surprised if this TPA3110D2-based amp is better.  The thing is tiny too, smaller than a credit card.

I use a laptop power brick @ 19V with this one. Music player is XXHighend & Foobar, DAC is Audiosector NOS direct to the amp.  Speakers are Pi 2 (95db), Natalie P MTM DIY (87db) job, and Pioneer's SP-C21 (86db) speakers (very good for the money @ $100 a pair on sale @ Newegg from time to time).

Like you said, it's incredible what you can do with little money to put together great sounding rig these days!!!

Have fun!

Duc

[JohnR]

Hey cool, another find!

For those not in the US (possibly even for those who are), Sure are selling it on eBay for the same price and free postage. For example.

[wushuliu]

Letitroll98,

First, I'd like to thank OzarkTom for bringing the TBI Millenia to folks' attention and Wushuliu for exploring this further to find out that the amp is based on the TI's TPA3100D2 chip.  I've been following the amp's road tour as well as Wushuliu's posts on diyaudio about the TI TPA3100D2 evaluation board with interest. 

Since the PE's board (manufactured by Sure Electronics) are based on similar chip (TPA3110D2, lower power, but minimal output filtering), with the price so low, I thought I'd give it a shot before trying out the TPA3100D2 amp.  I didn't expect much at all, given Sure is not exactly known for good design!!!  I'm very pleasantly surprised with the sound: Great detail, tonal balance, soundstaging and imaging.

I've  had Tripath 2020 (Topping TP20, with add'l power supply cap):  Sounded bad.  Connex Electronics' Tripath 2022 (Sounded good, esp. with add'l power supply cap), Connex Electronics's Tripath 3020 (Preferred the 2022 implementation), Modded Sure's TK2050 (Changed input caps and output inductors and caps, used with the B1 buffer.  The original stock Sure TK2050 sounded bad), and Hifimediy's DDX 320 direct digital amp (very good)

Going with memory (since I haven't dragged out the modded Sure yet, too lazy), I'd have to say this TPA3110D2 $10 job is more transparent than the modded Sure!!!  Since the Dayton TDA-100a is based on the TK2050 chip, I wouldn't be surprised if this TPA3110D2-based amp is better.  The thing is tiny too, smaller than a credit card.

I use a laptop power brick @ 19V with this one. Music player is XXHighend & Foobar, DAC is Audiosector NOS direct to the amp.  Speakers are Pi 2 (95db), Natalie P MTM DIY (87db) job, and Pioneer's SP-C21 (86db) speakers (very good for the money @ $100 a pair on sale @ Newegg from time to time).

Like you said, it's incredible what you can do with little money to put together great sounding rig these days!!!

Have fun!

Duc

Thank you very much Duc, I had no idea PE had these kits. I see they have another TPA-based amp, a 15w kit as well that for only $20! If Ihad only known. Looks like they can be used as monos for even more power! PE has really expanded lately. Had no idea.

Sorry if this getting OT

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=320-322

[JLM]

Those Martin Logan speakers (currently out of stock) have the same frequency response as a decent (better built) $300/pair standmounts.  Not sure about the idea (sound quality/reliability) of a cheap ribbon tweeter (normally I steer towards quality).  If this is the land of cheap a pair of cinder blocks wrapped in a cloth could be your speaker stands.

But yes, thankfully audio can be done inexpensively.  I hope we all remember that when introducing newbies to our obsession.

[Letitroll98]

Sorry if this getting OT

On the contrary, it's all exactly on topic.  And thanks to Duc for such a well written and informative response.


JLM, you're right, I think even the $99 Pioneers might be a better choice, but they were highlighted on another circle, even tho it's one dear to my heart, I was picking an example from the C&C threads. 

Any and all are invited to counter any suggested product with something better or cheaper and go afar afield as you like.  The thread is kinda set up that way.

[wisnon]

Yes, and these are just some examples, I'm sure folks can mix and match different choices.

The Muse CS4344 Dac is actually $21.99, I thought it was $29 from memory.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320890635962?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

The Bottlehead Quickie Pre amp
http://www.bottlehead.com/store.php?crn=220&rn=438&action=show_detail

Class D Audio amps
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=76400.0
http://classdaudio.com/index.php/

A bunch of CD transports/CDP's discussed
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=109514.0
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=108540.0

This is the speaker I was thinking of, but there's a zillion other candidates
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=107173.0

Cables
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=108306.0
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=109044.0

Hope that gives you enough reading and perusing options.  No doubt others could find quite a few more, such as Noseyears, wushuliu, and Mitsuman just did.  (BTW Mitsuman, me too)  It really is an exciting time for Cheap and Cheerful HiFi.

Much obliged!

[wisnon]

Great indeed. And for ultimate champaigne/beer budget there's the TBI Millenia Amp for only $500 . I know OzarkTom mentioned it's too good to mention in this circle, but for some
it could be the first and last audiophile amplifier they own for a long time...

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=108242.0

and thanks for the great moderation, LIR!

Tnt-audio did a shootout with this amp here: http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/3_mini_amps_e.html
another similar value proposition is : http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/bantam_gold_e.html
website here: http://www.templeaudio.net/bantamgold.html

[OzarkTom]

Keep watch for a new possible killer $299 pre/dac at the RMAF show next month.

And it has a headpone amp to boot.

[persisting1]

Keep watch for a new possible killer $299 pre/dac at the RMAF show next month.

And it has a headpone amp to boot.

Can you give us a hint 

[OzarkTom]

Can you give us a hint 

Go to the Avatar Acoustics booth at RMAF.

[wushuliu]

I wouldn't be surprised if this outperforms the TK2050 amp within its volume limit:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=320-329

Less than $10!!!!

Btw, the price to performance ratio on this amp is ridiculous. It is a damn fine amp. The price actually makes sense if you consider a retail version with decent enclosure, preamp/pot and other components would land you close to the TBI price point. LOL no one will ever believe it sounds this good at this price - though if you compare carefully with the other PE offerings you'll note they specifically single this one out for it's 'state of the art sound quality'.

Great time to be an audiophile.