Vinnie,
Just saw the Panasonic CQ-C9801U Cd player/head unit has a tripath chip in it to get 31wx4. I wonder if there's room for some Blackgates or other RedWine magic in there.
Doesn't say much about the DAC in the unit.
You can find a link to the info on the Panasonic site - or also the Crutchfield website.
It also has 2 auxiliary inputs for maybe running a small computer into a Monica into the head unit......
Hi Brad,
Such a unit most likely uses a switch-mode power supply
to efficiently "chop up" the 12V battery power for all the other various lower voltages required for the cd/turner section, as well as dc-dc conversion to boost up the voltage required to obtain 30 watts x 4 RMS into 4-ohm car speakers.
Switch-mode power supplies are nasty, and pretty much defeat the purpose of using battery power.
Heres a Tripath with some potential. http://www.arcaudio.com/arc-05/amplifiers/xxk_1500.htm
This unit definitely uses a switching power supply to boost the battery voltage high enough to get that kind of wattage!
What I liked about the Panny was that it made for a much simpler system. Head unit - good speakers - sub amp - sub. A true 31 watts RMS should drive fairly efficient speakers as loud as I need at the ripe old age of 39.
IMO, you are better off with something like the Sharp SD-EX111 all-in-one unit. It is probably a lot easier to use, has a remote, aux input, binding posts, etc.
Please don't let me stop you from getting one if you are interested. I just wanted to give you my opinion on it.
Regards,
