Comparing Budget Class T and Class D amps

Got an opportunity to listen for an hour this afternoon.

The Allo has been powered up using the stock 19vdc since last night. It has definitely improved from then until now.

I want to let it settle in for a couple more days before doing any critical listening.

From the mid-bass up, it is clean and articulate. Good detail. I am not getting the same low end foundation as I get with the Topping TP60 or the TPA3250/LS10A. Hopefully, the bottom end will fill out a bit more.

Will end up trying my new variable linear PS set to 19vdc over the weekend.

More to follow. :)
 
Well, plans changed rather suddenly when the basement flooded up through the downstairs shower on Sunday. Luckily losses were at a minimum - some records I had boxed up to donate to the ASPCA Thrift Store and some wood shelving. Bunch of drywall also needs to be replaced. Also had to take up a bunch of carpet and pad. The downstairs is definitely getting a facelift now.

Getting the full report from the plumbing company on Monday which will determine if I go after my insurance company or the city to get reimbursed.

Just sitting down this morning to relax with my morning tea and listen to the Living Room system.

With another week of warm up, the Allo is settling in nicely. My bride pegged it when she stated that the Allo sounds "crisper" than the Class T and Class D amps (the KingKo remains her favorite sounding LR system amp).

Clear, articulate and fast are the terms that come to mind. It's close to that "too much of a good thing" line but does not go over. It has balanced out, to a noticeable degree, from last week.

More listening to do. :)
 
Glad damage was not higher. For your initial evaluation are you using all of these strictly as they come or are you using the Saga preamp in front?
 
Glad damage was not higher. For your initial evaluation are you using all of these strictly as they come or are you using the Saga preamp in front?
Using the Saga as the preamp for all of them. :)

I originally ran the Nobsound JLH1969, Topping TP60 and TPA3250/LS10A amps by themselves and found that all three sound better with the Saga. The TP60 is the only one if the three that I would say works well as an integrated amp (two inputs) and, while it still benefited from being fronted by the Saga, it was close.

Have not yet run the KingKo or the Allo without the Saga.

The Tangents continue to sing sweetly. They have this ability to weave a tapestry of beautiful music in the room (within reason, the RS2 is not going to provide the sheer power and scale of the big horns). A more"intimate" experience, if you will.

The KingKo combines with the Tangents to weave a beautifully layered and open view to the music. As it stands now, none of the Class T or Class D amps have equalled the KingKo (must keep the price difference in mind).

As always, just my opinion. :)
 
So -- full disclosure -- this six dollar Chinese closeout amplifier from PE is not Class T or D; it uses a push-pull chip amp...
but it was also six dollars. Another six dollars for a closeout 12V 3A P/S from PE (albeit switchmode). I sent the amp, P/S, and ancillary cables to our son in VA so he could test/use a pair of Polk Audio RTA 8TL loudspeakers he'd found at a local thrift store.

He sent me a photo of this high end hifi setup earlier today, so I thought I'd share it in the context of this thread.
:)

1552164259715.png
 
So -- full disclosure -- this six dollar Chinese closeout amplifier from PE is not Class T or D; it uses a push-pull chip amp...
but it was also six dollars. Another six dollars for a closeout 12V 3A P/S from PE (albeit switchmode). I sent the amp, P/S, and ancillary cables to our son in VA so he could test/use a pair of Polk Audio RTA 8TL loudspeakers he'd found at a local thrift store.

He sent me a photo of this high end hifi setup earlier today, so I thought I'd share it in the context of this thread.
:)

View attachment 11292
That is just flat cool. :)
 
Got sidetracked with the $104 supposed "NAP250 clone" and have not gotten to the Indeed amp yet.

After pulling the $104 amp, I went back to the KingKo for some aural relief - which it delivers splendidly.

To reiterate, the Tangent RS2 is incredibly good in the time domain and is capable of passing very short pulses without any ringing. They really let you hear into the layers of the music.

The combination of the RS2 and the KA-101 amp sounds realy good. So good that I find myself repeatedly pausing typing this post and just listening, eyes closed and toes tapping.

Next up will be the Indeed with the 28vdc Astron LS10 as I really feel that a linear PS helps these Class D and Class T amps perform at their best.

Just my opinion. :)
 
Got sidetracked with the $104 supposed "NAP250 clone" and have not gotten to the Indeed amp yet.

After pulling the $104 amp, I went back to the KingKo for some aural relief - which it delivers splendidly.

To reiterate, the Tangent RS2 is incredibly good in the time domain and is capable of passing very short pulses without any ringing. They really let you hear into the layers of the music.

The combination of the RS2 and the KA-101 amp sounds realy good. So good that I find myself repeatedly pausing typing this post and just listening, eyes closed and toes tapping.

Next up will be the Indeed with the 28vdc Astron LS10 as I really feel that a linear PS helps these Class D and Class T amps perform at their best.

Just my opinion. :)

Been some time since I posted to this comparison thread. Life does have a way of sidetracking our best intentions.

Finally got the Indeed TDA7498E amp hooked up with the Astron 28vdc linear power supply. The switching power brick that comes with the Indeed is 36vdc. To my ears the Astron sounds better - sweeter - than the switching supply.

This might just be my favorite of all these Class T or D or whatever inexpensive amps. It really drives the Tangents nicely. Very relaxed presentation. Not in the same league as the KingKo but for 1/4 the cost (with the Astron), not too bad.

Going to listen some more and also try the Allo Volt+ D with a 13.8vdc linear power supply (instead of the 19vdc switching supply) to see how that works.

More to follow.

As always, YMMV. :)

s-l1600.jpg

20190514_193807.jpg

(Yes, I know I need to dust.)
 
Been some time since I posted to this comparison thread. Life does have a way of sidetracking our best intentions.

Finally got the Indeed TDA7498E amp hooked up with the Astron 28vdc linear power supply. The switching power brick that comes with the Indeed is 36vdc. To my ears the Astron sounds better - sweeter - than the switching supply.

This might just be my favorite of all these Class T or D or whatever inexpensive amps. It really drives the Tangents nicely. Very relaxed presentation. Not in the same league as the KingKo but for 1/4 the cost (with the Astron), not too bad.

Going to listen some more and also try the Allo Volt+ D with a 13.8vdc linear power supply (instead of the 19vdc switching supply) to see how that works.

More to follow.

As always, YMMV. :)

View attachment 13365

View attachment 13366

(Yes, I know I need to dust.)

Nice! Keep us posted and thanks for the update.
 
My intention is not to get too far off the path with the OP, but have any youse guys read this Audio Science Review test report on the TP60? I find it confusing because my own experience with the amp (driven digitally by a simple Win XP PC/JRiver through both my KLH Model Sixes, and AR4x's has been a decidedly positive one.

Anyway, I'd like opinions on the testing techniques* and concluded results found elsewhere. @mhardy6647?


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*methodology
 
Last edited:
My intention is not to get too far off the path with the OP, but have any youse guys read this Audio Science Review test report on the TP60? I find it confusing because my own experience with the amp (driven digitally by a simple Win XP PC/JRiver through both my KLH Model Sixes, and AR4x's has been a decidedly positive one.

Anyway, I'd like opinions on the testing techniques* and concluded results found elsewhere. @mhardy6647?


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*methodology

Did you notice that their review didn't actually include listening to it? :)
 
My intention is not to get too far off the path with the OP, but have any youse guys read this Audio Science Review test report on the TP60? I find it confusing because my own experience with the amp (driven digitally by a simple Win XP PC/JRiver through both my KLH Model Sixes, and AR4x's has been a decidedly positive one.

Anyway, I'd like opinions on the testing techniques* and concluded results found elsewhere. @mhardy6647?


_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*methodology
Did you notice that their review didn't actually include listening to it? :)
I did. I also noticed that the person doing the testing measured at ~ 5W output, which I assume is somewhat unusual?
Indeed. Interesting site, where listening seems secondary to measuring.

Just for laughs, we should send them a 2A3 amp for measuring. That would be interesting! :)

I did see that site, read the review of the Topping TP60 and also find it at odds with my listening impressions. To my ears (when left on 24x7), the TP60 is a very good Doorway integrated amp - especially for the price. Used with moderate to higher efficiency speakers, it is capable of providing excellent performance. Will it replace the KingKo or my SE amps? No, but those amps cost many times what the TP60 costs and require high efficiency speakers to perform their best.

At the risk of being called a heathen, sacrilegious or worse, measurements have always (to me, at least) been secondary to listening to the component with my ears and in my system/room. If my listening impressions and the measurements are at odds, my listening impressions take precedence.

And yes, it would be interesting to see what that site would think of a 2A3 SET amp. ;-)
 
By the by.....I am really enjoying the Indeed TDA7498E amp with the Astron 28vdc linear power supply and the Schiit Saga.

Very, very enjoyable (and not a space heater ;)).

The power switch on the amp has two states, 'on' and 'standby' (which is good as it needs to be left on 24x7). The Astron is left powered up 24x7.

What I find with this amp is that I look for extra time to listen to music. I power up the Saga first thing and take the amp out of 'standby' and music fills the air.

The Indeed amp is $110 (without power brick) and the Astron LS10A was ~$120.

Makes me want to try the Allo Volt+ D with the 13.8vdc linear power supply. ;)
 
Did you notice that their review didn't actually include listening to it? :)
Yup.
I imagine that if that ASR person (Amir) tested cars, his criteria would be things like checking the lug nut torque(s) against the manufacturer's specification. He/she/they seem lost in the weeds of numbers.
 
Update: I continue to enjoy the Indeed TDA7498E amp with the Astron 28vdc linear power supply and the Schiit Saga. Been trying to find the time to try the Allo Volt+ D with the 13.8vdc linear power supply but have not found the motivation.

Some general comments:

Using a linear power supply definitely elevates the performance of the amps that use a "brick" style switching power supply.

Even with a good linear power supply, the cost of these amps remains quite reasonable - in the $225 - $275 range. Performance per dollar spent is quite good.

On an absolute basis, these inexpensive Class D and Class T amps do not keep up with the KingKo KA-101. The KingKo provides a more nuanced and layered presentation that better connects me with the music.

So where does that leave us? As-of right now, the Indeed TDA7498E amp with the Astron 28vdc linear power supply has grabbed my attention as a very good value for the dollar spent. Add $350 for the Schiit Saga and one has very competent performance (with multiple inputs and remote control) for ~$600 brand new.

When the Harbeth 7ES-3 arrive, they will go into the Living Room System driven by the Indeed TDA7498E amp with the Astron 28vdc linear power supply. I won't be able to resist hooking up the KingKo KA-101 for very long - summer temps notwithstanding.

More updates to follow. :)

As always, YMMV. :)
 
Back
Top