t-amp for energy rc-10 <$100 - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

bik2101 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 02:02 AM

Decided to upgrade my computer speakers from logitech z2300 to the energy rc10. As desk space is limited, I can't go for a receiver and for this reason looking into a T-amp. As the speakers will set me back a good 300$, I am looking for a T-amp preferably under 100$. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

DeusEx · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 06:06 AM

College? A T-Amp is essentially a Tripath design amp, an implementation of the d-class amp, and the Energy RC-10 should be fine with a T-amp, especially since you seem like you're going for a near-field computer setup. Although to get the most out of them, an integrated amp or the like would be the best fit.

Commenting on your upgrade, the Energy will show you what real highs sound like. As opposed to logitech highs...

scootermafia · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 07:02 AM

T-amp is best suited to nearfield listening. I find mine has very clear/clean sound but is not room filling. These little 15 watt TA2024 amps should not be overworked, use them for desktop listening...any of these Chinese ebay ones, pick the most appealing looking one from a reputable looking seller, and should be fine.

bik2101 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 03:58 PM

thanks for the input.

@deusEx - not college, but still limited desk space. and yeah i am going for nearfield computer setup. how much would a decent integrated amp that suits the rc-10 set me back? any suggesstions? as long as it is not as large as a receiver, i might be willing to consider it. my current setup is computer-->emu0404 usb--> ?? -->rc-10s

@scootermania - so you think that it is not worth it to spend more on a t-amp? i have seen some selling at ~$40 and others selling well above $200.

skyline889 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 08:16 PM

Get the cheapest, non fire-hazard one you can. There's no way I'd pay $200 for a T-amp.

bik2101 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009, 04:29 AM

any difference between the 2020 chip and the 2024 chip? is the 2020 chip better?

wushuliu · #7 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bik2101

any difference between the 2020 chip and the 2024 chip? is the 2020 chip better?

The TA2020 is slightly more powerful than the TA2024. If you're nearfield however, probably wouldn't matter which one you used...

bik2101 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-19-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wushuliu

The TA2020 is slightly more powerful than the TA2024. If you're nearfield however, probably wouldn't matter which one you used...

alright, that's basically what i was looking for. so 2024 chip it is than. if it's only a matter of volume, then i'll probably end up going with the 2024 chip.

AudioCats · #9 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 06:13 AM

Over at 41hz.com there had been discussion about the difference between 2020 and 2024, the power is not the only difference.

The Tripath amps are actually very expensive designs. It indeed costs very little if you just want an ok sound with good power, but for real fine sound the build cost will skyrocket very very very fast. The 2020 based kits, even the expensive ones (such as the 41hz offerings) only cost ~$30, but to build it reasonablely ok I will estimate a $150 minimum, and that is DIY cost before considering the enclosure. The t-amps are very sensitive to power supply quality, you pretty much MUST use a regulated supply in order to get good sound. and then the output caps and output coils can get fancy/expensive in a hurry and yes you can hear the improvement with every upgrade. All these add up so fast it is scary. you still only get what you paid for, even with these "miracle" amps.

scootermafia · #10 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 07:18 AM

Yeah, the $40 ones are going to be ass. The Pop Pulse ones that Lee at Cryoparts are pretty kickass, I have the $270 one with the internal power supply and the 75W peak, pretty sweet.