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Review: TCG T-Box, a new compact portable amp - Page 4

post #46 of 57
7/22/11 at 3:00pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the pics and impressions! Yours looks better than mine with the silver jacks, but not a big deal. 

 

By the way, I too was confused about the Palic/Pailiccs issue. I think it is just a translation thing, as they seem to use both:

 

http://palic.yians.com/en/about/

 

 

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post #47 of 57
7/25/11 at 5:35am

After I wrote wangshuzeng about the change to amplification chip tpa302 (from tpa152), the website at tcgcn got updated.

 

A new tpa152 costs about 3 euros.  I think I'll buy and solder it myself.  I've never done any smd before confused_face.gif

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post #48 of 57
7/25/11 at 7:09am
Thread Starter 

Odd, when I click on your link I still see the tpa152 listed on their website.

 

Also, from looking at the TI website, tpa302 seems more geared towards small scale speaker amplification. The tpa152 specifically mentions headphone applications. I don't know why they would switch from one to the other. Maybe they are actually similar enough where it doesn't really matter in this particular circuit, and the resulting sound is close enough. 

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post #49 of 57
7/25/11 at 7:39am

about 4/5 down this page, it says

 

quote:
TI, HIFI level by the United States large current professionalaudio chip TDA302
      asdriving engine,low-frequency sound fieldexpansion dive deep + special
      compensation to make up the majority of less than headphones, sound more perfect.
Before I wrote him, it still was tpa152, I checked.
 
Texas Instruments states for tpa302 

 

Quote:

Description

The TPA302 is a stereo audio power amplifier capable of delivering 250 mW of continuous average power into an 8-Omega.gif loads, the TPA302 delivers 60 mW of continuous average power at less than 0.06% THD+N. The amplifier features a shutdown function for power-sensitive applications as well as internal thermal and short-circuit protection. The amplifier is available in an 8-pin SOIC (D) package that reduces board space and facilitates automated assembly.

Features

300-mW Stereo Output
PC Power Supply Compatibility 5-V and
3.3-V Specified Operation
Shutdown Control
Internal Midrail Generation
Thermal and Short-Circuit Protection
Surface-Mount Packaging
Functional Equivalent of the LM4880

 

 

while for tpa152 it is
 
Quote:
Description

The TPA152 is a stereo audio power amplifier capable of less than 0.1% THD+N at 1 kHz when delivering 75 mW per channel into a 32-Omega.gif loads, the THD+N performance is better than 0.005% at 1 kHz, and less than 0.01% across the audio band of 20 to 20 kHz.

The TPA152 is ideal for use as an output buffer for the audio CODEC in PC systems. It is also excellent for use where a high-performance head phone/line-out amplifier is needed. Depop circuitry is integrated to reduce transients during power up, power down, and mute mode.

Amplifier gain is externally configured by means of two resistors per input channel and does not require external compensation for settings of 1 to 10. The TPA152 is packaged in the 8-pin SOIC (D) package that reduces board space and facilitates automated assembly.

Features
High-Fidelity Line-Out/HP Driver
75-mW Stereo Output
PC Power Supply Compatible
Pop Reduction Circuitry
Internal Mid-Rail Generation
Thermal and Short-Circuit Protection
Surface-Mount Packaging
Pin Compatible With TPA302

 

I would have liked the tpa152 driving my t-box, rather then this tpa302.

 

 


Edited by stakarVN - 7/25/11 at 7:40am
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post #50 of 57
7/25/11 at 7:51am
Thread Starter 

You are correct, I just missed it earlier. But right below that it still shows the picture of the tpa152 which is what I had been looking at. 

 

The main thing for me is that on the TI website under "Parametrics" for each chip, the 302 says "headphone channels: none" while the 152 says "headphone channels: stereo". Also from what you posted above they talk about the 302 with an 8 ohm load, and the 152 with an 32 ohm load. To me, that indicates that the 302 is meant for speakers and the 152 meant for headphones. Obviously there must be some reason why they switched, and the 302 actually costs more, so who knows?

 

As long as it sounds good to you I wouldn't bother messing with it. 

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post #51 of 57
9/25/11 at 11:46am

How much maximum voltage gain does this amplifier have?

 

It is interesting to me the the datasheets for the

TPA302 show the two channels have different characteristics ..

output 2 has significantly more distortion.  The TPA152 datsheet

may just not have that level of detail.  It could be a result

of the ability to drive the lower load resistance to hit 8 ohms drive.

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post #52 of 57
10/14/11 at 8:27am

I just finished soldering smd :) (my first time).

 

I replaced the TPA302 with a TPA152 found here.

 

Results are, right away, spectacular.  Widening of the soundstage, crisper highs, fuller deeper lows.  I can also hear a lot more detail then with the 302.  For me, the 10 Euros I spent were worth it.  I can only imagine how much better it will get after 100 or so hours.

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post #53 of 57
10/15/11 at 7:39am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by stakarVN View Post

I just finished soldering smd :) (my first time).

 

I replaced the TPA302 with a TPA152 found here.

 

Results are, right away, spectacular.  Widening of the soundstage, crisper highs, fuller deeper lows.  I can also hear a lot more detail then with the 302.  For me, the 10 Euros I spent were worth it.  I can only imagine how much better it will get after 100 or so hours.


That's interesting. Glad you are enjoying it. I wonder why they made the change? Maybe they got a good deal on a batch of the TPA302 or something, and figured it wouldn't be a noticeable difference. Obviously that is not the case though. 

 

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post #54 of 57
10/17/11 at 12:55am

Looks awesome. I've been researching, looking for a cheap amp to drive some re262's which I planned on getting as soon as I get my paycheck. I was looking at things like the E11 or D-Zero, but I just hate the way that type of design looks. Then I stumbled upon this little guy. I just really hope that I can get one with a tpa152, as it sounds like it is significantly better than the 302. TCG's website still lists the 152 in the specs, but I emailed wsz about it so we'll see...

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post #55 of 57
10/18/11 at 11:48am

So from what I could make out there are only tpa302 versions available now. That's too bad. The idea of a headphone amp with a chip designed for speakers inside really bugs me. confused.gif

 

EDIT: After having mentioned concerns about the chip, wangshuzeng emailed me and told me that they have started manufacturing them with tpa152's again and they'll be available to order on Monday.


Edited by manveru - 10/21/11 at 3:29pm
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post #56 of 57
10/21/11 at 10:52pm

That is a good news!

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post #57 of 57
5/19/12 at 6:30pm
i_djoel2000, thanks for the link. I decided to take the (small) leap of faith and just ordered this Chinese portable amp. The photos look like solid build quality as do the parts described. The specs look even better as far as listed power and it has two output jacks, which I like. I'll post what I think after I get the unit. I just ordered the Audeze LCD-2's so will be using those. Also just ordered the Matrix desk amp based entirely on Project86's praises. (thanks P86 for your great reviews, and it appears your opinions and tastes are similar to mine.). I'll try AB'ing these two amps and discuss that as well.

Up until now I've not been seriously into headphones but have been updating stereo systems for many years. But with so much quality digital music available and so portable, it just seems like a new dimension to music listening is exploding and I've got get in on it.

One concern: Saw on eBay that USPS has just stopped allowing shipment of lithium ion batteries from outside U.S. They say UPS and FedEx still allow these items. The amp is supposed to ship USPS and I've contacted the seller asking about it and whether he will ship alternative carrier. Anyone else have recent experience with this USPS rule? Also hope my free shipment is honored.
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