[gechu]

Hi all,

My current speaker system, harman/kardon, seems to be on its last days so I guess I have to start looking for something new. The problem is that I don't know what to look for.

My goals are:
- Soundcard with the capability to handle, at the same time, both LINE OUT and HEADPHONES OUT active.
- Reuse my old Sharp speakers by somehow connecting them to my computer..
- Avoid adding any external equipment like a big amplifier. If possible, keep all new stuff inside the computer.

My current setup:
- Realtek ACL 850 integrated soundcard (which actually supports both LINE OUT & HEADPHONES OUT simultaniously, but since its suppose to be crappy quality, Im open for new suggestions)
- Headsix amp, I know this is for portable use but maybe it can be useful..

Thanks,

/Erik

 

[gechu]

How about these: GigaWorks T40 - Professional midrange 2.0 desktop speakers for acoustic performance

?

 

[alleyezon_d]

if your old Sharp speakers are passive (un powered) and require speaker wire (red/black, +/-) then you will need an amplifier. I'm not aware of a soundcard (internal) that has the power to power passive speakers. Amplifiers can be small depending on your power requirements. Check out T-amps like the one from Trends, etc.

 

[tjohnusa]

Yep...you will need an amp or reciever. Run your line out to AUX or tape in , hook up speakers and enjoy. If size is a factor a T amp is your best bet but cost wise you could get something off of ebay with more power and better features for less.

 

[Zorander]

A minimalist, if rather hardcore, approach is to mod your PC case by integrating a T-amp into it and powering it through your PSU's 12V rail. I don't know if your PSU will be able to handle the additional load nor if it is feasible, but this is what I have in mind in regard to your question anyway.

Cheers!

 

[SonicDawg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zorander /img/forum/go_quote.gif A minimalist, if rather hardcore, approach is to mod your PC case by integrating a T-amp into it and powering it through your PSU's 12V rail. I don't know if your PSU will be able to handle the additional load nor if it is feasible, but this is what I have in mind in regard to your question anyway. Cheers!

With respect, I think this might be a very bad idea to use computer PSU to power any audio gear. Much better to just use the T-amp separately.

 

[jung]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zorander /img/forum/go_quote.gif A minimalist, if rather hardcore, approach is to mod your PC case by integrating a T-amp into it and powering it through your PSU's 12V rail. I don't know if your PSU will be able to handle the additional load nor if it is feasible, but this is what I have in mind in regard to your question anyway.

Tripath has an amp in the form of a PCI card to be plugged into computer.

A small Tripath amp does not take up much desktop space. I use one to power KEF iQ3.

 

[uraflit]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonicDawg /img/forum/go_quote.gif With respect, I think this might be a very bad idea to use computer PSU to power any audio gear. Much better to just use the T-amp separately.

x2...

T-amp on the outside won't hurt much!

 

[gechu]

Thanks all for the feedback! The keywords your provided lead me to Sonic Class T-amp Gen2. Still some review-reading to be done but so far it looks good =)

A new contender has entered the scene: Trend TA-10.1. GAH! I was soo close to deciding!

The speakers that I want to connect this amp to are a pair of ten year olds which I have to settle with for now. One more question though: Will this amp be enough to drive these old bastards? Also, please add links to a brief techincal overview, if available. Need to gain some insight for future speakers.

Speaker specifications (very brief =) )
- Sharp 3-way-speaker system
- 60 watt
- handling max 100 watt
- 8 ohm
- model: CP-320(GY)

EDIT: Fixed BBCODE error + added speaker info
EDIT 2x: added Trust T-amp, added correct version

/Erik

 

[dantat8]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gechu /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks all for the feedback! The keywords your provided lead me to Sonic Class T-amp Gen2. Still some review-reading to be done but so far it looks good =) A new contender has entered the scene: Trend TA-10.1. GAH! I was soo close to deciding! The speakers that I want to connect this amp to are a pair of ten year olds which I have to settle with for now. One more question though: Will this amp be enough to drive these old bastards? Also, please add links to a brief techincal overview, if available. Need to gain some insight for future speakers. Speaker specifications (very brief =) ) - Sharp 3-way-speaker system - 60 watt - handling max 100 watt - 8 ohm - model: CP-320(GY) EDIT: Fixed BBCODE error + added speaker info EDIT 2x: added Trust T-amp, added correct version /Erik

I believe that as long as your speakers are fairly efficent (around 90db from what I've read), either the Sonic Impact or the Trends should be able to drive them.

Personally, I've tried the SI and currently have the Trends. The SI was ok, but I really couldn't stand the build quality. The volume knob which functioned as a power button as well would get stuck once in a while and I would get occasional static when adjusting the volume as well. It's also really lightweight. I stuck batteries in it even though I was using the AC adapter just to give it a little more heft.

The Trends TA-10.1 feels more like an audio compontent which I love. The bass seems punchier/tighter and a little more prominent as well. I didn't have both these amps at the same time so I could't do a A-B comparison though. I'm using the Trends to drive a pair of older Paradigm Titan V.1 bookshelf speakers (sensitivity is about 87db). It works pretty well and I can turn up the volume to a pretty loud volume without any clipping or distortion.

I'd recommend the Trends amp but it's quite a bit more expensive then the Sonic Impact (about twice as much here in the USA). If you're on a budget, the SI will probably be fine.

Oh and here's a link for a review of the TA-10.1 if anyone's interested:

6moons audio reviews: Trends Audio TA-10

 

[gechu]

Thanks for the info. The TA-10 seems to be a great T-amp.

dantat8: Did you own the first or second generation of the Sonic t-amp?

 

[dantat8]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gechu /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for the info. The TA-10 seems to be a great T-amp. dantat8: Did you own the first or second generation of the Sonic t-amp?

gechu: I had the second generation Sonic Impact T-Amp before I got the Trends TA-10.1. The first generation is discontinued I think and it was sort of hard to find it in stock anywhere. SI also makes a Super T-Amp which is in about the same price range as the Trends but I had a hard time finding that either. It looks more substantial than the SI G2 (has a nice looking vertical aluminum housing). At one point when I was doing my research I found a comparison of about six different amps including the above mentioned ones. The Trends came out on top. I'll post the link if I can find it again.

 

[jung]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dantat8 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I had the second generation Sonic Impact T-Amp

How does the headphone output of Sonic Impact Gen 2 sound?

 

[dantat8]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jung /img/forum/go_quote.gif How does the headphone output of Sonic Impact Gen 2 sound?

I only tested the headphone out briefly with my Sennheiser PX-100's and it seemed to sound ok. I got my amp primarily to hook up to my speakers so I really can't say much about the quality of the headphone out. Sorry. That's one drawback of the Trends amp (lack of an headphone out).

Here's the link for the amp comparison I mentioned in an earlier post:

SHOOTOUT2007

 

[jung]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dantat8 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I only tested the headphone out briefly with my Sennheiser PX-100's and it seemed to sound ok.

When you tried it with PX100, was the input of the amp from the headphone output of a player, or line level output?