The great amplifier debate--are 't-amp's really worth it?

**ADubs** · February 26th, 2009 23:36

I know what many of you maybe thinking; another thread about t-amps. I've scoured the web looking for a concise answer, and nothing has satisfied me, so I present to you the million dollar question: are t-amps really worth it? What experiences have any of you had with t-amps? Do they really deserve the hype, almost godly status, that they have gained among the home audiophile community?

I ask because I am working on building an amateur audiophile sound system, my main component being a turntable. Supposedly t-amps have a rich, warm tone similar to a tube amp at a fraction of the cost, and considering that I collect and play vinyl because I like that rich, warm tone, I would think that a t-amp would be an awesome combo, but first I'd like to get some opinions on them! Here are two models that I am currently looking at on ebay. Both postings include (optimistic) specs on number of watts and output, etc. What do you guys think?

Hilly 20w T-Amp: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=330310479313

Zero Class T-Amp: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=180330521103

**Yesfan70** · February 27th, 2009 06:11

Wow, they are really small looking. They look like a headphone amp. I can't tell you anything worthy as I don't know much from an engineering standpoint. Both amps are made in China, so some may feel that means "cheap parts" if the prices shown stay the same.

If the prices stay were they are at now ($10 and $40 respectively), I don't think it would hurt to give them a shot. If you don't like them then you won't have a lot of money in them. It's not like you paid a grand for them, plus you could always use it in another system.

I doubt the two amps will sound radically different from each other so between the two, I would go for the one in the first link since the shipping is free.

**saea501** · February 27th, 2009 08:06

It's a miracle!!

**jamhead** · February 27th, 2009 08:54

Originally Posted by ADubs

I know what many of you maybe thinking; another thread about t-amps. I've scoured the web looking for a concise answer, and nothing has satisfied me, so I present to you the million dollar question: are t-amps really worth it? What experiences have any of you had with t-amps? Do they really deserve the hype, almost godly status, that they have gained among the home audiophile community?

I ask because I am working on building an amateur audiophile sound system, my main component being a turntable. Supposedly t-amps have a rich, warm tone similar to a tube amp at a fraction of the cost, and considering that I collect and play vinyl because I like that rich, warm tone, I would think that a t-amp would be an awesome combo, but first I'd like to get some opinions on them! Here are two models that I am currently looking at on ebay. Both postings include (optimistic) specs on number of watts and output, etc. What do you guys think?

Hilly 20w T-Amp: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=330310479313

Zero Class T-Amp: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=180330521103

What speakers do you have?

I've been researching amps for a little while now myself and have come to the conclusion that as long as they have sufficient power for your speakers, have low harmonic distortion, low noise floor, low channel crosstalk, and can handle short bursts of high power demands, then they all will sound the same. If one or more of the above characteristics falls short, then they may sound different...but then, that would be a shortcoming.

Tube amps are a different matter.

**DIYer** · February 27th, 2009 09:59

Originally Posted by ADubs

I know what many of you maybe thinking; another thread about t-amps. I've scoured the web looking for a concise answer, and nothing has satisfied me, so I present to you the million dollar question: are t-amps really worth it? What experiences have any of you had with t-amps? Do they really deserve the hype, almost godly status, that they have gained among the home audiophile community?

Sounds like you didn't scour this forum. Try search on t amp, digital amp or class d amp and you'll find tons of answers. Unless you are here to advertise those amps...

**IrritateGuy** · February 27th, 2009 10:10

First off, this looks more like an advertisement for two eBay auctions than an honest question.

But, in the off-chance that this is a serious post...

Yes, I have lots of experience with T-Amps, and no, they are not some magical new technology destined to change the world.

They are, however, really afforable, semi-high-fidelity, very small amps which can be used for hundreds of non-critical solutions, like portable systems, small extension systems or built into semi-hifi self-amplified speakers used for outdoor or non-critical computer speakers. For the money and size, they offer more clean output most of the options offered in the distant past.

I've heard T-Amps being demonstrated by big fans in High Fidelity applications, both with high efficiency single driver speakers and with moderately efficient multi-way speakers. They function fine, but they do not come close to the fidelity of nearly every other practical home audio amp on the market.

**lakedmb** · February 27th, 2009 10:38

I love it that they have a Samsung power adapter in the first ad.

hahahaha

**ADubs** · February 27th, 2009 23:07

Hey guys, thanks for the input so far. On second review, I can see how my post comes off as quite spamish. I'm not here to endorse any products, just wanted to give reference to the amps I am looking at, which happen to be on ebay. Seriously, no advertisement intended, just looking for opinions.

Originally Posted by IrritateGuy

First off, this looks more like an advertisement for two eBay auctions than an honest question.

They are, however, really afforable, semi-high-fidelity, very small amps which can be used for hundreds of non-critical solutions, like portable systems, small extension systems or built into semi-hifi self-amplified speakers used for outdoor or non-critical computer speakers. For the money and size, they offer more clean output most of the options offered in the distant past.

I've heard T-Amps being demonstrated by big fans in High Fidelity applications, both with high efficiency single driver speakers and with moderately efficient multi-way speakers. They function fine, but they do not come close to the fidelity of nearly every other practical home audio amp on the market.

This seems to be the general consensus I find; t-amps are small, cheap, efficient, but highly exaggerated in sound. If I can score the Hilly for under $20, then it might be a steal, but we shall see!

**IrritateGuy** · February 27th, 2009 23:53

This T-Amp from Parts Express is worth the money, and it has the same basic design and cirtuitry as the others you listed.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=300-958

I wouldn't mind having one around as a utility amp, but I have an old, cheap RS amp for that.

**ADubs** · March 5th, 2009 14:57

Alrighty, I've decided (as of right now) to go with the Hilly 20. From what I've read, many people have had great success with it, and if I can grab it for under $50, then it might just be a worthy investment.

And Jamhead, to answer your question, I've been looking at a pair of Sony SS-B3000. Here's some specs from cnet: http://reviews.cnet.com/separate-spe...tag=mncol;psum