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An amplifier for a compact system - used for primary listening

38.104.58.170
Posted on February 12, 2017 at 06:46:17
svisner
Audiophile

Posts: 1162
Joined: March 30, 2002

I am using a Dayton DTA-120 amplifier as we await completion of work on our house. I have also purchased a Lepai 2020 amplifier for my wife's desktop system. In fact, good sound can come from smaller and less expensive components.

 

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RE: An amplifier for a compact system - used for primary listening, posted on February 12, 2017 at 07:54:44
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 I've installed a few 2020 and didn't care for it especially in the HF. I would love to put a good linear supply in place of the crappy switcher they come with and redemo.

On the more powerful amps like the Dayton you reviewed and the $99 Lepai 7498E (100X2 Class D) which I want to use on a Rustic solid cherry wood boombox with very HQ 6" speakers the power supply becomes even more important. I'm definitely changing out the switcher.

See the link below for detailed data on the $99 Lepai


ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

Sure can , posted on February 12, 2017 at 08:00:23
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 Remember years ago when mini systems were all over. My wife and I bought one for the TV set and to listen to CDs in the bedroom. Went to Best Buy and bought it almost as an impulse. NO research just bought it.

Set it up and to my surprise that damn little stereo sounded GREAT!!!! It had a little powered sub and little speakers. Used it for years until one day the button control pad failed. It's only fault was it had a uni-button control pad for every function.

The MAIN problem with mini systems is the speaker. You need a small and sensitive speaker. Once you get that proper speaker you can have a good little stereo.

 

RE: An amplifier for a compact system - used for primary listening, posted on February 12, 2017 at 08:25:43
BCR
Audiophile

Posts: 2444
Location: connecticut
Joined: April 7, 2009
 I've been using this for my TV with outboard speakers for over ten years without a glitch. It has never been turned off. Great little inexpensive amp!

 

RE: An amplifier for a compact system - used for primary listening, posted on February 12, 2017 at 14:26:39
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 Specs indicate a wide-range of voltages for its power requirements: 18 to 36 VDC, 4.5A. While I've come across other devices that indicate plenty of wiggle-room in this regard, I don't recall anything with such a range of compatible voltages.

 

RE: An amplifier for a compact system - used for primary listening, posted on February 12, 2017 at 19:31:10
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 I know. I found a nice 36V linear cheap on eBay


ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

RE: An amplifier for a compact system - used for primary listening, posted on February 13, 2017 at 05:33:06
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 That should be a good thing. I'm curious about how you might be using the open frame PSU. Have you fabricated a cage, additional enclosure panels, etc.?

 

Power Supply for Lepai, posted on February 13, 2017 at 10:24:31
jec01
Audiophile

Posts: 1462
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Joined: September 22, 2004
 I've been using the Lepai 2020 in my bedroom system for about 5 years now. That system is not a critical listening tool, but it's satisfactory for casual listening and the price-performance ratio is outstanding.

See the link for the power supply I use.

Happy listening,

Jim

"The passage of my life is measured out in shirts."
- Brian Eno

 

RE: An amplifier for a compact system - used for primary listening, posted on February 13, 2017 at 23:04:13
triamp
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: USA
Joined: August 6, 2008
 Look around for one of the older versions of the Parasound Z-Amp. (Z-Amp V1)
Science doesn't care what you believe.

 

RE: An amplifier for a compact system - used for primary listening, posted on February 14, 2017 at 06:41:30
KanedaK
Audiophile

Posts: 2519
Location: Brussels
Joined: April 27, 2010
 I'm using a modded Trends TA10.1 on the mid and high range in my bi-amped horn system and it's fantastic even for critical listening. It's not perfect, but the amount of qualities make it the best amp I ever used in that particular situation.
In the bedroom I have a pair of 12inch, 3 way, 4 drivers 70's Isophon speakers, with a lowish 88dB sensitivity, and I drive them no problem and with great sound with a 60euro SMSL SA50 amplifier. Just easy, no headache, musical system when the big system gets too fussy (which happens quite often).
Only limitation I find is the single input. But you can buy a small Dynavox AUX-S external source selector "et voilą".

 

RE: Power Supply for Lepai, posted on February 14, 2017 at 11:35:20
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 Did that PS help? I agree for the $$ its fine.



ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

RE: An amplifier for a compact system - used for primary listening, posted on February 14, 2017 at 11:52:17
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004



Well its for this boom box idea I have that would really sound good, be made of aged solid cherry I milled 1" thick and 1-1/2" for the base. I plan to make the handle of maple about two inches in diameter. You'll see the center area below the Lepai has room to verticlly mount the PS and stack two 18V batteries. I plan to make a charge regulation circuit and switch to go between power/charge. I will have an IEC on the back and leave access to the back of the amp.




ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

It sure beat the wall wart, posted on February 14, 2017 at 12:21:43
jec01
Audiophile

Posts: 1462
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Joined: September 22, 2004
 Whether there are other, better linear power supplies out there that are just as cheap, I can't say.

Happy listening,

Jim

"The passage of my life is measured out in shirts."
- Brian Eno

 

RE: An amplifier for a compact system - used for primary listening, posted on February 14, 2017 at 13:17:48
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 Excellent ideas, Awe-d-o-file. What make/model drivers do you plan to use?

 

RE: An amplifier for a compact system - used for primary listening, posted on February 15, 2017 at 04:53:37
KanedaK
Audiophile

Posts: 2519
Location: Brussels
Joined: April 27, 2010
 It's 3 times the price but I would recommand going for smsl SA50 instead of lepai. You'd get 2x 25watts / 8 ohms with reasonable distortion and much better build quality. It's not 12v tho

 

Cool thanks! nt, posted on February 16, 2017 at 08:52:18
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

RE: An amplifier for a compact system - used for primary listening, posted on February 16, 2017 at 08:58:30
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 Oz CS-180 which is an Anericn company with Americn made drivers that went belly up in the early 2000's I think. Their focus was car audio and their 6.5" coax with outboard xover was the only thing in the same league as Kef's 6.5" with outboard xover. Focal wasn't in the game yet. Their Utopia auto stuff is great.

Will add photos when the time comes


ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

RE: An amplifier for a compact system - used for primary listening, posted on February 16, 2017 at 08:59:33
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 Thanks and I believe it but do want the ability to run on battery.


ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

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