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REVIEW: Dayton (Parts Express) DTA-120 Amplifier (SS)

38.104.58.170


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Model: DTA-120
Category: Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price: $78
Description: Compact, solid state amplifier, Class T, using Tripath 2050 chipset
Manufacturer URL: Dayton (Parts Express)
Model Picture: View

Review by svisner on February 12, 2017 at 06:36:35
IP Address: 38.104.58.170
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for the DTA-120


While awaiting completion of work on our house, we're in temporary housing. Given that we'll be here for some months, and that our main system (McIntosh, Maggies, etc.) is not available, I wanted a good desktop system that would my primary source for serious listening. The system had to be compact, not very expensive (as it's intended for temporary use), but good enough to keep at bay the fatigue that comes from listening to music reproduced badly. The Hsu speakers are well known, though I may offer a review later.

The Dayton is a compact, inexpensive, amplifier that uses Tripath's 2050 chipset. Amplifiers with Tripath technology are know as "Class T," though I gather this is an adaptation of Class D technology. (I purchased for my wife's desktop system a Lepai 2020 amplifier, which drives a pair of Dreambox speakers, resulting in a system that is surprisingly pleasant. The Lepai is also a Tripath, Class T amplifier).

I am a bit of a tube snob, but my impressions of the Dayton are fundamentally positive. It's clean, images well, has no audible hum, and drives the Hsu's with effort seaming effort. They're fairly sensitive, so the Dayton should not be burdened, but I am surprised by the amplifiers dynamic range. Lows are solid, high details, and the midrange balanced. Given the amplifier's power ratings and the efficiency of the speakers, I've yet to detect audible distortion.

Would I recommend this amplifier as the core of an "audiophile" system? Probably not, thought it might be fun to try doing so, say with a pair of DecWare, AwantGarde, vintage Altec Sound of the Theater, or Klipshorn speakers.

The amplifier is quite simple: a set of RCA inputs and speakers terminals in back; 1/4 inch headphone jack, 35MM input, and volume/power knob in front. Fit and finish are very nice. The amplifier gets warm to the touch, but not hot.

Overall, I find that my digital music collection and streaming sources are treated well by this amplifier. It provides a very satisfying musical experience with which I can live for the months before I've my "main system" back on line. I suspect it will get use after that, given how much I like it. (Of course, I have told my wife that we will pass it on to a soon-in-college nephew ...)


Product Weakness: Well, it costs $78 dollars. For that price, I've not detected weaknesses.
Product Strengths: Power, tonal balance, lack of audible distortion, apparent build quality.


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Dayton DTA-120
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Integrated
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Fiio D3 DAC with desktop computer (http://headfonics.com/2011/09/fiio-d3-dac-its-a-keeper/ )
Speakers: Hsu Research HB1 MK2; Dayton Dayton SUB-800 powered subwoofer
Cables/Interconnects: Cable Matters RCA: DAC to amplifier; Stinger cables: amplifier to speakers (with banana plugs)
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, jazz
Room Size (LxWxH): 11 x 16 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments: None
Time Period/Length of Audition: One week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): CableWholesale Surge Protector with RFI Filter
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Dayton (Parts Express) DTA-120 Amplifier (SS) - svisner 06:36:35 02/12/17 ( 1)