Topping TP20 tripath 2020 amplifier (versus NAD C320BEE)

[avidyarthy]

@ Jaitinmalhotra ...

Thanks for the compliments. Glad to know you are finding the Topping - JBL combo exceeding your expectations.

The extra things that are coming to the forefront (am using this now, for more than a month) is, the JBL speakers perform better if used in the bookshelf mode ie. supported on tabletops or cabinets. This so, since there is a marked increase in bass when compared to wall mount.

Anyway, for an entire system comprising of a source (say, mass market DVD/CD player) + Topping + JBL Control 1 speakers + simple speaker cables + simple RCA, total costing less than 15 k ........ can easily take on or even BEAT highly acclaimed combos of High funda CD players + Integrated amps (both local or foreign brands) + virtually all satellites or bookshelves, with an overall cost in the range of 60 - 70 k.

Have come to the above conclusion after getting to hear quite a number of combinations in the past 1 month.

Raise my glass (filled with ..... neat XXX rum) to Psychotropic for his detailed review of the Topping, which induced me ... and many others to go for this.

 

[adithyav]

So I've spent the last couple of days going through this entire thread and I'm convinced about the Topping amp and have just placed an order on ebay. Thanks to all the people on this thread for providing so much useful information and guiding the newbies.

I have a few questions though.

I've looked at the speakers suggested by everyone and I've narrowed down to a few options. Just would like to hear feedback about the same.
1. Cambridge S30 -- Lots of great feedback but seems to be impossible to find at this point
2. JBL Control 1 -- This is my first choice right now (considering its price). Would like to know how it does for different genres and what its bass is like.
3. Monitor Audio BX2 -- This speaker has sensational reviews all around and its specs make it a good match for the amp. However, I'm concerned that the Topping won't be able to provide enough power for this. Can anyone comment?

Any other suggestions for speakers? I'd also appreciate if you could tell me where I could find these speakers in Bangalore.

I was also seriously considering the Audioengine A5 as an option vs the amp+speaker setup. Has anyone compared the AE5 with any combo of topping + speaker?

I listen to just about everything but a small majority would be instrumental and orchestra/movie theme type music. Would the topping be able to do justice to this genre? I'd also like to know what the performance is like when it comes to movie watching as well.

I'll be listening to music from my computer through a Nuforce Icon DAC (that I will be buying soon). The system will be in a room that is about 20' by 10-12'.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[prash2k01]

i think u can get s30 in fx ent shop in mgf mall gurgaon
Just try ur luck

 

[adithyav]

i've actually moved to bangalore...just haven't updated my profile yet

so i'd be looking to pick the speakers up here

 

[Kittu]

i've actually moved to bangalore...just haven't updated my profile yet

so i'd be looking to pick the speakers up here

For S30 try audio planet (Koramangla). JBL you can find them in gray market or there is a showroom in forummall (Koramangla).

 

[danielnaveen2003]

I built a Tripath TA2022 amp from a kit and yes tripath does sound nice but i always find my self coming back to traditional transistor amps though. It lacks a certain feel. However transients are brilliant on the tripath thanks to their high damping factor.

 

[adithyav]

So I went and auditioned a few speakers today (the amp hasn't arrived yet) but I heard the MS Aviano, a couple of Polks, Klipsch and Elac.

The Klipsch Reference bookshelf (not sure if it was the 51 or 61) sounds fantastic but is probably out of my price range (even if it is a sensational match for the topping on paper)

Has anyone heard the Elac BS52? It sounded great as well and I wanted to know if someone has matched it with the topping (87db, 6ohm).

If money was no object, the Klipsch is a fantastic set. But I think I'm going to end up getting the JBL Control One to keep the price under control. Anyone have any other suggestions?

PS. I heard from the cambridge dealer that the S30 has been discontinued and that is why it is so hard to find.

 

[sups]

Any other suggestions for speakers? I'd also appreciate if you could tell me where I could find these speakers in Bangalore.

Usher S-520 speakers.
Place to audition in bangalore: get the contact number from Welcome to ARN Systems ::: Bangalore: :: India and meet Mr. Sridhar.

 

[mazumdar.akash]

After going through this thread started by Psychotropic.
I got really excited,i saw this as a great opportunity to enter the "Audiophile" world on a budget.
So without delay ordered a TP20 on 6th Dec'10 from indeed hi-fab.

Finally the package has arrived today :yahoo: , i thought i should share some photographs with the members here.



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Sorry for mobile photos.

Now the search for the speakers start !!

 

[techgadgets4379]

Just received my Topping today, I have Whar 9.2 speakers will test it out, but Srikarav has posted earlier that one of the speaker channels was not working. I will give it a shot and provide my updates, if this fails i will be hunting for new speakers

 

[avidyarthy]

The furniture MADE for the living room Topping combo .....

 

[avidyarthy]

Last time did not load, so .........

 

[cpt.wolf]

Hi all,
I have been reading through this thread the last weeks, and found a lot of useful info. Soon I'll be upgrading my home sound system, and luckily the cambridge audio speakers are available in Budapest
Now the question is which config would give me the best sound (I'll be mostly playing mp3 and flac from my laptop, and ipod):
1. laptop/ipod > TP 30 > CA S30
2. laptop/ipod > pro-ject USB box > TP 20 > CA S30
or in other words, would using the TP 20 and an external DAC make a significant improvement in sound quality, over the TP 30, and has anyone here heard the TP 30 paired with the CA S30?
many thanks in advance!

 

[keith_correa]

would using the TP 20 and an external DAC make a significant improvement in sound quality, over the TP 30

Would depend upon which DAC you intend using. If you are talking specifically about the Pro-ject - there is insufficient information on their website to determine what sort of DAC it is so cannot really determine if it will be better than the TP30.

 

[techgadgets4379]

Just received my Topping today, I have Whar 9.2 speakers will test it out, but Srikarav has posted earlier that one of the speaker channels was not working. I will give it a shot and provide my updates, if this fails i will be hunting for new speakers

Tested with Wharfs and i am afraid the left channel is operating on a low volume where as right channel is working fine. I checked connecting to different sources like WDTV, DVD and IPOD and all seem to have the same issue. So the amp doesnt go well with the Wharf 9.2. I will audition 8.1 later this week and also Usher, CA and few other brands and will give my inputs. I must admit topping is cute looking amp at that price and easy to carry for auditions.

 

[psychotropic]

cpt wolf, i've heard the combo of a Mac > NuForce Icon UDAC > TP 20 > S30 and I can tell you that for that price (Mac apart ) there's no better deal that I can think of. It's tremendous value and a very impressive sound.

 

[srikarkav]

Tested with Wharfs and i am afraid the left channel is operating on a low volume where as right channel is working fine. I checked connecting to different sources like WDTV, DVD and IPOD and all seem to have the same issue. So the amp doesnt go well with the Wharf 9.2. I will audition 8.1 later this week and also Usher, CA and few other brands and will give my inputs. I must admit topping is cute looking amp at that price and easy to carry for auditions.

Happened to me too with the 9.2s whereas it works fine with the aiwa bookshelves.Can anyone throw some light why this happens? Got tired of looking for the CA S30 speakers and decided to stick with the aiwas for time being.

cheers,
sri

 

[techgadgets4379]

Happened to me too with the 9.2s whereas it works fine with the aiwa bookshelves.Can anyone throw some light why this happens? Got tired of looking for the CA S30 speakers and decided to stick with the aiwas for time being.

cheers,
sri

Did you check with 8.1s? it should match the Tripath. My budget is limited to 10k and i cannot afford more than that.

 

[srikarkav]

Hi Tech,
I think there is a pair of 8.2s for sale on the forum.The price has dropped to 7k. Go for it.

cheers
sri

 

[techgadgets4379]

Hi Tech,
I think there is a pair of 8.2s for sale on the forum.The price has dropped to 7k. Go for it.

cheers
sri

Before i purchase, i will audition the speakers. I have asked Masood (total sounds) for the demo, i will carry the amp and if this sounds exciting then i will pick that up.