Topping TP20 tripath 2020 amplifier (versus NAD C320BEE)

[sups]

Anyone actually tried Arjen's mods to the Topping other than simply talking about it?

Theres a thread on diyaudio about it and various other mods including running it off batteries.
-G

I am also looking for some posts where Arjen's mods are compared with typical toppings available. Two weeks back I had an email conversation with Arjen, he mentioned that he can make a much better sounding topping for me with little extra cost and 10 days time. After that he has gone silent on the quote and not responding to my mails.

 

[ark]

I am also looking for some posts where Arjen's mods are compared with typical toppings available. Two weeks back I had an email conversation with Arjen, he mentioned that he can make a much better sounding topping for me with little extra cost and 10 days time. After that he has gone silent on the quote and not responding to my mails.

Will be very interesting to see what kind of mods he comes up with, with that little extra cost . Reminds me of the law of diminishing marginal returns.

 

[keith_correa]

I am also looking for some posts where Arjen's mods are compared with typical toppings available. Two weeks back I had an email conversation with Arjen, he mentioned that he can make a much better sounding topping for me with little extra cost and 10 days time. After that he has gone silent on the quote and not responding to my mails.

If you can get him to talk, you might want to ask him what he is going to implement for that extra cost.

 

[sups]

If you can get him to talk, you might want to ask him what he is going to implement for that extra cost.

Agreed. I do not want to pay the extra money before I know the expected improvements.

 

[grubyhalo]

Based on others who have 'improved' upon the base dmoules, I'm thinking the following would be different:

1. Better coupling caps
2. Linear PS with
3. Cap-bank after the PS

 

[kaushik]

adding to what gruby said ..
some mods u can do :
- put russian pio in inputs
- elna silmic set in filter cap
-replace strange electrolytes with nichicon muze
-some regulators are there u can replace with better opamp based one [pinkfishmedia]
-regulated PSU , CCS etc
-multi RC stages for better filtering [DiYA -powersupply]

 

[keith_correa]

adding to what gruby said ..
some mods u can do :
- put russian pio in inputs
- elna silmic set in filter cap
-replace strange electrolytes with nichicon muze
-some regulators are there u can replace with better opamp based one [pinkfishmedia]
-regulated PSU , CCS etc
-multi RC stages for better filtering [DiYA -powersupply]

How much would it cost in all to implement these mods? Do you know?

 

[kaushik]

2-3k i guess ... i will try a few but after some period.

For linear PSU builders :
The rectifier diodes should be used are MUR860 ultra-fast rectifier diodes. Purportedly these help with the switching noise caused by the transition from positive to negative on the AC waveform. When the sinewave goes from positive to negative, and the diodes clamp shut, it generates spurious noise. These ultrafast diodes minimize the time period that this noise is generated for.

 

[strategy]

I am also looking for some posts where Arjen's mods are compared with typical toppings available. Two weeks back I had an email conversation with Arjen, he mentioned that he can make a much better sounding topping for me with little extra cost and 10 days time. After that he has gone silent on the quote and not responding to my mails.

looking forward for your post.

If the price is right ( he said a little extra ), i might also buy.



BTW , Kaushik, how are you powering your semi DIY amp ( arjen one ) ??
it says it requires 10-12 volts to really shine.

 

[kaushik]

looking forward for your post.

BTW , Kaushik, how are you powering your semi DIY amp ( arjen one ) ??
it says it requires 10-12 volts to really shine.

I am using very simple linear PSU, u all can build it i made a simple diagram for it


Uploaded with ImageShack.us
I am using MUR460 the cheaper ultrafast diodes

-stick the diodes to a card board with glue in the butterfly fashion
- let it set and then solder them as shown .
- connect the capacitors as shown ,
- recheck all, connect transformer 12V side ,and other sideto mains,done

 

[strategy]

But that wont be a good DC signal ( i mean that is one small filter ckt) ,

the sound is good ?

 

[kaushik]

But that wont be a good DC signal ( i mean that is one small filter ckt) ,

the sound is good ?

Tripath is not very sensitive to supply,it can be basic still sounds very good,you can listen at my place , I wanted to help people with simple linear PSU.

So far the big reviews in this thread mostly were with SMPS based supply with switching noise , still tripath performed well.

But to extract last 2-1% difference you can put 10 blocks of RC and finally L C filter , a High Current Regulator , mains line filter with XTRATED Capacitors + common mode chokes
etc .... those circuits will scare off new DIY guys so i did not put.you can grab good supply section from DIYA.

However in future I will experiment and let great HFV people know the 'results', sad part is we have only audience here , players to play the test series are very less.

 

[avidyarthy]

Of what little I have indulged with the Tripaths, I think, it is only the speaker selection you have got to get right ..... 'most' other things fall in place after that.

 

[strategy]

@kaushik , how much power do they consume .

I have one 12V - 1 amp. adapter , will that work ? Or is it around 3 amp ?

 

[kaushik]

3 amp is recommended (some guys have told for 5A !), but i tested with 1A supply it works nicely with BS speakers using Vifa 5inch drivers.I have to measure current draw.

Sonic difference is not examined thoroughly as the temporary linear PSU i have soldered.

I have tested with modem supply adapter exactly like this one ['OEM' written mine had 12V o/p, here it is 18V] , this one too is linear supply

 

[kaushik]

TRIPATH!
wwenze's tech, audio and Anime rant page: Lets pay for wood!

 

[strategy]

Hmm, i will be buying that 2050 tripath board with Alps board. ( cause i need around 30-40W power. ) soon ( from hifimediy.com)

will post the results here soon .

am also considering the helder board but not sure if it will pair well with my gear ?
i'll be in delhi soon, any one here from delhi ?? (preferable near seemapuri border /anand vihar)


ALSO, kaushik, what things are you looking at when you say , " upgrade the board "

 

[kutlee]

i have ordered Tripath MarkII from hifidiyshop.com. I have done the payment and response seems to be slow. I have sent multiple queries to [email protected]. My order status on the site still showing 'processing'. Don't know what will happen. Eagerly waiting.

 

[kaushik]

i have ordered Tripath MarkII from hifidiyshop.com. I have done the payment and response seems to be slow. I have sent multiple queries to [email protected]. My order status on the site still showing 'processing'. Don't know what will happen. Eagerly waiting.

keep fingrs crossd

 

[kutlee]

The item is shipped now. Can anyone suggest a good speaker for this? I might change the amp to a NAD in future. Will a Wharf 9.1 be sufficient?