Topping TP20 tripath 2020 amplifier (versus NAD C320BEE)

[vasishta.sushant]

Any inputs on this TP20 with Plok Audio TSi300 (floorstanders) ?

I recently sold my AVR and looking for the new Yamaha range (for the inbuilt USB feature). I guess till the time I get a good deal on the 2011 yamaha AVRs, I can make do with this one.

 

[ravi_d]

Any inputs on this TP20 with Plok Audio TSi300 (floorstanders) ?

I recently sold my AVR and looking for the new Yamaha range (for the inbuilt USB feature). I guess till the time I get a good deal on the 2011 yamaha AVRs, I can make do with this one.

Yes, you should definitely try this. It should be able to drive your speakers to decent volume. But try it at your own risk hyeah:

 

[avidyarthy]

'Should' run the TSi 300 without too much of an issue .... the speakers being of 8 ohm impedance and 90 dB sen.

But, on the loudness thing have my doubts. You might not be able to go beyond a comfortable level. Using the word 'might', since have never tested a FS.

Speaking from logic than anything else, FS features are larger to BS. To make something big 'move', more energy is required. In the FS, the drivers are bigger and more in number, whereas the energy output from the T class amp remains miniscule. So, loudness beyond a particular level "should" come at the expense of 'clipping / distortion' earlier as compared to a BS.

 

[sups]

As the volume goes up the NAD gets sweeter and sweeter but the Topping feels distorted after 11 - 12'O clock position on vol control.

Topping TP 20 pics

Excellent side by side comparison.

During our Pune HFV meet, we used tp20 with PSB alpha B1 speakers. Since the room was quite big, we had to go way beyond 11-12 o clock position. In fact, it was running at near saturation point of 3 o' clock without any audible distortion.

I feel the same when using it with my usher S520 speakers now.

So, may be the distortion in your case is for the speakers.

 

[ravi_d]

Excellent side by side comparison.

During our Pune HFV meet, we used tp20 with PSB alpha B1 speakers. Since the room was quite big, we had to go way beyond 11-12 o clock position. In fact, it was running at near saturation point of 3 o' clock without any audible distortion.

I feel the same when using it with my usher S520 speakers now.

So, may be the distortion in your case is for the speakers.

@sups
To be precise the bass is getting uncontrolled and spoiling the mids and highs at about 12'O clock position. The speakers I have are known to have prominent bass. Could be smaller bass drivers can do justice to it or it needs a well implemented Topping.

 

[sups]

@sups
To be precise the bass is getting uncontrolled and spoiling the mids and highs at about 12'O clock position. The speakers I have are known to have prominent bass. Could be smaller bass drivers can do justice to it or it needs a well implemented Topping.

Not sure if smaller bass driver would do justice. When nobody is at home, I tried quite a few times in turning up well past 12 o' clock position. Nothing got distorted. Since you mentioned, I will try it again with more attention to see any feel of distortion.

 

[kutlee]

i am using Topping T20 with Wharfedale diamond 9.1. The combo is decent enough for me. The shop fellow got surprised seeing the little amp. Bass is not great. But for the price i think i will keep this amp for some more time. Instrumentals are great on these speakers.

 

[mukum]

Can the TOPPING T2020 drive Wharfedale Diamond 9.5 and did anyone tried this amp with Fostex FE 206 full range with Transmission Line Tapered Quarter wave enclosure

After all the experts feedback (Thank you Psychotropic to start this TOPPING REVOLUTION) I had ordered one from ebay and planning to use with FOSTEX 206.

 

[avidyarthy]

The FOSTEX would be a runaway success .......

Heck, would have loved to hear that combination had your Topping been around ..... would be in Bangalore from 17th to 19th ...

 

[mukum]

@avidyarthy - Sure you are welcome but I am not sure when I will receive the TOPPING bcos i ordered 2 days back I think it will take minimum of 10 days.

I will PM you when it is arrived.

bye

 

[psychotropic]

I've heard the Topping play beautifully with the Lyrita Harmony Ones that use the Fostex FE166En drivers. It was a superb match. Good luck with yours.

And Ravi, the distortion that you describe sounds symptomatic of a speaker that presents an impedance load that dips to nearabouts 4 ohms in the lower frequencies. The Topping works best with speakers that can present a roughly 6 ohms or greater impedance across the frequency spectrum. Which is why the Usher S520s pair beautifully with the Topping.

 

[iaudio]

^Yep, second that. The TP20 sure played well with the Lyrita Harmony Ones, excellent combo.

 

[ravi_d]

And Ravi, the distortion that you describe sounds symptomatic of a speaker that presents an impedance load that dips to nearabouts 4 ohms in the lower frequencies. The Topping works best with speakers that can present a roughly 6 ohms or greater impedance across the frequency spectrum. Which is why the Usher S520s pair beautifully with the Topping.

@psychotropic
There is now way you can gauge the impedance characteristics of a speaker looking at the nominal impedance in the speaker specs. In fact if impedance of a speaker is not dipping below 4 ohms then it is considered to have good impedance characteristics.
Some speakers with 4 ohm nominal impedance in spec fare better and are easy on the amp than 8 ohm nominal impedance speakers.

From my experience I was using Mission M32i speakers rated at 90 dB sensitivity and 8 ohm nominal impedance with my NAD amp. The amp was getting hotter (the hood part above the heat sink gets hotter) and I feel like switching the amp off for 15 mins every 2 hours.
I changed the speakers to M-S Mezzo 2 as I didn't liked the Missions sound. Though the Mezzo's specs 89dB sensitivity and 4-8 ohm nominal impedance doesn't look impressive than before but the amp was now running cooler. Now I don't bother switching the amp off even after 6 hours continuous usage. From that I can say the Mezzo's have better impedance characteristics than Missions though on paper Mission specs look better.

I searched on-line about the heating issue and this has been pointed out to the amp getting strained driving the speakers which is not good for amp.

Even for sensitivity measurement some measure it at 1kHz and some other use pink noise to take the measurement. In both cases both readings were completely different and can't be compared.

 

[ravi_d]

If you are based out of London as of now, you can also get the Temple Audio Bantam Gold (UK made) D class amp. Comes for @ 180 pounds. As per recent reviews it pips the Topping TP20 in sound quality.

Anyway, the Topping would do justice with a compatible speaker only. Try oiut the discussed JBL speaker with it. Thats the cheapest available.

Already started to feel sorry for your NAD / MS combi .....

Hi avidyarthy,

I got a chance to try the Temple Audio Bantam (not the gold model) and I have to say I'm very disappointed with its sound quality. Its sounding too bright and felt less detailed and musical. The Bantam based on Tripath TA2024 costs 90 and Bantam Gold based on some Analogue Devices costs 180.

I just tried to see what's inside the Bantam and here are the pics
https://picasaweb.google.com/ravik350/BantamTAmp?authkey=Gv1sRgCKPjqqaJ-oD1uwE&feat=directlink

Do the internals look like this?
2*15 watt @ 4ohm, TA2024 D-class Audio Amplifier Board | eBay UK

So you never know what you get buying these amps. I would say if you have enough money buy a proper integrated amp and forget it for 4-5 years. The competition is more in the entry level Hi-fi and the amps are not like they are some 10 years ago. I can understand now why someone having an amp which cost 1L INR some 20 years ago and praising Topping :lol:. Or stick to Topping which is equal to few English CD's.

 

[avidyarthy]

The 'only' Bantam never had very good reviews ..... confirmed by you too. I personally have never tried the Temple Audio products, have only gone by Forum heresays.

However, the Bantam Gold using a differnt D Class chip seem to have rectified whatever shortcomings were present in the 'only' Bantam product. The Bantam Gold has rave reviews .... again, not heard that myself.

So, if one wants to go the T amp route, then the Topping or Hlly T20 amps are the best bet.

 

[ravi_d]

The 'only' Bantam never had very good reviews ..... confirmed by you too. I personally have never tried the Temple Audio products, have only gone by Forum heresays.

However, the Bantam Gold using a differnt D Class chip seem to have rectified whatever shortcomings were present in the 'only' Bantam product. The Bantam Gold has rave reviews .... again, not heard that myself.

So, if one wants to go the T amp route, then the Topping or Hlly T20 amps are the best bet.

The Bantam Gold uses some Analog Devices ADAU1592 chip. At 180 without proper pre-amp/ multiple inputs/ linear power supply/ remote etc it is just 50 less than the Marantz PM6003/ Nad c326/ Rega Brio 3.

Building a DIY Topping with the best available kits like (from Helder Hifi) would cost you more than 7k-8k INR that too with out pre-amp/ multiple inputs/ linear power supply/ remote etc.

Going by the reviews don't work all the time. What others like may not be your requirement. Just for buying a T Amp you can't limit your self to the smallest speakers.

I'm done with the T amps. Looks like the TA2024 is the crappiest of the lot. Now I doubt the TK2050 capabilities too which I wanted to try as a Dual mono/ monoblocks DIY project. Its all just a learning for me.:lol:

 

[nandac]

where can i get a topping t20 in bangalore?

 

[ravi_d]

where can i get a topping t20 in bangalore?

Hi nandac,
I don't think its available in India.
Look on ebay for Chinese/Hong Kong sellers selling Topping TP20
TOPPING TP20 MK2 MKII T Amp TA2020 Amplifier & 12V5A PS | eBay UK

 

[nandac]

>Look on ebay for Chinese/Hong Kong sellers selling Topping TP20
>TOPPING TP20 MK2 MKII T Amp TA2020 Amplifier & 12V5A PS | eBay UK

so what's the opening post on this thread talking about getting this for 4k here?

also does this need a pre-amp? or can it be directly hooked on to the computer/speakers?

 

[nandac]

how many of you have ordered from this hongkong seller on ebay and received it here safely in desh? how much custom duty did you pay?

appreciate the feedback.