Amplifiers - Good news!

[Dermbrian]

It looks like others have finally recognized that we need an alternative to 'computer speakers'.

http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/t-amp_e.html

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=AMP-30


I can't tell you how long I've been looking frr an alternative to computer speakers that didn't involve a 30 year old integrated amp.   Either of these could really be useful in a jukebox cab or building a compact home stereo or dorm stereo out of today's portable electronics.



Comments?  Anyone tried these?


Brian

Brian

[Dermbrian]

I just placed an order for a Sonic Impact "T-AMP" from target.com.   I had to buy the package deal that includes the 19" triangular cardboard speakers.  Actually, I"m looking forward to trying out those speakers, since they are getting incredible reviews.

Again, the T-Amp is a very small, inexpensive 12VDC powered stereo amp designed to amplify sound cards, I-PODs, and other personal electronics.  It can use 8 batteries or be powered by an appropriate transformer/power supply (not included).  It has been favorably compared to audiophile amplfiers costing hundreds of times its purchase price.  Although computer speakers have their place, I'm interested in using something other than computer speakers with my PC and my eventual standalone jukebox.

I should have this in about a week.  I'll report my experiences then.  If nothing else, my teenage daughter can use this in her room when I'm done playing with it.

Brian

[Dermbrian]

I had planned to wait until this weekend to try the Sonic Impact T-Amp / Soundpax 'cardboard' speaker combo that I bought, but tore it open when it was delivered today, instead.

I'm sitting here listening to the 'Titanic' soundtrack and am pretty much blown away.  I'm just using 8 AA batteries in the amp and this thing  cranked out some amazing sound out of the cardboard speakers. 

Then, I put my 20 year old three way Infinity's with polypropalene drivers onto the amp.  Biggest 6 pure watts I've ever heard.  It had no problem driving the Inifinity's to DVD movie-night level, still just on the 8 AA batteries.  Even using line out from my portable CD player (no preamp, no tone controls), the frequency response...bass, midrange and treble... was just wonderous.  Absolute quiet on quiet parts, and thunderous dynamic range.

I need to find a 12VDC adapter.

This is definitely a great amp for a jukebox if you're interested in something a cut above computer speakers at really no more cost.  If you have access to some decent speakers that you can incorporate into a juke design, you won't go wrong with a T-Amp, even at full retail.    javascript:replaceText(' ', document.postmodify.message);
Cool

[garyh]

Anyone know a UK supplier for the T-Amp or even a US supplier that will ship to the UK (with stock) ?

[JackTucky]

I got one with the cardboard speakers.  it's loud, but kind of "tinny"  not too much bass.

It sounds pretty good though.

When I messed with the EQ in winamp, the bass was pretty good.

Art

[Dermbrian]

I got one with the cardboard speakers.  it's loud, but kind of "tinny"  not too much bass.

It sounds pretty good though.

When I messed with the EQ in winamp, the bass was pretty good.

Art

Yeah, the cardboard speakers are kind of gimmicky.  Decent bookshelf speakers definitely sound better than those.  Great speakers and the T-Amp....WOW.  I'm seriously considering building some super efficient single driver diy speakers, now.

But for the original purpose of the cardboard speakers, they are pretty cool.  You can throw the T-amp and those speakers into the nifty carry bag and easily bring a little sound system to places where you might want to use your walkman, ipod, laptop, whatever.

I found a regulated 1500ma 12VDC wall wort power supply with the proper plug at a surplus dealer for about $6.00. 

I also think the T-Amp, by virtue of it having an on/off/volume control and modern style, really functions well just mounting it as you would an on/off/volume control for any other audio solution. 

Brian

[SadGamerGeek]

Just got my T-Amp (from ThinkGeek.com - escaped customs charge to the UK).

I'm typing this with the amp temporarily connected up to some (very old) Wharfedale Delta 30.2 speakers (8 Ohm/100W/89db). I can't believe how loud this little thing goes, and how good it sounds! It seems almost a waste to put it in an arcade cabinet, but that's what I'm going to do.

I'm contemplating mounting it upside-down underneath the control panel. This would make it hidden in normal use, but would leave the volume control exposed.

Now the big question - what speakers to do this justice?

Cheers,

Richard

[Dermbrian]

It seems almost a waste to put it in an arcade cabinet, but that's what I'm going to do.

Almost as big of a waste as where mine is right now...in a circa 1965 stereo console with a pair of $9.95 plastic 2-way bookshelf speakers from a surplus store!  Driven by a walkman mp3 CD player until I get a PC into there.

I need to get another T-Amp for use with a reasonably good pre-amp that was handed down to me by an audiophile.  I want one of these to replace my 20 year old 80 watt integrated Sony amp.

Congratulations on finding a way to get one!  I like your idea of mounting it in standalone juke, upside down but easily accessible.

Brian