Recommend a class D amplifier?

[birthdaymonkey]

I'm getting tired of the constant low-level buzz of my M-Audio AV40s and am thinking of upgrading to a class D or T amp and some bookshelf speakers. I'll probably go with Paradigm Atom monitors, but I'm looking for suggestions on the amp. I know people have had pretty good results with some of the low cost mini T-amps floating around these days.

 

[SithSolo1]

Well I guess it depends on how much you want to spend.

Some options:
Topping Amps -
http://www.parts-express.com/wizard...ce=&srchCat=&srchMfg=470&srchPromo=&srchAttr=

Lepai Amps -
http://www.parts-express.com/wizard...ce=&srchCat=&srchMfg=471&srchPromo=&srchAttr=

Dayton -
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-383

These are not Class-D/T but decent/smaller amps for the price -
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-812

http://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/tube_magic_a1

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/a100

 

[Howard]

Could be a grounding issue with your AV40s. Is there a ground lift switch, or perhaps you can try plugging them into a different outlet? Is the buzz at a constant loudness or does it go up and down with the volume?

 

[alcoholbob]

I hear those $20 amps out of Hong Kong aren't that much better...

 

[birthdaymonkey]

Could be a grounding issue with your AV40s. Is there a ground lift switch, or perhaps you can try plugging them into a different outlet? Is the buzz at a constant loudness or does it go up and down with the volume?

Oh, I've tried them in every outlet in my place. It doesn't matter if they're connected to a source or not, so I don't think it's a ground loop. They hum at a constant rate regardless of the volume. Many people probably wouldn't notice it, but I'm kinda obsessive about computer noise. I have no buzzing problem with the other cheap computer speakers I own, and issues with the amplifier inside the AV40s are posted all over the internet, especially on the M-Audio forums.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

Well I guess it depends on how much you want to spend.

Some options:
Topping Amps -
http://www.parts-express.com/wizard...ce=&srchCat=&srchMfg=470&srchPromo=&srchAttr=

Lepai Amps -
http://www.parts-express.com/wizard...ce=&srchCat=&srchMfg=471&srchPromo=&srchAttr=

Dayton -
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-383

These are not Class-D/T but decent/smaller amps for the price -
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-812

http://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/tube_magic_a1

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/a100

Thanks for the suggestions! I definitely want to keep the price down below $100, as the Atoms will probably cost me around $150 (mother works for a Paradigm dealer), and this setup will be replacing a $120 pair of computer speakers. Everything needs to fit on a pretty small desk too. The Topping ones look appealing. I'll look for some reviews.

I was hoping people might have good things to say about the $30-$40 ones (like the Lepai or SMLS T-amps). It doesn't have to be best sound money can buy, just decent reproduction and no HUM.

I guess my other option would be to look at some higher end powered speakers. I was thinking about the Audioengine A5s, but I've heard of people complaining about hum with those too.

 

[Kaido]

Thanks for the suggestions! I definitely want to keep the price down below $100, as the Atoms will probably cost me around $150 (mother works for a Paradigm dealer), and this setup will be replacing a $120 pair of computer speakers. Everything needs to fit on a pretty small desk too. The Topping ones look appealing. I'll look for some reviews.

I was hoping people might have good things to say about the $30-$40 ones (like the Lepai or SMLS T-amps). It doesn't have to be best sound money can buy, just decent reproduction and no HUM.

I guess my other option would be to look at some higher end powered speakers. I was thinking about the Audioengine A5s, but I've heard of people complaining about hum with those too.

I have AV40's and they don't hum. Maybe try some audio fix-it solutions (different outlet, different surge protector, USB soundcard, ground loop isolator, etc.).

Are you into DIY at all? Soldering? If so, the Lepai TA2020+ "T Amp" is hard to beat. $22 on Parts Express:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=310-300

$8 for a higher-power 12V 5A power adapter (the 2.5mm plug fits the 2.1mm jack on the Lepai):

http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Mo.../dp/B0023Y9EQC

And then some mods:

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/showthread.php?t=226235

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/class-d/90500-lepai-t-amp-ta2020.html

http://www.diyaudio.com/wiki/Amplifier:Lepai_T_Amp

Easiest one is to change out the cap to a 5600uF from Mouser for more bass. Lots of fun little mods you can do to these if you want to. It sounds pretty good OOTB with just the 12V 5A though - I've driven some pretty big speakers with it. The audio is pretty clean up to about 3/4 volume, but that's at ear-splitting levels on my small speakers anyway.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

Well, I'm a bit DIY--known to do a little dremeling from time to time--but so far I haven't tried any soldering. If I'm feeling adventurous, this seems like a good chance to give it a go, especially since if something does go wrong, the worst I could do is ruin some cheap components.

I have AV40's and they don't hum. Maybe try some audio fix-it solutions (different outlet, different surge protector, USB soundcard, ground loop isolator, etc.).

Are you into DIY at all? Soldering? If so, the Lepai TA2020+ "T Amp" is hard to beat. $22 on Parts Express:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=310-300

$8 for a higher-power 12V 5A power adapter (the 2.5mm plug fits the 2.1mm jack on the Lepai):

http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Mo.../dp/B0023Y9EQC

And then some mods:

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/showthread.php?t=226235

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/class-d/90500-lepai-t-amp-ta2020.html

http://www.diyaudio.com/wiki/Amplifier:Lepai_T_Amp

Easiest one is to change out the cap to a 5600uF from Mouser for more bass. Lots of fun little mods you can do to these if you want to. It sounds pretty good OOTB with just the 12V 5A though - I've driven some pretty big speakers with it. The audio is pretty clean up to about 3/4 volume, but that's at ear-splitting levels on my small speakers anyway.