Κώστας Φ.
Truth hurts. Here's a teddy bear.
- Μηνύματα
- 8.978
- Reaction score
- 895
Γενικώς γράφονται καλά λόγια στο internet για τα συγκεκριμένα kit.
Υπάρχει φυσικά η δυνατότητα παραγγελίας έτοιμων των συσκευών και αυτό ακριβώς έκαναν στο 6moons για το συγκεκριμένο review. Ο Charlize δεν διαφέρει και πολύ απο τις υπόλοιπες λύσεις που χρησιμοποιούν Tripath modules (θα έλεγε μάλιστα πως με Trends και Kingrex η θέση του είναι δύσκολη), αλλά ο προ (Maggie) και το DAC (Monica) παρουσιάζουν ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον, δεδομένης και της χαμηλής τιμής τους σε μορφή Kit.
Οι υπό δοκιμή συσκευές:
Maggie Autoformer Volume Control ($430)
Charlize Amplifier class-T ($340)
Monica DAC ($300)
Αντιγράφω απο τα...6 φεγγάρια:
"The digital to analog converter under review is called the Monica and was designed by Yeo himself, to currently be in its second iteration. It's a non-oversampling DAC using a TDA1545A chip.
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CK Kok designed the 10wpc class-T amp that goes by Charlize. It utilizes a Tripath TA 2020 chip...
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Requiring no power connections at all is the Ew CG-designed Maggie, a passive autoformer attenuator with C-Core transformers wound in house. I'm told these C-Core transformers were selected after testing various types. C-cores were found to be superior due to flatter frequency response, tighter bass, greater high frequency extension and reduced magnetic leakage leading to lower inductance. A 22-stop stepped Alps attenuator has a very sturdy feel and features front center. Not your usual wiper-type resistive potentiometer, volume is controlled by connecting each click stop directly to one of the C-Core's various autoformer taps. Around back are connections for a single stereo input and output utilizing the same RCAs found elsewhere.
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Of course, for the true do-it-yourselfer, DIY Paradise will sell you the Monica PCB module for $135 plus approximately $30 shipping, the Maggie autoformers for $260 and the Charlize amplifier module for $110.
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Conclusion
I'm aware that these DIY components have competition out there. Where class-T amplifiers are concerned, I've already mentioned Trends and Kingrex, already reviewed on 6moons as well as Sonic Impact, Red Wine and others. How the DIY Paradise Charlize compares I can't say as I haven't used any of the competition. I'm also aware that some of the competition is asking for even less coin than DIY Paradise. I will add that DIY Paradise products can be ordered in at least two different styles of wooden boxes and you can assemble a complete system (with the exception of a CD transport) with matching cosmetics. That'll be worth something to certain buyers. No matter how you look at it, these components represent real value. When I accepted the DIY Paradise review assignment, I didn't have a clue how good these class-T amplifiers could sound.
I can confidently state that within the parameters of the caveats pointed out -- which in the right system could actually be benefits -- the Charlize, Monica and Maggie each present the potential buyer (or DIY builder) with very solid performance and a value quotient that's off the charts. With each subsequent listen during the review period, I found myself more and more impressed. No, in absolute terms they weren't giant killers - they weren't better than or even quite as good as my reference components. They are, however, products of extreme value. Where they fell short of my gear, they did so in esoteric areas of performance. As a system, the DIY components weren't quite as liquid, not quite as detailed and insightful and they did shrink the scale of the presentation to a minor degree. But at their price, they came much closer than they had any right to. I can't imagine this amount of money buying a better performing DAC, passive attenuator and power amplifier package. But until I have more experience with class-T amplification, I'll have to reserve judgment as to just how award-worthy the Charlize amplifier actually is. However, there's no doubt that in the extreme low-price category, the Monica DAC is a clear Blue Moon contender.
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