Kingrex T20 vs. Trends Audio TA-10.1

[Κώστας Φ.]

O Kingrex T20 είναι ένας νέος ολοκληρωμένος που βασίζεται σε chip της Tripath και φαίνεται αρκετά ενδιαφέρουσα περίπτωση. Σύντομα θα υπάρχει review στο 6moons αν δεν κάνω λάθος.

Εν τω μεταξύ στο Stereomojo.com εξετάζουν πως στέκεται ο Kingrex απέναντι στο νικητή του blind test "ψηφιακών" ολοκληρωμένων που είχαν οργανώσει πριν μερικούς μήνες, τον Trends Audio TA-10.1.

Το συμπέρασμα:

"At $149, the Trends TA-10.1 is recommended for anyone who only needs one input and no remote control or headphone jack for a system that includes inexpensive and nominally efficient speakers in the range of 88 dB or greater in a small to medium sized room. Further, we suggest that the system not be one where critical listening by a true audiophile is paramount. The Trends would be a wonderful choice for an office or bedroom system, for example. It would also be an excellent choice as a gift or purchase for the college student who pairs it with and Ipod or output from their computer, again using speakers that are easy to drive. Also, if it gets ripped off which happens at colleges, the loss is minimal. Even providing soft music in a baby's room would be good. Start raising them to appreciate music and good sound!

At $399, the Kingrex offers more real power and audiophile qualities and could be the basis for a very entry level high-end system. Still, there is only one input and no remote or headphone accommodation. Within those limitations and married to a medium price/quality efficient speaker, the owner would be able to listen to a more musical, satisfying presentation than with the Trends.

There are alternatives to both of these amps. For example, the same distributor of these two amps also has amp called the Little Dot T which sells for the same price as the Kingrex, the difference being that it produces 60 watts of Tripath power and has a tube buffer. I have not heard it but it may be worth a look."

Περισσότερα εδώ.

 

[Κώστας Φ.]

Απάντηση: Kingrex T20 vs. Trends Audio TA-10.1

Διαβάζω καλά σχόλια για τον Κingrex - ο οποίος χρησιμοποιεί το Τripath ΤΑ2020.
Ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον παρουσιάζει η version Τ20U η οποία θα διαθέτει, εκτός των άλλων, USB input και ενσωματωμένο DAC.

Η διαδρομή του σήματος απο την USB θα είναι (αντιγράφω απο σχετικό post στο diyaudio.com):
USB plug-->PCM2702E(USB DAC chip)-->OPA2604(low pass filter +preamp)-->TL072(DC servo)-->RELAY-->Volume pot-->file/foil capacitor-->TA2020

 

[Κώστας Φ.]

Απάντηση: Kingrex T20 vs. Trends Audio TA-10.1

Έτοιμο το Review του Kingrex απο το 6moons. Άφησε πολύ καλές εντυπώσεις και τσίμπησε κι ένα Blue Moon Award. :bravo:

Υπάρχει κι εδώ σύγκριση με τον Trends με τον Kingrex να επικρατεί ως πιο.."λαμπάτος", διαφορά την οποία αποδίδουν κατά κύριο λόγο στο PSU του Kingrex (καθώς μεγάλο μέρος αυτής μεταφέρθηκε και στον Trends όταν δούλεψαν με το PSU του Τ20).

Οι τιμές που δίνει το 6moons είναι: $220 for T20, $190 for PSU.

Ετοιμάζεται ήδη στο ίδιο site και το review του T20U (με το USB input και το DAC) που αναφέρω παραπάνω καθώς και του αντίστοιχου pre-amp.

Αντιγράφω απο το review:

"Now the inside story. Who is KingRex? Based in Taiwan and founded in 2000, KingRex Technology Co. Ltd. is currently going through a transformation phase of migrating from the manufacturing field of residential security systems, PDA batteries, memory modules for computers and RF modules for two-way radios to audio wonderland. The KingRex T20 integrated amp and PSU are their debut models. The lineup will soon be completed with the T20U (basically a T20 with built-in USB DAC) and the Pre-Amp, the latter of which will appear in Part 2 of this review. The heart of the T20 is the Tripath T2020-20 DPP (Digital Power Processing) chip also found in the DiyParadise Charlize and Autocostruire 2020-m units available in either kit or ready-to-assemble modules aimed at DIYers. Unlike some T-amps, the KingRex rejected surface-mount components and went through-hole all the way.

The printed circuit board is relatively spacious but all the components confine themselves to two-fifth of the total area. This is because Tripath specifies that critical components like power supply decoupling capacitors must be located closely to the power supply pins and grounding pins to effectively reject power supply noise and absorb voltage spikes. Similarly for the Schottky diodes' proximity to their respective output pins and VDD/GRND pins. Likewise for the output inductors to help reduce radiated emission. All this is for electrical stability and sonic purity. And KingRex not only follows the principle faithfully but also manages to mount a large heat sink onto the Tripath chip. The wastage of space, as I learned later, actually provides for the DAC in the sister model T20U.

While the Tripath 2020-20 chip is officially labeled as capable of 2 x 20 watts into 4 ohms, it should be noted that the performance of all Tripath DPP chips is governed by two factors: VDD and THD+N. The T2020-20 operates on a typical supply voltage or VDD, of 13.5 V whereas the tolerance ranges from 8.5 V minimum to 14.6 V maximum. When 14.6 V is fed to the chip, the output power actually increases to 2 x 24wpc. Don't get excited too soon. The Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise (THD+N) also rises to 10%. The optimized output at 0.1% THD+N, a prerequisite for audiophile sonic quality, is achieved at 12 watts into 4 ohm or 7 into 8. If you think the KingRex T20 is a powerful T-amp, think again. Statistically, it's negligibly more robust than the Trends TA-10, which utilizes the Tripath T2024 chip to deliver 11/6wpc into 4/8 ohm with a THD+N of 0.1%. However, I did try to drive the new Mark & Daniel 83.5dB low-efficient, current-gobbling, bi-wirable Sapphire with two KingRex T20s and two PSUs in bi-amp configuration. Truthfully, I dared not crank up the volume and only played soft music. It was strictly for fun and could hardly be recommended. In order to let the Tripath chip work below its 0.1% THD+N mark, the optimal being 0.03% at ten 4-ohm watts, loudspeakers with higher efficiency are definitely mandatory.

...

Inside the compact chassis of the KingRex PSU sits a 45VA (since upgraded to 48VA) toroidal transformer coupled to a full-fledged regulatory circuit, which comprises, among other electronic components, eight high-quality Nippon Chemicon aluminum electrolytics, 5 x 2200uF at the AC input stage, 3 x 4700uF at the DC output stage.

...

It's a totally different world - a world in which only tube heads would find unalloyed happiness and swear unconditional loyalty. The sheer fact that this cold-running Tripath amp manages to exude such heart-warming musicality warrants my most deeply felt salutations. Tube amps, eat your valves out. Congratulations on a job well done, KingRex."

Full Review


Kαι μερικές φωτογραφίες:

 

[Κώστας Φ.]

Απάντηση: Kingrex T20 vs. Trends Audio TA-10.1

Νέος...Βασιλιάς Τυραννόσαυρος.

Προενισχυτής αυτή τη φορά, βασισμένος στο OPA627.
Θετικό που έχουν φροντίσει για την εύκολη αλλαγή των OP-AMPs.
H τιμή του είναι περίπου στα 300 ευρώ.

Spec και photos απο το site του Audiomagus:

• The source is selected automatically depending on which is generating the signal. Switching is carried out via a high-quality relay. (When using two sources, the one not being used should be muted or turned off.)
• Quality Parts
• Pre-Amp uses a low-noise FET input OP-AMP. The highly-regarded and expensive OPA627 is used as the main OP-AMP, with a BUF634 increasing the current output.
• High quality gold-anodized phono input and output sockets
• Designed for Sonic Excellence. The addition of a DC servo circuit enables the elimination of sound degrading coupling capacitors, resulting in a purer and more accurate representation of the original source.
• A built-in 'diamond buffer' stage is added at the input to increase the dynamic range of the Preamplifier.
• Easy to Upgrade. To help you find your favorite sound, KingRex designed the Preamplifier with socketed OP-AMPs. This allows you to change the OP-AMPs when new and better units become available.

Specifications
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz(+/-0.5db)
Noise Level: -104.6db(A)
Dynamic Range: 104.5db(A)
Total Harmonic Distrotion(20Hz-20Khz) Less than 0.0047%
IMD+Noise(A-weighted) Less than 0.006%
Line Inputs: 2 Channels(RCA)(Auto Select)
Line Output: 1 Channel(RCA)
Power Requirements: 100-120VAC (50/60Hz) or 200-240VAC (50/60Hz)
Power Consumption: Less than 5W
Dimensions: 185mm wide x 150mm deep x 50mm tall
Weight: 1360g

 

[spresv]

Που 'ναι ρε παιδια τα ερμα τα sockets? Τοσο μολυ εχει ανεβει η ρημαδα η μυωπια? Ή μηπως ειναι επιμελως κσυμμενα κατω απο αυτην την υπερυψωμενη πλακετα?

 

[Κώστας Φ.]

Απάντηση: Kingrex T20 vs. Trends Audio TA-10.1

Διθυραμβικά review και δύο Blue Moon Awards για τον USB Kingrex και τον Kingrex Pre.

Για τον ολοκληρωμένο:

"I have given my highest commendation to the KingRex T20 by honoring it with the Blue Moon Award for heart-warming tube sound from a cold-running Class-T amp. The T20U is the same amp, only more truthful to the category of integrated amp by offering a second input via its USB interface. If you fancy listening to music from your computer and upgrading your listening pleasure, simply think of the T20U as the best $245 USB DAC money can buy - and the award-winning Tripath amp comes with it gratis."

 

[Κώστας Φ.]

Απάντηση: Kingrex T20 vs. Trends Audio TA-10.1

Και για τον Pre:

"The Pre-Amp is adorned with proven technologies such as its input NOR gate and diamond buffer. When matched with low-power Tripath amps, it helps to improve compatibility with lower-efficiency speakers. When matched with high-power class-D amps, it offers unbelievable value and uncompromised performance. Its possible applications go on and on. On the last few days of auditioning, I even used it to substitute a $2,000+ tube preamp in an all-tube preamp/monoblocks setup and honestly preferred the KingRex for its much quieter background noise, wider tonal spectrum and logical balance of musicality and resolution. I know it might seem unscrupulous on my part to give out a second and third Blue Moon Awards to KingRex within just two consecutive reviews. But I could not possibly deny them this well-deserved honor: the T20U for "The tube-sounding USB Tripath amp" and the Pre-Amp for "The best compact preamp embodying value and performance."

 

[Κώστας Φ.]

Απάντηση: Kingrex T20 vs. Trends Audio TA-10.1

Περισσότερα για τις δύο συσκευές: 6moons.com

 

[sp502]

Με αυτή τη φωτογραφία κατάλαβα γιατί δεν έχω καλό ήχο
από την έξοδο usb του laptop μου... δεν έχω τα ειδικά αντικραδασμικά
ποδαράκια "happy_1" "happy_1" "happy_1" "happy_1" "happy_1"

Γεια σου Κώστα, εσύ έχεις ποδαράκια; :happy_4:

 

[Κώστας Φ.]

Απάντηση: Re: Kingrex T20 vs. Trends Audio TA-10.1

Γεια σου Κώστα, εσύ έχεις ποδαράκια; :happy_4:

Είχα βάλει ποδαράκια στο προηγούμενό μου laptop κι ένα βράδυ σηκώθηκε κι έφυγε. Δεν την ξαναπατάω! :happy_5:

 

[Κώστας Φ.]

Απάντηση: Kingrex T20 vs. Trends Audio TA-10.1

Nέo review από το TNT-Audio...



KingRex T20 integrated amplifier
Unleashed! Budget High-End monster sinks its teeth deep into the music!


CONCLUSION

Reviewing the T20 and PSU has been a great deal of fun, and a real ear-opener. For the price the performance really is better than it has any right to be - in fact I'm still using my samples! It's the proverbial giant-killer, deserves to sell well, and gets my highest thumbs up for sonic performance (providing the KingRex PSU is used). That its performance can also be upgraded at a later date by a few simple modifications only increases its value for money. I'd love to try two units in a 'bi-amping' configuration - I'm sure this would yield even greater levels of high fidelity.

Ignore the relatively low price, and go into this with your ears open and I'm sure you'll come out smiling. It's the kind of component that clearly shows improvements & upgrades elsewhere in your system, providing your speakers are sensitive enough to show these improvements. I'm now firmly hooked on the Tripath sound, and look forward to new products from KingRex. There's already a 'super' T20 called the T20U which offers film/foil input capacitors, as well as a USB input and DAC for improving the sound from a PC, as well as a specialized pre-amp soon to hit the production line. So, well done KingRex for such an outstanding debut product - top marks all around! One to audition without any reservations.

I would like to thank Ms. Christine Wu of KingRex for her courteous & prompt replies to my myriad questions over the past four months, patience in waiting for this review, and superb handling of the language barrier! Such helpful and polite customer service is a welcome surprise in this day and age. Lastly, at the time of writing this (September 2007) KingRex have yet to procure a distributor for their products in the UK - any potential distributors should contact KingRex directly.

tnt-audio.com

 

[neo^]

Παιδιά τον T20U τον αγόρασα πρόσφατα απο την αντιπροσωπεία γιατι έψαχνα καιρό να βρώ κάτι με USB για να χρησιμοποιώ το laptop ως πηγή, και τελικά είναι άψογο το μηχανηματάκι !

 

[Bart]

Παιδιά τον T20U τον αγόρασα πρόσφατα απο την αντιπροσωπεία γιατι έψαχνα καιρό να βρώ κάτι με USB για να χρησιμοποιώ το laptop ως πηγή, και τελικά είναι άψογο το μηχανηματάκι !

Πες μας περισσότερα.

Πόσο και από που ? :118:

Bart

 

[neo^]

Πες μας περισσότερα.

Πόσο και από που ? :118:

Bart

245 euro απο την audio-soul.gr
έχει επιλογέα απο πίσω που επιλέγεις η πηγή USB ή κανονική πηγή.
δέν θέλει drivers, απλά δηλώνεις το USB-DAC σαν έξοδο στo winamp(εγώ αυτό χρησιμοποιώ)