Pioneer SW-8MK2 Subwoofer

[webfors]

Once you get the chip(sets) model numbers, you google through it. Get the spec sheets from the manufacturers, and you'll find a lot of audio threads talking about the chips, what devices they are used in, and reviews/opinions on the sound.

That's how I landed on the TPA3116D2. Lots of info out there on them.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted by webfors
That's how I landed on the TPA3116D2. Lots of info out there on them.

Is there a difference between TPA3116 and TPA3116D2? I see a bunch of these amps on ebay (Nobsound, for example), but they don't mention the "D2" part.

 

[webfors]

I believe they are the same:

http://www.ti.com/product/TPA3116D2

There is no finding a spec sheet from Ti that doesn't have a "D2" appended.

 

[webfors]

I've done some more tests with the various amps I have, and the following so far simply sound the best. Most likely because of the dedicated chip per channel. I just bought 4 more from Aliexpress for $26USD each (time to wire up the cottage with full multi-room audio):

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Bre...tml?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3da24c4dbM3hFF

This is the same build as the two Nobsound amps I have. You'll need a 24v 6amp power supply to get the max output:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Goo...tml?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3da24c4dbM3hFF

And a decent pre-amp. I love this preamp from aoshike on ebay.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/6J1-Tube-Amplifier-Bile-Preamplifier-HIFI-Preamp-Treble-Bass-Audio-Preamplifier/332909565043?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=542015725238&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

It'll cost you a little more than the Fosi on Amazon when you add up the parts above, but you'll get a much better audio system IMO, with better power output.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted by webfors
I've done some more tests with the various amps I have, and the following so far simply sound the best. Most likely because of the dedicated chip per channel. I just bought 4 more from Aliexpress for $26USD each (time to wire up the cottage with full multi-room audio):

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Bre...tml?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3da24c4dbM3hFF
Are you suggesting NOT to get the 24V power supply that's available in the above bundle?

 

[webfors]

Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by webfors
I've done some more tests with the various amps I have, and the following so far simply sound the best. Most likely because of the dedicated chip per channel. I just bought 4 more from Aliexpress for $26USD each (time to wire up the cottage with full multi-room audio):

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Bre...tml?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.3da24c4dbM3hFF
Are you suggesting NOT to get the 24V power supply that's available in the above bundle?



If they listed the amperage I could decide. To get the maximum power output of the amp you'll want a 6amp power supply. It's a good deal for the bundle (assuming it's a 6amp PS), but it does come with a EU plug so you'll need an adapter or swap out plug (the PS is modular/standard, the cable/plug is swappable).

 

[webfors]

You could always message the seller and ask about the amperage and if he could switch out the plug for a US plug.

 

[webfors]

For the sake of full disclosure, I did spend a little extra on gold plated banana plugs and high quality shielded rca cables. That being said, I bought them all off ebay, so the per unit price was low compared to local audio stores.

All my systems are connected using the following banana plugs, both on the amp (yes, the amp supports plugs) and speakers:

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/8Pcs-Gold-Plated-Musical-Audio-Speaker-Cable-Wire-4mm-Banana-Plug-Connector/283217051058?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Audio cables:

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/2RCA-Male-to-2RCA-Male-Audio-Cable-Gold-plated-For-Laptop-HDTV-DVD-VCD-Amplifier/173624214584?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=472302581645&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

For speaker wire I purchased 100feet on sale from Amazon for cheap:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0...sin_title_o03__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

16 gauge is perfect unless you're running big runs across the house. The nice thing about these amps, is you are never running cable that far because they are so compact that they can be placed anywhere.

If you want to save money on speakers, kijiji or craigslist has tons of great speakers for peanuts. I purchased my Energy ESM2-MKII's for cheap. They needed a little rebuild love. I got some Paradigm Titans in great shape for $40. The list goes on.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Thanks.

All this is tempting, but on the other hand, there really isn't anything wrong per se with my current Onkyo receiver at my desk. As much as I have an upgrade itch, I am hoping it'll go away before I spend any more money.

One thing I changed recently - I stopped using the subwoofer pre-out on the receiver and just wired the sub using speaker level connections. It's probably placebo, but I do like how it sounds now. Just waiting for the new DAC to get here.

 

[webfors]

Nice setup!

The great thing about these little amps is they can drive pretty much any size speaker. While good for desktop, they are a good replacement for pretty much any stereo solution you can come up with.

Regarding speaker output, not placebo. It all depends on the sub out crossover in the amp/receiver. Speaker level inputs don't discriminate and push everything to the sub and let's the sub crossover to determine what to filter out.

I hated the sub/LFE out on my Harman Kardon. Speaker level was much better! That's how I had the dual HSU subs in stereo, until I purchased the Rolls SX45. Now I have the HSU subs crossover disabled, using RCA/LFE in, connected to L and R low out on the Rolls. Definitely a big improvement that you can notice. Quality of crossover is probably the big differentiator.

 

[webfors]

Here's a couple pics of my kitchen system. The speakers are PSB Image 2B's I bought 15 years ago, repurposed for kitchen duty. I purchase non-slip rubber to angle them down without the risk of them sliding. Very sturdy, and sound great!

The Fosi amp is powering everything with a Fox Audio tube preamp, might be more for fun and looks, but I swear every system I put these little tube amps on end up sounding better.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qzetzinjecmf7uj/AAAB4sDpjHA4x_6cyMedt0Q3a?dl=0

 

[Quattro Pete]

Very cool!