Speaker choice for USB T-AMP DAC

[phurbs]

Guys,

I am need of some n00b advice!

I have just spent £60 on a Class T Amp (TA2020) / USB DAC combo unit to plug into my PC. I am looking to pair this with a some decent (£100max) bookshelf speakers, but with no sub. Ideally I will be getting the speakers from ebay for around £40 but can spend the £100 if needed.

The specs on the amp state an output power of 2 x 15W @ 4Ohm, 2 x 10W @ 8Ohm and also recommend pairing with high sensitive (more than 88dB) speakers.

So, my question is, what the hell speakers to look for!?

I am not looking for a super hi-end system (given the prices, this is obvious) nor am I looking to fill a massive space with bass. I am looking for high quality sound with a decent bass.

So, should be looking for 4 Ohm speakers, or will 8 Ohm be fine? Also, is the sensitivity thing bull**** or will it be noticeable if I get some speakers rated to 86db?

Help!

[Smudger]

I would suggest browsing Richer Sounds. You should be able to get some speakers to suit your needs there. They've got JBL Control 1s for £60. 2x15W seems a bit weak for driving them through.

[99Flake]

I just googled T class amps (hadn't heard of them before). It seems they have very similar attributes to valve amps, that is to say they don't need huge amounts of power to perform. What they do need is high sensitivity so that the speakers can perform at lower power.

You have to remember that at low volumes, or even just normal volume (not talking party style here) that you will rarely use more than 10watts, it just gets too loud.

What the extra wattage does give you (in the case of decent class A amps) is a higher current so therefore better control over the drive units at any given volume.

The T class seems to very very efficient and thus can give very detailed sound and impressive sound staging without the need for huge amounts of watts.

I wouldn't personally know what to recommend speaker wise (I have always been a Kef man myself) but your first thing to look at is how sensitive they are, I would say above 88dB as you say is correct.

I would also avoid looking at speakers that have metal tweaters, you may find them shouty with that kind of amplification, I nice silk dome will probably give better results.

Maybe something like B&W's or Tannoys, I am sure they have done some speakers in the 90dB range.

Remember that those may start to get out of your price range though, Richer sounds seem to be mainly 86dB for things like the Wharfdale Diamonds, Missions and the Cambridge Audio's (the ones in your budget).

Try ebay?

Also for those that are interested, a review of T class amps:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/tripath_amps_e.html

[format]

Sup Phurbs

What did you end up getting?