T+A Class D Amps ( M200 or A200)?


For somewhat idiosyncratic reasons, i am considering (i) moving my NAD M33, which I quite like, out of my main system where it is powering DALI Epicon 6s and dedicating it to powering a new pair of Revel Performa 226Be that are in a somewhat smaller room (15’x25’ with 8.5-9’ ceilings and fewer windows) with better acoustics and (ii) taking the NAD C399 that currently runs the Revels and using it just as a pre-amp/streamer/DAC (which it is pretty well suited to, despite lacking balanced outputs) and for a pair of T+A M200 mono blocks for the Epicons.

My thought is that both sets of speakers will be happier with these changes.

Has anybody here auditioned a T+A class D and not liked it?  (I think I can get the M200s on a 30-day trial at just the cost of round trip shipping, which given their slight weight shouldn’t be too bad.)

FWIW, my music is all streamed via Qobuz and TIDAL, jazz, vocals, pop some classic rock; played at rarely higher than moderate volume.

Thanks!

kirkwallace

Yeah well, it sure won't cost you anything to insert your m33 into the Revel room right now. Start there. But I'm worried that what you find lacking may just be the characteristics of D amps in general. Perhaps you could consider improving the dac instead. 

The M33 is no slouch so from that perspective it’s not too surprising you’re pretty happy overall with what you’re hearing.  But there’s a big difference between liking the sound being truly moved and captivated by it, and IME that’s the next level and what can be achieved with higher-end components.  It can be easy to be lulled into liking what you hear until you hear what’s possible with something much better, and then you’re not so happy anymore.  Just purely as an example, inserting something like this Gryphon Diablo integrated into your system would very likely be transformative on every level. 

 https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbef10-gryphon-diablo-300-solid-state

But at this level it becomes highly personal and dependent on individual tastes/system synergy and only you can determine which components deliver the sound improvements you’re looking for.  I’m just stating the obvious that there is a much higher level out there and you should do some more research as to which components likely deliver the specific sound characteristics/improvements you’re looking for.  I’d also emphasize that everything matters a lot so plan on a better streamer, DAC, preamp/amp, and probably even cables.  What’s your budget, and are you looking for new or used?  Knowing that and having an idea of what you’re looking for you’ll at least get some good thoughts/ideas here to look into.  All that said, I don’t think throwing $$$ at the T+A amp is a good idea at this point as it’d be a crapshoot until you do more research as to what else is out there.  I would highly recommend traveling to some dealers/shows if at all possible to go hear for yourself and ideally demo components in your system.  Anyway, just my $0.02 FWIW.

All good points, thank you guys.

and @soix, you are right I would be pretty much throwing darts in a very dimly lit room at this point. I should figure out a way to go and hear more gear before i start buying stuff (even if it is returnable). The hassle factor in return shipping decreases the incentive to be strict about whether the item really is a meaningful upgrade. (That, plus placebo effect and confirmation bias.)

I listened to the T+A amps and preamp.  It sounded excellent.  I’m leaning towards trying a Benchmark amp if I audition again.  I keep going back to my Rotel amp and preamp.  I love the sound and putting out 350 WPC at 4 ohms is plenty for my Revel M126Be and Arendal 1723 towers.  I may get more headspace but my heads already in a good place.  Suggest auditioning and deciding if it’s worth the investment.  It’s the only way you’ll know. 

Can not answer your question but if you can get your hands on the T+A, go for it. That’s really the best way to answer your question. IMO-the thing with auditioning is that it’s hard to know if it will actually work with your setup. It’s not your own system, You’re listening to someone else’s setup. There are so many variables - room, sources, cables, speakers and more. Chance of matching your set up to theirs is slim. Hearing them and taking home for trial would work. Hauling your speakers, sources and cables to dealer is impractical. There are plenty of people here who know what to look for when auditioning and knowledge to mentally calibrate to one’s own system and have had successful outcomes. 

As for shipping hassle, you’re going to spend many hours listening to your system for years to come. What’s a hour of hassle time? For shipping expense, it’s the cost of reducing risk that you may get into an amp that you are ultimately not happy with.

About the specs on the M200 and your needs, I can add no value.

On T+A, I’m hooked on the company, their engineering approach, the quality  of their builds and I do own their products. Other than their software on their streamers I happy. One experience that really put me in their camp was visiting their room at EXPONA 2022. Like most showrooms, it was loud and hard to judge anything, but I spoke with the owner, US sales rep and maybe the son. I just came away impressed by it all. That does not mean T+A will work for you but it certainly did for me.