Lepai LP-2020A (Tripath TA2020) and LP-2020TI (TI TPA3118) Amplifiers Compared.

[@matchmakerchris7617]

I've been looking at several reviews of these units to try to decide which one is better. You single handedly performed the best test analysis on youtube and gave helpful advice to lessen noise on the TI, this is the video everyone should be looking at. I will definitely get the 2020TI. Thumbs up!

[@DanPattenAudioG33k]

Thank you for the kind comments :) I am thinking about doing a video with the TI unit and trying different power supplies.

[@brettwertz7069]

Amazing video! Thank you for taking the time to break down the performance from an electrical perspective!

[@DanPattenAudioG33k]

Thank you.

[@dillonjohnlane]

exactly what I needed, thank you!

[@DanPattenAudioG33k]

Good to hear that it helped.

[@rumsfeldisinsane]

Great comparison, thanks!!! I have both and I do prefer the 2020TI. I run it at 19v and it puts out about 20wpc into 8ohms. Sounds quite good to me!

[@DanPattenAudioG33k]

Thanks. I agree, the 2020TI sounds better to me and has more power.

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

I own both. I prefer the Tripath version, but I am not expert enough to describe exactly why, I just know it sounds more pleasant to me. The TA2020 has a sort of cult following, because some people believe that it sounds similar to a tube amplifier. From what I understand, the 'tube sound' is actually a product of distortion, but it happens to be a form of distortion that sounds pleasant to some people. Is it possible that the Tripath chip looks noisy and bad on paper when measured with instruments, but is nonetheless pleasant to listen to, like a tube amp?

[@DanPattenAudioG33k]

It agree that there is sort of a cult following to the Tripath part. In my opinion, the sound/characteristic that you prefer is what is best :) Yes, many people may prefer an amplifier with poorer measured performance. For example, I just reviewed the Nelson Pass ACA amplifier and to my ear it sounds pretty dang good but does not have stellar measured performance. Tube amps are a good example in that the tube (as well as their output transformer) can result in a very pleasant sound.

[@eggsmann594]

oh, and LP-2020TI is on backorder at Parts Express til middle of June :(

[@wongrichx]

Have you tried to use these amp to drive your Planar (Ribbon) Magnetic Speaker? Is it OK?

[@DanPattenAudioG33k]

I have not tried the Lepai with my planar speakers but probably could. I imagine it would be fine. The planar speakers are an easy load to drive. Thanks.

[@MrDingaling007]

Have had both of these chip amps, and for my high efficiency fostex full range backloaded horn speakers the Tripath sounds valve like it's actually much more nice and pleasant to listen too. The TI is louder and has the power but too harsh and sterile ive found. I really do believe the pairing of speakers and amps is key here. But i can see why the Tripath had a cult following, i know it doesn't seem to make sense but neither do valve amps yet they arguable sound better.

[@DanPattenAudioG33k]

I agree that there are many possible interactions between the amplifier and speaker. It is interesting that the Tripath has such a following.

[@eggsmann594]

Thanks for this very fine, detailed evaluation, but you lost me with the RFI/EMI readings - Is it the TI chip generating up to 20 db more RFI noise than the Tripath ? and pardon my ignorance, but is it in any way, audible ? 'sounds like you're saying the TI is still the better amp, but is that still without the cap and ground mods you did on it ? ...I'll surely be getting the TI model, as you suggest...after 5 yrs of the Kinter Tripath (where the speaker terminals have, one by one, BROKEN OFF ! ) love that amp tho ! but now I'm bummed out to learn about the TI's high RFI ... is it possibly because the switching filter frequency is higher than the Tripath topology ?

[@DanPattenAudioG33k]

Thanks for the comments. In my opinion the TI amp works and sounds better. The TI design does generate more RFI noise (or at least this implementation does). I do not believe it is audible but could possibly become audible if surrounding equipment is adversely effected. The higher RFI noise can be due to the TI chip itself or could also be the implementation (primarily circuit board layout and parts selection). It would be an interesting project to do a new design with the TI chip and optimize the PCB layout and change from a 2 layer to 4 layer board.

[@johnnistler]

Could the board designer have just added more shielding around the chip to reduce the RFI?

[@Litnev999]

Which amplifier sounds better? These are class d or Pass ACA?

[@DanPattenAudioG33k]

IMO, a class A amplifier should sound better and in many cases does. However, the Class A designs are very inefficient and often can not play very loud (inexpensive designs). The Class D is more efficient, usually less costly and often has better bass response/control. A lot of different tradeoffs.