Pop Pulse 1 (TA-77)
Tripath Amplifier

Despite the price tag and apparently diminuitive size, this is a sophisticated, powerhouse T-Amp not to be underestimated. Close inspection reveals tell-tales of serious intent . . . eschewing an old-school pot for a properly modern digital volume control (what else for a digital amp with a digital source?) gives benefits sonically and in terms of longevity, and makes it easy to provide remote control.

Then there's the weight: a hefty 3.5Kg – something much more substantial than a 25 gram TA2022 chip must be lurking in there. Round the back, there's even a balanced XLR input in addition to the single line-ins, and chunky gold plated terminals. Scanning the specs, another surprise is in store – holy mackerel! – this thing outputs 70 watts!

Based on the TA-2022 chipset and featuring a dedicated preamp stage, the TA77 sounds typically Tripath, only more so: dynamic mid-range, airy treble and clean, well controlled bass. To the typically even-handed T-Amp presentation it brings a muscular sense of authority reminiscent of the KingRex T20U + Preamp combination; it may not have the KingRex' grace and finesse so well suited to acoustic music, but for sheer drive – and value for money – the Pop Pulse is hard to fault.

• Output Power: 70W+70W
• Frequency Response: 20-80 KHz (-1db)
• S/N: 86dB THD: 0.05% (1 KHz)
• Input Max: 7V (47KOhm)
• Volume start from - 48
• Power Supply: AC 230V or AC 115V (±10%) 50/60Hz
• Max Power Dissipation: 120W
• OPA LM-4562 (preamp stage)
• Tripath--TA 2022 chips (power stage)
• High Quality Components--Elna polar and Bp caps
• Bridged Output
• Over-Current Protection
• Over-Thermal Protection
• Comes with UK power lead.
• 12 month UK warranty

Dimensions: 290mm x 140mm x 40mm
Weight: 3500g