Griffin compact AirPlay audio station

[guitarist]

mrbigstuff wrote:
I've been very tempted by those Hong-Kong amps I see on ebay with built-in DACs for about $150-200 but these would be better if they did incorporate BT or wi-fi. however, to make it Mac-friendly, I am sure the AE is the way to go.

I got fascinated with T-amps a few years ago, and got one of those, I use it for Airplay connected to Mordaunt-Short bookshelf speakers and an Airport Express.

They were popularized by gear heads, then picked up by an Italian Hi Fi writer, after they'd been circulating in the audio community as a toy. The Tripathi chip was first used in an early mp3 player designed to take to the beach, and it was only about $20! Once audiophiles discovered their potential, projects were started to build them with good volume pots and power supply, but still an amazingly small amp, about the size of a pack of cigarettes. We call it a "Giant Killer". You can fool people into thinking you're playing a giant Hi Fi receiver, then point to this modest little box and say "that's the source". And you can attach floor-sized speakers to these things.

Only limit really is that you can play at moderate volume, but not high volume, it's a super low-power amp. But connected to really fine speakers, it sounds as good as amps that cost a LOT more. I LOVE T-amps.

some history
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/t-amp_e.html



good source
http://www.trendsaudio.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=37&Itemid=28&lang=en

[Article Accelerator]

Lew Zealand wrote:
Heh, they show it on top of an old KLH. That's really reaching back to make use of old tech (but excellent at the time).

Possibly, but I think the KLH's had inset grilles surrounded by a step-shaped front edge. I think that may be a Dynaco A25.

[thermarest]

Zoidberg wrote:
Futureproofing until Apple changes the design of the Express, that is.

The express is long in the tooth. Seems like a refresh should be coming any day now for the past 2 years.

[deckeda]

3d wrote:
[quote=davester]
Definitely of interest, but will it cost $50, $100 or $200. The price point is critical.

$200?! With no WiFi. It's a glorified mini amp with ports and a volume knob. $29.99 at most. i hope...
It has a DAC, too, although the entire chain is still limited to 16/48. Even an iPod can hold and play 24/48 ... gawd but the AE is way out of date. But like the article says, just try finding a small, low cost amp with an optical digital input.

Also, you're discounting the design, which is frankly pretty nice looking.

The fact that it doesn't come with WiFi+AirPlay is probably a wash overall. Apple doesn't give the AirPlay license away, and after that, the markups, + a WiFi radio, buying your own AE is probably just as good. Remember to buy a refurb, don't spend $100 on one, ever.