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

In this video I analyze the differences between the Lepai LP-2020 series amplifiers. An Audio Precision audio analyzer, Rigol DSA-815 Spectrum Analyzer and Tekbox TBTC1 TEM cell are used. Both designs are analyzed with distortion, noise, clipping and radiated noise measured.

TEM Cell Manufacturer:

TEM Cell Purchased Here:

Lepai LP-2020TI Purchased here:

[matchmakerchris]

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!

[brettwertz]

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

[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!

[thepenultimateninja]

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?

[eggsmann]

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?

[MrDingaling]

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.

[eggsmann]

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 ? <-- again, pardon my ignorance on this :)

[Litnev]

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