VOLT+D class D amp , dual mono 2x 60W

[Chinquapin]

14 hours ago, SMen said:

Yes it is interesting isn't it. If you have compared it to battery and are happy with the switch mode ps that is interesting too. I do have a fancy power cord by Chord Co. going into mine! Got it with a magazine subscription a number of years ago!

 

I have not yet tried two 12v car batteries in series for the requisite 24v, but I intend to—probably with a Breeze D2 3116 amp at first. To be honest, I do not believe it will show benefit. Unless you are off of the grid and used to using big batteries regularly, this type of PS is impractical. Nice swag with the power cable! 

[Chinquapin]

Nothing on the website, yet....

21 hours ago, PaperPro said:

Any word on the new mono/stereo 100w amp?

 

[Chinquapin]

23 hours ago, allo.com said:

Not yt we will update when we are more advanced

Roger that. Will stand by.....

[Chinquapin]

On 12/16/2019 at 8:40 PM, Anto said:

Hi everyone, a question for Allo:
I'm deciding whether to wait for the release of the new 100 W btl or buy Volt + D now
How long will it take around the time the new product is released?
last thing; it is possible to buy the bare Volt + D card, without case, potentiometer and various outputs.
Thanks

Looking for sonic improvement while waiting for the 100 watter? Use one channel of two V+Ds for mono-blocks. To protect the unused channel short one input, and put a 50 ohm 10 watt resistor on that channel. This kills one channel and allows each amp to work less hard. The difference in separation is readily apparent. In addition, the overall sound is more relaxed. Another mod you may notice in the pictures is the removal of the volume pot. The input impedance of the amp chip without the pot in the 20 dB gain setting is 60 K ohms. This is a perfect load for most line stages. With the pot in the circuit, the input impedance is around 8 K ohms. This might be a difficult load for some devices, and would limit the use of long interconnects. In my main system, I thought the amp with the attenuator sounded somewhat thin when compared to the amp without the pot. The line stages that I use can easily drive long cables or difficult loads. Still, removing the pot improved the frequency balance. Removing the pot is easy, or you could have Tom Tutay do it for you. PM if you want to know how and are modestly competent with diagonal cutters, and a soldering iron.

[Chinquapin]

44 minutes ago, KingRex said:

Jesus goodness,  its a $170 piece of hardware.   Use it for a short while and throw it away when your done.   Its nice but it ends there.  Orchard Audio sells pretty much the same thing, same price.   A nice class D amp for next to nothing.  It's no giant killer.  Its shocking accurate and balanced,  but its still a $170 audio device.  It lacks a lot.   Its amazing for the money.  Buy it and be happy, but dont agonize like your missing out waiting for monoblocks. 

You say it lacks a lot. Please be more specific.

[Chinquapin]

27 minutes ago, Chinquapin said:

You say it lacks a lot. Please be more specific.

Orchard Audio’s BOSC monoblocks cost $1250 ON SALE! That’s only a 10 fold difference in price- not the same. Perhaps a fair comparison, perhaps not. The notion that price dictates quality is the reason for the largely inflated prices in High End Audio. A good friend who builds loudspeakers told me that the higher he raised his prices, the more speakers he sold. The human ego is a fragile and easily influenced thing. I’ve learned over time to listen, and trust my ears.

[Chinquapin]

3 hours ago, al2813 said:

I got today the Volt + D and it’s an amazing value. My bedroom setup has currently a Bluesound Powernode 2i, by itself a very nice sounding amp/DAC/ streamer. Against it I tested the volt with my 150 euros Topping NX4 connected to my phone. This improvised cheap setup already sounded cleaner and better imaged than the powernode costing 3 times more. I am now looking to get for it a DAC and a source. I currently use Deezer Hifi that replaced recently Qobuz.  Deezer just has a much better catalogue, but only issue with it is that it supported by less sources. Any recommendation for this setup are welcome 

Let the unit burn for four days. Will sound much better. Remove the volume pot, and be certain to use a 24vdc power supply. This will max out the amp’s performance. Enjoy!

 

On 12/21/2019 at 12:43 AM, KingRex said:

Its a very neutral and amazingly clean amp.  It works flawless.  I bypassed the internal volume and its even better with my preamp fronting it.

 

Having said all that, it does not at all make me stop and listen.  Other components I own glue me to me seat. I sit up strait with rapt attention and melt into the songs. Whole album side will pass and I sit and listen.  The Allo does non of that for me.  And at first blush they sound quite similar.  But come on.  Its so inexpensive,  if you dont like it, who cares.  Its not $1200, or $3500 or $6000.  Its like $170 bucks or so to your door.  Sell it for $100 and let the next guy try it.  Its impressive.   I would sell him mine but I included it with my Altecs when I sold them.

 

By the way.  If Tom put his mind to it, he could build a better amp.  A few simple changes in mine really improved upon it.  In the end, IMO, my Ampsandsound are far more engaging than either.  Best $4400 I ever spent on amps.  I am so happy I did not spend $11,000 on the  VAC.  I like the Ampsandsound better. 

Too bad you never heard a fully modded Altec 1570. Yours did not have vacuum tube rectification which is a real game changer in the sound of that amp.

[Chinquapin]

3 hours ago, drivingdan said:

al2813 Allo has a couple of good DACs. I've had the Piano 2.1 in the Vana Player and the Volt Amp with attenuator powered by their Dual Power supply for a couple years and enjoy it. I'm considering the Katana player with Shanti PSU and Volt + D to upgrade. I'm trying to decide between the Volt + D and the Pass AmpCampAmp. Then I need to find a good preamp. DIY or ?

Weiland SU-9 AliBaba $81; Schiit Audio Freya+ $900 even with average tubes is magical. I’m using 1940’s-50’s Sylvania/RCA 6SN7s in a Schiit Freya+ and the sound is so close to my bespoke electronics with similar tubes. SU-9 is a real value as well. A good tube line stage is synergistic with the Volt+D, but you should eliminate the stepped attenuator from the circuit. This allows a tube line stage like the Freya+ to properly drive the V+D and produce a linear frequency response. As KingRex suggested, unscrew the wires from each channel on the back of the pot. Per channel, tie the outer leads together. Leave the center lead hanging. This takes the pot out of the circuit. Feed the V+D with 24VDC for best results.

[Chinquapin]

13 hours ago, al2813 said:

Hi am trying to relaunch this thread. I am now so in love with the sound of the Volt + D that I want to see if I can upgrade the system. I am currently using Fyne Audio F302 speakers. Can people who have the Volt+ D tell us what speakers they use. My priority is clarity, transparency and enormous sound stage, a lot of acoustic music, Jazz, classic rock etc. Just want to understand in what price range I need to look and for what so that I get a real upgrade to the F302s. 

ALITOVE AC 100-240V to DC 24V 5A Power Supply Adapter Converter with 5.5x2.1mm DC Output Jack for 5050 3528 LED Strip Module Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GC6VS8I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YVoPEbB7DM3AW
good internal components with good quiet output—and it’s cheap—$20.99.

Speaker wise, I’ve been using Carolina Audio speakers for some time. Full range, and 2/3 way speakers with simple series crossovers that are easy to drive. They are fast, and have pinpoint imaging with tremendous depth of field. I’ve been through a lot of audio gear in my 66 years, but when I found Carolina Audio-about 20 years ago-I was finally able to realize all of my audio goals in my system(s). Carolinaaudio.com  Give Ronnie Thackeray a call to just chat, ask questions-and see what you think after that. I’m building a two-way with Ronnie at his house later this summer. I’m using a Morel tweeter and a Mark Audio woofer. We are both using a lot of Mark Audio drivers these days. It’s easy to build speakers that the V+D loves with MA. 
I prefer a nice tube line stage to drive the V+D. There are many out there but I love the Schiit Audio Freya+. Also, Tom Tutay at Transition Audio Design will build any sort of tube device you might want.

Scott Nixon Tube DAC+ produces an amazing soundstage. Do get the upgraded power supply.

Slainte!

[Chinquapin]

7 hours ago, pl_svn said:

a friend just got his Volt+D from Audiophonics

Pity he can't use it as... the PS they sell, despite being marked "for Volt+D", has a 5.5x2.5 DC barrell jack while Volt's should be... 6.3x3.0, right?

🙄

 

hope it was just a fluke and they'll send him the right PS, but as this happened on a (CoVid) Friday... 😡

 

V+D should have come with an adapter which works well with the Alitov 24v PS. I’m sure Amazon has the adapter, but check with the dealer first. Adapter is usually taped to the foam packing of the V+D. 

[Chinquapin]

1 hour ago, pl_svn said:

he found the adapter!

says the foam sheet was glued to the cardboard box and the adapter was in-between the two

 

anyway...

Strong work!

[Chinquapin]

Just now, Chinquapin said:

Strong work!

Have found that 2.1 or 2.5 seems to work OK.

[Chinquapin]

1 hour ago, Jayanth said:

Hello,

 

Does bypassing the volume pot result in a noticeable change in performance? I have an m900 from Grace Design that is a combo headphone amp and DAC, and the DAC has a stereo output that I've connected to the Volt+ D. Still waiting on my 24V PSU to arrive, getting a bit idle I suppose

Yes, bypassing the pot does improve the sound. With the pot, the sound is a bit thin in low frequencies. Amp blossoms without the pot and the 24v ps really lets you see the capability of the V+D.

unhook the wires from the pot-each channel has three wires. Twist the outer two wires together and isolate the middle wire. That’s it. Then you can undo what you have done if you decide to sell the amp in the future- but I doubt you will want to. Good luck.

[Chinquapin]

1 hour ago, ampularity said:

Just wanted to take a moment and thank Chinquapin for taking the time to share his knowledge and answer our questions. It's very much appreciated!

 

I have just received my Volt+D today and am impressed with it already. It surpasses my old Yamaha R-S202BL stereo receiver! However I am currently going from my PC front 3.5mm jack to RCA directly to the amp. Should I set the gain switch to 26db from the default 20db? I am using the Alitove 24v 5a PSU that was recommended earlier in the thread.

Ampularity, thanks for the kind words. Glad to help. I would leave the gain at 20dB unless you aren’t getting enough volume. Remember that this amp requires at least 4 days of burn in. It will open up in that time.

things to consider: outboard DAC. Weiland SU-9. Will investigate if this unit can drive your amp properly. If not, then consider a headphone amp which can operate as a line stage(volume control). Cool stuff out there for not much money.

[Chinquapin]

5 hours ago, Hydemaintenance said:

Hi

 

I’ve been really enjoying the Volt+D (w 24v supply) in my bookshelf system and am wondering about the progress of the upcoming 100w version.

 

Is it to be a stereo amp or monos?

 

Also is there any progress given C19?

 

Thanks

 

On 4/6/2020 at 4:29 AM, allo.com said:

Working on it, but rather slow. It will take a few months since we are designing a LLC SMPS of 280W and a new front end.

Can’t imagine that CV19 is helping....new power supply and a new front end... hmmmm... Allo, are you reading my comments? Please include a vacuum tube(just kidding)😃

[Chinquapin]

4 hours ago, al2813 said:

Question on the Volt D+. I currently run the amp with the 19v Allo power supply and a pair of Fyne Audio F302. Just ordered a 24v supply from Amazon. Was a tough search as I could not find the exact references quoted here in my Amazon site (France). I hope I get it right. 
this leads to a second question. I have a pair of KEF LS50 on order. They are currently retailing much cheaper here in Europe and could not resist temptation to try them out. My foregone conclusions after a lot of reading on the “power hungry” KEFs was that I’ll need to get a new amp to pair them. I was wondering though if the Volt with a power supply of 120W instead of the 60W I have now could maybe drive them? This setup is a bedroom setup (this is now my main music listening room). 
 

24vdc will definitely wake the V+D up. I find it to be quite adequate with 88dB efficiency speakers. LS50 comes in at 85dB with a nominal impedance of 3.8 ohms-should do OK in an average size room. My rooms are 14x24x8 and and 24x24x8 with irregularities (dormers). I’ll let you be the judge in your space.

[Chinquapin]

On 6/8/2020 at 4:44 AM, al2813 said:

Thanks. My room is about 6x3x2 (in meters) but it has 2 levels and the lower one which is the listening area is about 4x3x2.2 (in feet about 14x10x8). 

I'll try first with the Volt. I was last night discouraged reading horror stories about ls50s damaged when used with the wrong amps (albeit AV which has power distributed on a lot of channels) and how only a proper AB class amp will get you results with the KEFs.....

 

I do want to upgrade to Volt and send it downstairs to my living room, but hate to be forced to do it....

There are other digital amps out there that have more heft, but few sound better.

[Chinquapin]

1 hour ago, Grif said:

Great thread and I too am loving the Volt+ D. 
 

The sound when paired with Rpi/Allo boss DAC is superb and I found Moode Audio far better than Volumio for sound quality. Although no idea why! Tried it out today and was amazed at difference. 
 

The sound directly from my MacPro to the Volt is not that good which is probably down to the computer audio line out than anything else. So I’m looking at a usb DAC like an IFI Zen. Although I’d rather just use the rpi/boss if it could take the input somehow. 

Like this combo so much I’m probably going to get a couple of them. 
 

@Chinquapin

Regarding the bypassing of the volume attenuator. If I understand correctly If done I get more output/better sound and volume is controlled via software correct? Or I can add a preamp with volume control? Not sure I’ll bother but interested anyway. 
 

cheers. 

 

 

Hello, so glad you are enjoying your V+D. With the 10k pot in line, the V+D has 6k to 8k input impedance-a difficult load to be driven. This causes the sound to be somewhat thin. 6-8k relates to the gain setting on the bottom of your V+D (20 or 26dB—-use the 20). With the pot gone, the amp has 60k ohm input impedance-perfect. I use a tube line stage (preamp) for input switching and volume control. Tube equipment is pure magic with these amps. Solid state is fine, just don’t use a passive line stage or you will undo the benefit of this mod. I’m also using two V+D amps-running only one channel on each. This increases separation and causes each amp to work half as hard. Easy enough to do-put a shorting plug in one of the inputs, and a 50ohm 10 watt resistor on the speaker terminals of that channel. Makes these amps seem a lot bigger than they are. Hope this helps.

 

Slainte!
 

[Chinquapin]

22 hours ago, Chinquapin said:

Hello, so glad you are enjoying your V+D. With the 10k pot in line, the V+D has 6k to 8k input impedance-a difficult load to be driven. This causes the sound to be somewhat thin. 6-8k relates to the gain setting on the bottom of your V+D (20 or 26dB—-use the 20). With the pot gone, the amp has 60k ohm input impedance-perfect. I use a tube line stage (preamp) for input switching and volume control. Tube equipment is pure magic with these amps. Solid state is fine, just don’t use a passive line stage or you will undo the benefit of this mod. I’m also using two V+D amps-running only one channel on each. This increases separation and causes each amp to work half as hard. Easy enough to do-put a shorting plug in one of the inputs, and a 50ohm 10 watt resistor on the speaker terminals of that channel. Makes these amps seem a lot bigger than they are. Hope this helps.

 

Slainte!
 

You could put a line stage after the Boss DAC. Schiit Audio Vali2 is a headphone amp and can be used as a line stage. Uses 6DJ8 family of vacuum tubes. I have one in one of my systems and it’s great. $149 is amazing for this level of performance. I like using 6CG7/6FQ7 tube. This is a 9 pin miniature version of the 6SN7. Easy to find these for cheap. RCA, Sylvania, and Tung Sol—all are good. Adds tube magic to the system. Keep me posted on your progress.

[Chinquapin]

7 hours ago, Grif said:

 

After some reading think I'll try one of these to handle the audio from my Mac......

https://www.audio “science” review/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-wesiontek-khadas-tone-board-dac.4823/

 

Like the idea of the tube stage too and I'll try it at some stage. 

Khadas tests well and the price is good. Had to wade through 10 pages of comments before finding anyone that commented on how the thing sounds. Comments were favorable. One listener preferred this card to Cord— much more expensive DAC. Wonder how it compares to the Boss? Perhaps it’s a nugget like V+D? I’m familiar with RPI and hat style systems. A little too DIY for my taste. Nothing makes me more evil than working with computers. I’m convinced that if Elvis were alive today, he would shoot his computer. That being said, I’m glad that I have been open minded enough to keep seeking out quality digital devices. V+D was a nugget for me that really changed my mind. Scott Nixon’s Tube DACs are another example. Scott’s DACs have been my standard for almost 20 years. I’m still looking though. I’m considering a Schiit Audio Bifrost2. Plan to order(although it’s on backorder) and see. A little more expensive than the Nixon DAC, but I’ve learned that price point means nothing. 

[Chinquapin]

1 hour ago, Chinquapin said:

Khadas tests well and the price is good. Had to wade through 10 pages of comments before finding anyone that commented on how the thing sounds. Comments were favorable. One listener preferred this card to Cord— much more expensive DAC. Wonder how it compares to the Boss? Perhaps it’s a nugget like V+D? I’m familiar with RPI and hat style systems. A little too DIY for my taste. Nothing makes me more evil than working with computers. I’m convinced that if Elvis were alive today, he would shoot his computer. That being said, I’m glad that I have been open minded enough to keep seeking out quality digital devices. V+D was a nugget for me that really changed my mind. Scott Nixon’s Tube DACs are another example. Scott’s DACs have been my standard for almost 20 years. I’m still looking though. I’m considering a Schiit Audio Bifrost2. Plan to order(although it’s on backorder) and see. A little more expensive than the Nixon DAC, but I’ve learned that price point means nothing. 

Haven’t found a DAC that oversamples and has digital filtering that sound as good as Scott’s non-digital filtered non-oversampled DACs. Pure Redbook.

[Chinquapin]

On 7/25/2020 at 2:12 PM, happypappy said:

I just did this mod to my Volt +D as you suggested, and yes, a clear improvement in the sound, a tad warmer overall and a lower noise floor maybe.  I've been using the Volt +D with a big solid state Emotiva preamp (a real iron fist of a preamp) leaving the amp's pot all the way up, and otherwise unused.  Great, easy to do mod, and I will also do the Volt D that I have on my desktop rig.  Thank you!

Welcome!

[Chinquapin]

On 7/25/2020 at 2:20 PM, happypappy said:

While not really high end, I left behind an Adcom GFA 535ii in favor of the Volt +D.  The Allo eats it alive, anyone could hear it. 

Yes, a lot of high priced iron has been made obsolete. Wanna buy some Altecs?

[Chinquapin]

I say, a nice pre-amp, preferably tube, is a magical combination with these Allos. Seemingly archaic, thermionic devices paired with computer controlled amplification a synergistic duo? Don’t believe me? See Darko’s review of Schiit Audio’s Freya+ on YouTube.

[Chinquapin]

Too low. You want 5+amps to prevent brown out.