Korean Job Discussion Forums

[schmoove]

I'm looking for a tripath amplifier
similar to:

Trends Audio TA-10
http://www.trendsaudio.com/EN/Product/TA-10_desc.htm

Sonic Impact T-Amp II
http://6moons.com/audioreviews/sonicimpact2/t2.html

does anywhere know where I can buy one in Seoul.
I know Audiotrak (Korean company) used to make one, but I think it has been discontinued.
I've scoured the interweb shopping with no luck.

Note: I am NOT looking for a headphone amplifier.

[bassexpander]

What price are you expecting to pay?

Are you looking for something tube-oriented? Would someone working with tubes know what this is?

There is an extremely high-end audio store in a building along the river between Hansung University Station and Songshin Womens' University Station. It's located sort of behind the Hi-Mart store, but on the opposite side of the river in its own building. I went in there, and they have speakers costing as much as a house. It's quite the place. One of the guys spoke some English (2nd floor, I think). I bet they'd know.

Another thing you could try is to search the ETLand building in Yongsan. There are electronics parts stores downstairs. Also some guys selling tube amps and stuff up on 2nd or 3rd floor. Lots of tube amps up there.

There is also a high-end audio store in the same building as E-mart at Yongsan station. It's along one of the escalators on the side. They've got some amps and speakers in there that are incredible. The monoblocks alone cost 40 million won each, if memory serves.

Those are the best bets I know of.

[eamo]

There's a hi-fi floor in ET-Land. Yongsan. Could be there. I remember some units there had a lot of unusual stuff.

[schmoove]

Thanks for the replies gents.

Are you looking for something tube-oriented?
No, I am looking for a tripath amp. They don't use valves.
Also known as a Class T amp http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_T_amplifier

Would someone working with tubes know what this is?
Possibly or possibly not.
These types of amps are relatively new technology and are not classed as 'audiophile'. so traditional, quality hi-fi stores rarely if ever stock these types of products.

What price are you expecting to pay?
Less than 300,000, but that question is irrelevant if I can't find one.

Has anyone seen a Tripath, some say T-amp for sale in Seoul?

Thanks again for the help.
I'm hoping someone will reply with an actual sighting (physical or online) of a Tripath amp.
I went through the same rigmarole when I went on my hunt for a standalone DAC (digital analogue converter) in Taiwan. Found one eventually. I had the help of my Taiwanese friend, he was doing most of the talking. I explained to him what a DAC was, he asked in the shops.
When we eventually found a hi-fi shop who actually knew what one was, we asked what they were called in Chinese and he said they didn't have a name as they were so rare and unpopular.

[bassexpander]

I've seen them online before. Go ask around at the places I mentioned.

[harryh]

I couldn't find one in Korea. I ordered my Sonic Impact T-Amp off ebay.

Having owned both, I'd go for the Trends Audio TA-10. Much better IMO.
I got the Trends from an English website, but out of stock now.

Good luck in your search.

[schmoove]

Thanks for the reply harryh,
I REALLY like what I've read about the Trends Audio and you have just confirmed that again.
Got to get me one of those.
Looks like I'll start searching overseas.
Thanks.

[harryh]

http://www.headphile.co.kr/shop/shopbrand.html?xcode=102&type=O

These guys have a trends, but maybe a touch pricey.