Zero
03-09-2004, 02:39 AM
Living the unemployed life to the fullest, I was enjoying a nice late morning sleep when I was woken up to the sounds of a ringing doorbell. As if the doorbell wasn’t ear aching enough, my dogs had to chime in at full barking attention. I rushed out of bed to find this small box laying on the doorstep. I instantly knew what it was – the amplifier I ordered earlier in the week! What a great thing to wake up to! Perhaps I will forgive the dogs, this time…
Like a kid at Christmas, I ripped through the box only to find another, even smaller box beneath all the magazine pages and newspaper. I knew this thing was small but damn… compact discs are bigger than this thing.
Now before I progress any further, let me introduce this unit. It is a USB-based amplifier called the “Power Wave”, brought to you by Griffin Technology. Griffin Technology specializes in producing and manufacturing various tools for Apple based computer systems. The “Power Wave” just so happens to be PC complaint.
The Power Wave was built and designed for Apple Pro computer-speakers. However, it is also capable of powering larger, home entertainment based speakers as well. This unit is also capable of being used with a stereo system so long as you have a pre-amplifier. It’s sheer small size is underwhelming. It’s all too easy to dismiss this as a cheap product. On paper, this unit is anything but impressive:
15 WPC
0.1 % THD at 10 WPC
One set of inputs and outputs
Basic External Power Supply
PC Microphone IN’s
USB Interface
It is a simple product designed to meet a simple purpose. There is nothing about it that would make anyone want to use it for their critical listening system, or any system for that matter. However, I’m a poor man and always looking for a cheap alternative while attempting to achieve sonic bliss. That being said, I hooked her up to the PC, using Paradigm Titan V.3’s as the monitors.
I opened up FooBar2k, selected the first track – Diana Krall – Peel me a grape. Hey, it was the first thing my cursor hit, give me a break already..! Once the music began to play I just sat back - “wow”. Oh, I forgot to mention one very special thing about this amplifier – it boasts one of the later generation Tri-path digital amplifiers. Let me tell you, this amplifier reeked of promise. As expected, this little amplifier took total control of the Paradigm’s, the cones were at its mercy. Despite the obvious limitations in power output, this thing could take the Titans to unbearable listening levels.
I will spare the details about every octave and just shorten it down by saying – this is one smooth sounding piece of equipment. Many individuals have compared digital amplifiers to tube gear. While I am unable to confirm nor deny such a claim, I can say that the weight around the vocals and instruments, not to mention pace, were similar to that of the Dynaco ST-35 I owned. The Power Wave is just a pleasure to listen to, very non fatiguing. What is your fancy? Hard-Rock, Jazz, R&B? Whatever tickles your fancy, this thing will deliver the music.
As with all things that seem too good to be true, there are limitations. First off, this amplifier is not meant for surround applications. Sorry gamers, this amp may not be for you. And just to add another blow to gamers, there is no external volume control, its all software dictated. This can be a pain in the ass depending on the game. Fortunately for me, I game in 2-Channel.
Second, the quality of parts here are fairly shoddy. The speaker connection is this little external pin with clips. Those who believe in hifi cables will have a heart attack when they take a look at it. The connections for the USB Plug and power cord can get pretty loose, so its best not to stretch things. While all the cables supplied are actually very sparing in length, the actual USB cable is short. That limits you to where you can put the thing, at least when using the stock cord.
Despite the negatives, the positives make up for it. Its sound quality is unbelievable. The Power Wave is a true testament to the value and promise of digital amplifiers, Tri-path in particular. Ask no questions, and don’t hesitate, just buy one!
One quick tip: While this amplifier is incredibly powerful, it is still 15 wpc. It has its limitations. While listening in near-field positioning (as it was designed for), you can get away with any speaker with 89db efficiency or greater. For normal listening, this amp will work best with a speaker of an efficiency of 91db or greater.
And now if you all would excuse me, I have more listening to do! I have attached some pictures so you can get a proportion of its size.
Sean
Also: Did I mention it costs ONLY $99 from Griffin, direct? Yes that’s right, 99 bucks - follow the link:
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powerwave/techspecs.php
Like a kid at Christmas, I ripped through the box only to find another, even smaller box beneath all the magazine pages and newspaper. I knew this thing was small but damn… compact discs are bigger than this thing.
Now before I progress any further, let me introduce this unit. It is a USB-based amplifier called the “Power Wave”, brought to you by Griffin Technology. Griffin Technology specializes in producing and manufacturing various tools for Apple based computer systems. The “Power Wave” just so happens to be PC complaint.
The Power Wave was built and designed for Apple Pro computer-speakers. However, it is also capable of powering larger, home entertainment based speakers as well. This unit is also capable of being used with a stereo system so long as you have a pre-amplifier. It’s sheer small size is underwhelming. It’s all too easy to dismiss this as a cheap product. On paper, this unit is anything but impressive:
15 WPC
0.1 % THD at 10 WPC
One set of inputs and outputs
Basic External Power Supply
PC Microphone IN’s
USB Interface
It is a simple product designed to meet a simple purpose. There is nothing about it that would make anyone want to use it for their critical listening system, or any system for that matter. However, I’m a poor man and always looking for a cheap alternative while attempting to achieve sonic bliss. That being said, I hooked her up to the PC, using Paradigm Titan V.3’s as the monitors.
I opened up FooBar2k, selected the first track – Diana Krall – Peel me a grape. Hey, it was the first thing my cursor hit, give me a break already..! Once the music began to play I just sat back - “wow”. Oh, I forgot to mention one very special thing about this amplifier – it boasts one of the later generation Tri-path digital amplifiers. Let me tell you, this amplifier reeked of promise. As expected, this little amplifier took total control of the Paradigm’s, the cones were at its mercy. Despite the obvious limitations in power output, this thing could take the Titans to unbearable listening levels.
I will spare the details about every octave and just shorten it down by saying – this is one smooth sounding piece of equipment. Many individuals have compared digital amplifiers to tube gear. While I am unable to confirm nor deny such a claim, I can say that the weight around the vocals and instruments, not to mention pace, were similar to that of the Dynaco ST-35 I owned. The Power Wave is just a pleasure to listen to, very non fatiguing. What is your fancy? Hard-Rock, Jazz, R&B? Whatever tickles your fancy, this thing will deliver the music.
As with all things that seem too good to be true, there are limitations. First off, this amplifier is not meant for surround applications. Sorry gamers, this amp may not be for you. And just to add another blow to gamers, there is no external volume control, its all software dictated. This can be a pain in the ass depending on the game. Fortunately for me, I game in 2-Channel.
Second, the quality of parts here are fairly shoddy. The speaker connection is this little external pin with clips. Those who believe in hifi cables will have a heart attack when they take a look at it. The connections for the USB Plug and power cord can get pretty loose, so its best not to stretch things. While all the cables supplied are actually very sparing in length, the actual USB cable is short. That limits you to where you can put the thing, at least when using the stock cord.
Despite the negatives, the positives make up for it. Its sound quality is unbelievable. The Power Wave is a true testament to the value and promise of digital amplifiers, Tri-path in particular. Ask no questions, and don’t hesitate, just buy one!
One quick tip: While this amplifier is incredibly powerful, it is still 15 wpc. It has its limitations. While listening in near-field positioning (as it was designed for), you can get away with any speaker with 89db efficiency or greater. For normal listening, this amp will work best with a speaker of an efficiency of 91db or greater.
And now if you all would excuse me, I have more listening to do! I have attached some pictures so you can get a proportion of its size.
Sean
Also: Did I mention it costs ONLY $99 from Griffin, direct? Yes that’s right, 99 bucks - follow the link:
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powerwave/techspecs.php