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I'm sure you're correct about those being capacitors. What is the larger component near the power switch in your amp and missing from these? Would it make any sense to install the deleted components? I suspect the SMSL-China sales department misunderstood the engineering department when they sent the following: "Dear dizrotus, Engineering Department has just answered me: This is the four auxiliary resistors. They just only for aesthetic add. AMP no any impact for structure and quality. I intend to suspend sale S1. Until update photos (as your photo). To avoid future similar questions. R & D department have interpreted power. But we not, for customers. - smsl-china" I'm not sure why SMSL would install capacitors that they consider unnecessary. However, it is possible that those missing bypass film capacitors (all really low capacitance values) have no genuine impact on the sound quality. The larger component near the power switch is just a larger--but still a small value--blue box film cap from Evox-Rifa. I haven't followed the PCB traces, but I suspect it is a bypass cap for the two Nichicon power supply caps connected to the Tripath TA2020 chip. I've added a Bill of Materials for replacing some components in the SMSL SA-S1 T-amp. The upgraded components are based on the Tripath TA2020 recommended circuit design that is featured in the Tripath TA2020 specification paper. Most of these components like the Wima film capacitors and Panasonic electrolytic capacitors come from Mouser Electronics, an online catalog-based distributor of many electronic components. The exception are the Mundorf M-cap film capacitors that are available from Part Connexion. I might buy an extra SA-S1 and upgrade these components. To be honest though, I'm so pleased with the SA-S1 in stock form that I may move onto other DIY audio projects. The stock components are actually good-high quality. Making changes may or may not make a big difference. For me, touching up the solder joints betwen the speaker binding post and RCA connectors and the main PCB made a significant improvement in sound quality. A friend of mine who also has an SMSL SA-S1 amp did the same and heard the improvements. I use Cardas Quad Eutectic Solder for all my audio projects. As for the SMSL SA-50, I've read mixed reviews about STM TDA7492-based Class D amps. It is not a Tripath-based amp, so it cannot be called a T-amp. For my 98dB efficient Klipsch Forte II's, I'm satisfied with the power output of the SA-S1. S.M.S.L. SA-S1 Bill of Materials.pdf

Actually, the mising parts are Evox blue box-type film capacitors. It's quote possible that the missing capacitors are used as bypass capacitors to the primary capacitors. This is widely done with audio circuits for various reasons that would take a long time to explain. Some circuits benefit from bypass aps, and some do not. It definitely is different than what is pictured in the eBay ad from seller smsl-china. Below is a photo of my SA-S1 amp.

Can you share what specific changes and parts you installed in your amp to improve the sound quality? I found an interesting Web page on modifying STM chip-based amplifiers: http://www.trevormarshall.com/class-d-tutorial/

Glad to hear that SMSL sent you a working unit. Give it more time to break in and you'll really be treated to a fine sounding amp.

Neil, You may want to mention that there is an empty spot on your PCB next to the blue Rubycon electrolytic power tank cap. On my SA-S1, there is a blue box-shaped cap that populates that spot. I'm not at home where I can tell you the exact value of this cap. There are a couple other smaller blue box caps in the output filter network next to the speaker binding post connections a that are also missing. Again, there are two empty spots there. I checked a photo of my T-amp that I had taken some time ago and noticed this anomaly. I'm sorry, but I cannot recall how to post photos on this forum for you to see exactly what I am pointing out, but you may want to bring this up to SMSL.

Neil, That's unfortunate that you received a defective unit. As much as I like my SMSL SA-S1 amp, I had to touch up some of the solder joints between the amp PCB and the speaker binding posts and the RCA connectors. The right channel would sometimes cut out, and I suspected the solder joints might not be the most solid connections, so I applied a bit more solder to reflow the joints. Since then, the amp has actually sounded better. It looks like SMSL used some lead-free solder that might be brittle. I hope that SMSL can send you a good working unit and you can evaluate it along with the Lepai TA2020 T-amp.

I can't remember if it was in Audiokarma or diyAudio.com, but someone had discovered that S.M.S.L. and Indeed T-amps are manufactured by S.M.S.L. Anyway, here is a good review of a KingRex TA-2020 T-amp by David Kan of Six Moons. http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/kingrex/t20.html''>http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/kingrex/t20.html'>http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/kingrex/t20.html Through auditioning T-amps, David Kan discovered the synergy between Klipsch speakers and T-amps. He actually uses Klipsch Synergy F2 speakers as part of one of his reference systems. Who would have thought that SF2's would be used by a professional reviewer, but he claims it gives him many of the qualities he loves about LaScala's.

When the Sure TA-2024 T-amp boards were all the rage with DIYers performing mods, I invested in new caps at the inputs and output filter, and even replaced the output inductors. At the end of the day, it sounded good, but nothing like my tube amps in terms of soundstage size, imaging, wamth and smoothness. I also did something a bit similar with Helder HiFi's TA-2020 MkIII T-amp module, and I was able to eek out a bit better performance, but nothing spectacular. It's different with the S.M.S.L. SA-S1. I suspect the air core inductors and other good components contribute to this amp's performance. I honestly have no desire to change anything in this T-amp. It's not the last word in high end audio, but I use this amp more than my tube amps, just becaus I it is very musical and I can keep it on all the time.

I considered the Lepai TA-2020 T-amp for modding, but found another TA-2020 T-amp sold on eBay for $55 including shipping. The S.M.S.L. SA-S1 TA-2020 follows the original Tripath recommended circuit design, uses higher quality components like film caps on the inputs, comes with a 13.8V/4A switching power supply and is housed in a far better looking Aluminum case. I bought mine from eBay seller smsl-china. There are other vendors, but smsl-china is the manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China. Straight out of the box in stock form, this T-amp rivals the best TA-2020 amps including the Trends TA-10.1 T-amp, the DIY Paradise Charlize and Sonic Impact Super T-amp. I use an Audio Research LS7 line stage and Dynaco Stereo 35 6BQ5/EL84 power amp as my main amps with my upgraded Klipsch Forte II's, but the S.M.S.L. SA-S1 T-amp is in no way embarassed by the tube amps. In fact, I've even hooked up my Audio Research PH5 phono stage directly to S.M.S.L. amp and really enjoyed vinyl playback. I told my buddy in Alabama who also owns a pair of Forte II's about this T-amp, and he bought one too. He is very pleased with the purchase. For $55, this is one of the great bargains in 2-channel audio. I am a DIYer, and I thought I would have to roll new input caps or different inductors, but this amp sounds great as-is. I did touch up some of the solder joints, because they weren't the best-looking solder joints, but that's it.

Everyone, Thanks for the suggestions. I now have my work cut out to hunt down the right bookshelfs. I have heard a pair of Frazier bookshelf speakers, and they really did sound great. Can anyone recommend any of the current Reference bookshelf speakers?

I have a pair of Klipsch Forte II's that I absolutely love. I've upgraded the crossovers with Bob Crites' crossover upgrade kits, upgraded the internal wiring, upgraded the Titanium tweeter diaphragms and installed higher quality binding posts. These are truly great speakers. Now I am looking for a pair of bookshelf speakers to mount on a bookshelf in my living room. It seems like most people who buy the Klipsch Reference series bookshelf speakers use them in home theater applications, and don;t really comment of their musical performance. I am a music listener. I watch movies, but home theater sound isn't that big of a deal for me. I want to enjoy my music. I am in the process of restoring and modifying a Dynaco SCA-35 integrated amp to go with the bookshelf speakers. I know the Heritage series speakers are a special breed, but will the Reference series bookshelf speakers give me similar Klipsch performance, or should I look elsewhere? Anyone have suggestions for which Reference series speakers I should get? I prefer to buy used to save money and apply the savings toward upgrades like better crossover caps if needed. I did audition a pair of nice Econowave DIY speakers that is basically a larger bookshelf cabinet with an 8 inch woofer and Selenium waveguide for the compression driver delivering mids and highs. There is a lot of discussion about these speakers on Audiokarma.org. Something like that would be nice, but I'd like to consider Klipsch as well.

I'm curious what SET amps can drive the Forte II's with authority and punchy bass. I like to listen to a wide range of music including heavy rock and large orchestral music. The times I've heard Forte I's and II's driven by single ended amps, the combination would reproduce the mids and highs well with good imaging, but the scale or size of the music presentation, separation and bass went AWOL. I know quite a few people who will biamp or triamp with SET amps for mids and highs, but use something else for the bass. Or I find that many SET enthusiasts tend to listen to less complex music.

I recommend you contact Bob Crites of Crites Speakers to possibly upgrade your crossover capacitors, internal wiring and tweeter diaphragms. His upgrades refine the sound while maintaining all the goodness of Klipsch Heritage speakers. http://www.critesspeakers.com/ I've had many audio friends over and they were astounded by the level of frequency extension, transparency and smoothness from my Forte II's with Bob's upgrades. I installed the updates myself and saved a lot of money. I also installed higher quality Pomona 3770-X Gold-plated Copper 5-way speaker binding posts. Klipsch sells a replacement midrange driver/diaphragm that refines the midrange. I have not tried this yet, but it is in my plans. Many Forte I and Forte II owners swear by this upgrade. As good as the Forte II's are in stock form, Klipsch didn't use the best components in their crossovers and wiring to keep prices within reason, so making these upgrades really bring the best out of this design. If you do some research on the Web, there are many Forte I and Forte II owners who have upgraded their speakers in this way and some have installed expensive boutique components like capacitors costing over $200 each! Speaker placement is critical to obtaining optimum sound. I encourage you to try various arrangements that will suit your preference. Some people even recommend raising the height of Forte speakers to bring the midrrange horn to ear level. I have used both solid state and tube amps with my Forte II's. My personal preference is to use tube amplification. I have an updated and modified Dynaco Stereo 35 power amp and Audio Research LS7 tube line stage for my power amp and preamp. If you haven't tried an EL-84 tube amp with your Klipsch speakers, I recommend you try one. My amp only puts out 17 watts, and it gets plenty loud. Dynakitparts.com sells a very nice replica Dynaco Stereo 35 amp kit that comes close to the sound of an original Stereo 35. http://www.dynakitparts.com/store/product.aspx?id=1

I am considering the same for an alternative to Heresies. I had an audio get together at my home a few weeks ago, and a friend brought over his DIY Econowave speakers. Here's a link to a Make magazine article on converting a pair of vintage Advent two-ways into an Econowave waveguide-type speaker. http://makeprojects.com/Project/Econowave-Speakers/181/1 We compared his Econowaves to my updated Forte II's (Crites Titanium tweeter diaphragm, Crites crossover upgrade kit, new 12 ga internal wiring and new binding posts). Although my Forte II's sounded better, I was impressed with the Econowave's efficiency, smooth midrange, bass definition and dispersion. These are great for home theater since the sweet spot is so large. They don't have the Klipsch Heritage series sound, I can see where many Klipsch enthusiasts would still like them. The expense to build a pair using exisitng vintage speakers is minimal and the results are impressive. My same friend brought his same pair of Econowave speakers to a tube audio enthusiasts' gathering at a San Francisco museum auditorium, and they compared favorably with a pair of stock Klipsch Chorus II's that the group uses at the museum. It simply was amazing that both speakers could fill a small auditorium with clean musical sound.

Has anyone with these amps tried the "Christmas Comes Early" (CCE) modification? I wonder if this would further improve the performance of these amps.

I currently have a Chinese-made 6P15P push-pull integrated amplifier that I've heavily modified. It puts out 8-10 watts per channel and it can get painfully loud in my listening room. I am considering the Decware ZKit 1 (a.k.a. SE84-DIY) to try out a single ended design that I can mod and tweak. I am thinking of starting with one amp and possibly going to two amps bridged in mono if I really like the sound. My 6P15P push-pull has RCA 6CG7 clear top driver tubes, and this little modified cheapie has outperformed a pair of 300B Direct Reactance Drive (DRD) monoblocks driving my Forte II's. I took the same amp to a San Francisco Vacuum Tube Users Group meeting where it outperformed a DIY Nelson Pass-designed Zen solid state amp. At that meeting, we used Klipsch Chorus 1's as our speakers. Dave, you mentioned that the Decware amp has much in common with other EL84-based amps you have auditioned, but felt the Decware did a better job with vocals. Do you still feel that way? I've always liked the EL84 and 6P15P-type tubes for their warmth and drive. I'm looking for a little bit more of that holographic magic I've heard from an Almarro A205A MkII single ended pentode amp.

I have a pair of Forte IIs. Would this amp be enough to drive them in a smallish 10' x 9' listening room?

Here's a photo of how I implemented Bob Crites' crossover repair kit on my Forte II crossovers: Based on the fact that the 110uF non-polar electrolytic is not a hugely crtical component in the crossover, I stayed with Bob's supplied pair of a 100uF and 10uF non-polar electrolytic capacitors. In addition to the crossover capacitor upgrades, I replaced the stock binding posts with some Pomona Electronics 3770-x Gold-plated Tellurium Copper binding posts. These are much nicer than the stock binding posts and make better contact with the Multi-Contact LS4 banana plugs on my speaker cables. In fact, these are probably better than a lot of the boutique audio binding posts that sell for much more. I also purchased some 16 AWG speaker wire with the slip-on connectors from Bob Crites to replace the stock wire and soldered that to the PCB after I snapped this photo. My Forte II's sound great with these upgrades and the Titanium tweeter diaphragms. A friend who owns stock Forte I's can't believe how much more transparent and detailed my upgraded Forte II's compare to his speakers.

I've tried the WBT and the Cardas, and the Cardas QES is stronger mechanically on connectors than the WBT. It also seems to have a rosin that flows more readily than the rosin in the WBT. Sonically, they are both good and I prefer it over the standard Kester 60/40 solder.

Nice review. I performed the same mods on my Forte IIs as well and love them more since. After a while, I decided to replace the stock speaker wire with some really nice Copper zip cord from Bob Crites. He cut them to length and crimped on the quick-connect connectors. I had to solder the other ends to the crossover PCBs which took some work. I also replaced the cheap stock binding posts with some Pomona 3770 Gold-plated Tellurium Copper 5-way binding posts. The improvements were subtle, but worth it with a greater level of transparency. I had a bunch of guys over for a get together and we tried a variety of tube amps with my upgraded Forte IIs and everyone was extremely impressed. One of the guys owns stock Forte Is and he just couldn't believe how much better my Forte IIs sounded. Now he's moving forward with upgrading his Forte Is with Bob Crites' kits. I think Forte IIs with the BEC upgrades (can't speak of the midrange diaphragms) are the best bargain speakers for all types of music reproduction.

If you have not upgraded the Forte crossover caps with Bob Crites' crossover repair kits, that should be next on your list. You'll be very pleased with the results.

Here's a great review of the Trends TA-10.1 Class D Tripath TA2024-powered integrated amplifier. In the review, David Kan, the reviewer, was so impressed with the pairing of this small amplifier and the Klipsch LaScala's, that he purchased a pair of Klipsch Synergy F-2 floorstanders. In fact, he later purchased another pair to finish out a Klipsch Synergy 5.1 system. The Trends amp is one of the better T-amps on the market, but there are some great deals out there for other Tripath-powered T-amps: Used Bel Canto eVo 200.2 power amplifier Used Carver Pro ZR1600 pro audio power amplifier (requires slight mods for home audio use) For DIYers, I would recommend the following Tripath amp module available on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/MKIII-Tripath-TA2020-PCB-25watt-Class-T-amplifier-SET_W0QQitemZ250564223993QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers?hash=item3a56caa3f9 This uses a Tripath power chip, TA2020, that is slightly higher powered than the TA2024 in the Trends and Sonic Impact amplifiers. It has decent components and they can be easily upgraded for even higher performance.

I had removed all the drivers, crossovers and foam stuffing from my black Forte II cabinets and had them refinished. The woodworker who refinished my speakers did an excellent job of filling dents and dings, and then he sanded down to the veneer before applying the black lacquer. He only charged me $135 for both cabinets and the Forte IIs look like brand new speakers. While I had everything out, I had replaced the cheap stock wiring with much nicer AWG 16 wire from Bob Crites. I installed everything back in the refinished cabinets and I have to say that they really sound great. Bob only charged me $21 including shipping for the replacement wire with the disconnect connectors already crimped on. I just had to solder the wires onto the crossover PCBs. I would encourage any Forte owners to buy new rire from Bob Crites. With all the upgrades, it's like I have a brand new pair of Forte IIs.

Bob and his son Mike are great to deal with. I purchased a crossover upgrade kit and Titanium tweeter diaphragms for my Forte IIs. I recently purchased some internal wire with the disconnect connectors to replace the stock wiring. These upgrades have made my Forte IIs better. Their products represent outstanding value to Klipsch owners. Thanks guys!

Very nice guy and very nice store in Santa Rosa.