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General Asylum: REVIEW: Trends Audio TA-10.1 Amplifier (SS) by freefallrob

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REVIEW: Trends Audio TA-10.1 Amplifier (SS)

89.145.215.245


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Model: TA-10.1
Category: Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price: £90.00 GBP
Description: Mini sized Class T amplifier ( Tripath Chip amp ), single input, volume control.
Manufacturer URL: Trends Audio
Model Picture: View

Review by freefallrob on June 04, 2007 at 04:34:21
IP Address: 89.145.215.245
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for the TA-10.1


My first review, so go easy on me ;-)

I was very skeptical about this. I read alot of reviews on the Internet, magazines and comments on the various forums and they all said the same thing basically, if you don't mind only 6 watts or so of decent power with no features apart from a volume knob then it's a no brainer...

So I thought what the hell I'll give it a go for 95 GBP, I'll be using less electric ( lower bills ) saving the planet ( lower carbon footprint, I guess ) and better sound, plus if I sell my old amp almost definatly money in the bank ( happy wife ! ).

If it worked out it was an all round win win win situation !

The unit is well built and smaller than you first imagine, the power supply is nearly as big as the amp it's self ( see picture ), theres the warrenty card included and some instructions, this amp isn't very complicated to work out.......

Sound.

In the past i've used EL84 valve amplifiers, one from China and one built from a kit by World Audio Design ( KEL84 - very very good 15 watt amp ). I also used an EAR834P phonostage with these.
The sound of the Trends amp reminded me very much of the KEL84 WAD amp but better. The Trends sounds extremely clear with vivid stereo separation and superb midrange central focus/projection. Yet at the same time it sounds fast/incisive and dynamic yet smooth and none fatiguing.
The bass is quick deep and tightly controlled, Mid is glass clear, top is very open sounding with the leading edges and decays clearly portrayed.
Depth, and width are the best i've heard on my system.

The amp seems to follow the waveforms of each sound independently well, yet present the sound in a beautifully layered 'whole'.

It sounds 'easy' and uncongested when things get busy, my wife Donna wasn't really listening but remarked 'That sounds musical, is that the right thing to say ?!' Previously she had complained about the change of speakers with the Rotel from little Missions to the Klipsch...saying it sounded 'in your face'.

The bottom line is, when i'm listening it's not difficult now....I didn't think it was before, but it must have been, it's easier to listen to now, I hear sounds i've not heard before, my foot is tapping, and when someone is singing it sounds like THAT persons singing with their lifes experiences on board and not just from piece of paper pinned to the microphone.....

I like it alot.

Greetings from Rob in the UK.
Greetings from Rob in the UK.


Product Weakness: Limited power output ( needs pretty sensitive speakers or small room ! ) only one input, no remote control.
Product Strengths: Very clear sound, light weight, low power consumption, runs very cool, small dimensions.


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Normally a Rotel RA-1060 ( 60watt channel )
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Phonostage - Goldring PA-1
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Technics SL1210mk2/Goldring 1012GX cart/KAB fluid arm damper. Cambridge AudioAzur 540D
Speakers: Klipsch RB-25 , 49Hz-20kHz ±3dB, 94dB @ 2.83 volts/1 meter, 75 w max continuous
Cables/Interconnects: Russ Andrews 'Yello' Power cables, 2 x 5mtr Kimber 4PR speaker cable, AudioQuest G-Snake Interconnect.
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Norah Jones, Direstraits, Elton John, Wolfmother( ! ), Pet Shop Boys, David Gilmour, Cat Stevens.
Room Size (LxWxH): 15 ft x 15ft x ?
Room Comments/Treatments: Carpeted and wall papered living room with 2 sofas, TV, pine side board, pictures on wall etc, etc. Concrete floor.
Time Period/Length of Audition: Weekend
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Russ Andrews Mega clamp double adapter and a couple of Silencers dotted about.
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): Above is my system




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Topic - REVIEW: Trends Audio TA-10.1 Amplifier (SS) - freefallrob 04:34:21 06/4/07 ( 4)