Topic: Trends Audio TA-10.1 Class T Integrated Amp (only $150?)

[spott]

This thing has been getting a good bit of press lately... it's only $150 bucks and one reviewer was driving his VR-2's with it (although he said they sounded a bit harsh), I'm thinking that it might be fun weekend project, anyone out there seen one of these in person yet?

http://www.audaud.com/article.php?ArticleID=2844

6moons David Kans Best Of 2006.       
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/bo06/david.html   

Read 6moons Bluemoon award:       
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/trends/ta10_3.html

Enjoythemusic:       
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1206/audiophilegift2006.htm

Stereotimes: 
http://www.stereotimes.com/amp031407.shtml

Stereomojo:
http://www.stereomojo.com/SHOOTOUT2007INTEGRATEDS.htm

[muj]

still need high effiecient speakers...lot's of them nowadays. what speakers do you reccomend?

[Todd R]

I got one of these recently.  I'm using it as part of an office system with my (inefficient) Soliloquy Sat5 monitors.  More info in this thread:

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,86136.msg1155834.html#msg1155834

Overall, I like the Trends amp quite a bit.  I find it pretty neutral sounding without much coloration that I can discern.  I'm running: PC-Link 24bit USB external soundcard>> Super Pro DAC in the box >> Trends Audio TA-10.1>> Soliloquy Sat5 monitors.   My Sat5's only have an efficiency of 87db at 8ohms, so when I'm listening at loud levels, I've got the TA10 at about 3/4 full volume.  Still sounds good fully cranked -- very black background. 

It works fine with my speakers as an office/desktop system, but I wouldn't think it would make for a good general home system unless you have efficient speakers.  That said, I've got another one on order for my living room setup, which is generally just for background music (main playback is in the rec room downstairs).  Want the small footprint for WAF, which the TA10 definitely has going for it.

I got my current one in a combo set along with the Super Pro DAC from Obad Imports for $200.  Overall, the Trends is an excellent amp for a home office/desktop system, and is a great alternative to using powered monitors if you've got some passive monitors/speakers you'd rather be using.  Can't say though as the amp in your main playback system -- probably need either very efficient speakers or need to listen at more moderate playback levels.