My New Toy

[kwhv]

Wanted a small amp for my workplace. Initially thot of MP5 but now price gone up. And also worried about setting my workplace on fire if i forgot to turn off the hybrid amp when i g home ;) So thot of digital amp. Cost of of Super T-amp plus shipping not worth it.

 

Then I learnt about this Trends audio Tripath amp TA-10 from here,

http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=41921.0

 

Emailed Trendsaudio and fd out cost was abt S$180 (inclusive of courier). Took the plunge. T-amp arrive in within 3 working days after payment by credit card got thru. I must say the service was very good and responsive.

 

Fit and Finish are respectable except for a slight crack at one of the "WBT-like" binding post. But the binding post still feels solid.

 

 

 

 

 

[kwhv]

This is going to be a long post. Hope I'm not too long-winded so please bear with me. ;)

 

I had some experience with SI T-amp (not Super T-amp) and Dr Amp. Form factor is bigger than Dr amp but you get proper binding though it pretty cram at the back. Can forget about using spades. I was barely able to squeeze my jon risch x-coax with wbt bananas into it. Parts looks better too compared to SI T-amp and Dr Amp. They come with air core inductors and can be configured as power amp.

 

There was a shuffling noise every time i turn the volume during the first 10-15mins. After dat it was alright. I was first impressed with the details and airy sound of the amp. But soon got unbearable. It was bright and abit crude sounding. So i decided to leave it on overnight.

 

After which it sound better. It still sounded very lean, threadbare like my experience with T-amp and Dr amp. So I decided use Van de Hul The first interconnect and canare 4S11 which are darker balance. Though it was less bright with the combo, I felt vocals was lacking emotion so I fix back my shotgun belden 89207s and vocals improved. Canare speaker cable seems a nice match with the TA-10.

 

Then I decided to use it as power amp paired with my cyrus pre processor. Open it up and rearrange the jumpers. The inside looks spacious compared to Dr amp and T-amp (good potential for modding). Then problem occured, one channel got no sound. Jumper position was correct so i changed the set jumpers. Then shift and adjusted the jumpers a bit, VOILA! Apparently the contacts of the jumpers are not good.

 

With an active pre, it was more refine. I think the input sensitivity is rather low cos my normal listening volume on the cyrus pre was -38db to -36db with my sun 2A3. But with the TA10, I had to turn it to -28 to -26db. Sound was refine but I find it a little bland. I miss some excitement in the "integrated" mode. So I put back to integrated mode. Then same problem with one channel again. Had to adjust the jumpers again >:( (lousy contact and jumpers).

 

After more hours of run-in, I was pleased with what i hear. TA10 sound more musical now. It was smoother and less lean compared to T-amp and Dr Amp but don't expect it to be tube-like or Class A amp-like sound. Soundstaging is reasonbly good.

 

The highs are a little grainy compared to Tube/SET amps and some solid state amps. But at the price I'm not complaining. In fact I find the TA10 quite pleasant. It's balance is on the cool side but it doesn't sound cold. Emotions, details and presence factors are there. IMHO, I think It's heart is in the right place. ;D

 

Equipment used:

 

Source: Pioneer modded DVD player

Speakers: Infinity Primus 360

Preamp: Cyrus preamp processor

Power amp: Sun Audio SV-2A3 SET amp

Speaker cables: Jon risch x-coax and Canare 4s11

Interconnect: Van den hul The First and Beldens shotgun 89207

Power cables : Beldens Venhaus Flavor4 style power cords

[SiriuslyCold]

very cool. good writeup :)

 

what source and speakers?

 

were there any other colors available or is this gunmetal gray the only one

 

[kwhv]

very cool. good writeup :)

 

what source and speakers?

 

were there any other colors available or is this gunmetal gray the only one

 

 

Thx SiriuslyCold. Updated my post already :D

I kind of like the color so never bother to ask. I don't think they have other color as it was not featured in their website. You can check out with Trends. I'm sure they'll like feedback from consumers.

 

I also forgot to add that the switchmode 12V power supply comes with detachable powercord so you can use your favorite powercord.

 

Here's a pic of the internal for those interested in modding.

 

[bolts1624705732]

Some tweakers suggest dumping the switching power supply and use  a 12V lead-acid battery.  :P