Trends Audio TA-10.2 SE

General Information

Per the Trends Audio Blog:

[2009/09/09] Trends TA-10.2, Next Generation of Class T-amp will be available on September 18, 09 !

Trends Audio, renowned Hong Kong manufacturer of high end but not high priced audio products, has announced the introduction of the third generation of the highly acclaimed Class T-amp TA-10 Series – the Trends TA-10.2 Class-T Stereo Audio Amplifier will be available on September 18, 2009.

Building on the success of the Trends TA-10 Series, the Trends TA-10.2 delivers Trends Audio signature stellar performance in a complete Hi-Fi system. It includes:

- applied the specially designed audiophile-grade “Trends” MKP capacitors as audio input decoupling capacitor which guarantee the best original audio signal feed into the amplifier.
- applied the lowest LSR & highest ripple current Rubycon MCZ series tank capacitors as the power filtering capacitor which best suit the switching PWM characteristic of class T (class-D) amplifier.
- applied the smaller yet better quality ALPS 9mm sealed volume pot for Trends TA-10.2 SE which provide better sound in the volume control
- Re-organized the sockets layout of the back panel which provides a more convenient audio cable and speaker cable connections.
- enhanced the chassis with beautiful satin finish and smarter black/white contrast

Latest reviews

jazzfan

1000+ Head-Fier
Pros: Small, low heat and power consumption
Cons: The ALPS volume control may become noisy over time
I originally purchased the Trends TA-10.2SE to power my HE-6 directly from the speaker taps (which it does well, by the way).  I've been using the Trends on a daily basis for about a year now to power my Mini Maggie desktop system.  For powering that system, I'm continually amazed by this diminutive and unimposing basic amp.  I've found little to fault with the amp and I frequently find myself just enjoying the sounds from the system.  Although not the last word in detail, transparency, or soundstaging, the Trends is still a solid all around performer at a price that won't break the bank.  At higher volume levels, I do prefer my vintage Yamaha MX-1000 to power the Mini Maggie if I want to hear more detail with less grain, but for daily background listening the Trends suits my needs very well.  For a fairer comparison, I've heard other less expensive T-amps that I did not care for as much as the Trends.  One feature worth mentioning is the built-in internal jumper which can be configured to bypass the Trends volume control if you so desire.  Bottom line, this amp represents an excellent value.

If you are looking for an inexpensive little amp to power desktop speakers (or the HE-6), the Trends should be on your short list of amps to audition.
 
Addendum (06/18/13):
Increased the Audio Quality rating from my initial conservative rating of 3 stars to a more appropriate value of 4 stars based on a recent direct level matched comparison to the Yamaha MX-1000.

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