[McPanse]

More to the point, has anyone had a chance to listen and compare the stock TA-10.1 to the Mardis Signature Mod V3.0 that Audiomagus sells for $265 more than the stock amp?

I've been using the stock TA-10.1 to drive a pair of Boston Lynfield VR-M50 bookshelf speakers (89dB sensitivity) and have overall been quite pleased with the sound. I have the amp paired with a Citypulse 7.2 DAC that I'm looking to replace since it won't lock onto the optical signal put out by Apple Airport Express.


I'm considering returning the 7.2 and swapping my stock TA-10 for the Mardis TA-10.1 with the extra set of RCA inputs (for my universal player and Airport Express) and just forgetting about an external DAC for now.


My cash layout would be about the same in either scenario. What would you do in my shoes?

[emac]

While I haven't heard a Mardis modded Trends, I have heard a highly modded Trends with an upgraded power supply, and it was terrific.  I use a modded Sonic Impact Super T amp w/ upgraded PSU, and it's also wonderful.  So, the Trends likely sounds terrific modded.  And if you upgrade the power supply, then you'll be in very good shape.  Audiomagus likes batteries, but there are good SMPS's out there as well.

[lcrim]

Just a coincidence but I've been listening to a Trends TA 10.1 the last few days which I replaced the stock SMPS w/ a decent linear power supply.  In the same system I had been using a very high end 300B amp most of the summer.  I'm totally charmed by the sound of the little T-amp driving the same Omega Compact Hemps plus sub.  I found a car audio device that can take the speaker outputs from the Trends and convert the output to an RCA line level to drive the plate amp on the sub w/o screwing up the amp chip on the Trends. 
I bought the Trends a while back along w/ the linear power supply.  I also have a Glow Audio Amp One which sounds impressive also but frankly the Trends, with good sources is no slouch and very easy to listen to. I have a 6 way switch that I got from Decware to change sources between a Paradisea DAC which gets fed by a Bolder modded SB3 or the directv box, my vinyl front end or the DVD player.  It sounds a bit complicated but it isn't really.  The Trends and the Glow could be swapped when I'm in the mood for its spicier sound.   
The small size and small cost of the Trends just increase its appeal to me. You do need fairly efficent speakers but thats why I got the Omegas.

[McPanse]

Audiomagus likes batteries, but there are good SMPS's out there as well.

Just googled in vain for some of the upgraded power supply options recommended by you and Larry. Can you point out some options from U.S.-based suppliers?

[lcrim]

I have the Power One unit from this URL  http://www.alltronics.com/cgi-bin/category/159
I had to add a power cable and the connecter to the amp from the stock unit. 

[McPanse]

I have the Power One unit from this URL  http://www.alltronics.com/cgi-bin/category/159
I had to add a power cable and the connecter to the amp from the stock unit. 

What did that involve?

[Wayne1]

You may also want to take a look at the NuForce ICON.

Nuforce-ICON

It has a USB DAC built into it, RCA AND 1/8" mini-jack inputs. It has a separate headphone output. The output connectors are a bit different, but they can be worked with.

I have a Trends TA-10.1 that I have modded. I do prefer the NuForce over the Trends by quite a bit.

I have also built linear power supplies for both of the amps and the NuForce is still the winner.

[lcrim]

The power supply needed the power cord and the DC cord and barrel connector soldered to it.  I don't remember what I did, it was several years ago and I can't even remember what I had for breakfast today but I'll take some digital pics of the "finished" product if you are serious.  The power supply is not in a box and is hidden behind the rack on the floor.  It doesn't look like a finished product but it works.  

[Jon L]

You may also want to take a look at the NuForce ICON.

Nuforce-ICON

It has a USB DAC built into it, RCA AND 1/8" mini-jack inputs. It has a separate headphone output. The output connectors are a bit different, but they can be worked with.

I have a Trends TA-10.1 that I have modded. I do prefer the NuForce over the Trends by quite a bit.

I have also built linear power supplies for both of the amps and the NuForce is still the winner.

Are there opportunities inside Icon for easy mods (a.k.a. no surface-mount soldering)?

[McPanse]

The power supply needed the power cord and the DC cord and barrel connector soldered to it.  I don't remember what I did, it was several years ago and I can't even remember what I had for breakfast today but I'll take some digital pics of the "finished" product if you are serious.  The power supply is not in a box and is hidden behind the rack on the floor.  It doesn't look like a finished product but it works.  

I appreciate the offer. But since I have a rugrat crawling around at home, I should probably stick with something finished.

[Wayne1]

Jon L,

The op-amps and most of the caps are all surface mount.

There are some caps that are through hole, but these are already using NuForce labeled parts.

My best suggestion is to use a linear PS in place of the switcher, but that is just how I am 

[McPanse]

The [Nuforce] output connectors are a bit different, but they can be worked with.

Yeah, what is the deal with those speaker connections? They look like they call for an ethernet cable.

[Toka]

You may also want to take a look at the NuForce ICON.

Nuforce-ICON

It has a USB DAC built into it, RCA AND 1/8" mini-jack inputs. It has a separate headphone output. The output connectors are a bit different, but they can be worked with.

I will second this suggestion...I got mine a while back and absolutely love it (paired with the NuForce S-1 speakers). Really remarkable sound quality.

And yes, the Icon does use ethernet jacks for the speaker outputs (largely so it can activate a special EQ when paired with the S-1). You can get longer lengths of the ethernet/banana speaker cables direct from NuForce, or you can use their breakout box that has binding posts on it. Or if you are the DIY type, they posted the pinout of the cable on their website so you can roll your own.

[DaveC113]

The trends is good for the price, but I wouldn't spend much $ on it. I have one with a linear regulated ps, BG power caps, and tantalum input resistors. The trends reacts strongly to upstream changes, which encourages tinkering... but I think you're ultimately wasting your time and money on it if you do too much. I'm keeping mine around as a backup for my SET amp.