Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: PS Audio trio a-100 Amplifier (SS) by vickgeo@live.com

Model:	trio a-100
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$995.00
Description:	150/300 wpc power amp
Manufacturer URL:	PS Audio

Review by vickgeo@live.com on April 19, 2008 at 17:30:59
IP Address: 76.204.195.189 Add Your Review
for the trio a-100

I notice there are as yet no reviews in this venue on this amp, and hardly any elsewhere. Since this is an interesting product, I am surprised such would be the case. My technical expertise is small, but I have been working on an evolving "Hi-Fi" system for many years, and have owned and used a large number of amps during that time, including two slightly different versions of the Trio A100. One was an apparently early version, and the other one current (so far as I know).
The features of these amps are well known: class D, dual mono, cool running, and biampable at the flick of a switch. Rated output is 150w @ 8ohms, 300w @4 ohms. And oh yes, inexpensive at a list of $995 each.
According to Paul M of PS Audio, who certainly should know, the versions differ only in variations of the ICE modules. There is a difference in sonics though, that seem worth noting.
The older one (serial #TA1-B-7C019) has its own distinct voice, which I would characterize as "clean as a whistle, with a highly polished surface." A very nice sound, digital at its best: detailed, analytical,and quite smooth. If that doesn't make sense, you'll have to hear it for yourself. Dynamics, both macro and micro are really excellent, and sometimes surprising, causing my eyes to snap open at an unexpected crescendo. At high db levels, through my very inefficient minimonitors (with subs), there is a hint of hardness to orchestral strings, which never really lose smoothness or actually become shrill. All in all, this is a very impressive amp, especially at its bargain price, where its competitors don't come close, it seems to me. I suspect some of these earlier production versions can be found at bargain price, with careful shopping. One could buy two for the price of one lesser amp, biamp them, and find truly luxury sonics at an incredible bargain price.
The current amp, with the newer ICE module, is even more special. To my comments on the older one, add observations as to a way with orchestral timbre "that is to die for", stunning transparency and low level detail,a powerful low end, "you are there" imaging, and an absolute loveliness that reminds me of the Celestions of several years ago. Imagine taking all that and biamping it, at a price that might leave you with enough cash to expand your music collection greatly or buy a Trio Gaincell preamp.

Product Weakness:	Strongly affected by quality and kind of mounting and choice and arrangement of cable, especially power cords
Product Strengths:	Incredible performance, price.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: as reviewed
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Adcom 750
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Marantz SA15-1, Kenwood TD-900 tuner
Speakers: NSM 10S monitors (2), EXP subs (2)
Cables/Interconnects: Oyaide, VH, ELF Audio, Signal, Ultimate Silver
Music Used (Genre/Selections): calssical, jazz, classic rock
Room Size (LxWxH): 13 x 11 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: EchoBusters, RoomTunes, Marigo
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 mos
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): BPT, Quantum Symphony (2), Bybee
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	as reviewed
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Adcom 750
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Marantz SA15-1, Kenwood TD-900 tuner
Speakers:	NSM 10S monitors (2), EXP subs (2)
Cables/Interconnects:	Oyaide, VH, ELF Audio, Signal, Ultimate Silver
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	calssical, jazz, classic rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	13 x 11 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	EchoBusters, RoomTunes, Marigo
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 mos
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	BPT, Quantum Symphony (2), Bybee
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner