Class T versus Tubes and Traditional Inexpensive Solid State Amplifiers
This is an important time to discuss Class T amplifiers versus the competition. Why? When you add the price of the T20U and the PSU MKII, you have to consider what else is available for the money. I did the same thing with the Trends amplifiers. Remember, this amplifier is limited to one RCA input and one USB input. This can be an advantage because you’re not paying extra for RCA inputs you may never use. The reality is, most sub-$1,000 solid state integrated amplifiers don’t sound all that good – they have more power and more features but most audiophiles move past those units quite quickly because they’re usually always tiring. Personally, I’d sooner buy a feature laden surround sound receiver at $500-$600 over integrated amplifiers in that price range. The KingRex T20U and PSU MKII sounds as good as anything you’re likely to find in this price range and probably up to US$1,000 from SS. And you get a very compact amplifier with an onboard DAC.
What about Tubes? Well, what about them? The kinds of tube amps at $600 are probably best avoided. My Audio Space Mini-2SE is a better amplifier and so is the Line Magnetic 211 but both run over US$1,600 and you will have to replace tubes at some point adding to the cost. Further, you have to lug 15-20kg amps around and they take up space and generate lots of heat. The T20U is 2.1kg or 4.6lbs and runs cool. The Audio Space is more open, dynamic, powerful, and has more at the frequency extremes. At around three times the price (plus additional tube costs) it should be better. But the KingRex gear is about as good as I have heard for the price. It satisfies and like the Trends gear offers a wonderful size and weight advantage especially if space or WAF is important.
So, KingRex has produced a small, stylish computer audio system that will easily function as a high grade computer desktop system. Sure, there are some caveats: not a ton of bass or volume capability, only one line input on the amplifier, and the bright logo light on the PSU MKII. However, superior build quality, good staging, more of the hall sound than is typical at the price, clean clear vocals, and a computer audio DAC on board that sounds quite good and factoring in the size, and weight, then the combinations of strengths is very enticing and worthy of serious consideration.
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Thanks for the review of the Kingrex system and the John Blue JB3.
Unfortunately, I must disagree a bit with the assessment of the TrendsAudio system. I currently use a very nice system which includes the Trends PA-10 (tube preamp), TA-10 (power amp), PW-10 (power supply), and a pair of John Blue JB3 speakers. A NOS tube in the PA-10, and the Trends power supply both add an extra bit of sparkle to my system similar to what was observed by the reviewer when he listened to the Kingrex system with the PSU.
Further, the specifications of the TrendsAudio and Kingrex amplifiers differ very little if you look at the low distortion figures.
And, the full power figures should hardly matter if the equipment from any of the three manufacturers in question is used on a desktop or in a small room as intended.
Dear Second Mouse
I would like to make it clear that I did not audition the Trends Audio amplifiers with the John Blue speakers. I auditioned both Trends Audio and KingRex on Audio Note AX Two speakers and I did allude to the fact that tube rolling the Trends may yield superior results.
Comparing stock to stock without the King Rex power supply I would give the edge to Trends Audio. The KingRex power supply lifts the sound slightly ahead of the stock version of the Trends. But if you put in a very good NOS tube in the Trends Audio then it may leap ahead again. I like the Trends Audio personally a bit more because I like tubes and the ability to tube roll allows for changes and improvements and to be blunt that’s rather enjoyable. Plus it’s smaller and more portable. On the other hand the King Rex includes a DAC and has a nicer volume control and is a little more elegant (posh) and many people may not want to deal with tubes.
As you point out the power issue with the JB3 won’t much matter but it could matter if a person buys a more traditional loudspeaker. Although neither is exactly a powerhouse.