I have the KT88 version but I replaced the stock chinese tubes with JJ's and Electro-harmonix tubes-big difference! I liked the TRV-88SER for its bass and punchy sound. Upgrading the tubes makes a world of difference. Solid state amps just wont image the way a tube amp can...its a difference you can hear as well as feel. If you go to youtube you can find videos myself and others have made of the amp. I recommend it. The TRV-35SE is a nice amp-but lacking in Bass I find, not as punchy. Perhaps just a personal preference?
Triode TRV-35SE tube integrated amp
I listened to a Triode TRV-35SE tube integrated amp today at my dealer (using my Grado SR-325i headphones). I am a "tube virgin" so decided to try out the tube sound. The midrange was pretty laid back, the highs were good but on some CDs the cymbal crashes were kind of missing, the bass was full and plenty. Yet I did hear some details in the music I'd never heard before, yet, at the same time, I felt like I was missing some of the details I was used to hearing in places. All in all, it seemed mellow but not very energetic but not entirely to my taste.
Is this typical of tubes? Would a combination of tube preamp and solid-state amp make the sound more lively and detailed, or does this mean I'm pretty much a solid state guy?
Is this typical of tubes? Would a combination of tube preamp and solid-state amp make the sound more lively and detailed, or does this mean I'm pretty much a solid state guy?