The Stereoid Amp concept amp ...

[craigsub]

The Stereoid amplifier is something we are exploring at TCA.

As with Gizmo, we are looking at razor thin profit margins - think 75 WPC for $179 delivered to one's home.

The question is - what demand is there for a totally no frills amplifier ?

Speak up, guys ... :boom:

[craigsub]

I firmly believe that the biggest demand would be for an amp with minimalist design for the sake of sonic quality, BUT at least the convenience of having remote vol and input select.
whether those are considered "frills" may depend on the person though...
I personally don't consider a minilalist remote "frills".

I appreciate the input.

Your vote is for a remote to be included, Are you expecting the remote to also change the inputs ?

[m-fine]

The Stereoid amplifier

I think you are missing some digits to call it a steroid amp. Maybe 1750 watts per channel.

Bare bones 75 watts per channel does not interest me too much because you have so many options in the 50-150 watt range already and you would still need a pre etc. You have to make a good case for going to separates in a budget system considering what you can get for under $400 (sometimes WELL under) with a new or used integrated or stereo receiver.

For a higher end system you might be willing to shell out $$$ for a better sounding 75 watt amp, but in a budget system there are probably better places to squeeze out more performance first.

[m-fine]

wait is this an amp or integrated?

If it is an integrated, I would say a remote that can 1) turn it on and off, 2) adjust volume, and 3) change inputs would be pretty important. At least have the IR sensor even if the remote is not included so you can use an existing universal remote or buy one as an add on.

I think you also have to consider digital inputs if you are going to sell to non-audiotweeker geeks.

[craigsub]

This is an integrated amp ... and once we get some ideas what everyone is seeking, we will get with the design team to see what they can cook up.

There will also be no DACS, nor anything digital in this amp. It is strictly going to be an integrated amp with analog inputs, 2 channels.

[alphaiii]

I imagine many who don't have an interest in this won't voice their opinion, so I figured I would.

For someone in my position, it's hard to find something relatively inexpensive to use in a 2.1 bedroom or pc setup that has the features I'm looking for...

The options seem to be:
1) small digital integrated amp - gizmo, t-amp, trends, ect...low power, no remotes, some don't have sub outs, often only have one input (usually RCA)...price range varies

2) integrated amps - pretty much the same issues as with #1

3) expensive separate pre-amp/amp...I know little about these because I can't afford this route

4) home theater receivers...multiple inputs, remote, sub out...but more channels and features than needed so this ups the cost...much larger size

I am in the market for small digital integrated with DAC, remote, sub out, 2-3 inputs (w/ at least 1-2 being digital), usb, crossover with more than one setting...75w @ 8ohm would be awesome, but being realistic...50w would make me happy.

The proposed "Gizmo-2" looks to have EXACTLY what I want...and I have no doubt there are quite a few others that would want this type of product.

As you can see I have no demand for a "no frills" 75wpc amp, but I have no doubt some do. Hopefully, enough of those folks will add their input.

[m-fine]

There will also be no DACS, nor anything digital in this amp. It is strictly going to be an analog amp, 2 channels.

If you include a remote with input and volume control, make it piano black and have it use 6L6 power tubes and you can deliver it for less than $399 I will buy 2 of them :D

[craigsub]

I imagine many who don't have an interest in this won't voice their opinion, so I figured I would.

For someone in my position, it's hard to find something relatively inexpensive to use in a 2.1 bedroom or pc setup that has the features I'm looking for...

The options seem to be:
1) small digital integrated amp - gizmo, t-amp, trends, ect...low power, no remotes, some don't have sub outs, often only have one input (usually RCA)...price range varies

2) integrated amps - pretty much the same issues as with #1

3) expensive separate pre-amp/amp...I know little about these because I can't afford this route

4) home theater receivers...multiple inputs, remote, sub out...but more channels and features than needed so this ups the cost...much larger size

I am in the market for is a small (relatively speaking...doesn't have to be t-amp small) digital integrated with DAC, remote, sub out, 2-3 inputs (w/ at least 1-2 being digital), usb, as would more than one crossover setting when using a sub (although the fixed 100hz idea used in the gizmo is acceptable for me).....as for power...75w @ 8ohm would be awesome, but being realistic...50w would make me happy.

The proposed "Gizmo-2" looks to have EXACTLY what I want...and I have no doubt there are quite a few others that would want this type of product.

As you can see I have no demand for a "no frills" 75wpc amp, but I have no doubt some do. Hopefully, enough of those folks will add their input.

Gizmo-2 will be exactly what you seek ... a $200ish amplifier with lots of features, 50 WPC, and a great value.

[craigsub]

If you include a remote with input and volume control, make it piano black and have it use 6L6 power tubes and you can deliver it for less than $399 I will buy 2 of them :D

LOL ... Seth is going to BEAT on you ... :boxer:

[droht]

I think you have to look at the Trends TA 10.1 at $150 as competition. For someone who really wants simple set up with superior sound quality this is the way to go. Why would I buy a "totally no frills" integrated for $179? You better give me some frills, unless you can get in the perceived SQ ballpark of Trends. And no, I do not tend to think that the wpc delta matters that much.

The frills I'd want are a remote, ability to easily add a sub, and 2 inputs.

[craigsub]

I think you have to look at the Trends TA 10.1 at $150 as competition. For someone who really wants simple set up with superior sound quality this is the way to go. Why would I buy a "totally no frills" integrated for $179? You better give me some frills, unless you can get in the perceived SQ ballpark of Trends. And no, I do not tend to think that the wpc delta matters that much.

The frills I'd want are a remote, ability to easily add a sub, and 2 inputs.

Got it ... There is "not much" difference between 15 and 75 WPC.

Where does one purchase the Trends ?

[droht]

Got it ... There is "not much" difference between 15 and 75 WPC.

Where does one purchase the Trends ?

Craig, audiomagus.com is a popular retailer for the Trends. I know the watts can make a difference, but I (and more than a few others around here) have been shocked or enlightened or something about how much sound amps like the Trends can produce. For how I listen I don't think I need a lot of wpc. But I'm not in the "house party" mode any more either. ;)

edit: If you are letting Bill preview a Gizmo I'm sure he (and the ATL crew) will work it out against some of the Trends-class gear.

[craigsub]

Craig, audiomagus.com is a popular retailer for the Trends. I know the watts can make a difference, but I (and more than a few others around here) have been shocked or enlightened or something about how much sound amps like the Trends can produce. For how I listen I don't think I need a lot of wpc. But I'm not in the "house party" mode any more either. ;)

edit: If you are letting Bill preview a Gizmo I'm sure he (and the ATL crew) will work it out against some of the Trends-class gear.

I have read all the tests on the Trends. None was a properly set up blind test. Therefore, the "matching the sound quality of amps 100 times the price" is the the same realm of hype we have seen in magazies for years. You know the type of test: "Speaker "A" sounded as good as those 5 times the price". I will wager this "superior attack and decay" in the mids so many report is really a roll off in the deepest bass.

At the NJ GTG, several attendees heard the LS-6's with the monster Parasound Halo Amp driving them. When Matt pointed out it was the little Gizmo, they were quite surprised. I have no doubts the Gizmo will acquit itself rather well against the Trends amp.

Bill is going to be working as a sales consultant with TCA. Should he decide to run another test, it will be properly constructed. :thumbsup:

And thanks for the info on Audiomagus. They are now added to my favorites.

[dweekie]

http://www.stereomojo.com/SHOOTOUT2007INTEGRATEDS.htm

http://www.tweakcityaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27

Here are your blind (or pretending to be blind) shootouts, Craig.

I didn't think the Trends was all that great without some tweaks. I guess it's different strokes for different people in different systems. You just have to find what works for you regardless of how some reviews turn out.

[albee]

In this price range sound quality is all important---with remote volume. I'm not too lazy to shut the damn thing off. But, if it's Class D why do I need to, right? Remotes are just a fact of life. Got to have one. Two inputs would be fine, also.

Wattage? 75 would be great but 50 really great sounding ones would be fine also.

Plus, regular AC plug--no power adapters.

Can I get it by 6/15?