TRL Audio Mirror D1 Signature

I have one of their solid state amps, the modified D1, and soon I will have the modified Sony DVP-NS900V. I have recently heard the modified Sony in another set-up with VMPS speakers and Atma-sphere monoblocks.

One of the things I notice about the TRL house sound is the lowered noise floor resulting in increased micro and macro dynamics. I really feel this is where TRL excels. Their ability to squeeze every last ounce of detail that a unit can deliver is amazing. Listening at low volume levels has never been easier. My neighbors love it.

As for the tonal qualities, with the digital mods the bass is cleaner and tighter. The highs lose the graininess (digititis), and the mids flourish, but aren't overly sweet.

The amp differs somewhat from the digital mods in that it is very transparent. It provides ample power and is extremly quiet. Musical reproduction is very accurate and it will expose any weaknesses that may exist in your system. I am using a tube preamp right now, but will be trying a passive preamp shortly that should give me a better idea of the TRL house sound.

I hope this helps. If you're in the SoCal area you're welcome to stop by for a listen.

Clio, thanks for your comments. I appreciate the offer to come by and listen. I am in NYC so it won't be possible. I just wanted to get a feel on what to expect from TRL mods. I did talk to them and they explained what the results of the mods should be, but I like to hear from someone who had it done. I understand they do some re-wiring of power supply, dampen the board and clock, etc. But it is tough to think that it goes beyond that for $550 as far as replacement of caps, resistors, etc. Just reducing the overall noise floor of the unit can go a long way. Which is a good thing if it can be properly achieved without sacrificing other things that the stock unit did well.

Audphile1- TRL made a huge point to me that the D1 in stock form was excellent and one of the best stock DACs that has come through their shop. It has a simple circuit which makes it easy for them to work on. TRL usually likes to replace the output caps, but in this case the stock ones tested well so they didn't bother. As a mod shop they stay away from the $40 bag of parts approach and focus on many of the things you mentioned that result in a lower noise floor (20db on the scope in my case) without sacrificing the integrity of the stock sonic signature.

Well, I wasn't talking about D1 in particular(I don't own it). I am actually thinking of modding my Bel Canto DAC2. I don't know what I will end up doing yet, but this is one of the possibilities I am considering. thanks.

Audphile - same philosophy applies.