Review: Tube Research Labs M-225 mono blocks Amplifier


Category: Amplifiers

I have been in this hobby for 30 years and this is the first time I have felt compelled to write a review about a stereo product. Tube Research Labs has been producing some of the finest and very expensive tube equipment for well over the past 20 years. This review is about their solid state mono blocks the M-225. Each amp is very conservatively rated at 225 per channel but it sounds much more powerful than the suggested 225 per channel. In the past 30 years I have owned more gear than I would admitt. SS, tubes, you name it, I have owned from moderately priced to quite expensive amps. Some of the brands include CJ, ARC, Pass, BEL, Levison, Krell and many more. I have also listened to some ultra expensive systems $100,000+ so when I hear music I know it and when I hear crap I also know it. Usually price has very little to do with the sound.

TRL's M-225 mono blocks are very plain looking black boxes
and weight about 45 lbs each but their sound certainly isn't plain. The TRL M-225 doesn't sound like a ss or tube amp but it sounds like real music. Right out of the box I knew this was a very special amp. My wife who likes music but will only listen to one cut at a time came in for a quick listen and stayed for the entire Alison Krause CD and then we listened for about another hour. Her comment was this is the most enjoyable I have ever heard your system. The only change has been the TRL amps. Are these the best amps I have owned? Absolutely. Ever heard?
Yes they are! Why? Because my system no longer sounds hifi but sounds like real music. Anyone in the market for a great SS amp check out TRL's ss amps.

Associated gear
CJ - CT6 preamp, 9100 Modwright CDP, Salk HT3's speakers
bobheinatz

Showing 10 responses by bobheinatz

The TRL's produce the most natural articulate bass I have ever heard. There are no exaggerated frequencies just natural flowing music. These amps also lowers the noise floor so details on some CD's come thur quite clear where my past amps were either muddied or nonexistent. If you live in the Pacific NW you are welcome to come over and listen. If you have any other questions please don't hestitate to ask. TRL has been in business for 20+ years and they know what they are doing. BTW I really enjoyed your review on the Intuitive Designs speaker.
Tvad,

You are right that there is no information on their website about solid state equipment. I was able to email and talk with various TRL owners to get a better feel for the company and their products. I also had many conversations with Paul & Brian at TRL before I placed an order. The majority of the TRL owners claimed their long term search was over and TRL SS was the best that they had heard in their system. Yes I took a chance but these amps to my ears are really that good. I no longer try to analyze the music but simply put on a CD and enjoy. BTW, I live in Oregon and anyone interested in hearing the TRL's is welcome.
The M225's are $5,500 per pair. Yes they do make an integrated, I am not sure of the price.
Tvad,

Yes I purchased the M-225's w/o hearing them. Am I a risk taker? Not really, I pulled most of my money out of the market over a year ago! Am I the first person to purchase a audio item w/o first hearing it? I did my homework on TRL and Paul has been making some of the finest tube equipment around since the early 80's. Both Paul and his brother Brian believe their solid state gear is just as good as their tube equipment. The subject of a home trail was never talked about and since their product is outstanding I guess there is no concern about returning the amps. Any other concerns?
Ecruz,

Glad to see another happy TRL owner. My M-225's are still improving and you are right about how quiet TRL amps are.
They are also the most nonfatiguing amps I have ever heard.
BTW I have owned class A amps before and they always ran very hot, the TRL's even after hours are cool to touch.
The most important part of our hobby is to enjoy listening to music. Only your ears can tell you what sounds good. I have been guilty like some on this site for always looking for that next upgrade. If you enjoy your current set up then just enjoy it. Upgrades can be made by purchasing more music. Enjoy.
I can't believe that I am putting these great amps up for sale but I am. If you are interested please check my ad here on audiogon.
I am selling them because I got a great deal on a Air Tight 300b amp. I almost got it for free. So I bought some high efficent speakers and I like the sound and 300 watts per channel from the TRL's is an over kill. So like most audiophiles I am trying something different.
Tvad,

There is a very simple answer, I need to sell the TRL's because I want to pay off my credit card bill with the new high efficent speakers I bought for the Air Tight. You seem to be interested why not buy them yourself!
Thanks for your reply. It is always a balancing act with our systems especially when we make changes.