“[Reviewing the T-Amp] has been the most thrilling and incredible experience I’ve had with a component in, say, 25 years of HiFi listening. This website has existed since 1995, I’ve reviewed hundreds of HiFi components, inexpensive and ridiculously overpriced ones. I never – repeat – NEVER came across such a stunning piece of gear in all of these years.”

And while that may just be a little bit of quote whoring by the folks of TNT audio and we usually are skeptical about audiophile expert claims, at $US69.99 this seems worth a try.

Product Specifications

Class-T architecture

Single Supply Operation

Audiophile Quality Sound

0.04% THD+N @ 9W,4 Ohm

0.18% IHF-IM @ 1W,4 Ohm

11W @ 4 Ohm,0.1% THD+N

6W @ 8 Ohm,0.1% THD+N

High Power

15W @4 Ohm,10% THD+N

10W @ 8 Ohm,10% THD+N

High Efficiency

81% @ 5W,4 Ohm 88% @ 10W,8

Dynamic Range = 102 dB

Runs off of eight AA batteries (not included) or the Included AC wall adapter

Input: 100V – 240V AC 50/60Hz

Output: 12V DC 3.0A

[Think Geek]

Who will win the battle? Design/Functionality

Sonic Impact

The T24’s design is stereotypical, so we’ll save you clichéd descriptions of symmetry and my takes on the finer distinctions of silver and gunmetal. The T24 has video out and is generally streamlined for ease of use.

Eton

Internet shots of Eton’s Sound 100 iPod (essentially their Sound 100 with iPod dock) never impressed me much, but the in-person effect is much less retro-wannabe and far more small and indiscrete. Plus, you get a radio, alarm with sleep timer and an LCD that has plenty of room for the song titles but doesn’t display them. Oh, well.

Sound
We just haven’t been able to shake Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing after watching the incredible Sopranos finale. So we looped that for a while.

Sonic Impact

The entire sound has a bit of an echo, but not obnoxiously so. On the contrary, it rounds out the sound. The vocals are very strong and, once again I’m left with that car stereo effect: strong mids with highs that that blend into an indefinable but palatable mixture. But there’s not much of going on the lowest ranges.

Eton

The sound feels more contained, but the highest ranges feel truer…if occasionally metallic. And believe it or not, this little machine performs better at the lowest ranges. It’s weird, the Eton’s downfall is its lackluster midrange playback.

WINNER: Eton Sound 100 iPod

We choose the Eton, not because of the sound (which is admittedly a half step better on the Sonic Impact), but for the small stature that still manages to keep up that is packed with practical features. Neither of these units should be chosen based upon their fidelity alone, so with a width of roughly half its competitor’s size, Eton’s Sound 100 iPod takes this round.