Trinity Amps TRIWATT
Summary
Manufacturer URL
http://www.trinityamps.com/ Features 9.0 (1 response)
Sound Quality 10.0 (1 response)
Reliability N/A (0 responses)
Customer Support 10.0 (1 response)
Overall Rating 10.0 (1 response)
Product: Trinity Amps TRIWATT
Price Paid: USD 1560
Submitted 07/19/2009 at 05:53pm by NickE
Features : 9
My particular amp is Triwatt #2 and rolled out of Trinity Amps in mid-2009. These amps are also available as kits, but I chose to have it built to my specification and tested by the folks at TA. The preamp design is inspired by the early "4 Hole" Hiwatt DR103/Custom Hiwatt 100, and the input is based on the "3 Hole" version which has independent bright
and normal channel inputs and a third input linking the two. Other highlights are:
Switchable high-gain OL/Lead mode, with Overdrive control
Early Hiwatt style 12AT7 or 12AX7 Phase Invertor
Solid State rectified, fixed-bias, 6V6 output tubes, 22 Watts
Switchable 6V6 or KT66 operation (with external bias/test)
Transformers based on original Hiwatt Partridge transformers
Compact size/weight
It doesn't have any on-board effects or an effects loop, but you're provided with the full schematics if you'd like to implement something yourself. Since this is essentially a lower wattage version of a classic amp, it's hard to argue against its feature set, especially when you're provided with additional features like switchable overdrive that wasn't part of the original.
Sound Quality : 10
I use single coils and humbuckers, and everything I've played through my Triwatt sounds amazing. That includes a variety of Fender and similar strat-styles, a Taylor solidbody, EBMM JP6, and Schecter C-1 Classic. I play mostly classic and progressive rock/blues, and this amp complements my sound perfectly. It has a huge amount of tonal flexibility - I've gotten Marshallesque and Fenderish sounds out of it, but it has it's own texture to be sure. The tone stack works differently from most amps, but it's perfectly intuitive.
While my pedal experience with it has been limited, those things I have used sounded exactly as expected, thanks to generous Hiwatt-like headroom. I've noticed this amp really allows each guitar's personality to show through. It's also utterly silent unless the gain is cranked to stupid levels. Best of all, it sounds like a vintage DR103 without my ears bleeding. The only complaint some people might have with it is that it isn't very forgiving of sloppy technique.
Reliability : No Opinion
I've only had it a few months, but it is hand-built in Canada like a tank. They even used Dave Reeves' wiring style to give the amp not only an incredibly clean appearance on the interior, but it's also a dream to work on if necessary because everything is so accessible/visible. The cabinet is black tolex with white piping, although other options are available. It's absolutely top notch in all respects. I'm not going to rate the reliability since I haven't owned it for a few months, but if the build quality is any indication, I might as well have given this amp a 10.
Customer Support : 10
I probably have over 100 emails from the gentlemen at Trinity Amps, and they've been nothing but class. Responses are usually in a day or less. They did everything exactly as I asked when it came to a few personal preferences for tubes and caps. I don't know the length of the warranty, but based on my frequent contact with them I know if there was anything significantly wrong they'd work with me to get it resolved ASAP.
Overall Rating : 10
I've been playing about 10 years. My other frequently used tube amp is a THD Flexi-50 w/THD 2x10 cab, and for the last 1.5 years, I have also used a Fractal Audio Axe-Fx Ultra for recording and effects.
If my Triwatt was stolen, I'd call Trinity Amps right after getting off the phone with my insurance company. The best thing about it is that it sounds and plays like a Hiwatt (amazing without EL34s). The only thing I hate is that I haven't had more time to play it!
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