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Connected to the just reviewed RW Audio headphone amplifier via mini-to-mini cable, the result with the Trends was very enjoyable for a budget desktop station. From a pure audiophile perspective, the overall performance of this combo was quite excellent. Transparency, tone and dynamics were actually comparable to some entry-level or transitional systems costing between $500 and $1.500. I was dumfounded to learn that adding a simple headphone amplifier could elevate the UD-10.1 to reveal such clean detailed sounds.

A further option to improve the sound is the external battery. Unfortunately I did not succeed in using it properly. My Intel Mac didn’t like the battery and refused to recognize the UD-10.1 when powered accordingly. I honestly think it was no big deal as the Trends Audio device worked perfectly over the USB connection. I even found a way to get a subtle improvement using a double USB cable to feed the little Chinese box.

Used as a USB/coax digital interface: The Trends UD-10.1 has been designed for this particular use to operate as a digital interface between PC, Mac or external media player and your existing hifi equipment. Thanks to its accurate clock and sophisticated digital output circuit, the Trends UD-10.1 converts your PC/Mac into a high-end transport to feed an external DAC.


I experienced this ultimate function of the UD-10.1 in three different configurations - connected to the Audio Analogue Grand Maestro and Luxman D-06 players and the Zhaolu D 3.5 DAC. The results of my listening sessions with the Italian player’s internal DAC were quite good. The only noticeable difference against the standalone Audio Analogue related to the width and depth of the soundstage where the Grand Maestro CD player provided better results. Concerning all other criteria, I was unable to spot evidence of significant differences. Listening to the first recording of the Diabelli variations by Kovacevich, the spontaneity and the vitality of the pianist’s game were mostly respected by the Sino-Italian players.


Results improved noticeably into the Luxman D-06’s D/A converter which climbed to the next audiophile level with Stephen Kovacevich. The virtuosity, vividness and art of magnifying each subtle nuance now was fully present with arguably a minor lack at both extremities of the audible bandwidth. I also confirmed a better respect for rhythm and fluidity with the Luxman as integrated player than via streaming feed. Was this due to the limitations of the Trends or iTunes? I can’t identify the causes save to observe that the Luxman’s own drive performed better than the UD-10.1 and that the difference was more obvious than in the previous case (which was a rather comforting fact when considering the respective retail prices).



Using an external DAC more in line with the UD-10.1’s sticker, the results became extremely enjoyable. The sound delivered by the Chinese team of Trends/Zhaolu was not as good as the previous gear but the difference was not too far below my initial expectations. I think this last fact was meaningful. While this little USB device shows clear limitations, it still offers a lot. Do not expect to reach the high-end stratosphere but consider it delivering very honest performance for 'day-to-day listening'.


The UD-10.1 in my opinion remains an interesting option because of its well-designed circuit and clock and the various outputs. Nevertheless, the Trends also suffers a basic handicap of cables. I personally believe in cable quality just as I believe that cables always represent a loss factor even in digital transfers. With the UD-10.1, you must add two cables - USB and coaxial or TosLink. Considering the price of this small device, one could view with skepticism the rationale of spending more than the cost of the box on proper cables. Another issue is the number of outputs. Despite their versatility, I question how it is possible to have the same quality for each output. I understand quite well the computer’s issue and the fact that hard disk can be far superior to a CD player because it eliminates concerns over speed and stability as well as error correction yet reality and theory often diverge.



The quality of media players, the performance of specific hard disks, the status of particular cables and digital outputs, jitter… at the end of the day, we all are aware of compound complexity bedeviling what is sold as so simple. While it’s surely possible to reach high—last month during the Paris High-End exhibit I was stunned by the French Audionec media player connected to Vitus Audio electronics and Mårten Design’s Coltrane loudspeakers—it’s no easy game if your goal is the highest level.


Turning back to the budget UD-10.1, it represents a real option if you already own a good DAC and digital cable. If you don’t yet but nevertheless want to use a computer source, perhaps a complete Firewire or USB DAC would serve you better. You also have to take into account the type of data transfer protocol. A professional XLR output might keep the desktop DAC close to your Mac or PC and quite far from your high-end electronics to preserve the digital signal integrity. This would undoubtedly be more difficult with conventional RCA cables. Another solution could reside in the use of a longer USB cable to connect your computer to the UD-10.1 but USB cables have some limitations in length. In any case, the Trends Audio device offers amazing versatility for the money.

Conclusion: It is time now to precisely answer the three lead questions from the beginning of this review.
  • Does the Trends continue to represent a particularly good choice to put one foot into the digital audio streaming universe for a low price?

Yes it does. it is a small elegant and discrete device which enables you to use your PC as a high quality desktop station or drive your hifi system with a complete set of digital outputs. Few cheap pieces today offer this level of versatility.

  • Is it not more recommendable to spend a few extra dollars on a better and more recent USB DAC especially if you consider that the Trends will require an additional and maybe quite costly digital cable?

If your main goal is to use the UD-10.1 as a DAC to improve the performance of your PC’s sound card, the Trends remains a good choice. The performance of the DAC is more than correct for the price, with a delicate sound and the ideal size to remain on your desk. If you want to plug the UD-10.1 into your hifi, it is an interesting proposition only if you already own a highly capable D/A converter and quality digital cable. If not, you’re better off considering a full modern DAC with USB input(s). Some competitors are also capable of  24/96 USB but not yet at this price.

  • Last but not least, does the bigger Trends UD-10.1 still represent fair value compared to its little brother the UD-10.1 USB Lite?
I initially thought that the only difference between these two was the number of digital outputs. But the older brother benefits from a better clock to produce higher rhythmic accuracy. If you view that to be key to reach the higher audio heavens as I do, the UD-10.1 is worth its price of admission. The most salient feature of this small Chinese box resides in the fact that since it was introduced to the hifi community, it has retained its competitiveness in a very active market segment. Trends Audio succeeded not only in creating a fair and well-marketed product but also provided a sustainable value over the longer term.
Trends Audio website