New Preamp Up In Here!!!

Early B.
Early B. Posts: 7,900
edited January 2007 in Electronics
Well, after an exhaustive search for a preamp, I finally decided that less is more, so I went with something a bit exotic.

Several weeks ago I ordered a Promitheus Audio Reference Transformer Volume Control (TVC). It's simply a box with a couple of transformers in it, a volume control knob and a couple sets of inputs/outputs. There are are no capacitors, resistors, opamps, tubes, etc. in the signal path to color the sound. Nada. Zip. Hell, it's passive, so it doesn't even have a power supply, so no need to plug it in. Plus, it produces the blackest background possible. The only thing you're gonna hear is pure music, baby!

More info here: http://www.promitheusaudio.com/frontpage.html

It's burning in right now. It's been playing for three hours and it's already opened up tremendously.

I've heard this model TVC on my system before, so I already have an idea of what to expect. Gonna sit down tomorrow and play music all day. :p :cool:
HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

"God grooves with tubes."
Post edited by Early B. on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited January 2007
    Fantastic,,keep us posted,,I been following this one on AC,,congrats,,enjoy.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited January 2007
    Remember, don't burn it in max, two clicks from the top...and how the hell did you get yours before me? Didn't you order yours a few weeks after mine? Oh well, I can't be mad, Nic did send me a Christmas card after all.

    Jared
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited January 2007
    Gaara wrote:
    Remember, don't burn it in max, two clicks from the top...and how the hell did you get yours before me? Didn't you order yours a few weeks after mine? Oh well, I can't be mad, Nic did send me a Christmas card after all.

    Jared

    I dunno. I ordered mine on December 7th and your order was placed on November 24th. Mine showed up without warning. I guess Nic could sense that I needed mine quicker 'cause I've been without a pre for several weeks. But hey, I didn't get a Christmas card.

    I'm actually burning it in at the lowest setting -- with no sound at all. It's definitely working at that setting.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited January 2007
    After only about 3 hours, the TVC opened up tremendously. The manual says it needs 100 hours. Been listening to my favorite tunes all evening. Sounds fantastic! I played my worst recorded CD and it sounded great. Vocals are crystal clear. The TVC brings out all of the subtle nuances of the music. I thought my system was transparent before, but now the bar has been raised.

    Had to toe in my speakers a little more and that helped a lot.

    I'm letting it burn in some more overnight and will listen again tomorrow. At that time I'll also test the HT system. The preouts for the fronts are attached to the TVC 'cause I'm using the front speakers for HT and 2-channel audio. I'll probably need to re-calibrate the system. Not sure if I'll expereince an improvement in SQ for HT. Will report back.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited January 2007
    If you're passionate about detail, detail, detail.... then a passive is hard to beat. They can introduce a level of transparency that's dumbfounding. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with one.
    I take it you're not having any gain issues? Where do you find yourself putting the volume knob?
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited January 2007
    zombie boy 2000 wrote:
    I take it you're not having any gain issues? Where do you find yourself putting the volume knob?

    Good question.

    I have the volume at 1 o'clock. The TVC on my system doesn't play very loud. Luckily, I don't play at ear bleeding levels; otherwise, I might be looking for something else or a different source. I think the volume level is largely dependent on the voltage of the source or DAC.

    I'l probably peel back the volume to 12 o'clock after break-in. I'm told that with a TVC, you can listen at lower volumes and it still maintains the dynamics and detail.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited January 2007
    The output of most sources is fairly constant at around 2v. What is important is that your amp have a high enough sensitivity and that your IC's are comprised of fairly short runs.

    I'm really intrigued with your TVC.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited January 2007
    look's cool.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited January 2007
    The soldering job appears to be extraordinarily tedious. Check out the numerous hair strand wires that have to be soldered precisely.

    Here are a couple pics of the TVC with guts exposed...
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited January 2007
    Gorgeous...

    If anything, it's a stellar looking piece both inside and out.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Refefer
    Refefer Posts: 1,280
    edited January 2007
    Do you know if they make one with a remote? I'd be first in line if they did :)
    Lovin that music year after year.

    Main 2 Channel System

    Polk SDA-1B,
    Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
    Rotel RB-980BX,
    OPPO DV-970HD,
    Lite Audio DAC AH,
    IXOS XHA305 Interconnects

    Computer Rig

    Polk SDA CRS+,
    Creek Audio 5350 SE,
    Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
    HRT Music Streamer II
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited January 2007
    No, Nic doesn't make any with a remote at this time. He has been revising things a lot though, so it may be down the road. His email is in the link that Early posted earlier, if you want shoot him a email and see if it is coming, but I doubt it.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited January 2007
    Refefer wrote:
    Do you know if they make one with a remote? I'd be first in line if they did :)

    There's no need for one. Set it and forget it.

    Kinda hard to explain, but because of the quality and uniqueness of the sound, I don't feel the need to change the volume. In the past, I'd get up 2 or three times per CD to change the volume. Not anymore.

    Think about it this way -- if you're listening to a live performance, changing volume doesn't become an issue.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lsi9
    Lsi9 Posts: 616
    edited January 2007
    Enjoy that preamp itsa beaut! Perhaps a pic of it in the rack?

    Audio Physic Scorpio II
    Pathos Logos
    MIT Shotgun S3
    Bada HD-22 CDP
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited January 2007
    Lsi9 wrote:
    Enjoy that preamp itsa beaut! Perhaps a pic of it in the rack?

    Here ya go...
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Refefer
    Refefer Posts: 1,280
    edited January 2007
    Early B. wrote:
    Here ya go...

    I gotta give it to you, that's one attractive rig, and that pre is certainly gorgeous. I think I just might shoot an email over to Nic and see what he suggests.
    Lovin that music year after year.

    Main 2 Channel System

    Polk SDA-1B,
    Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
    Rotel RB-980BX,
    OPPO DV-970HD,
    Lite Audio DAC AH,
    IXOS XHA305 Interconnects

    Computer Rig

    Polk SDA CRS+,
    Creek Audio 5350 SE,
    Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
    HRT Music Streamer II
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited January 2007
    Been listening for the past couple of days in utter amazement. The sound has exceeded my expectations. Tremendous tonality, detail, and realism. Along with the VMPS speakers, this is my best audio purchase, to date. Given the prices of the TVC, the decision to purchase one is a no-brainer.

    George -- if you wanna drop by and give it a listen, just PM me.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited January 2007
    my interest in a passive pre is piqued again :)
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited January 2007
    passive pre piqued a peck of pickled peppers
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter